Making History Alpha males Depot graduates perfect their ‘one second female hitter quitter!’ recruit Pg. 4 Pg. 8 HONOR PLATOON MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO AND THE WESTERN RECRUITING REGION Vol. 69 – No. 35 – COMPANY A FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2009 WWW.MCRDSD.USMC.MIL Commandant of Commanding the Marine Corps General’s Birthday Birthday Message Message 2009 2009 United States Marines rep- For 234 years, our Corps has resent the best young men and successfully served our nation in women our nation has to offer. every clime and place. Winning To be a Marine is to be a member battles and earning the respect of of America’s warrior class – to be our comrades in the profession of one of the few who steps forward arms and enemies alike continues with the courage and conviction to be our hallmark. This heritage to face whatever dangers await. is sacred to our Corps and is tes- Our nation expects her Marines to timony to our unrivaled excel- be ready when the nation calls; to lence in warfighting. Again this leave family and the comforts of year, we can see Marines deployed home behind; to march into battle across the far reaches of our world, and thrive under austerity; and to engaging the nation’s foes and come home under a victory pen- demonstrating through deeds that nant. the phrase “honor, courage, and commitment” is not mere words, From Al Anbar in the west of but the code by which we live and Brig. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San defend our nation. Iraq, to Helmand Province in the Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, thanks veterans for their service and south of Afghanistan, our Corps dedication during the Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance cere- of Marines can always expect to A resurgent enemy in Afghani- mony at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, San Diego, Oct. 31. stan has resulted in some of the be found where the fight is tough- Lance Cpl. Rebecca Lamont/Chevron est. Such is our history. Today, as toughest fighting the Marines we write the final chapter on our Corps has seen in its history. As victory in Iraq, we will increas- we celebrate today, let us remem- ingly take the fight to the enemy Veterans remembered ber those who are deployed are in Afghanistan and add new pages counting upon us - we who recruit to our legacy in places called and train the next generation of Delaram, now Zad, and Garmsir. Marines - to continue to uphold One day, we will return to our with tribute to the flag the standards of excellence that Naval heritage and patrol the high have served our Corps so well. by Lance Cpl. Rebecca A. Lamont their lives for.” seas with our Navy brothers. Such Every member of this command, Chevron staff The overall community gained insight is our future. whether they are from Weap- on what it truly is to be an American, he ons Field Training Battalion, the The Military Order of the World Wars said. As we celebrate our Corps’ Recruit Depot, or the Western San Diego Chapter celebrated their 54th “This remembrance gives the commu- 234th birthday, we first pause to Recruiting Region, contributes to anniversary during the Massing of the nity an opportunity to see what we see and reflect and pay tribute to those the essential mission of making Colors and Service of Remembrance cer- better explain why we do the things we Marines who have given the last Marines. As we look to the future emony at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in do,” said Cruz. full measure in defense of free- and the uncertainty of conflict, we Balboa Park, San Diego, Oct. 31. After thanking the veterans for their dom. We extend our deepest can take great pride in knowing The ceremony was a patriotic tribute service and dedication, Brig. Gen. Ronald gratitude to our Marine Corps that we are molding the Marines to the American flag and a remembrance L. Bailey, commanding general, Marine families—the unsung heroes who who will ultimately produce vic- of those who currently serve in the armed Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and West- endure hardship and sacrifice so tory in The Long War and main- forces and those who have given the ulti- ern Recruiting Region, took time during that we are able to go forward tain our warfighting legacy. mate sacrifice for their country. his speech to address America’s youth, and accomplish any mission. We More than 50 color guard units repre- telling the story, “The Tale of the Snake,” extend our appreciation to our On this 234th anniversary of senting the military, high schools, colleges, by Iron Eyes Cody. countrymen who have answered the founding of our Corps, let us police and fire departments and scout- “Cody warned America that you knew our every need. And we celebrate honor the memory of past Marines, ing fraternal and patriotic organizations, it was a snake before you picked it up,” the magnificent men and women and renew our commitment to participated in the event. Marine Band said Bailey, using a venomous snake as a who willingly and selflessly con- excellence. To all the Marines of San Diego helped celebrate while playing metaphor for taking illegal drugs, abusing tinue to go into harm’s way to MCRD, the Western Recruiting patriotic songs during the ceremony. alcohol and drunk driving. He reminded protect this great nation. Region, Sailors, Coastguardsmen, The color guard carried the national the audience of the damage caused by and all of our civilian Marines who ensign and other flags in their position in these hazardous substances and choices. To all who have gone before, work so hard to make this com- the chain of command. These included Bailey also emphasized the importance to those who wear the uniform mand what it is today, I thank you a unit flag and a flag representing each of always doing right and being our best. today, and to the families that give for your efforts and look forward branch of service. In addition to the flag “We are all bound by the one flag of us the strength to forge ahead— to another year of serving our bearers, who were positioned in the center glory,” said Bailey. I wish you all a heartfelt happy Corps together. of the color guard, there were two indi- The MOWW is a patriotic, non-profit, 234th birthday! viduals at each end carrying rifles. nonpartisan, veteran’s organization. Happy Birthday Marines and “I think this had a positive impact MOWW was established in 1919 to pro- Semper Fidelis! on particularly the younger color guard mote the welfare of our nation and is com- participants, because they get to see all prised of 145 chapters across the U.S. It the branches of service and see what they provides the opportunity for officers of all Semper Fidelis! contribute to the U.S.,” said Sgt. Jose uniformed services to unite and promote James T. Conway Ronald L. Bailey L. Cruz, platoon sergeant, ceremonial national security, patriotism, good citizen- General, U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General, U.S. Marine platoon, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San ship and service to country. For more Commandant of the Marine Corps Corps Diego. “They also get the opportunity to information visit www.militaryorder.net Commanding General contribute to a cause many have sacrificed or www.sandiego-moww.org. 2 CHEVRON ~ NEWS AND COMMENTARY ~ NOVEMBER 4, 2009 Self-defense class for women A self-defense class for women will be held Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Bldg. 5E classroom on the second floor. Participants will be taught verbal confronta- tional skills, safety strategies and physical techniques to enable them by Gunnery Sgt. Laura Gawecki months before Christmas because • 2nd Battalion HQ, Bldg. 3 East to successfully avoid, prevent, Chevron staff sponsors require particular events and • 3rd Battalion HQ, Bldg. 3 West escape and survive violent assaults. fundraisers that carry into the Fall, he • Recruit Training Regiment HQ, Free childcare will be available for There is no goal regarding how said. On Nov. 23, participating organiza- Bldg. 28 children 2 and older. To register, many toys to collect in the Toys for Tots tions will receive their distribution of toys. • Headquarters and Service HQ, call (619) 524-1200. campaign, according to Maj. Donald C. The organizations provide vehicles for the Bldg. 15 Prograis, supply officer, 4th Tank Battal- Marines to load the toys, and from there, • Support Battalion HQ, Bldg. 1 Cardiac risk screening ion, 4th Marine Division and officer-in- they distribute the toys. • Dental clinic, Bldg. 595 charge of the toy drive in San Diego. There are three large toy drives this • Medical clinic, Bldg. 596 Cardiac risk screenings will be “Last year, we collected 57,000 year in San Diego, said Prograis. The • Command Museum, Bldg. 26 held for active duty, reservists, retir- toys, and it doesn’t matter if we collect official kick-off event with family activities • Chaplain’s office, Bldg. 31 ees, DoD members and their guests 250,000 toys; as long as each child that and entertainment is scheduled for Nov. • Coast Guard HQ, Bldg. 394 Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the requests a toy gets one in his hands for 21 at 2 p.m. at the USS Midway Museum • Marine & Family Services, Bldg. 26 depot Fieldhouse. Participants can Christmas, then we’ve been successful.” at 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego.