 |
| Coast Guardsmen with Maritime Safety Security Team Honolulu, Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group, perform fast-rope operations out of a CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 during vertical insertion training on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, March 29, 2011. The helicopter pictured is the same type of aircraft as the HMH-363 helicopter that executed an emergency landing in Kaneohe Bay approximately two miles from MCAS, March 29, resulting in the death of one Marine and the injury of three others. (Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder) |
'Ode to Joy'
March 31, 2011
Photo of the Day
Tactical Combat Casualty Care: Marines learn battlefield first aid
 |
| CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa, Japan-Sgt. Jason Lichtefeld, left, with Military Police Support Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, the main caregiver, places a nasopharyngeal airway into the nose of a simulated casualty during a Tactical Combat Casual Care course on Camp Schwab March 17. An NPA goes into the nostril of an unconscious victim and secures the airway by preventing the tongue from blocking air passages. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr.) |
The Tactical Combat Casualty Care course held on Camp Schwab March 14-18 taught Marines the battlefield first aid needed to tend to the wounds fellow Marines might receive during combat.
The first three days were classroom instruction with some practical applications, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Eddie Rodriguez, a special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd MarDiv. During the last two days of class, Marines use their new skills in realistic training scenarios.
All Marines receive some sort of first aid care while in boot camp, but the training taught during TCCC goes more in depth, Rodriguez said.
“All Marines know how to use an occlusive dressing on a gunshot wound or splint a broken bone,” Rodriguez said.
An occlusive dressing is an air- and water-tight trauma dressing used in first aid.
Providing care on the battlefield however involves understanding human physiology, the aftermath of a wound and being able to care for the victim for a few hours or even days, said Rodriguez.
In one field environment training scenario, two students, a caregiver and an assistant, administered care to a simulated casualty. The team assessed the casualty before providing battlefield first aid, he added.
“It was as real as we could get it,” said Cpl. Daniel Malmberg, the simulated victim for the exercise and one of the students in the course.
As part of the “real” training the caregiver and assistant inserted a tube into Malmberg’s nostril. The procedure, referred to as a nasopharyngeal, is used to open the airway of an unconscious victim, preventing the tongue from blocking air passages.
The course taught the guidelines of battlefield care but also provided Marines with the necessary skills to think independently when dealing with a downed casualty, said Malmberg after completing the course.
“I’d be able to assess any casualty, diagnose and fix them,” he added.
The Marines learned to improvise and use what was available to treat casualties, Rodriguez added.
“Field medicine is kind of improvised,” said Rodriguez. “You might use a stick to make a splint. Today we had the Marines use duct tape as an occlusive dressing.”
TCCC instructors try to teach Marines to think outside the box for solutions to provide medical aid, Rodriguez said.
The knowledge corpsmen teach Marines at TCCC might someday save lives, he said.
The first three days were classroom instruction with some practical applications, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Eddie Rodriguez, a special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd MarDiv. During the last two days of class, Marines use their new skills in realistic training scenarios.
All Marines receive some sort of first aid care while in boot camp, but the training taught during TCCC goes more in depth, Rodriguez said.
“All Marines know how to use an occlusive dressing on a gunshot wound or splint a broken bone,” Rodriguez said.
An occlusive dressing is an air- and water-tight trauma dressing used in first aid.
Providing care on the battlefield however involves understanding human physiology, the aftermath of a wound and being able to care for the victim for a few hours or even days, said Rodriguez.
In one field environment training scenario, two students, a caregiver and an assistant, administered care to a simulated casualty. The team assessed the casualty before providing battlefield first aid, he added.
“It was as real as we could get it,” said Cpl. Daniel Malmberg, the simulated victim for the exercise and one of the students in the course.
As part of the “real” training the caregiver and assistant inserted a tube into Malmberg’s nostril. The procedure, referred to as a nasopharyngeal, is used to open the airway of an unconscious victim, preventing the tongue from blocking air passages.
The course taught the guidelines of battlefield care but also provided Marines with the necessary skills to think independently when dealing with a downed casualty, said Malmberg after completing the course.
“I’d be able to assess any casualty, diagnose and fix them,” he added.
The Marines learned to improvise and use what was available to treat casualties, Rodriguez added.
“Field medicine is kind of improvised,” said Rodriguez. “You might use a stick to make a splint. Today we had the Marines use duct tape as an occlusive dressing.”
TCCC instructors try to teach Marines to think outside the box for solutions to provide medical aid, Rodriguez said.
The knowledge corpsmen teach Marines at TCCC might someday save lives, he said.
CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa, Japan — Combat is an inherently dangerous environment in which casualties can occur at any time.
March 30, 2011
Marine recieves award on behalf of hero mother
 |
| Corporal Christopher Conley, a crew chief with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, poses with the Citizen Service Before Self Honors Medal during a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery March 25, 2011. Conley received the award on behalf of his mother, Marie Conley of Boston, who was recognized for sacrificing her own life to save a young boy by shielding him with her own body from a car that was barreling towards him October 21, 2008. (Photo by Sgt. Michael S. Cifuentes) |
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C — The Armed Forces of the United States has fought in numerous conflicts throughout the nation’s history and its troops have committed heroic acts during every battle of every war along the way. Even today, Marines and sailors stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., continue to uphold our military legacy while deployed to Afghanistan and other parts of the world.
Regardless, one doesn’t need to be in the military to be a hero and ordinary citizens are certainly capable of extraordinary action.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation recognizes civilian heroes with its annual Citizen Service Before Self Honors during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery every March 25.
One of the recipients for 2011 was Marie Conley, a crossing guard from Boston who was killed in the line of duty when she sacrificed herself to save the life of a young boy crossing the street in October 2008. Conley was seriously hurt after being struck by an automobile while shielding the child with her body to protect him from harm. Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries several days later.
Receiving the honors in her absence were her three sons including Cpl. Christopher Conley, a crew chief with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.
“It’s crazy – I can’t even think of the right words,” explained Conley about his feelings for receiving the award on behalf of his mother. “I’m just honored – it’s an absolute honor.”
The day before the ceremony, Medal of Honor recipients approached Conley, giving him their support.
“These people have gone above and beyond (the call of duty) and are thanking me for my service and my mother (for her bravery),” said Conley. “That hit me pretty hard – definitely in a good way though.”
Marie Conley was selected from hundreds of other applicants to be one of three individuals to receive Citizen Service Before Self Honors. She was chosen directly because of her heroic actions on that October day over two years ago.
“I think what this does is, on a national basis, brings forward the fact that (there are) Americans out there who have the courage to do the right thing – who will put others before themselves,” said Nick Kehoe, the president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
After originally learning about the accident in October 2008, Cpl. Conley was shocked and devastated by the sudden news. However he was not at all surprised to learn that his mother sacrificed herself to save a child.
“It didn’t surprise me to be honest with you,” said Conley. “Her whole life she always put other people first.”
Photo of the Day
 |
| A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit takes off from the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, with the embarked 31st MEU, is currently operating off the coast of Kesennuma in northeastern Japan in support of Operation Tomodachi. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Casey H. Kyhl) |
March 29, 2011
Photo of the Day
 |
| Sgt. Keith R. Freeman, aviation technician, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24 kisses his wife during his homecoming celebration at Hangar 101 on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Vanessa M. American Horse) |
Women in Combat- Will it happen?
On June 12, 1948, President Harry Truman signed into law the Women's Armed Services Integration Act. The Act gave women permanent status in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The services became an All-Volunteer Force in 1973, and since then, women have increasingly become more involved in all levels of military services.
Today’s battles are being fought beyond the traditional “front lines.” Females have been awarded with medals of valor and have embedded with male counterparts to engage the enemy. With the battlefields growing more abstract, new questions have been asked as to what the true impact of allowing women into combat-related job fields may be .
Current combat exclusion policies restrict females in the Marine Corps from serving in the infantry and prohibits them from being assigned to units with the greatest physical risks. Along with infantry, females cannot serve in artillery, tanks or amphibious vehicle job fields.
A recent survey conducted by the Washington Post says 7 in 10 Americans support allowing women in combat. What are your thoughts?
Marines continue supporting relief efforts for Operation Tomodachi
OKINAWA, Japan — III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan are continuing to actively provide support to Operation Tomodachi on mainland Japan.
More than 1,000 III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan Marines and sailors are deployed to mainland Japan supporting Government of Japan-led humanitarian assistance/disaster relief efforts following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck northern Japan March 11.
By March 24, III MEF had flown more than 450 helicopter and aircraft missions providing assistance in survivor recovery, personnel transport and relief supplies distribution. More than 129,000 pounds of water and 4,200 pounds of food have been distributed, according to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
Beginning March 12, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, personnel were boarding KC-130J cargo aircraft bound for mainland and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, MAG-36, pilots were flying CH-46E transport helicopters to Naval Air Facility Atsugi to provide assistance in surrounding areas.
“We consider Japan our home away from home, and the survivors (of the natural disaster) are in our prayers,” said Lt. Col. Damien M. Marsh, commanding officer of HMM-265, also known as the “Dragons.”
“We have made dozens of deliveries into small (landing zones) located near the survival shelters,” said Marsh. “The Dragons are honored that we are able to help. Our training has prepared us well for this mission.”
Since deploying to mainland Japan, the Marines of HMM-265 have flown 164 support sorties carrying 130 passengers and transporting 94,230 pounds of cargo, according to Marsh.
Marsh said he has been impressed with the compassion disaster survivors have shown for each other.
“A credit to the survivors is their compassion for others. On several landings, they refused excess supplies and asked us to fly them to other shelters that need them more,” Marsh said.
“The Marines and sailors of HMM-265 have been deeply touched be the actions of survivors. Everybody wants to help,” he said adding when the squadron makes deliveries, it’s often the survivors who line up to help the air crews unload supplies quickly.
III MEF has also deployed other assets in support of Operation Tomodachi.
The first III MEF Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams were deployed to mainland Japan March 12 with additional teams sent March 13. These teams assess damage in affected areas and provide this information to commanders for more efficient disaster relief planning. In all, four HASTs were deployed.
By March 13, III MEF (Forward) had established a command element on mainland Japan responsible for coordinating Marine Corps relief efforts with the larger support effort conducted by U.S. Forces Japan which also includes coordination by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Pacific command, all working closely with Japanese authorities.
A Forward Air Refueling Point, transported from Okinawa on the WestPac Express High Speed Vessel, was established March 16 at Yamagata Airfield. A FARP is a temporary refueling facility that facilitates the continuous operation of aircraft. The FARP at Yamagata will allow aircraft to refuel there when delivering needed supplies in the tsunami-ravaged Sendai region, greatly increasing the III MEF’s abilities to provide support to this region.
Marines stationed at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, convoyed from the camp to Yamagata Airport March 17-18, escorted by Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members, to join III MEF (Fwd) and establish a Humanitarian Assistance Center. Convoy assets included six 7-tons, 11 humvees, communication trucks and other tactical vehicles.
“This is a testament to our commitment to this effort and our relationship with the JGSDF,” said Lt. Col. Anthony N. Frasco, CATC Camp Fuji’s executive officer, March 17 of having the convoy organized and on the road within 48 hours of being tasked.
“We are looking forward to joining the relief efforts,” said Col. Craig S. Kozeniesky, CATC Camp Fuji’s commanding officer, March 18.
The Marines of HMM-265 had delivered more than 42,000 pounds of heating fuel to small villages in Japan’s northern areas by March 18, according to HMM-265 officials.
“Knowing that we were helping the Japanese Government to deliver warmth to its people was extremely rewarding,” said Marsh.
Marines with 1st MAW units are conducting almost daily flights from MCAS Futenma transporting III MEF personnel as well as delivering food, water, blankets communication equipment and other needed supplies to MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota Air Base, Atsugi and Misawa Air Base for redistribution to areas needing aid. Marine aircraft have also flown numerous sorties throughout Japan in support of aid missions.
In addition, III MEF aircraft were the first to fly into the Sendai Airport March 20 since the airport reopened after suffering extensive damage.
III MEF Marines and sailors are deployed throughout mainland Japan at MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota, Atsugi, Camp Sendai and Yamagata Air Field.
Tomodachi, which means “friends” in Japanese, was the name selected by Japan for this operation.
By March 24, III MEF had flown more than 450 helicopter and aircraft missions providing assistance in survivor recovery, personnel transport and relief supplies distribution. More than 129,000 pounds of water and 4,200 pounds of food have been distributed, according to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
Beginning March 12, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, personnel were boarding KC-130J cargo aircraft bound for mainland and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265, MAG-36, pilots were flying CH-46E transport helicopters to Naval Air Facility Atsugi to provide assistance in surrounding areas.
“We consider Japan our home away from home, and the survivors (of the natural disaster) are in our prayers,” said Lt. Col. Damien M. Marsh, commanding officer of HMM-265, also known as the “Dragons.”
“We have made dozens of deliveries into small (landing zones) located near the survival shelters,” said Marsh. “The Dragons are honored that we are able to help. Our training has prepared us well for this mission.”
Since deploying to mainland Japan, the Marines of HMM-265 have flown 164 support sorties carrying 130 passengers and transporting 94,230 pounds of cargo, according to Marsh.
Marsh said he has been impressed with the compassion disaster survivors have shown for each other.
“A credit to the survivors is their compassion for others. On several landings, they refused excess supplies and asked us to fly them to other shelters that need them more,” Marsh said.
“The Marines and sailors of HMM-265 have been deeply touched be the actions of survivors. Everybody wants to help,” he said adding when the squadron makes deliveries, it’s often the survivors who line up to help the air crews unload supplies quickly.
III MEF has also deployed other assets in support of Operation Tomodachi.
The first III MEF Humanitarian Assistance Survey Teams were deployed to mainland Japan March 12 with additional teams sent March 13. These teams assess damage in affected areas and provide this information to commanders for more efficient disaster relief planning. In all, four HASTs were deployed.
By March 13, III MEF (Forward) had established a command element on mainland Japan responsible for coordinating Marine Corps relief efforts with the larger support effort conducted by U.S. Forces Japan which also includes coordination by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Pacific command, all working closely with Japanese authorities.
A Forward Air Refueling Point, transported from Okinawa on the WestPac Express High Speed Vessel, was established March 16 at Yamagata Airfield. A FARP is a temporary refueling facility that facilitates the continuous operation of aircraft. The FARP at Yamagata will allow aircraft to refuel there when delivering needed supplies in the tsunami-ravaged Sendai region, greatly increasing the III MEF’s abilities to provide support to this region.
Marines stationed at the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, convoyed from the camp to Yamagata Airport March 17-18, escorted by Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members, to join III MEF (Fwd) and establish a Humanitarian Assistance Center. Convoy assets included six 7-tons, 11 humvees, communication trucks and other tactical vehicles.
“This is a testament to our commitment to this effort and our relationship with the JGSDF,” said Lt. Col. Anthony N. Frasco, CATC Camp Fuji’s executive officer, March 17 of having the convoy organized and on the road within 48 hours of being tasked.
“We are looking forward to joining the relief efforts,” said Col. Craig S. Kozeniesky, CATC Camp Fuji’s commanding officer, March 18.
The Marines of HMM-265 had delivered more than 42,000 pounds of heating fuel to small villages in Japan’s northern areas by March 18, according to HMM-265 officials.
“Knowing that we were helping the Japanese Government to deliver warmth to its people was extremely rewarding,” said Marsh.
Marines with 1st MAW units are conducting almost daily flights from MCAS Futenma transporting III MEF personnel as well as delivering food, water, blankets communication equipment and other needed supplies to MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota Air Base, Atsugi and Misawa Air Base for redistribution to areas needing aid. Marine aircraft have also flown numerous sorties throughout Japan in support of aid missions.
In addition, III MEF aircraft were the first to fly into the Sendai Airport March 20 since the airport reopened after suffering extensive damage.
III MEF Marines and sailors are deployed throughout mainland Japan at MCAS Iwakuni, Yokota, Atsugi, Camp Sendai and Yamagata Air Field.
Tomodachi, which means “friends” in Japanese, was the name selected by Japan for this operation.
March 24, 2011
Marines rescue downed pilot after fighter jet crashes in Libya
ARLINGTON, Va. — Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit rescued a U.S. Air Force pilot downed in Libya March 22.
Using two AV/8B Harriers, two MV-22 Ospreys and two CH-53E Super Stallions carrying a quick reaction force, the Camp Lejeune, N.C., based Marines conducted a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel mission to recover the pilot.
The Marine aircraft began launching off the the USS Kearsarge, which was roughly 130 nautical miles from the pilot - within 30 minutes of the crash - according to a senior Marine officer in the Pentagon.
Marine officials attributed the quick reaction time to the versatility of the Osprey. "Total time from launch to return - 90 minutes roundtrip. That's what an Osprey gets you, that speed," the official said.
According to official reports, the Harrier close air support element dropped two laser-guided 500-pound bombs in the area in support of the downed pilot. One MV-22 Osprey landed and extracted the pilot.
Once extracted, the aircraft returned to the USS Kearsarge with the pilot. Navy Lt. Lauren A. Weber, a doctor with the 26th MEU, said the pilot returned in good condition.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation and the names of the pilots will be released pending next-of-kin notification.
The recovery force remains on standby while aviation assets are conducting operations in any environment. All seven Marine expeditionary units are trained, equipped and ready to conduct similar missions when called upon.
Military Photos of the Year
Sorry about no new posts over the last week. I decided to take some much needed R&R back home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It was my girlfriend's Spring Break and I wanted to spend it with her because she hardly gets time off from teaching. She is a kindergarten teacher and after watching her, I can honestly say, she is the best.
Well while I was on break, the Department of Defense held the 2011 Military Photography Contest. This contest is open to all services and is judged by industry professionals. This year, the contest had twice as many entries as last year and was a stiff competition. I have decided to upload some of the winners on here for your enjoyment.
Well while I was on break, the Department of Defense held the 2011 Military Photography Contest. This contest is open to all services and is judged by industry professionals. This year, the contest had twice as many entries as last year and was a stiff competition. I have decided to upload some of the winners on here for your enjoyment.
March 10, 2011
Chairman of the Boards
WASHINGTON — At first glance, Cpl. Ryan McLellan doesn’t portray the image of a typical basketball prodigy. At 5’9, he looks like any another average Joe when he laces up his shoes. But when he steps out onto the floor with a basketball in his hand, he is anything but.
For the last three years, McLellan has shown the Marine Corps that size doesn’t matter in the game of basketball.
McLellan first started playing basketball at 8 years old. He said growing up in the farming community of Newport, Maine, there wasn’t much to do. So for fun, he would play basketball with his brothers and stepfather in the backyard.
“When I first started to play basketball, it was just a means for me to stay close to my family,” McLellan said. “It was just a simple game that eventually grew into a passion.”
It was in high school when McLellan started playing basketball competitively. Each fall he would play basketball for Nokomis Regional High School, Newport, Maine, while each summer he played on a traveling Amateur Athletic Union team in Maine.
“In high school, basketball consumed my life,” McLellan said. “I can’t ever remember a time when I wasn’t playing ball.”
After high school, McLellan said he stayed active in basketball, playing in adult leagues and in basketball tournaments. But it wasn’t until he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, that he truly became recommitted to the sport.
“I started playing basketball at the gym on Okinawa,’ said McLellan. “That led me into playing tournaments and eventually into my selection for the All-Marine basketball team.”
On the court, McLellan is a genius. He has the innate ability to pick defenses apart, by both driving to the basket and with his passing. But it’s his shooting that sets him apart from the rest. McLellan said it is his work ethic that has made him the player he is today.
“In high school I would always spend my time in the gym,’ McLellan said. “Every day for hours all I would do is just shoot basketball. I still have the same mentality today. The only way I get better is through practice.”
For McLellan, the practice has paid off. McLellan was selected as a member of both the All-Marine Basketball team and the All-Armed Forces Team. On his merits, he was also chosen as the 2008 Marine Corps Athlete of the Year. McLellan admits winning the award was a humbling experience.
“The Marine Corps is full of great athletes,” McLellan said. “To even be considered as one of them is an honor.”
McLellan said he will try out again this year for the 2010 All-Marine Basketball team. Although he has accomplished so much in basketball, he said he isn’t done yet. He has hopes this year to win gold at the Conseil International du Sport Militaire in Texas, and if history repeats itself, he will.
“Playing against the military teams from around the world has shown me the potential I have in the sport,” said McLellan. “Every day, I continue to strive to the best player I can be.”
For the last three years, McLellan has shown the Marine Corps that size doesn’t matter in the game of basketball.
McLellan first started playing basketball at 8 years old. He said growing up in the farming community of Newport, Maine, there wasn’t much to do. So for fun, he would play basketball with his brothers and stepfather in the backyard.
“When I first started to play basketball, it was just a means for me to stay close to my family,” McLellan said. “It was just a simple game that eventually grew into a passion.”
It was in high school when McLellan started playing basketball competitively. Each fall he would play basketball for Nokomis Regional High School, Newport, Maine, while each summer he played on a traveling Amateur Athletic Union team in Maine.
“In high school, basketball consumed my life,” McLellan said. “I can’t ever remember a time when I wasn’t playing ball.”
After high school, McLellan said he stayed active in basketball, playing in adult leagues and in basketball tournaments. But it wasn’t until he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, that he truly became recommitted to the sport.
“I started playing basketball at the gym on Okinawa,’ said McLellan. “That led me into playing tournaments and eventually into my selection for the All-Marine basketball team.”
On the court, McLellan is a genius. He has the innate ability to pick defenses apart, by both driving to the basket and with his passing. But it’s his shooting that sets him apart from the rest. McLellan said it is his work ethic that has made him the player he is today.
“In high school I would always spend my time in the gym,’ McLellan said. “Every day for hours all I would do is just shoot basketball. I still have the same mentality today. The only way I get better is through practice.”
For McLellan, the practice has paid off. McLellan was selected as a member of both the All-Marine Basketball team and the All-Armed Forces Team. On his merits, he was also chosen as the 2008 Marine Corps Athlete of the Year. McLellan admits winning the award was a humbling experience.
“The Marine Corps is full of great athletes,” McLellan said. “To even be considered as one of them is an honor.”
McLellan said he will try out again this year for the 2010 All-Marine Basketball team. Although he has accomplished so much in basketball, he said he isn’t done yet. He has hopes this year to win gold at the Conseil International du Sport Militaire in Texas, and if history repeats itself, he will.
“Playing against the military teams from around the world has shown me the potential I have in the sport,” said McLellan. “Every day, I continue to strive to the best player I can be.”
A Climb to the Top
March 9, 2011
Funeral for Col. Charles Dockery
Yesterday, I was privileged enough to be able to take photos of the funeral of Marine Col. Charles Dockery. Every time I step onto Arlington National Cemetery it always sends chills down my back. For most, just seeing the headstones is enough to remind them of the sacrifice many service members make for their country.
But witnessing the burial of fellow Marines is nothing short of gut wrenching. Although I had never met Col. Dockery, I felt like one of my best friends was being laid to rest. I even had to hold back tears as they played Taps and I watched as his wife wept uncontrollably while she stared at the silver casket laying in front of her. It was also hard as I watched his parents, who are in their 90's, holding hands during the service. Luther Dockery, kept embracing his wife, bringing her closer to him as she cried during the entire funeral. He was being the rock of the family. Although he never cried, the look in his eyes told me how much pain he was holding inside. Like I said, gut wrenching.
Funerals are filled with raw, unfiltered emotion and they are tough for me as a photographer. I know that this is the last moment they have to mourn their family member and it always makes me uncomfortable. But, I remind myself that I was requested to take photos for the family and it is my job to capture the Marine's last moments. Although I never met you Col. Dockery, I hope these are fitting.
March 6, 2011
The History of the Black Marine
WASHINGTON — The year was 1941; our country was still overcoming the severe economic conditions of the Great Depression and racial segregation was widespread throughout the nation. At the time, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt wanted to create fair employment practices for the United States Armed Forces and decided to integrate the American military.
He issued Executive Order 8802 on June 25, 1941, which prohibited all racial discrimination in the Armed services.
From its inception until 1941, the Marine Corps refused to recruit African Americans and other minorities. The executive order forced the Corps, despite objections from its leadership, to begin recruiting African American Marines in 1942.
In early 1942, the Marine Corps established a camp in Montford Point, N.C., as a recruit depot to train African-American Marine recruits. The sum of $750,000 was alloted to construct and enlarge temporary barracks and supporting facilities for the segregated Montford Point Camp adjacent to Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Recruiting began on June 1, 1942. Alfred Masters became the first African American to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Shortly thereafter, more than 900 other African Americans enlisted.
The first Marines’ arrived at Montford Point on August 26, 1942. Between 1942 and 1949, approximately 20,000 recruits received basic training at Montford Point, most of them going on to serve in the Pacific during World War II as members of support units.
During the early years at Montford Point, segregation still played a huge role. The Montford Point Marines were not allowed into neighboring all-white camps without being accompanied by a white Marine. However, in 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, ending color bias in the American armed forces. Montford Point was deactivated as a recruit training depot in 1949.
The Montford Point Marines are hailed as important figures in American history, because they willingly fought to protect a nation that still did not offer them basic civil rights. Their actions set the precedent for the Corps, and their legacy continues within the Marines who serve today.
He issued Executive Order 8802 on June 25, 1941, which prohibited all racial discrimination in the Armed services.
From its inception until 1941, the Marine Corps refused to recruit African Americans and other minorities. The executive order forced the Corps, despite objections from its leadership, to begin recruiting African American Marines in 1942.
In early 1942, the Marine Corps established a camp in Montford Point, N.C., as a recruit depot to train African-American Marine recruits. The sum of $750,000 was alloted to construct and enlarge temporary barracks and supporting facilities for the segregated Montford Point Camp adjacent to Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Recruiting began on June 1, 1942. Alfred Masters became the first African American to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Shortly thereafter, more than 900 other African Americans enlisted.
The first Marines’ arrived at Montford Point on August 26, 1942. Between 1942 and 1949, approximately 20,000 recruits received basic training at Montford Point, most of them going on to serve in the Pacific during World War II as members of support units.
During the early years at Montford Point, segregation still played a huge role. The Montford Point Marines were not allowed into neighboring all-white camps without being accompanied by a white Marine. However, in 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, ending color bias in the American armed forces. Montford Point was deactivated as a recruit training depot in 1949.
The Montford Point Marines are hailed as important figures in American history, because they willingly fought to protect a nation that still did not offer them basic civil rights. Their actions set the precedent for the Corps, and their legacy continues within the Marines who serve today.
War Games
WASHINGTON — Today, military-themed video game dialogues have a distinct likeness to real world battlefields. Video games like Call of Duty, SOCOM Navy Seals and Delta Force have given society an in depth look into modern warfare.These games are designed to provide users with a realistic depiction of combat, illustrating every detail; including weapon systems, infantry tactics, and modern cities.
Using the same attention to detail, the Marine Corps has implemented virtual simulation as a form of education.
WAR GAMES
The Marine Corps has taken notice to the benefits of using virtual training environments as a means to both teach and train Marines for deployment operations.
According to Maj. Brian Kibel, the modeling and simulation officer for Training and Education Command (TECOM), the Marine Corps has implemented 10 different systems throughout the Corps.
The training systems have broadened the abilities of the Fleet Marine Forces (FMF), stretching the gamete of operations for both ground combat and aviation elements.
GROUND FORCES
With system developments like the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer and the Deployable Virtual Training Environment, the Corps has expanded its ability to offer safe and realistic training for yearly training and pre-deployment operations.
The ISMT, which is an interactive audio-video weapons simulator, provides Marines the capability to conduct standards-based training in basic and advanced marksmanship. Since marksmanship is a yearly training requirement, for most units, this method of training conserves resources as well as saves time.
“Virtual environments are being incorporated in the daily training schedules of most units,” Kibel said. “They conserve training resources, such as ammunition and fuel, and are more efficient in time. Training performed in a simulated environment can be performed, reviewed, and corrected many times in comparison to a live exercise.”
Most Marines agree the Corps needs to continue to implement additional virtual training environments as a tool to learn basic Marine skills.
“Simulation training is great for familiarization,” said Cpl. Daniel Rhodes, training chief for Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington. “They serve as a perfect environment for learning fundamentals.”
With the Marine Corps currently engaged in war in Afghanistan, virtual training environments have also proven to be invaluable resources for preparing Marines for combat deployments.
The Deployable Virtual Training Environment is a computer-based program that allows Marines to simulate a synthetic natural environment and engage in virtual combat scenarios. The system allows Marines to practice scenarios such as convoy operations, calling in fire missions, and military operations urban terrain (MOUT) training.
“These types of technologies have given the ground fighters an advantage in combat,” Kibel said. “By providing Marines with computer-based teaching resources, we have increased the individual awareness of Marines and prepared them for situations they will likely face while in combat.”
AVIATION
Virtual training environments have also been expanded into military aviation. Marine aviation officers can now conduct flight operations by utilizing flight simulators for both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
Flight simulators, such as the KC-130J and the AV-8B simulator, provide pilots an enclosed training environment that has a 360 degree video projection system, displaying satellite images of the local area.
The simulator allows the pilots to practice flying in many different circumstances. Pilots can use the simulator to learn flight patterns, how to handle in-flight emergencies and can even simulate poor weather conditions. For the pilots, the simulators have proven to be an invaluable resource.
“With the simulators, we are able to practice our procedures over and over again so that they almost become second nature,” said Capt. Chris Tchinski, an AV-8 Harrier pilot stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
“Simulators allow us to experience almost any scenario that we might encounter in the real world, and make the mistakes associated with those scenarios without putting lives at risk.”
Tchinski said flight simulators are absolutely vital to the success of the Marine Corps, and will become more so in the future.
MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Although the virtual training environments are mainly being used to train Marines, they are also being used to treat Marines who return from combat.
Since 2006, the Marine Corps and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University have conducted tests on service members to determine what effect combat has on individual Marines.
The technology has allowed doctors to use a virtual reality system to duplicate the experience that each service member encountered while in combat.
For example, if a Marine was injured by a roadside improvised explosive device (IED), they would reproduce the scenario using sights, sounds and smells that were similar to what the service member had experienced. Doctors then observe how the service members react to the stimuli and record the results.
The results of the tests have given doctors hope that this form of technology will better enable them to understand and treat combat injuries, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“Preliminary results of ongoing studies using virtual reality exposure therapy to treat combat-related post traumatic stress disorder are promising,” said Maryrose Gerardi, the assistant professor of Psychiatry at Emory University. “We hope that this technology may offer a form of treatment which is both familiar and acceptable to Marines.”
THE FUTURE
With technology shaping the way in which service members fight on the battlefield today, one can only imagine the possibilities that lie ahead for the future.
“The Marine Corps at its present strength of 202,000 active duty personnel is expanding its use of virtual and constructive simulation based training,” said Capt. Geraldine Carey, the public affairs officer for Marine Corps Systems Command. “The Marine Corps will continue to incorporate additional simulated training assets to prepare our Marines for whatever they may encounter, both now and in the future.”
Using the same attention to detail, the Marine Corps has implemented virtual simulation as a form of education.
WAR GAMES
The Marine Corps has taken notice to the benefits of using virtual training environments as a means to both teach and train Marines for deployment operations.
According to Maj. Brian Kibel, the modeling and simulation officer for Training and Education Command (TECOM), the Marine Corps has implemented 10 different systems throughout the Corps.
The training systems have broadened the abilities of the Fleet Marine Forces (FMF), stretching the gamete of operations for both ground combat and aviation elements.
GROUND FORCES
With system developments like the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer and the Deployable Virtual Training Environment, the Corps has expanded its ability to offer safe and realistic training for yearly training and pre-deployment operations.
The ISMT, which is an interactive audio-video weapons simulator, provides Marines the capability to conduct standards-based training in basic and advanced marksmanship. Since marksmanship is a yearly training requirement, for most units, this method of training conserves resources as well as saves time.
“Virtual environments are being incorporated in the daily training schedules of most units,” Kibel said. “They conserve training resources, such as ammunition and fuel, and are more efficient in time. Training performed in a simulated environment can be performed, reviewed, and corrected many times in comparison to a live exercise.”
Most Marines agree the Corps needs to continue to implement additional virtual training environments as a tool to learn basic Marine skills.
“Simulation training is great for familiarization,” said Cpl. Daniel Rhodes, training chief for Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington. “They serve as a perfect environment for learning fundamentals.”
With the Marine Corps currently engaged in war in Afghanistan, virtual training environments have also proven to be invaluable resources for preparing Marines for combat deployments.
The Deployable Virtual Training Environment is a computer-based program that allows Marines to simulate a synthetic natural environment and engage in virtual combat scenarios. The system allows Marines to practice scenarios such as convoy operations, calling in fire missions, and military operations urban terrain (MOUT) training.
“These types of technologies have given the ground fighters an advantage in combat,” Kibel said. “By providing Marines with computer-based teaching resources, we have increased the individual awareness of Marines and prepared them for situations they will likely face while in combat.”
AVIATION
Virtual training environments have also been expanded into military aviation. Marine aviation officers can now conduct flight operations by utilizing flight simulators for both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
Flight simulators, such as the KC-130J and the AV-8B simulator, provide pilots an enclosed training environment that has a 360 degree video projection system, displaying satellite images of the local area.
The simulator allows the pilots to practice flying in many different circumstances. Pilots can use the simulator to learn flight patterns, how to handle in-flight emergencies and can even simulate poor weather conditions. For the pilots, the simulators have proven to be an invaluable resource.
“With the simulators, we are able to practice our procedures over and over again so that they almost become second nature,” said Capt. Chris Tchinski, an AV-8 Harrier pilot stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.
“Simulators allow us to experience almost any scenario that we might encounter in the real world, and make the mistakes associated with those scenarios without putting lives at risk.”
Tchinski said flight simulators are absolutely vital to the success of the Marine Corps, and will become more so in the future.
MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS
Although the virtual training environments are mainly being used to train Marines, they are also being used to treat Marines who return from combat.
Since 2006, the Marine Corps and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University have conducted tests on service members to determine what effect combat has on individual Marines.
The technology has allowed doctors to use a virtual reality system to duplicate the experience that each service member encountered while in combat.
For example, if a Marine was injured by a roadside improvised explosive device (IED), they would reproduce the scenario using sights, sounds and smells that were similar to what the service member had experienced. Doctors then observe how the service members react to the stimuli and record the results.
The results of the tests have given doctors hope that this form of technology will better enable them to understand and treat combat injuries, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“Preliminary results of ongoing studies using virtual reality exposure therapy to treat combat-related post traumatic stress disorder are promising,” said Maryrose Gerardi, the assistant professor of Psychiatry at Emory University. “We hope that this technology may offer a form of treatment which is both familiar and acceptable to Marines.”
THE FUTURE
With technology shaping the way in which service members fight on the battlefield today, one can only imagine the possibilities that lie ahead for the future.
“The Marine Corps at its present strength of 202,000 active duty personnel is expanding its use of virtual and constructive simulation based training,” said Capt. Geraldine Carey, the public affairs officer for Marine Corps Systems Command. “The Marine Corps will continue to incorporate additional simulated training assets to prepare our Marines for whatever they may encounter, both now and in the future.”
March 5, 2011
March 4, 2011
New to the Blogging World
So today I decided to do something I swore I would never do: blogging. In fact, before this, I actually made fun of my girlfriend, which I truly love for committing the crime of blog stalking.
Now, blog stalking is a word I invented, sorry Webster you are to late, that I use to refer to people who become emotionally attached to blogs of people they have never met or have any relationship with.
So how can I get you emotionally attached to my blog? Well I am a United States Marine who serves are country and our way of life! Yeah...I think that will do!
So I welcome each of you to my blog. Here, I will post pictures/stories of Marines from accross the country. You will laugh, you will cry, and sometimes you might even be flat out disturbed. I mean what can I say, we are the most elite fighting force on the planet and some of our backgrounds/mannerisms are questionable at best. But I recommend to stay tuned and I hope you enjoy the Marine Corps show with me your host! Until then....Oorahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Now, blog stalking is a word I invented, sorry Webster you are to late, that I use to refer to people who become emotionally attached to blogs of people they have never met or have any relationship with.
So how can I get you emotionally attached to my blog? Well I am a United States Marine who serves are country and our way of life! Yeah...I think that will do!
So I welcome each of you to my blog. Here, I will post pictures/stories of Marines from accross the country. You will laugh, you will cry, and sometimes you might even be flat out disturbed. I mean what can I say, we are the most elite fighting force on the planet and some of our backgrounds/mannerisms are questionable at best. But I recommend to stay tuned and I hope you enjoy the Marine Corps show with me your host! Until then....Oorahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)