MLG Marines at Gannon support efforts to stabilize Iraq
CAMP GANNON, Iraq (May 30, 2007) -- Marines from 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) are working all throughout Al Anbar Province. Some serve with battalions under the group, some with detachments under the battalions and some stand detached from their detachments at smaller posts.
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May 30, 2007; Submitted on: 05/30/2007 06:18:26 AM ; Story ID#: 200753061826
By Cpl. Andrew Kalwitz, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
The few 2nd MLG (Fwd) Marines at Camp Gannon are part of Detachment 2, Combat Logistics Battalion 2. Together, they provide fuel, water and food services to 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment – services required for Iraq to achieve stability.
“We feed Marines,” said Cpl. Anthony White, a food service specialist here with Detachment 2, CLB-2, 2nd MLG (Fwd) and a Lynn, Mass., native. “The Marines are out there helping (Iraqis), so without us they wouldn’t be able to do what they do effectively.”
Another Marine providing one of the remaining two services explained how his job also contributes to progress for a self-sufficient Iraq.
“I provide water for this camp so (the Marines) can be efficient at what they do,” said Cpl. Christian Apellaniz, a water treatment specialist with Detachment 2. “They’ll come in, take showers and get refreshed. If nobody was doing this, there would be no showers, no (dining facility), no clean clothes.”
The Queens, N.Y., native explained why he has pride in what he does.
“It gives you a sense that you’re doing something for someone,” he said. “It makes me feel good because I’m actually helping out.”
Sgt. Jason R. Long, the Camp Gannon fuel farm noncommissioned officer-in-charge, said he is on his third deployment, but his first to Iraq.
Long, a Marshalltown, Iowa, native, said if servicemembers are unable to help the Iraqi people, the Iraqi people will be unable to help themselves.
“We provide fuel to coalition forces,” he said. “We don’t give it to Iraqis anymore. Unless it comes from higher, we don’t give them a drop. I think we’re trying to let the Iraqis help themselves.”
By providing fuel to coalition forces, Long explained that his job enables his fellow servicemembers to train and work with the Iraqi army and police. He said he plays more of a behind the scenes role in Iraq’s stabilization.
“We’re one of those jobs where nobody really notices us until they’re out of gas.”
Running out of gas is the last thing the MLG (Fwd) Marines plan to do. With a great portion of their deployment remaining, they will continue to provide 1/4 with the services needed to continue to make progress in Iraq. This is something the Marines said they look forward to.
“It’s not that bad out here,” said White. “I don’t mind it out here. I like what I do.”