Marine Corps News Room

Story by Sgt Jennifer Pirante
Date Posted:12.29.2013 09:14

ARABIAN GULF - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps; Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, the 17th sgt. maj. of the Marine Corps; and distinguished guests visited the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), Dec. 27, to thank Marines and Sailors assigned to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), for their service.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118669/cmc-sgtmaj-visit-13th-meu#.UsEWqX-9KSM

Posted by KC at 1:04 AM | Permalink

Story by Cpl Austin Long
Date Taken:12.24.2013 | Date Posted:12.28.2013 10:02

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett visited Marines and sailors with Regional Command [Southwest], Dec. 23-26.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118664/commandant-spends-christmas-with-marines-rc-southwest#.Ur9jen-9KSM

Posted by KC at 5:59 PM | Permalink

By Gretel C. Kovach
2:50 p.m .Dec. 28, 2013

Aboard the USS Boxer — An MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor swooped over the Persian Gulf and dropped the commandant of the Marine Corps onto what military commanders like to refer to as four floating acres of diplomacy.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Dec/28/marines-in-gulf-prepared-for-crisis/?st#article-copy

Posted by sr at 5:28 PM | Permalink

December 27, 2013
CNN

A canine combat vet who used to sniff out roadside bombs in Afghanistan is now patrolling the halls of the Pentagon.

To view news video:

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2013/12/27/tsr-dnt-starr-pentagon-dog-protects-halls.cnn.html

Posted by sr at 7:16 PM | Permalink

By Kevin Sieff, Published: December 25

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — It was Christmas in southern Afghanistan, and the country music star walked past the blast barriers to the makeshift stage. She wore camouflage leggings and rhinestone boots. Her audience eased closer, rifles slung across their chests.

To continue reading:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/war-zones/kellie-pickler-serenades-the-troops-in-afghanistan/2013/12/25/3a461e0a-6d96-11e3-aecc-85cb037b7236_story.html?hpid=z1

Posted by sr at 9:05 PM | Permalink

Paul Szoldra
December 25, 2013

The Marine behind an email that went viral on military networks was surprised by the Corps’ top general and senior enlisted leader Monday, when they both showed up in Afghanistan to present him with a brand new helmet.

To continue reading about a 1/9 Marine:

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/ian-gorman-helmet-afghanistan-2013-12

Posted by sr at 8:54 AM | Permalink

Town’s first combat loss since Vietnam

Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Erin Smith

The Abington community was left mourning the loss yesterday of a young U.S. Marine — the town’s first serviceman to die in combat since the Vietnam War.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Sgt. Daniel M. Vasselian, of the 1/9:

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2013/12/abington_marine_dies_in_afghanistan

Posted by sr at 8:46 AM | Permalink

By John Vandiver
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 24, 2013

STUTTGART, Germany — A new unit of rapid reaction Marines has mobilized to Africa in response to a crisis, marking a muscular milestone for U.S. Africa Command as it contends with a crisis in South Sudan.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/south-sudan-crisis-lands-marine-crisis-response-unit-its-largest-mission-1.259075

Posted by sr at 11:21 AM | Permalink

Monday, December 23, 2013
By:
Laurel J. Sweet

FAIRHAVEN - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew R. "Smiley" Rodriguez lived by his tattoo bearing the words: "For those I love, I will sacrifice," his proud sister told a packed church today in the fishing town where her little brother learned to laugh and love during his 19 brief years.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, LCpl Matthew R. Rodriguez, of the 1st CEB:

http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/herald_bulldog/2013/12/fallen_marine_his_sisters_superhero_laid_to_rest

Posted by sr at 11:15 AM | Permalink

Marine determined to move forward, set example

By Susan Ladd
News & Record, Greensboro, N.C.
Published: December 22, 2013

GREENSBORO — Cindy Gitter laughs and shakes her head when asked to describe Nathan Harris as a teenager.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/road-out-of-hell-1.258756

Posted by sr at 10:33 PM | Permalink

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing officer talks recent exercise, future

By Jeanette Steele
noon Dec. 21, 2013

As the U.S. military turns its attention to China and the Pacific, Marine Corps aviators are gearing up for their role.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/21/wise-3maw-steel-knight-marine-aviation/?st

Posted by sr at 10:26 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl MaryAnn Hill
Date Posted:12.20.2013 13:38

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – The Marine Corps prides itself on its long, rich history. One recruit stepped on the famous yellow footprints here with a lofty goal – to continue his family’s tradition and graduate as a fourth-generation Marine.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118540/recruit-way-become-familys-fourth-generation-marine-parris-island#.UreksH-9KSN

Posted by KC at 9:50 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Matthew Bragg
Date Posted:12.20.2013 20:23

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Marines and sailors from two units recently returned to Marine Corps Base Hawaii just in time for the holidays.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118564/americas-battalion-kings-battle-return-unit-deployment-program#.Us7IRX-9KSP

Posted by KC at 12:21 PM | Permalink

Photo by Cpl. Octavia Davis | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.18.2013
Date Posted:12.20.2013 05:07

Values discussions play an integral role in developing recruits into Marines. Discussions facilitate recruits' grasp of the Corps' ethical code and reinforces their growth into honorable warriors. By the time they graduate, recruits must embrace the Corps' core values of honor, courage and commitment. Papa Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 28, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

To view 3 photos:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1141985/photo-gallery-recruits-mentored-during-marine-corps-core-values-discussion-parris-island#.Ut6buLTnbKw

Posted by sr at 10:09 AM | Permalink

Photos by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.16.2013
Date Posted:12.19.2013 18:03

Drill instructors are responsible for preparing new recruits for training. Recruits must learn quickly that the rules of recruit training are strictly enforced. Recruits are expected to uphold a military appearance while in training. November Company is scheduled to graduate March 14, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

To view 13 photos:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1141634/photo-gallery-young-men-women-arrive-parris-island-chance-earn-title-marine#.UrZzvLQlJPY

Posted by sr at 11:17 PM | Permalink

By Kristen V. Brown
Published 8:15 pm, Thursday, December 19, 2013

COLONIE — A marine on recruit duty at Colonie Center helped apprehend a shoplifter Thursday.

To continue reading:

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Marine-recruiter-at-mall-helps-collar-shoplifter-5079950.php

Posted by sr at 11:11 PM | Permalink

By Sgt. Austin Hazard | 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit | December 19, 2013

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. --

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the U.S. Navy Sailors and ships of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6 off the East Coast, at sea, Dec. 15, 2013.

To continue reading:

http://www.22ndmeu.marines.mil/News/ArticleView/tabid/196/Article/156202/22nd-meu-completes-final-major-pre-deployment-exercise.aspx

Posted by sr at 11:07 PM | Permalink

By Hope Hodge Seck
Staff writer
Dec. 19, 2013 - 06:00A

Ten women graduated from the Marine Corps’ enlisted infantry training course on Thursday, part of the service’s ongoing research to determine what additional ground combat jobs should lift their gender restrictions.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20131219/NEWS/312190031/10-more-women-graduate-from-Marine-Corps-enlisted-infantry-training

Posted by sr at 11:02 PM | Permalink

Photos by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.17.2013
Date Posted:12.19.2013 22:11

Recruits engage in different types of training such as running, circuit courses and cross training. The variety of training ensures recruits develop a solid physical fitness foundation. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 24, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

To view 5 photos:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1141796/photo-gallery-parris-island-recruits-strive-strength-meet-marine-corps-high-standards#.UrevQLQlJPY

Posted by sr at 9:45 PM | Permalink

Photos by Lance Cpl. MaryAnn Hill | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 12.17.2013
Date Posted:12.19.2013 22:11

Recruits engage in different types of physical training such as running, circuit courses and cross training. The variety of training ensures recruits develop a solid physical fitness foundation. Bravo Company is scheduled to graduate Feb. 24, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

To view photos:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1141796/photo-gallery-parris-island-recruits-strive-strength-meet-marine-corps-high-standards#.Us2K67QlJPY

Posted by sr at 11:28 AM | Permalink

By Ariel Wittenberg
[email protected]
December 18, 2013 1:45 PM

Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez will be coming home Thursday in a dignified transfer ceremony at the New Bedford Airport.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, LCpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez, of the 1st CEB:

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131218/NEWS/312180366

Posted by sr at 4:41 PM | Permalink

Courtesy Story | 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit | Date: 12.17.2013

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines and sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, will partner with soldiers from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to participate in Exercise Iron Fist 2014 aboard Camp Pendleton, from Jan. 23 to Feb. 24.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118350/exercise-iron-fist-2014-bring-us-japanese-forces-together#.UrGlrrQlJPY

Posted by sr at 7:53 AM | Permalink

Story by Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Moore | 1st Marine Division | Date: 12.17.2013

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Light Armored Reconnaissance Marines are often the tip of the spear in combat environments, conducting operations several hundred miles in front of friendly troops. To effectively complete their missions, they must always remain a force in readiness. Marines with Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, nicknamed the Highlanders, demonstrated this in support of Exercise Steel Knight 2014, Dec. 10 through 16.

To continue reading about the 1st LAR:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118355/highlanders-lead-way-exercise-steel-knight-2014#.UrGkfbQlJPY

Posted by sr at 7:48 AM | Permalink

By Leo Shane III
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 16, 2013

WASHINGTON — Veterans Affairs officials are easing disability filing rules for brain injured veterans with additional combat complications like depression, dementia or Parkinson’s disease.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/va-eases-rules-for-claims-on-some-tbi-related-health-problems-1.257939

Posted by sr at 11:01 PM | Permalink

Contest honors military and civilians preserving Corps history

By Gretel C. Kovach
2:32 p.m.Dec. 16, 2013

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is seeking submissions for its annual awards program. The 2014 contest recognizes work illuminating the 238-year history of Marine traditions, culture and service, from long ago battles to ones still being fought in Afghanistan today.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/16/marine-corps-heritage-foundation-awards-2014/?st

Posted by sr at 10:48 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Sullivan Laramie
Date Posted:12.16.2013 12:36

Approximately 200 Marines and sailors with Ragnarok Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group participated in a field exercise here Dec. 9 to 12.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/118273/field-exercise-prepares-marines-sailors-overseas-service#.Uq9Lo6RASkU#ixzz2nfJdn8ls

Posted by KC at 12:36 PM | Permalink

By CPL. PAUL PETERSON
SPECIAL TO THE LEDGER
Published: Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 11:47 p.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 11:47 p.m.

NAD ALI DISTRICT, Afghanistan | A threatening calm settled around 2nd Platoon as the whir of helicopter blades faded into the night. It was 5:15 a.m. with dawn nearing fast

To continue reading about the 1/9:

http://www.theledger.com/article/20131215/NEWS/131219454/-1/privacypolicy?Title=In-The-Heat-of-Battle-Marines-Engage-in-Hourslong-Firefight

Posted by sr at 10:51 PM | Permalink

By Kevin Miller
Portland Press Herald, Maine
Published: December 15, 2013

ARLINGTON, Va. — Thousands of people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday to lay 143,000 Maine-made wreaths on veterans’ graves, helped along by a last-minute surge of donations that enabled organizers to surpass their goal.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/thousands-converge-on-arlington-for-wreaths-across-america-event-1.257706

Posted by sr at 9:01 AM | Permalink

Story by Eyewitness Tristate Homepage News
12/14/2013 | 09:55 PM | 12/14/2013 10:07 PM

SHAWNEETOWN -- The family of a missing Hardin County, Illinois woman is trying a new attempt to find her.

To continue reading:

http://www.tristatehomepage.com/story/reward-offered-in-search-for-missing-southern-illi/d/story/2kYUperwjEK3LgCfc-qTfg

Posted by KC at 10:07 PM | Permalink

Photos by Jared Soares / For The Washington Post
Dec. 14, 2013

Volunteers and family members placed more than 100,000 remembrance wreaths on headstones throughout Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday.

To view Photo Gallery:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/wreaths-across-america-honors-us-veterans/2013/12/14/a87429b0-6505-11e3-a373-0f9f2d1c2b61_gallery.html#photo=1

Posted by sr at 9:06 AM | Permalink

Dec. 14, 2013 - 06:00AM
By James K. Sanborn

The Corps has overhauled its manual governing how Marines retire or are separated from the service, with broad changes that cover everything from transition assistance requirements and involuntary separation protections for career officers to drug use and sexual ­assault.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20131214/NEWS/312140006/New-order-defines-separation-rules

Posted by KC at 7:37 PM | Permalink

By Steve Urbon
also by Ariel Wittenberg
[email protected]; [email protected]
December 13, 2013 12:00 AM

A Fairhaven Marine has been killed in Afghanistan while conducting combat operations.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, LCpl. Matthew R. Rodriguez, of the 1st CEB:

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131213/NEWS/312130320

Posted by sr at 3:34 PM | Permalink

By Travis J. Tritten
Stars and Stripes
Published: December 11, 2013

Traumatic brain injuries during deployments appear to increase the risk of troops experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder after returning home, according to Department of Veterans Affairs-sponsored research published Wednesday.

To continue reading:

http://www.stripes.com/study-links-traumatic-brain-injury-and-ptsd-1.257017

Posted by sr at 10:20 PM | Permalink

By Jeanette Steele
8:09 p.m.Dec. 9, 2013

When Maj. Robb McDonald arrived at the Camp Bastion attack, some of the Marines under fire allowed themselves to exhale.

To continue reading:

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/dec/09/silver-star-awarded-for-heroism-in-bastion-attack/?st

Posted by sr at 10:14 PM | Permalink

Story by LCpl Joshua Brown
Date Posted:12.06.2013 14:20

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit will decomposite after an eight-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets areas of responsibility Dec. 6, 2013.

To continue reading:

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/117857/breaking-down-meu-reinforcements-return-parent-commands#.UqNfHX-9KSM

Posted by KC at 12:04 PM | Permalink

Dec. 5, 2013 - 06:00AM
By Andrew deGrandpre
Staff writer

A highly decorated Marine Corps officer will receive the nation’s third-highest combat valor award next week for his role repelling the deadly 2012 attack inside a coalition airfield in southwestern Afghanistan.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20131205/NEWS/312050027/Marine-officer-receive-Silver-Star-heroics-Camp-Bastion-attack

Posted by KC at 12:16 PM | Permalink

Dec. 3, 2013 - 08:13PM
By Gina Harkins

A full battalion landing team out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., will head to Australia next spring, the largest contingent of Marines to head Down Under for a rotational deployment.

To continue reading:

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/article/20131203/NEWS/312030026/Marine-Corps-identifies-1-100-man-infantry-unit-next-Australia-rotation

Posted by KC at 12:08 AM | Permalink

Photo by Cpl. Caitlin Brink | Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island | Date: 11.18.2013
Date Posted:12.02.2013 18:12

Recruits from India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion and Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion learn from the moment they step on the yellow footprints that they are expected to move with speed and intensity and to respond to all commands loudly and confidently. They are scheduled to graduate Feb. 14, 2014. Parris Island has been the site of Marine Corps recruit training since Nov. 1, 1915. Today, approximately 20,000 recruits come to Parris Island annually for the chance to become United States Marines by enduring 13 weeks of rigorous, transformative training. Parris Island is home to entry-level enlisted training for 50 percent of males and 100 percent of females in the Marine Corps.

To view 17 photos in Gallery Images:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1064116/photo-gallery-marine-recruits-begin-journey-title-parris-island-footprints#.Ur2sMLQlJPY

Posted by sr at 10:39 AM | Permalink

Posted at: 12/01/2013 2:16 AM | Updated at: 12/01/2013 3:59 PM
By: Steve Flamisch

MECHANICVILLE – U.S. Marine Lance Corporals Anthony Denier and Erik Jacobsen were "six feet away" from one another when an enemy combatant opened fire in Afghanistan on Dec. 2, 2012.

To continue reading about Fallen Hero, Lance Cpl. Anthony J. Denier:

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S3231984.shtml?cat=300

Posted by sr at 5:17 PM | Permalink