Marines from Camp Lejeune remain in Haiti, some 6 weeks after the devastating earthquake.
Officials on the ground say the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is not just handing out aid, but is helping to unite the people and governments of Haiti with non-governmental organizations and international aid workers.
Continue reading "Camp Lejeune Marines Continue Their Work In Haiti" »
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When a 4-year-old Afghan girl named Azerha was struck by shrapnel Feb. 10, her brother Quassiam did the only thing he could think of – approach a group of armed Marines miles away and ask for medical assistance.
Continue reading "Navy Corpsmen Save Injured Afghan Girl in Marjah" »
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – When five injured Afghans needed medical attention, Marines and sailors from 1st Medical Battalion, Regimental Combat 7, came to their rescue.
Continue reading "Service Members Save Afghan Lives With Blood Drive" »
ABOARD USS NASSAU — The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is off the coast of Haiti Jan. 23 staged to support ongoing relief efforts in Haiti after a 7.0 earthquake devastated the country last week.
FORT BRAGG, N.C. --- The Pentagon announced Wednesday that it would send a second Marine unit to Haiti to support what has become an expanding relief effort for the Defense Department, deepening the American military’s role there.
LEOGANE, Haiti — About 120 Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, landed via helicopters in Haiti on Tuesday morning, securing a landing zone and a water distribution point in this town west of Port-au-Prince.
The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group, carrying the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is being diverted from its scheduled deployment to the Middle East and is instead heading to Haiti for relief operations, the Navy said Wednesday morning.
The ships of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and embarked elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived off the coast of Haiti Monday to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief for earthquake survivors and bolster relief operations already underway in support of Operation Unified Response.
Continue reading "22nd MEU, Bataan Amphibious Ready Group arrive off Haiti Coast" »
The Marine Corps will send the North Carolina-based 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to earthquake-ravaged Haiti as part of an extensive U.S. relief plan for the island nation, the service’s top officer said Thursday.
Continue reading "Conway: 22nd MEU tapped for earthquake relief" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — The Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is deploying to Haiti to assist in disaster relief efforts in the wake of an earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation January 12.
Continue reading "22nd MEU deploys in support of Haiti relief effort" »
Troops from Camp Lejeune’s 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit may be called to Haiti to assist in disaster relief efforts, as base officials report that all units are at the ready and waiting for word from the commander-in-chief about upcoming missions.
Continue reading "24th MEU awaits call to assist in Haiti" »
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HASSANABAD, Afghanistan -- In the middle of a foot patrol Saturday through what may be the most dangerous part of the most dangerous province in Afghanistan for U.S. troops, Staff Sgt. John Nickerson peered through the scope of his assault rifle at a group of Afghan men who were rolling a wheelbarrow toward him.
Continue reading "In Taliban stronghold, U.S. medics win friends for Marines" »
CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines — Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit traveled to Baguio City, Philippines, to deliver food and clothing to landslide victims Oct. 4.
USS DENVER AT SEA, (Oct. 20, 2009) – — A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter hovers 20-feet above the ground, as Marines below link it to a cargo net filled with relief supplies. A signalman from Landing Support Platoon (LS Plt.) gestures to the pilot and the helicopter takes off baring the 14,000-pound load.
Continue reading "Red Patchers, Dragons provide essential assets" »
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Civil Affairs Marines with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, visited a local school here, Oct. 8, to talk with teachers about refurbishing their schoolhouse.
Continue reading "Civil Affairs Marines Turn Attention to Improving Local Schoolhouse" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Japan, Oct. 2, 2009 – The U.S. military is providing critically needed disaster-relief supplies to mitigate suffering and prevent further loss of life in the wake of Tropical Storm Ketsana, which struck the Philippines on Sept. 25.
Continue reading "Marines, Sailors Bring Aid to Philippines" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Bullets were spraying down range at Gunnery Sgt. Christopher J. Clookey and his platoon during spring 2008 in Afghanistan. With a wounded Marine needing helicopter evacuation, Clookey purposely exposed himself to enemy fire in order to locate the direction of their fire. After pinpointing the enemy, he led his Marines to destroy the opposing force’s position. Afterward, Clookey was able to mark the landing zone to evacuate the injured Marine and save his life.
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — When Staff Sgt. Chavis P. Bowers began his morning commute Sept. 22, he had no idea just how important his combat lifesaver training would be that day.
Continue reading "Marines save elderly man in car accident" »
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A Marine with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, nicknamed the Vipers, recently received one of the highest honors of a Marine aviator for acts of heroism during Operating Iraqi Freedom.
Continue reading "Viper Pilot Earns Distinguished Flying Cross" »
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII —
First Lt. Rebecca M. Turpin received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device at Combat Logistics Battalion 3’s Warriors’ Field Sept. 4, for her actions under enemy fire during the battalion’s last deployment to Afghanistan from October 2008 to May 2009.
Continue reading "54 Hours of Valor: female Marine awarded Combat V" »
The town of Newtok, Alaska — population 350 — is sinking. Rising Arctic temperatures mean the nearby Ninglick River is growing, the permafrost on which the town stands is melting, and the tiny village doesn’t have much time left.
Continue reading "Joint team to relocate entire Alaskan town" »
BRIDGEPORT, Calif. — For as long as anyone who knows him can remember, Alex Saldivar has been fascinated by the Marine Corps. The slight framed 14-year-old who grew up in Bridgeport, Calif., watching Marines come and go is Autistic and suffers from Bipolar Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder—a combination of disabilities which mean his dream was destined to remain just beyond his grasp.
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — In nearly identical incidents seven weeks apart, quick thinking by two Marine combat instructors prevented likely catastrophic injuries when fragmentation grenades tossed by two students didn’t clear a wall.
Continue reading "SOI instructors recognized for saving students" »
CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq — Sittin’ in the desert, a thousand miles away from home, Lance Cpl. Stephen D. Davis, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, thinks about his lifetime and all the songs he wrote.
Continue reading "From country roots to combat boots, Marine sings his patriotism" »
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq —
Female Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), have been participating in civil affairs missions with the Civil Affairs Group 10, 2nd Marine Division for approximately three months in various cities surrounding Camp Korean Village, Iraq
Continue reading "Lionesses work to improve community in local Iraq city" »
CHICAGO — Lance Cpl. Sean R. Padfield, hardly ever gets the chance to show his family what he does in the Marine Corps. With Marine Week Chicago in full swing he’s taking advantage of the opportunity, including a static display at Sears Holdings today.
CHICAGO — Approximately 1000 people, including 800 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps’ cadets from the local area attended one of two performances by “The Commandant’s Own” U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps and Silent Drill Platoon at the historic Soldier Field Wednesday despite overcast skies and rain.
Continue reading "Local JROTC students attend Battle Color Detachment performance" »
CHICAGO —
About 25 Marines, many from the Chicago-based 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines—a reserve infantry battalion — joined other volunteers at the Cornerstone Community Center in Chicago to help feed the needy and clean-up the facility today
Continue reading "Giving back to the community one ‘cornerstone’ at a time" »
CHICAGO — Electricity filled the air as the eager crowd of hundreds waited with anticipation for the United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment to begin their performance at Oak Park & River Forest High School, Oak Park, Ill., yesterday evening as part of Marine Week Chicago.
CHICAGO —
In a sun-lit room of the Ida Ndyes Study Lounge in the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, three Marine Corps general officers held a panel in front of students and faculty members yesterday afternoon as part of Marine Week Chicago.
Continue reading "High ranking officers talk, answer questions at local university" »
CHICAGO —
The Marine Corps provided some local news reporters with the chance of a lifetime today allowing them to fly in a MV-22 Osprey.
Continue reading "MV-22 Osprey in full flight in ‘Windy City’" »
CHICAGO —
A brass quintet with the Twentynine Palms Marine Band shared their music knowledge and answered questions about opportunities in the Marine Corps as musicians after performing at Roberto Clemente High School here today.
Continue reading "Party of five rocks West Side Chicago high school music class" »
Marine combat marksmanship instructors from Weapons Training Battalion in Quantico, Va., trained with city police officers in tactical and pistol marksmanship at the Chicago Police Education and Training Academy here Tuesday.
Continue reading "Marines trade marksmanship tactics with Chicago Police Department" »
Hickory resident provides another memory for Gold Star families
HICKORY - Russ Meade knows the power of a ballot.
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2009 – Surfs up! Military children of wounded or fallen servicemembers will be able to catch their first wave this summer, thanks to Freedom Is Not Free, a California-based troop-support group.
Continue reading "'Little Warriors' Surf Camp to Host 100 Military Children" »
JOSHUA TREE — Korean War veteran and Navy Cross recipient Richard Blasongame raised his American flag on a sturdy new pole Wednesday thanks to help from the United States Marines and some clandestine calls by a fellow veteran.
MANAMA, Bahrain – Marines and Sailors assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) spent the day playing with children from the Alia School for Early Intervention in Bahrain March, 24.
Continue reading "Marines and Sailors Volunteer at Children’s Center" »
Federal investigators began going through the wreckage Sunday of a small plane that crashed at a Marine Corps base, injuring the three men aboard.
Continue reading "Good Samaritans Pull Crash Victims from Wreckage" »
SIGONELLA, Sicily — Sailors from USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit volunteered to clean up the Cassa Della Beneficenza Orphanage March 5 in Floridia, Sicily.
Continue reading "Sailors, Marines from USS Iwo Jima clean up Sicilian oprphanage" »
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — A Navy medic has received the Silver Star medal for heroic action during an ambush on a foot patrol in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Lejeune petty officer receives Silver Star" »
The pressure is on for hundreds of volunteers who plan to build a playground in four days.
The Marines have landed at Aikahi Playground, some 360 of them from Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe, to help with an ambitious task; start building a playground Friday and finish it by Monday.
Continue reading "Volunteers Work to Build New Playground in 3 Days" »
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2009 – Sixteen million new toys were distributed to 7.6 million children over the Christmas holiday through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots Successful Despite Slow Economy" »
(11-10) 04:00 PST Lake Forest, Orange County -- A half-dozen off-duty Marines who raced through a burning motel on Sunday warning sleeping guests that it was on fire were hailed as lifesaving heroes.
Continue reading "Marines save the day in Orange County fire" »
Blaze destroys Americas Best Value Inn in Lake Forest.
LAKE FOREST - Residents of a Lake Forest motel are crediting six on-leave Camp Pendleton Marines with saving their lives when a fire broke out Sunday in the motel.
Continue reading "Fast-acting Marines save lives in motel fire" »
LAKE FOREST, Calif. — A half-dozen off-duty Marines who raced through a burning motel on Sunday warning sleeping guests that it was on fire were hailed as lifesaving heroes.
Continue reading "Marines Credited With Rescue at California Motel Fire" »
In a few short weeks, U.S. Marine Dawid Pietrek was supposed to be coming home after his tour overseas ended.
Continue reading "Virginia Marine running in honor of fallen Bensenville comrade" »
CAMP BARBER, Afghanistan – When it was announced that more Marines were needed to support Task Force 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in Afghanistan, close to 300 Marines raised their hands and volunteered.
Continue reading "Marching to the ‘sound of the guns’ – more Marines deploy to Afghanistan" »
Toys"R"Us, Inc. today announced the launch of its "Make A Difference" campaign to support the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation's annual toy drive.
Continue reading "Annual Toys for Tots Campaign Kicks Off" »
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. —
Marines and corpsman have fought battles, trained, played and saved lives together since the establishment of the Navy Hospital Corps in 1898. This rapport was proven yet again on the morning of July 15.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (July 9, 2008) — A North Carolina based Marine was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal here July 9 for his actions in apprehending a prisoner who escaped from an Ozark County, Mo., courthouse June 10.
New River sandbars offer good raft training
There's more than one way to cross a river.
U-TAPAO ROYAL THAI AIRFIELD, Thailand — — Using C-130 aircrafts, the U.S. Marine Corps has continued to send relief supplies to Burma in the wake of Cyclone Nargis, a storm that ravaged the country May 3 killing thousands and destroying crops and infrastructure.
However, many of the supplies can not make it to areas severely affected due to impassable roadways.
Continue reading "3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade showcases helicopter relief capabilities" »
ELNORA, Ind. — Approximately 140 Marines and sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit were called into action here after state and local agencies requested their assistance to fortify a levee in imminent danger of being overrun by the floodwaters which have devastated the area.
Continue reading "Marines, Ind. Nat'l Guard fight back storm waters, help save local town" »
JAKARTA, Indonesia - Three U.S. Navy ships are sailing toward Myanmar, ready to deliver aid to cyclone victims if the country's military rulers allow it, a top American commander said Monday.
Continue reading "US Navy ships move closer to Myanmar, ready to help if asked: commander" »
Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived off the coast of southern Thailand on Thursday to participate in Cobra Gold 2008, a multinational exercise focusing on regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance projects.
Continue reading "31st MEU arrives in Thailand for Cobra Gold" »
WASHINGTON - The governing military junta in Myanmar has agreed to allow a single U.S. cargo aircraft to bring in relief supplies for victims of a devastating cyclone, the Bush administration said Friday.
Continue reading "US official: 1 shipment to be allowed to Myanmar" »
Military regime allows in supplies, but visas stalled for relief workers
YANGON, Myanmar - After snubbing a U.S. aid offer, Myanmar indicated Friday that it wants foreign relief to help recover from a devastating cyclone but not foreign workers.
Continue reading "Myanmar junta accept aid, not aid workers" »
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday the U.S. military was stepping up preparations for a relief mission in Myanmar, but he said he couldn't imagine air dropping aid without permission from the closed regime.
Continue reading "Pentagon proceeding cautiously on potential aid drop" »
President Bush on Tuesday urged the military junta leaders in Myanmar to accept assistance from U.S. Navy ships and Marine forces in the region poised to help the nation recover from a devastating cyclone.
Troops repair vacant public housing units in effort 'to give back'
Some 90 Marines took a break from weapons and combat training yesterday to pick up mops, paintbrushes, sponges and Spackle as they refurbished 30 vacant public housing units.
WASHINGTON, May 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Navy ships are standing by off Thailand awaiting permission to join relief efforts in cyclone-hit Myanmar, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
Continue reading "U.S. navy ready to help cyclone-ravaged Myanmar" »
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Navy ships, including an amphibious assault ship with helicopters and US marines, are standing by off Thailand awaiting permission to join relief efforts in cyclone-hit Myanmar, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
Continue reading "US ships standing by for Myanmar relief: Pentagon" »
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US and Australia led international calls Tuesday for the military junta in Myanmar to ease entry restrictions to allow disaster relief to reach the cyclone-hit country.
Continue reading "US leads pressure on Myanmar to allow in disaster relief" »
FATULIA, Timor-Leste — Though food, cloths and shelter are known as the three essentials, education is a top priority. Killing two birds with one stone is always better, so when building a school and replacing the roof on another provides the shelter needed to harbor long lasting education, there are few operations more important.
Continue reading "31st MEU Marines, Australian Soldiers work to shelter education" »
CAMP CHAUVEL, Timor Leste —
CAMP CHAUVEL, Timor Leste — More than 100 Marines and sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor) between April 12-14, to participate in a ten-day multiple site medical, dental and engineering civic assistance project and community relations event throughout the country.
Continue reading "31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives in Timor-Leste to spread goodwill" »
The UPS Store in Sehome Village has teamed up with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to announce its first yearround initiative, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.
Continue reading "UPS, Marines begin year-round Toys for Tots Literacy Program" »
MONROVIA, Liberia — The streets were lined with hundreds of smiling faces and thumbs-up signs. Happy shouts of "Marines!" were directed towards a humanitarian assistance convoy of two seven-ton trucks and several humvees laden with thousands of dollars worth of hospital and school supplies making their way slowly through the city of Monrovia, Liberia.
Continue reading "Sea-based Marines deliver humanitarian supplies to Liberians" »
PERSIAN GULF - Amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) set a new bone marrow drive record for the C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program March 11 through 17.
AKASHAT, Iraq (March 9, 2008) -- A little Iraqi girl cried from the pain caused by chemical burns from an accident in her home that covered her chest, shoulder and the left side of her face.
Staff Sgt. Darren Smiley was sitting at Thanksgiving dinner in 2006 when he made a decision: He needed to see if he could help a man he barely knew by giving up a kidney.
Continue reading "Marine donates kidney to man he barely knew" »
If you know someone who is committed 24/7, here is your chance to nominate them to receive the Military Times’ Service Member of the Year Award. Previous winners have cited their award as one of the highlights of their military career or some such copy to be inserted here by marketing.
Montgomery, Ala. (WSFA) -- Brianne Staub will never forget when she first heard the story.
Continue reading "Young Iraqi Girl Receives Heart Surgery because of Alabama Marines" »
PORT CHESTER, N.Y., Dec 20, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- With more than 1 million visitors expected at http://www.toysfortots.org/ this December, they will now see free Month2Month.com eCards as a major sponsor along side Best Buy, Coca Cola and Toys R' Us. When these eCards are sent and received, it triggers a cash contribution to Toys for Tots.
Continue reading "Marines Toys for Tots Website now Features Free eCards that Contribute Cash" »
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 20, 2007) -- Five Marines from Combat Instructor Company gave up their weekend liberty Sunday to spread holiday cheer and show Marine Corps support to a special group of kids and their families at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Dec. 12, 2007) -- The holiday season is a time of giving for 2nd Medical Battalion, who kicked their season off spreading Christmas cheer.
BAY OF BENGAL, Bangladesh (Dec. 7, 2007) -- Reconnaissance Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) used their unique skills to help bring food, water and basic medical treatment to thousands of Bangladeshis during humanitarian assistance and relief efforts here this week.
Continue reading "Recon plays key role in humanitarian relief" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Dec. 7, 2007) -- The throaty rumble of more than 130 motorcycles paraded through the air station with toys fastened to their storage racks to be delivered at the 60th annual Toys for Tots campaign kickoff at the Hornet’s Nest here Sunday morning.
Continue reading "60th Toys for Tots campaign takes spin in Iwakuni" »
ABOARD USS TARAWA, Bangladesh: U.S. military help in relief operations in cyclone-battered Bangladesh ended Thursday but civilian efforts will continue, officials from the two countries said.
KAALAPARA, Bangladesh(Dec. 6, 2007) -- By working together liaison officers from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Goup 3 and Bangladesh Army Medical Corps are making Operation Sea Angel II a success.
Continue reading "Liaison officers clear obstacles in Bangladesh disaster relief" »
USS TARAWA, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) provided medical aid on Dec. 4 in Bangladesh for those affected by the recent cyclone.
Continue reading "USS Tarawa and 11th MEU Provide Medical Aid to Bangladesh Residents" »
DHAKA, Bangladesh (Nov. 27, 2007) -- The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade staff arrived here Nov. 23 to begin leading U.S. military relief efforts in the wake of Cyclone Sidr, which ravaged the country’s southern coast Nov. 15.
Continue reading "3rd MEB arrives in Bangladesh to aid Sidr victims" »
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE (Nov. 24, 2007) -- On Nov. 15, Tropical Cyclone Sidr ripped across the coast of Bangladesh, killed over 3,000 people, left several hundred thousand people homeless, and ravaged the local crops and infrastructure. In response to the government of Bangladesh’s request for assistance, elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) embarked aboard USS Kearsarge traveled approximately 3,500 statute miles from the Sea of Bengal and is now providing disaster relief to the region.
Continue reading "22nd MEU (SOC) kicks off Bangladesh humanitarian relief efforts" »
In support of the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Relief, and in cooperation with the humanitarian community and Bangladesh government, U.S. Pacific Command is providing additional humanitarian assistance to reduce further loss of life and mitigate human suffering resulting from Tropical Cyclone Sidr that recently swept through Bangladesh causing massive flooding and infrastructure damage.
Continue reading "Department of Defense to Provide Humanitarian Assistance to Bangladesh" »
DHAKA (AFP) — US marines arrived to bolster relief efforts in Bangladesh on Friday as concerns mounted for survivors of killer Cyclone Sidr which devastated the disaster-prone nation more than a week ago.
Continue reading "US marines join cyclone aid effort in Bangladesh" »
U.S. Marines have begun to help survivors of a killer cyclone in Bangladesh which has left thousands without adequate food and clean drinking water, a U.S. Embassy spokesman said Nov. 23.
Continue reading "U.S. Marines Join Cyclone Relief Ops in Bangladesh" »
In support of the United States Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Relief, and in cooperation with the humanitarian community and Bangladesh government, U.S. Pacific Command is providing additional humanitarian assistance to reduce further loss of life and mitigate human suffering resulting from Tropical Cyclone Sidr that recently swept through Bangladesh causing massive flooding and infrastructure damage.
Continue reading "Department of Defense to Provide Humanitarian Assistance to Bangladesh" »
A pair of Marine helicopters lifted from the USS Kearsarge flight deck today with loads of bottled water, marking the first delivery of U.S. military aid to the storm-battered nation of Bangladesh.
Continue reading "Marines Deliver Water to Cyclone-Stricken Bangladesh" »
U.S. Pacific Command has sent a 23-man Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team from the III Marine Expeditionary Force on Okinawa to the southern coast of Bangladesh after a powerful cyclone struck the region, according to a III MEF/Marine Corps Bases Japan press release.
Continue reading "Okinawa Marines to assess deadly cyclone damage" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2007 – If asked, American troops stand ready to help the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, Pentagon officials said today.
Continue reading "U.S. Troops Stand Ready for Bangladesh Cyclone Relief" »
WASHINGTON (AFP) — Two US amphibious assault ships are bringing nearly 3,500 marines and more than 30 helicopters to help with relief efforts in Bangladesh, US military officials said Tuesday.
Continue reading "US navy sends marines, helicopters to Bangladesh disaster" »
Washington / Dhaka, Nov 17 (ANI): Two US Navy amphibious assault ships are on their way to Bangladesh to help authorities in relief and rescue operations after the powerful Cyclone Sidr lashed the country’s south and south-western regions on Thursday night.
Continue reading "US ships on way to provide relief for cyclone-hit Bangladesh" »
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan (Nov. 2, 2007) -- Coordinators and volunteers with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program on Okinawa will be working overtime during the holiday season to extend the reach of the 60-year-old charity in the region.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots program expands giving boundaries" »
LOS ANGELES —
The U.S. Marines agreed Thursday to train with state firefighters, in a move that could get more water-dropping helicopters into the air when wildfires break out.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Oct. 25, 2007) -- Marines here joined disaster-relief efforts for California wildfires Monday night by supplying food, water and hundreds of cots to residents on the base and in surrounding communities.
Continue reading "Camp Pendleton Marines aid in California wildfire relief" »
One Marine Corps League detachment is changing its game plan this holiday season after popular toy makers such as Mattel and Fisher Price recalled more than 10 million toys manufactured in China.
CAMP FUJI, Japan (July 12, 2007) -- Since he was four-years-old, Akira Tanaka has visited the Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji to interact with the Marines and sailors here, who he said he likes to call his family.
Continue reading "Fuji Marines, sailors continue relationship with local orphanage" »
Ten-year supporter Jerry Turner hails it as "one of the most amazing nonprofit organizations in existence." More than 10,000 children in the Tennessee Valley know it as Santa Claus every Dec. 25.
AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (July 1, 2007) -- In the United States things can be relatively simple. If someone is ill, he goes to the doctor. If a person is very ill, then they go to the hospital.
Continue reading "Soldiers, Marines pour their hearts into helping local Iraqi boys" »
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO (June 15, 2007) -- Students at Bayview Terrace Elementary held a Military Appreciation Field Day June 1, where they learned the importance of proper nutrition and fitness.
Continue reading "Marines share fitness, health tips with local elementary schools" »
CAMP LESTER, Okinawa (June 15, 2007) -- Officials with the Armed Service Blood Program are looking for donors to contribute blood to bolster their depleting supply.
BRISBANE, Australia – Sailors aboard USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and embarked Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) took a different kind of off-ship liberty June 7, during their four-day port visit to Brisbane, Australia.
Continue reading "Tortuga enhances community relations in Brisbane" »
CIFUNCHO, Chile (June 9, 2007) -- Building cooperation and support through humanitarian missions as well as training, Marines of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 24 joined Chilean counterparts in distributing donated items to the needy this week.
Continue reading "Task Force 24 reaches out to Chilean needy" »
DOUDA VILLAGE, Djibouti, May 21, 2007 — The Douda village primary school received some help recently when members from Camp Lemonier helped repair the school’s library.
FALLUJAH, Iraq(May 20, 2007) -- Children crowded the doorways to their classrooms May 16, eager to catch a glimpse of Marines and Iraqi Police, their latest visitors during a visit to their school.
Continue reading "Marines, Iraqi Police spread goodwill, soccer balls to Iraqi school" »
ALMA, Mich. — A U.S. Marine drowned after saving two children who were swimming off Atlantic Beach in North Carolina, the military said.
Continue reading "Marine Drowns Saving 2 Boys Off North Carolina Beach" »
CAMP PENDLETON – More than 300 Marines with the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines at Camp Pendleton stuck their toes into new leather sandals on Wednesday, courtesy of Rainbow Sandals.
ESCONDIDO – A popular bumper sticker emblazoned with the Marine Corps emblem reads: “When it absolutely, positively has to be destroyed overnight.”
GRAND RAPIDS — More than two hundred boxes filled the auditorium of the Marine Reserve Center of Grand Rapids today.
Continue reading "Local Marines Send Medical Supplies To Iraq" »
CAMP HABBANIYAH, Iraq -- "She is our future... that's why we support the Iraqi Police, so they can provide a secure future for (Iraqi children)," said Lt. Col. Bob McCarthy, a 41-year-old Police Transition Team Leader from East Bridgewater, Mass., in response to an Iraqi tribal leader's gratitude toward U.S. forces for their efforts to save an Iraqi youth named Riyam Shihan.
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Local marine corps are bringing joy to children by the humvee load today. This is part of the Toys For Tots program. They delivered hundreds of toys and books to children at Highlands Elementary on the Northside. The kids were excited to climb on the trucks and hang out with the marines, and it reminded them to be thankful.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots: Local Marines Deliver Toys to Elementary School" »
(Dec. 8) - The story of a group of Marines' quest to save a sick baby in war-torn Iraq gives some hope to humanity this holiday season.
The Marines have landed. In a Wal-Mart, that is.
Continue reading "Local Marines and residents pick out items for Toys for Tots" »
Talk about a refreshing turnabout in circumstances.
Unto death, platoon fulfills a mission in Iraq
It was a routine patrol, in the third week of June -- if, in fact, there is such a thing as a routine patrol in Fallujah, in the Anbar Province of Iraq.
Chris Walsh, a Navy medic assigned to a US Marines weapons company, was riding in a Humvee with three Marines, when a hidden bomb exploded in the dirt road just in front of them.
AL MADINAH, Iraq (Oct. 23, 2006) -- Marines with 4th Civil Affairs Group, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), and soldiers with Able Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion of the 136th Infantry Regiment, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), accompanied Maj. Gen Tariq Abdul Wahab Jasin, Commanding General of the 1st Iraqi Army Division to visit a recently opened school in Al Madinah As Siyahiyah (Tourist Town) and distribute supplies to the children October 9.
Continue reading "Coalition forces open up school, issue supplies" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2006) -- More oft than not, Marines will jump at a chance to help others in need. Such was the case with Lance Cpl. Gilbert Cabrera, a weather observer with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s intelligence section.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2006) -- More oft than not, Marines will jump at a chance to help others in need. Such was the case with Lance Cpl. Gilbert Cabrera, a weather observer with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s intelligence section.
Marine Staff Sgt. Rudy Perez isn't due to get off duty until midnight, but by 7:30 this evening, his day feels complete.
"I see the weight lifted," says Sergeant Perez, watching a sedate but glowing reunion of wounded Cpl.Brian Smith and his family at the National Naval Medical Center.
Continue reading "*Backstory: A softer side of the Marines" »
Somebody's Trapped in There!
As a U.S. marine corps drill instructor, Jamie Nicholson had a tough-as-leather scowl and a cannon-like voice that could drain the color right out of the faces of his new recruits. Whether driving his platoon on a 12-mile hike with 45-pound packs or ordering them to plunge fully dressed from a tower into water ten feet below, he pushed the young soldiers ceaselessly. As Marines he taught them to act decisively and effectively, even in the midst of chaos.
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 9, 2006) -- “America’s Battalion” Marines made a midnight run to rush to the aid of a seven-year-old Iraqi girl after she fell from a three-story building Sept. 9.
Continue reading "‘America’s Battalion’ makes midnight run to aid seven-year-old Iraqi girl" »
CAMP AL QA'IM, Iraq (Aug. 28, 2006) -- After befriending Marines and sailors serving in this region of Iraq, a 12-year-old Iraqi girl who is in need of a kidney and liver transplant is now in a life-or-death struggle.
A Marine who grew up in Mayfair has been in the thick of the formation of a soccer league in western Iraq - part of a resurgence of the game all over the country.
Continue reading "Philly Marine kick-starts soccer in Iraq" »
A Marine who grew up in Mayfair has been in the thick of the formation of a soccer league in western Iraq - part of a resurgence of the game all over the country.
Continue reading "Philly Marine kick-starts soccer in Iraq" »
SOROTI, Uganda - More than 40 United States military medics and engineers joined forces with several dozen members of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) this week to begin a series of humanitarian assistance projects in the rural Soroti District of Central Uganda.
Continue reading "Uganda and U.S. Military Team up to Provide Humanitarian Assistance" »
FIVE HILLS TRAINING CENTER, Mongolia -- The Five Hills Training Center is about an hours drive through the countryside outside the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. The name, at first glance, almost seems misleading because for as far as the eye can see the site is surrounded by more than five hills.
BEIRUT, Lebanon - U.S. Marines landed in Beirut Thursday to help evacuate Americans onto a Navy ship bound for Cyprus in the second mass U.S exodus from the battle-torn country. About 40 U.S. Marines arrived at a beach just north of Beirut in a landing craft and picked up 300 Americans who they ferried to the amphibious assault ship USS Nashville just off the coast.
NAHA CITY, OKINAWA, Japan (June 23, 2006) -- The Japan Good Conduct Association recognized Marines, sailors and Okinawans for their contributions to the Okinawan community at the Japan Agriculture Mawashi Center June 17.
Continue reading "Marines receive Japan Good Conduct Award" »
AL ASAD, Iraq - Two Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 run during a half marathon June 3, at Al Asad, Iraq. The run was in support of the Susan J. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Race for the Cure. Fourteen Marines ran 14 miles and earned $240 dollars to go towards breast cancer research. MWSS-274 operates under Marine Wing Support Group 37 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
BANTUL, Indonesia - International relief teams had yet to reach remote areas of Indonesia's quake-zone Thursday, where newly reported deaths from last weekend's disaster raised the toll to more than 6,200, officials said.
Continue reading "Aid doesn't reach remote parts of quake zone" »
BANTUL, Indonesia (AP) -- U.S. Marines joined an international effort Tuesday to deliver aid and medical equipment to some 200,000 Indonesians left homeless by a devastating earthquake, as hopes faded of finding more survivors.
Continue reading "Marines join Indonesia quake relief effort" »
CAMP SMITTY, Iraq(March 16, 2006) -- An Iraqi family had just set the noon meal on the table when some unexpected visitors knocked on their front door.
Continue reading "Darkhorse Marines deliver new wheelchair to Iraqi girl" »
CAMP SMITTY, Iraq(March 14, 2006) -- Marines and Soldiers attached to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment recently made a special delivery to the future of Iraq – the children.
Continue reading "Marines bring computers, web access to Iraqi schools" »
SOUTHERN LEYTE, Philippines (Feb. 24, 2006) -- Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's MEU Service Support Group 31 have been offloading supplies from both helicopters and trucks in the municipality of St. Bernard since Feb. 19.
SOUTHERN LEYTE, Philippines (Feb. 24, 2006) -- Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's MEU Service Support Group 31 have been working directly with Philippine Marines since Feb. 22 in support of humanitarian operations being conducted here.
Continue reading "31st MEU, Philippine Marines work shoulder-to-shoulder" »
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — U.S. troops are pushing themselves to the limits to dig for survivors of a massive mudslide in the Philippines.
ST BERNARD (AFP) - Fresh from the Iraq confict and headed for war games in the Philippines, hundreds of US Marines have instead found themselves digging through the mud in an attempt to save hundreds of landslide victims.
Continue reading "US Marines quit war games for landslide rescue" »
SANKABAR, Ethiopia - This is the war on terrorism that most Americans haven’t heard of:
A few days after Christmas, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Adam Reed rode into the parched, hungry village of Sankabar with a present: A new water pump. This month, Reed returned to the village, where elders gleefully showed the soldier from Sidon, Miss., what the simple irrigation system had brought: budding green fields of corn, bananas and oranges, the most promising crops in years.
MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (Jan. 24, 2006) -- The colossal earthquake that violently shook Pakistan Oct. 8, 2005, destroyed more than buildings and homes.
The earthquake wiped out critical supply routes to Pakistanis. The open skies offered the only unobstructed route. (3rd Transportation Support Bn 3rd MLG)
Continue reading "Helo team provides essential supplies to earthquake victims" »
Shinkiari, PAKISTAN (Jan. 24, 2006) -- Navy physicians with the U.S. Field Hospital Shinkiari officially treated 23,000 patients Jan. 18 when they tended to an 11-month old girl suffering from pediatric sepsis, high fever and severe loss of appetite.
Continue reading "U.S. field hospitals in Pakistan pass 23,000-patient mark" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 – Humanitarian efforts continue in Afghanistan as coalition forces helped remove snow from impassable roads and built "hygiene facilities" at a small school. In addition, international diplomats visited a provincial reconstruction team Jan. 21.
Continue reading "U.S., Coalition Efforts Helping Improve Afghanistan" »
AMRAN, Yemen, Jan. 13, 2006 – More than 780 animals received free medical care recently during a veterinary civil action plan event here.
While the number of animals treated was lower than in past VetCAPs held by the task force, team members said they felt the mission to assist local villagers was a definite success.
Continue reading "Troops Give Work Animals Free Medical Care in Yemen" »
PLAINVILLE -- Most years, there are about 200 Marines to sort and distribute 50,000 toys for the state's largest Toys for Tots drive. But after most were deployed to fight in Iraq this year, only seven remained to finish a job that would test the most dexterous of Santa's elves.
Continue reading "Marines Call In Reinforcements For Toy Detail" »
A Lake Stevens group was unable to get about 300 presents it had requested for children in need.
LAKE STEVENS - Santa may be left holding an empty bag for hundreds of children because the Toys for Tots warehouse is empty.
From the first day of boot camp, a Marine is part of a team, rarely serving or fighting alone. That ends when a Marine is severely injured in combat and rushed from the field for medical care. Those without family to care for them at home can find themselves alone with no place to go.
Continue reading "N.C. Marine Barracks Helps Wounded Troops" »
The Joint Staff has authorized the award of the Humanitarian Service Medal and Armed Forces Service Medal to soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard — active, Guard and Reserve — who participated in relief operations for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
"They gave their life fighting for our Country...
now it is our turn to take care of their Children"
With the ongoing global war against terrorism and the continuing war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the goal of the Vail Armed Forces Week, is to raise funds for Recognized Military Foundations, providing educational scholarships, for the children who have lost a parent or was seriously wounded while serving our country. For this years event 90% of the net proceeds from the weeks event will be equally distributed to the
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
and
Naval Special Warfare Foundation.
The balance of 10% to be donated to a Army Foundation still to be selected.
After Hurricane Katrina ripped through Kathleen Faircloth's home, the single woman in Mobile, Ala., desperately needed help.
Continue reading "Marines come to aid of Katrina victim mom who lost her son in Iraq" »
When Hurricane Katrina hit, it didn't take long for Union County residents to respond. I've written about a few who have helped. Here are a few more stories:
Continue reading "Marine veterans mobilize to help Katrina victims" »
DALLAS, Texas (October 6, 2005) -- A headquarters Marine was recently decorated for his role in the re-establishment of the district's computer and communications systems following a catastrophic hurricane that forced the evacuation of New Orleans.
Continue reading "District administrator recognized for hurricane recovery efforts" »
MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2005) -- In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina federal, state and local agencies dispatched teams of personnel to provide much needed assistance to the thousands of evacuees who were forced to leave the cities along the Gulf Coast to include New Orleans, which was nearly destroyed.
Continue reading "MCLB Barstow employees help provide much needed assistance for Katrina victims" »
A Marine rifle platoon from Camp Lejeune, N.C., and sailors from Naples, Italy, set sail Wednesday for a six-week training mission in western Africa. (1/8)
Continue reading "Marines, sailors traveling to West Africa for training mission" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Oct. 1, 2005) -- Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, stepped off USS Iwo Jima and on to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune, N.C., today as Special Purpose Marine Air/Ground Task Force St. Bernard’s Parish concluded operations in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. (1/8 2/10 E Battery and 2nd CEB)
Continue reading "Beirut Battalion concludes contribution to hurricane relief" »
The Marines from Richards-Gebaur who deployed to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina were scheduled to return to Kansas City by this weekend.
NAVAL AIR STATION NEW ORLEANS, La., Sept. 30, 2005 – A specially tailored Marine task force ordered to the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is headed home after wrapping up its work in some of the region's most devastated communities.
Continue reading "Marines Complete Hurricane-Relief Mission" »
ST. BERNARD PARISH, La. (Sept. 30, 2005) -- On Aug. 29, Hurricane Katrina made landfall and left a path of destruction along the Gulf Coast from the panhandle of Florida to the Mississippi Delta.
Continue reading "Marines head home after hurricane hitch" »
CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan (Sept. 28, 2005) -- Students from Kinser Elementary School show off some of the money they have collected to support the ongoing relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, the most destructive tropical storm in recorded U.S. history, in the school’s lunchroom Sept. 28.
Continue reading "Kinser students donate money for Katrina assistance" »
Shelters Go To FEMA For Command And Operation Centers
Continue reading "Base-X, Inc. Donates Nearly $100,000 In Shelters To Hurricane Relief Efforts" »
DELCAMBRE, La. — There comes a point when the exhilaration of being rescued from your home fades into the reality of an uncertain future. Albert St. Pierre hit that wall on a sunny, wind-whipped Sunday evening the day after Hurricane Rita turned sections of Louisiana's low-lying coastal parishes into flooded ruins...
"If a Marine doesn't have a mission, he'll create one," Cope says...
Continue reading "Dismay overshadows relief as rescued survey wreckage" »
NEW IBERIA, LA.-- (Sept. 26, 3005) -- The Marines of the 4th Anti-Terrorism Battalion voluntarily mobilized from their reserve headquarters in Bessemer, Al., to lend a helping hand to the city of New Orleans after Katrina crashed through the metropolis. Starting in Biloxi, Miss., the storm chasers made a sweep south to the Gulf of Mexico and following Hurricane Rita, started moving east to their final destination in New Iberia, La. From there, they decided to stick around to see what kind of punch Hurricane Rita would pack.
September has been a difficult month for Americans.We watched in horror the catastrophic wrath of Hurricane Katrina as she decimated the Gulf Coast of the United States.
Continue reading "Celebrity events offer some welcome relief" »
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii — (Sept. 23, 2005) -- He had flown in for a conference, but 13 hours later found himself in Katrina’s path.
MARINE CORPS MOUNTAIN WARFARE TRAINING CENTER, BRIDGEPORT, Calif.(Sept. 23, 2005) -- To most, the devastating images from television news reports of Hurricane Katrina that ravaged New Orleans and outlying areas with category five force, are just that — images.
Continue reading "Born on the bayou: Sergeant rallies around support" »
NAVAL AIR STATION-JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 23, 2005) -- While Hurricane Rita continues to elude experts on her exact landfall position in the Texas Gulf Coast region the Leathernecks of Fort Worth, Texas based Marine Aircraft Group 41 continue a high-paced contingency of aviation assets to support the Katrina-battered regions of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Marines from the east are still on the move in Louisiana and Mississippi helping those along the gulf coast. They are there to support those who have to rebuild their lives. From the moment crates of water and food are loaded into the belly of helicopters, hundreds of marines are ready to move supplies to those who need it, but there are challenges. (1/8 Marines)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Members of the Camp Kinser Young Marines showed their compassionate side recently as they raised more than $1,000 for the American Red Cross to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
Continue reading "Camp Kinser Young Marines raise $1,155 for Katrina relief" »
Focus: National Security
Focus: Hurricane Relief
Continue reading "President Discusses War on Terror and Hurricane Preparation" »
SLIDELL - They expected to see devastation. They anticipated horrific scenes of overturned cars and homes swallowed by water. But after nearly two exhausting weeks of working 12-hour days to help clean Slidell and area schools, the 100 or so U.S. Marines camping at Bonne Ecole Elementary School never expected to see a Mardi Gras parade.
Continue reading "Slidell thanks Marines who've helped rebuild" »
NEW ORLEANS - Four Soldiers, each with different backgrounds and experiences, have collided in New Orleans with the Ohio Army National Guard’s Company D, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment supporting relief efforts in Louisiana. This mission is not the only experience they have in common. All four of these Citizen-Soldiers spent time deployed overseas in support of the global war on terrorism, although none with the Ohio National Guard. Each sees parallels between “there” and “here.” (entry note:The fourth served in Afghanistan with 3/8 Marines)
Continue reading "Comparing Rescue Operations in NO to Combat Zones" »
At least 16 thousand marines from all over the country are in the gulf coast helping with hurricane Katrina relief efforts. More than 13-thousand are from right here in the east, and more could be on the way. (1/8 Marines included)
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC (Sept. 20, 2005) -- The Marines of H&HS barracks 4035 donated over 150 gallons of water, 100 different hygiene items, 400 food items and 250 clothing items to support victims of Hurricane Katrina Sept. 8 and 9.
Continue reading "H&HS Marines donate goods for Katrina relief" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following statement was released today by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society regarding efforts to assist Sailors, Marines and their families affected by Hurricane Katrina:
The Marines have been doing as much as possible to be active in the community and provide relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Continue reading "Marines remove debris for New Orleans residents" »
ORLEANS PARISH, La. -- When most of us think of Marines, we think of tough guys who have seen it all.
But Camp Lejeune Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit say nothing compares to what they are seeing in and around New Orleans.
Continue reading "Lejeune Marines Liken Flood-Ravaged New Orleans To Iraq" »
Founded in Memory of Marine LCpl. Phillip Frank, by Georgette Frank from Illinois. The Heart Of A Marine Foundation is assisting military families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Visit the web site to learn how you can help.
Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 based in Little Creek, Va., are clearing debris and performing repairs in local areas here affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Hurricane Katrina’s devastation has reached far and wide, and once again Americans are exhibiting their caring nature with donations of food, water and money to the flood-ravaged area.
Continue reading "Wife of HMM-161 Marine aids Katrina victims" »