Family plans to bury Frederick High graduate at Arlington National Cemetery
Kristen Forse will always remember her brother's bravery — on and off the battlefield.
Continue reading "Frederick Marine remembered for bravery" »
The Marines of Bravo Company left their patrol bases early Saturday morning. To their west were the Taliban pickets who defend the outer limits of Marja, an insurgent enclave in Helmand Province. The Marines turned in the opposite direction, heading to Forward Operating Base Spin Ghar, their company command post.
First in Heroes Way program erected at I-70 and Cave Springs
The Interstate 70 interchange at Cave Springs has become a Heroes Way, dedicated to the memory of a St. Charles native killed two years ago while serving in Iraq.
Continue reading "Sign dedicates I-70/Cave Springs interchange to soldier's memory" »
A U.S. Navy Sailor and former University of Texas student was killed in Afghanistan Saturday. According to the Department of Defense, Petty Officer Second Class Xin Qi, 25, died in combat.
Continue reading "Former UT student, Navy sailor died in combat" »
SHOSHARAK, Afghanistan — If luck is the battlefield’s final arbiter — the wild card that can trump fitness, training, teamwork, equipment, character and skill — then Lance Cpl. Ryan T. Mathison experienced its purest and most welcome form.
Continue reading "Foot on Bomb, Marine Defies a Taliban Trap" »
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Worse than turbulence, their truck sways side to side and bumps up and down along a path in Afghanistan. What would be an intolerable ride for most is just something Lance Cpl. Paul N. Krist, a dog handler for 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and his dog Max have accepted as part of the job.
WESTWOOD -- On Christmas Day, Marine Sgt. Christopher Hrbek called home to Bergen County from Afghanistan with the news he had been nominated for a Bronze Star.
Continue reading "Marine from Bergen County killed in Afghanistan will receive Bronze Star" »
CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa — A 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion Marine here received his nation’s second highest award for valor Friday.
Continue reading "Marine awarded Navy Cross for Afghan heroics" »
Family, friends and fellow Marines went to the Chase Parkway Memorial on Wednesday to pay their respects to Corporal Xhacob LaTorre, a proud Marine dedicated to serving his country who lost his life fighting for it.
Continue reading "Family and Friends Say Goodbye to Fallen Marine" »
EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. — A Minnesota family has lost a second Marine in a noncombat incident.
Continue reading "Family loses 2nd Marine in noncombat incident" »
COMBAT OUTPOST NUKHAYB, Iraq – In a small corner of Iraq known as Combat Outpost Nukhayb, Marines fended for themselves in the chow hall for some time. When they got a hankering for some down-home cooking, someone whipped up a meal on the four-burner stove, but without much extra time in their busy schedules, many found solace in the microwave oven. Cpl. Ryan Schmidt, a cook with Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, intends to make a few changes to the menu.
Continue reading "Cookin' Up a Dust Storm: Marine Puts TLC Back Into Chow" »
Lance Cpl. Justin Swanson was killed Nov. 10 when a bomb exploded under his Humvee. He was 'full of love for his family and home and dedicated to the protection of others,' his commander says.
Continue reading "O.C. Marine is called a hero at Afghanistan memorial service" »
ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- A 21-year-old Marine from Anaheim was killed in combat in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "O.C. Marine killed in AfghanistanFriday, November 13, 2009" »
ANAHEIM Justin J. Swanson talked about duty and discipline and about being a role model for his family when he signed up for the U.S. Marine Corps a few weeks out of high school.
Sergeant went to thank them for gifts … and got a welcome-home party in return
Just in time for Veterans Day, Marine Sgt. Andrew Valora went to an Oro Valley elementary school last week to give his thanks for a classroom's support while he and others were deployed overseas.
ARLINGTON, Va. - An Evansville Marine injured in Afghanistan was one of 25 soldiers awarded personal mobility vehicles at a ceremony in Arlington, Va., on Thursday.
Continue reading "Evansville Marine, wounded in Afghanistan, receives electric vehicle" »
Man loses lower leg in Monday’s helicopter wreck; parents fly from the county to see him
A Marine captain and San Luis Obispo High School alumnus is recovering in a hospital in Germany after he lost one of his lower legs and suffered other serious injuries in a helicopter crash Monday in Afghanistan.
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" »
Harrisburg, Pa. - A local Marine wounded in Afghanistan was honored for his service and his sacrifice on Thursday night.
Sgt. Doug Osborn, 27, has already earned a Purple Heart
MUNCIE -- A Purple Heart recipient from Delaware County has volunteered to return to Iraq for his fourth deployment there.
ANDERSON, SC — Law enforcement officials from across the state will be coming to Anderson on Wednesday to pay their respects to Lance Cpl. Jonathan S. Nash, a graduate of the city’s Oakwood Christian Academy.
Continue reading "Funeral set in Anderson for Highway Patrol trooper" »
When the news came, Darrell Griffin hurled the phone.
Then he got in his car and navigated the madness of Los Angeles highways, thankful only for the time it gave him to think about what he would say to his family. Later, consumed with the grief of losing a son, Griffin drew the drapes in his bedroom and made his world mimic the darkness in his heart
Continue reading "After son's death in Iraq, father embeds with unit to tell his story" »
DENVER - It's been one month since Staff Sergeant Jesse Cottle was seriously injured in Afghanistan. In that time he has had six surgeries and lost both of his legs.
CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq - Prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps, every potential Marine sits down with a recruiter and picks out the reasons they want to join from a stack of colorful cards with the words travel, education and discipline, among others that describe most of the reasons someone would make the decision to commit.
Continue reading "Marine's Award-winning Past Leads to His Significant Presence" »
A Navy corpsman was killed Thursday while supporting Marines in southern Afghanistan, according to the Defense Department
Continue reading "Corpsman with 2nd LAR killed in Afghanistan" »
FAIRBORN, Ohio -- It was a homecoming in Fairborn for a disabled Marine who got a hero’s welcome from thousands of people.
Remains of Donald Hogan, 20, expected in Southern California next week
The remains of a San Clemente Marine killed in a roadside bomb explosion in Afghanistan arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware today and are expected in Southern California in the middle of next week.
Continue reading "Body of O.C. Marine killed in Afghanistan is coming home" »
A Tesoro High School graduate who wanted to be a Marine like his grandfather was killed in a roadside bomb explosion Wednesday morning in southern Afghanistan
Continue reading "'Marine killed in Afghanistan bomb blast 'was a beautiful kid'" »
Having a hard time finding his path in life, he revisited a childhood dream and overcame obstacles to make it come true.
When Pedro Barboza Flores walked into the Glendale recruiting office to volunteer for the U.S. Marine Corps two summers ago, he received a discouraging reply. At 6 feet 2 and 220 pounds he was too heavy, older than most at 25, and he needed to finish high school. Staff Sgt. James Anderson thought he'd never see him again.
Continue reading "Marine Lance Cpl. Pedro Barboza Flores, 27, Glendale, killed by roadside bomb" »
A junior Marine severely wounded during an ambush last year in Afghanistan’s Helmand province received the Navy Cross on Thursday at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., base officials said.
Marine Lance Cpl. Leopold Damas survived two tours in Iraq before being sent deep into Taliban territory in Afghanistan three months ago.
Continue reading "My brother's a hero, says sister of Queens Marine killed in Afghanistan" »
Marine Lance Cpl. Leopold Damas survived two tours in Iraq before being sent deep into Taliban territory in Afghanistan three months ago.
Continue reading "My brother's a hero, says sister of Queens Marine killed in Afghanistan" »
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.—The Marines are honoring a Nebraska native with its second-highest decoration for his heroism in Afghanistan last year.
Continue reading "Marines awarding Navy Cross to Nebraskan" »
A junior Marine severely wounded during an ambush last year in Afghanistan’s Helmand province will receive the Navy Cross on Thursday at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., base officials said.
A Marine from Twentynine Palms is set Thursday to receive the Navy Cross for bravery during combat in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Marine from Twentynine Palms to receive Navy Cross for bravery" »
A Marine from Twentynine Palms is set Thursday to receive the Navy Cross for bravery during combat in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Marine from Twentynine Palms to receive Navy Cross for bravery" »
Marine Sgt. Bill Cahir, 40, a former Washington-based journalist and congressional staffer who joined the Marines after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 13, his unit and friends reported. He was an Alexandria resident.
Former Express-Times correspondent and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Bill Cahir has been killed in combat in Afghanistan, family and friends said Thursday.
ANP HILL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Cpl. Justin Thompson crawled out of his rat hole dug deep into a wind-beaten, barren hilltop. Stepping over mounds of protective sand bags, he watched the sun rise over the Now Zad valley, a Taliban stronghold.
Continue reading "A day in the life of a Marine combat outpost" »
Express-Times correspondent Bill Cahir wrote this front page account of his U.S. Marine boot camp experience that appeared in the newspaper July 4, 2004. Our valued co-worker, friend and journalist was killed in active duty in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Bill Cahir, journalist, soldier, great American, killed in Afghanistan" »
BATH, MAINE — Debra Dunham swung true with her silver bottle of champagne Saturday, cracking it against the bulbus sonar dome on the bow of the Navy destroyer that bears the name of her son. With its traditional alcoholic bath, the hull known as DDG 109 took its real name: “Jason Dunham.”
Continue reading "Destroyer christened in honor of MoH Marine" »
Five years after Cpl. Jason Dunham died in Iraq, his former commander delivered the shattered remains of his helmet to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., save one piece that will be sealed within the mast of a Navy destroyer named in Dunham’s honor.
BATH, Maine (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy christened the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), Aug. 1 during a ceremony at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine.
Continue reading "Navy Christens Newest Arleigh Burke-Class Ship Jason Dunham" »
Corporal who covered live grenade with body honored at christening
BATH, Maine - In a solemn ceremony punctuated by talk of courage, service and sacrifice, the mother of a Marine corporal on Saturday christened a warship honoring her son, who died after covering an exploding grenade to protect his comrades in Iraq.
Continue reading "New warship named for lifesaving Marine" »
Destroyer will be christened Saturday
The name of a brave young man from Scio forever will be remembered by the sailors and Marines who set foot on a warship about to be christened.
July 24, 2009 (NILES, Ill.) (WLS) -- A Marine from the Chicago area was wounded this week in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Niles Marine sole survivor of Afghanistan attack" »
Since childhood, New Braunfels man's dream was to join the Marines.
Long before he hit Canyon High School in New Braunfels, Brandon Lara knew he wanted to be a Marine. Not even the outbreak of war in Iraq, when relatives tried to persuade him not to sign up, could shake his will.
(Springfield, MO) -- The U.S. Senate is in the middle of debating a comprehensive defense bill. A Springfield family has its own reasons for wanting a new amendment to the bill passed.
Continue reading "Vaccination Amendment Added to Defense Bill" »
WASHINGTON — Jennifer Grieves wanted independence, exposure and something she could be proud of when she joined the Marine Corps. She got all that, and more — including a place in history as the first woman to ever pilot Marine One, the president’s helicopter.
Continue reading "1st female Marine One pilot reflects on tenure" »
Maj. Jennifer Grieves Is the First Woman to Fly the President in Marine One Helicopter
Maj. Jennifer Grieves is the first female helicopter aircraft commander in the history of Marine One, the HMX-1 helicopter the president of the United States flies on.
Continue reading "President Obama's Historic First Female Helicopter Pilot" »
WASHINGTON — Marine Lance Cpl. Josef Lopez of Springfield has spent the last three years recovering from a smallpox vaccination that left him paralyzed and nearly took his life.
Continue reading "Stricken Marine spurs senator’s amendment" »
A Hawaii-based Marine died Friday at Bethesda Naval Medical Center in Maryland from wounds suffered during a bombing late last month in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, according to reports.
Capt. Paul Webber is serving in Afghanistan
A U.S. Marine from the foothills who has a knack of finding himself in the thick of the fray is asking area residents to help aid American efforts in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Marine seeking medical items to establish clinic" »
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" »
As I was sitting at the gate in the Washington-Baltimore airport Tuesday waiting on my flight, waiting for the attendant to announce boarding for our flight to Charlotte, I saw about a dozen Transportation Security Agency uniformed personnel head to the departure ramp.
I was concerned there was a problem, meaning a delay.
Just what I needed!
Lance Cpl. Seth Sharp, 20, a Marine from Adairsville who was killed Thursday in Afghanistan, signed up when he was 17 and had previously been deployed in Iraq, a relative said.
Received 59 medals for actions in three conflicts
CLACKAMAS, Ore. — Retired Marine Corps Col. Kenneth L. Reusser, who was called the most decorated Marine aviator in history and was shot down in three wars, has died at age 89.
Continue reading "Highly decorated Marine pilot dies at 89" »
The Marine officer who devised centralized barracks for wounded warriors is leaving the Corps.
Continue reading "Marine behind Wounded Warrior barracks to retire" »
Family, friends, and military personnel gathered in New Prospect Baptist Church to say farewell to a young man taken too early.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Visiting the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most.
Continue reading "For Marine, marathon on the Great Wall of China was grueling but rewarding" »
CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq —
When Cpl. Jared P. Lopez joined the Marine Corps in September 2006, he always knew there would be a possibility that he would deploy at the same time as his father, who has served in the Marine Corps for nearly 20 years—but he didn’t think that they would end up on the same base in Iraq.
Continue reading "Father, son serve under same colors in Iraq" »
AIKEN, S.C. — Soon after graduating from South Aiken High School a decade ago, Jamie Coomes enlisted in the Marine Corps and served eight months in Iraq in 2004.
John Brochetti was happy to hear his son's voice for the first time in two months Friday.
Continue reading "Kittanning grad offers insider's view on Afghanistan" »
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — A Marine died early Sunday after being ejected from the car he was driving near Camp Lejeune.
CHICAGO —
Roy Arnold has been the president of Arlington Park race track since April 2006, but before he took the job, Arnold was the assistant commander of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.
Continue reading "Retired aviator opens park for Marine Week" »
CHICAGO —
Growing up on the South Side of Chicago isn’t easy for a teenager. Marcos Estrada was no exception, which forced him to overcome obstacle after obstacle to get to where he is today.
Continue reading "South Side struggle to Marine Corps success" »
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.
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" »
Lance Corporal Brady (Goose) Gustafson and his 20 fellow Marines sensed trouble on July 21 as they crept into the Afghan village of Shewan and saw civilians drifting away. Moments later, a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and machine-gun fire enveloped Gustafson's mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle (MRAP) and its three trailing humvees. An RPG exploded inside his vehicle, the resulting blast searing his face as it rushed through the open turret where he was manning the machine gun. He started shooting at gun flashes from an estimated 100 Taliban, some only 20 yards away. Gustafson, 21, stood up for a better firing position but was instantly racked with pain. "I looked down, and a lot of my right leg wasn't there," he says. "I could see muscle and bone, and I was bleeding pretty hard." The RPG had taken out six inches of leg bones and flesh. Gustafson's booted right foot dangled uselessly, attached only by his leg's calf muscles.
YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Lance Cpl. Matthew Bradford was nervous.
Continue reading "Injured Marine shares story to inspire others" »
CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq — A city girl from coastal California shocked her relatives and friends when she became the first in her family to join the Marine Corps in 2005.
Continue reading "Female Marine serves as gunner, Lioness in Iraq" »
FIREBASE VIMOTO, Afghanistan — Three stone houses and a cluster of sandbagged bunkers cling to a slope above the Korangal Valley, forming an oval perimeter roughly 75 yards long. The oval is reinforced with timber and ringed with concertina wire
MCAGCC — The executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center was killed Tuesday night, April 28 when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a vehicle in Yucca Valley.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY, Mo. – A 26-year-old Kansas City man is dead after a one-vehicle crash Friday afternoon in Lafayette County.
Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed on I-70 Near Concordia" »
The photo is still tucked into Paul McShan's wallet. Protected by a plastic sleeve warped and dulled by the 23 years since the picture was taken, the image shows the wrinkly face of his sleeping 5-day-old son, Ricky.
Continue reading "Marine at Twentynine Palms adds to the growing list of military suicides" »
As the beauty of spring slowly but surely paints the landscape of the Missoula valley, productive indoor activities go right out the window. Of the possible outdoor activities to choose from, running 400-meter sprints in the blazing hot sun would probably reside at the bottom of the list for most. But University of Montana sprinter Cody Henning holds many things in lower esteem than sprint workouts. Relay workouts are not hard. Cody Henning knows what hard is.
Continue reading "Becoming a Marine redefines ‘hard’ for senior track runner Cody Henning" »
LORENA (March 27, 2009)—During a ceremony Friday, the Lorena Post Office was renamed in honor of fallen Marine Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry, 28, a Lorena native who died in the explosion of a homemade bomb in March 2006 in Iraq’s then-volatile Anbar Province.
Continue reading "Local Post Office Renamed For Fallen Central Texas Marine" »
Lance Corporal J. B. Breen, 23, Route 1, St. Francisville, IL passed away at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN, March 15, 2009, at 11:30 p.m. as a result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident north of Mt. Carmel, IL.
An Arizona-based Marine received a Bronze Star with combat “V” in March for his actions last year in Iraq, according to a Marine news release.
Continue reading "Marine receives Bronze Star for Iraq heroics" »
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan —He was a son, a brother, a friend and a Marine.
Continue reading "Station pays tribute to local fallen Marine" »
CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa — Tears as well as chuckles filled the small chapel here Friday during a memorial service for Sgt. Michael H. Ferschke Jr.
Continue reading "Marines and family gather to recall sergeant who saved comrade’s lives" »
In late December, a former NCO decided to rejoin the Corps.
Continue reading "Re-enlistment getting tougher for Marines" »
They joined on the buddy program with high hopes. It's been a hard road.
Reporting from Bala Balouk, Afghanistan -- The last in an occasional series on three high school friends from Southern California and their wartime enlistment in the Marine Corps.
Lance Cpl. Daryl Crookston knew there would be casualties. That inevitability had been drummed into him as far back as boot camp, by drill sergeants and infantry school instructors, by fellow Marines.
WASHINGTON —
Senior military officials and government dignitaries gathered to watch the premiere of “Taking Chance,” the HBO made-for-TV movie, Feb. 9 at the Motion Picture Association of America.
Continue reading "Movie premiere hits close to home for service members" »
BRIDGEWATER — Lance Cpl. Kevin T. Preach, who died Saturday from injuries sustained in combat while in Afghanistan, will be remembered for his smile, his sense of humor, and his selflessness. He was 21.
Continue reading "Bridgewater mourns loss of first soldier since Vietnam to die in combat" »
BROKEN ARROW, OK -- Corporal Joseph Hadavi was awarded the Purple Heart Saturday evening in Broken Arrow.
Continue reading "Broken Arrow Marine Awarded Purple Heart" »
CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa — I began my duty in 1944 and have no plans to retire.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The best things in life are not always planned.
Continue reading "Retired Marine paves way for Leathernecks everywhere" »
The bronze star is the military's fourth highest award and for 24-year old Sergeant Wayne DeKorte of Redmond--- an unexpected honor.
Sgt. Wayne Dekorte, a platoon sergeant with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, recently left the Marine Corps after his enlistment came to an end. Part of his enlistment was receiving a Bronze Star medal for his accomplishments overseas.
Continue reading "3/7 Marine receives Bronze Star, moves on to future" »
Two North Carolina-based noncommissioned officers were killed Tuesday while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan, the Defense Department reported Wednesday.
What are the odds?
Continue reading "Twin brothers meet by chance in Iraqi desert" »
A North Carolina-based Marine died Saturday after a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan’s Farah province, according to reports.
For over 60 years, they knew only that he was lost in battle. Then a Globe account reunited a family with its hero.
CHARLESTON, S.C. - The rain fell steadily from an opaque sky, but the Marines stood ramrod straight, eyes fixed ahead. In the historic graveyard, the Rev. Peter Lanzillotta gazed down at the urn. "You served your country with a full measure of your devotion. We shall salute you and say hail and farewell, good and noble Marine."
CAMP RIPPER, Iraq —
While deployed, Marines often depend on phone calls and e-mails to keep in contact with their families. Some Marines however, can find themselves separated from a loved one by just a few miles.
Continue reading "Brothers meet up during deployment to Iraq" »
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — When Russ Meade was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1994, the former infantryman thought his separation would be only temporary. After obtaining his college degree, he planned on returning to the Marine Corps as an officer and making it a career.
Continue reading "Devil dog providing the Corps with some new threads" »
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — Two North Carolina-based Marines are dead and another is in a Pennsylvania hospital after early morning vehicle accident Tuesday.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Jan. 9, 2009) — If you search across the landscape of any battlefield where Marines fight, you’re bound to find a Navy chaplain nearby.
Continue reading "Chaplain's 'guardian' remains ready to fight" »
A gunnery sergeant was awarded the Silver Star on Thursday, four months after he helped fight off insurgents in Iraq by calling for his vehicle to be rammed into a building, then leading the recovery of a wounded Marine inside.
Continue reading "Okinawa-based gunny receives Silver Star" »
OCEANSIDE, Calif. — The Marine Corps will present the Navy Cross on Thursday to a junior grenadier credited with saving the lives of 10 fellow infantrymen and decimating a force of insurgents during a deadly 2005 firefight inside an Iraqi home.
Continue reading "Iraq battle yields Navy Cross, 4 Silver Stars" »
A North Carolina-based Marine was killed late last week after triggering a land mine in Afghanistan, his family said.
Former Hialeah Resident Dies In North Carolina
HIALEAH, Fla. -- A South Florida Marine pilot died Monday when the harrier jet he was flying crashed in North Carolina.
HAVELOCK, N.C. — The Marine pilot who was killed Monday when an AV-8B Harrier jet crashed near Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. has been identified as Capt. Alberto Bencosme with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203.
Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, 19, had just arrived in Iraq.
Cpl. Jonathan Yale and Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter saved Iraqi police and fellow Marines from a truck-driving suicide bomber, Marine brass say. The April attack could have slain dozens.
Continue reading "Fallen Marines to be awarded Navy Cross" »
(December 24, 2008) - For the Knoph Family, this Christmas may just be the most special of them all, because their son, Blake, is home safe from service in Afghanistan.
There is a peace surrounded by insurrection in Rhamadi, Iraq.
KOKOMO, Ind. — The family of Lance Cpl. James Swain is proud that the Marine Corps named a building at its intelligence base in Virginia after him. But it’s an honor that comes with mixed feelings.
Continue reading "Intelligence site named for slain Ind. Marine" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Marines are preparing to enter a building as the machine gunner squints to identify figures approaching from a distance. Suddenly the figures come into focus, and the Marine reacts instinctively to the threat by manning the vehicle-mounted weapon and immediately providing suppressive fire to alert fellow Marines of the impending danger.
Continue reading "Hero honored at annex with Medal for Valor" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Nov. 25, 2008) — An Iraqi reporter from Al Jazeera met his worst nightmare and possibly his best friend when he was caught in the crossfire while covering combat operations, April 4.
It has been nine months since a gunman's bullet took the life of 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Drew Weaver.
Continue reading "Scholarship to be named for fallen Marine" »
It has been nine months since a gunman's bullet took the life of 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Drew Weaver.
Continue reading "Scholarship to be named for fallen Marine" »
It has been nine months since a gunman's bullet took the life of 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Drew Weaver.
Continue reading "Scholarship to be named for fallen Marine" »
It has been nine months since a gunman's bullet took the life of 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Drew Weaver.
Continue reading "Scholarship to be named for fallen Marine" »
At first, fellow Marines might have thought Staff Sgt. Daniel Stranahan was nuts for carrying a plaque with him into outhouses in the middle of Iraq — and photographing it.
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — When Lt. Col. Geoff Rollins took command of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team in October 2006, he had a daunting task before him.
Two Marines who died in Iraq stopping a small water tanker filled with explosives will be posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second-highest combat honor, a Marine spokeswoman said.
Continue reading "Marines to be awarded Navy Cross posthumously" »
Two Marines who died in Iraq stopping a small water tanker filled with explosives will be posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second-highest combat honor, a Marine spokeswoman said.
Continue reading "Marines to be awarded Navy Cross posthumously" »
FALLUJAH, Iraq — A small pump station on the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq, sends streams of water through large metal pipes and into the homes and businesses of local citizens.
CAMP PENDLETON — Friends and family today mourned a 24-year-old Camp Pendleton Marine from Santa Barbara County killed in combat in Iraq last week.
Continue reading "Friends and family mourn Marine killed in Iraq" »
EASTON — There are only four fingers now and a long scar on Ryan Walsh’s left hand, and the 22-year-old Marine is still limping a bit, weeks after surgery to insert a metal plate in his shattered right leg.
MARLBORO, N.Y. — Hundreds of Trevor Yurista’s family members and friends poured into St. Mary’s Church in Marlboro, N.Y., on Monday for his funeral.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Retired Marine Col. John Ripley, who was credited with stopping a column of North Vietnamese tanks by blowing up a pair of bridges during the 1972 Easter Offensive of the Vietnam War, died at home at age 69, friends and relatives said Sunday.
Continue reading "John Ripley, Vietnam War hero, dies at age 69" »
U.S. gives family certificate making Lance Cpl. San Sim a U.S. citizen as of day he died.
NEWPORT BEACH – Lance Cpl. San Sim's wife made a quiet promise to him Saturday as she ran her hand over the white stars of the flag that covered his coffin.
Continue reading "Service honors Marine killed in Afghanistan" »
My son Zachary was a gangly high-school junior when he casually informed me, in the fall of 2003, that he’d been speaking with military recruiters. “An Army guy, a Navy guy and a marine are coming over,” Zach said. “A parent has to be present because I’m not 18 yet.”
A Marine from Pleasant Valley was killed Monday in Afghanistan, his father has confirmed.
Continue reading "Marine from Pleasant Valley, killed in Afghanistan, being mourned" »
First Lt. Trevor Yurista, 31, died when an improvised explosive device exploded near him while he was on duty in a remote region of Afghanistan, his father, Ronald Yurista, said.
Continue reading "Pleasant Valley native killed in Afghanistan" »
New Orleans — Capt. Joseph Lizarraga, Inspector/Instructor, Battery G, 3rd battalion, 14th Marines, and a Hamilton, N.J. native, was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service while on deployment in Iraq, at the reserve center in Trenton, N.J., Oct. 20.
CAMP BARBER, Helmand Province, Afghanistan — There was blood in the water. It was a grim addition to the Iraqi sewage canal usually littered with dead sheep and festering fish.
That’s where the Marines of Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division found their comrade after the attack.
Continue reading "Marine amputee returns to combat after near death experience" »
San Sim, 23, was weeks away from completing his third tour.
Lance Cpl. San Sim came from a family of pacifists.
His birthplace, the Phillipines, was ever a reminder of their journey from the terror of the Khmer Rouge. But after Sept. 11, 2001, Sim decided to fight.
Continue reading "Family remembers Marine killed in Afghanistan" »
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq -- (October 24, 2008) When it comes to basketball, you might expect to find a prospective pro on the court practicing jump shots and passes. You might find him at a pro combine running back rebounds with all he has left under the watchful eyes of scouts. Where you might not expect to find him is supporting the mission of a light-armored infantry battalion here in al Anbar Province, Iraq.
Continue reading "1st LAR Bn. Marine shoots to attain higher goal" »
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" »
COMBAT OUTPOST TREBIL, Iraq — When you step into the mess hall here, the first thing you notice is the smell of gourmet coffee. Next, you notice an orderly array of shelf-stable meals displayed in cubbies along the plywood walls, available to the post’s Marines 24-hours a day.
Continue reading "Reserve MP spices up life for Marines at remote outpost" »
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Family, friends, even complete strangers gathered on Saturday to remember Marine Cpl. Jason Karella Saturday.
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Most Marines agree taking care of the man on your left and right is the number one concern in combat.
Jamestown, Mo. -
Friends and family of Leon B. Deraps have announced that a formal dedication ceremony for the Lance Corporal Leon B. Deraps Memorial Highway has been set for Saturday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m.
Continue reading "Dedication ceremony planned for Lance Corporal Leon B. Deraps Memorial Hwy." »
Hawai'i's congressional delegation has added its voices to those seeking a presidential review of the Pentagon's decision to award the late Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta — whose body shielded others from a grenade blast — a Navy Cross instead of the Medal of Honor.
Continue reading "Hawaii delegation joins move to review slain Marine's award" »
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — Civilian life can wait. At least that was how Sgt. Jonathan J. Gray felt when he found out his unit needed him.
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — In a line of Marines from Team Tank, Regimental Combat Team 1 firing a combat-marksmanship program shoot here, one man stood out in his gray digital battle dress uniform.
Continue reading "Marine father, soldier son reunite in Iraq" »
Family, friend to come together for Corporal Kaspar
Sometimes, some good can result from a grim situation. Such is the case trusted for by the Kaspar family in the "Coming Together for Corporal Kaspar Foundation," to financially help U.S.M.C. Corporal Sean Kaspar of Orland Park and his family with the many months of therapy and rehabilitation he faces from injuries suffered in active duty.
Continue reading "Benefit planned for injured Orland marine" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — It was just another day in Iraq for Capt. John Roussos and the men of Company B, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.
Continue reading "Capt. awarded third-highest medal for valor" »
SAN DIEGO - A Marine sergeant singled out by President Bush for throwing his body on a grenade to save his comrades in Iraq will receive the prestigious Navy Cross rather than the nation's highest military award, military officials said.
Continue reading "Marine praised by Bush won't get Medal of Honor" »
Petaluma Marine wounded in Iraq greeted by well-wishers upon return to hometown
A young hero came home Monday -- true to plan -- on his own two feet.
Continue reading "Kiernan comes home -- on two (new) legs" »
Scott MacKenzie is sleeping better these days.
Continue reading "‘Wiener dog’ helps Iraq War veteran adjust" »
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.
How One Team Roping Marine Made A Difference
Cody Hill was like most late-teen roping bums you know. Coming off a 300-mother cow operation in Ada, Okla., he gravitated toward the arena and was a natural.
When Lance Cpl. William “Billy” D. Spencer saw his squad leader wounded in an Iraq shootout, he did the only thing he could do: He tried to save his commanding officer.
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq – A Marine underwent an immense transition from monitoring pay to becoming the eyes and ears of the battalion commander.
Continue reading "Admin to Grunt: Battalion Commander’s eyes and ears" »
A 19-year-old Mesa Marine had a simple but essential goal for this year: to stay alive.
MIDDLEVILLE, Mich. (WZZM) - Supporters of a local Marine paralyzed by a sniper's bullet in Iraq broke ground today on a new home for him in Middleville.
Continue reading "Supporters break ground on home for West Michigan Marine" »
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — There are hundreds of thousands of Marines spread across hundreds of occupational specialties, yet only two of them are combat artists, and they are both Reserve Marines
Continue reading "Combat artists paint Reserve battalion’s portrait" »
A local marine who was severely injured in Afghanistan is back home tonight with his family. But not after an amazing show of generosity from strangers and friends alike.
Continue reading "Local marine receives hero's welcome home" »
Six Marines in full dress uniform, one struggling mightily against tears, were the last to say good-bye to Clearlake's Ivan Wilson on Saturday.
MASHPEE — A prayer book lies open on the McGuires' coffee table. The oversized American flag outside the Katian Way house is at half-staff.
Word was received this evening that a fund raiser for a Central Nebraska Marine will be held Saturday, August 16 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings. Friends and family of PFC. Paden Daly of Thedford, NE, will be holding a horse show and will have donation buckets at the food stands. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
Continue reading "Friends pulling together to help injured Marine" »
A hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of Marine Lance Cpl. Ivan Wilson slowed Thursday afternoon along Lakeshore Boulevard, where clusters of somber onlookers gathered in front of the apartment complex where Wilson grew up.
Mom uses Web site to help ease worries of her son’s safety
Trish Doherty of Gig Harbor is a proud but worried mother of a U.S. Marine who is serving at the newly established Camp Barber in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Marine from Gig Harbor promoted in Afghanistan" »
EASTON -
A 21-year-old Marine from Easton is recovering at a veterans hospital in Virginia after being seriously injured last month in an attack while serving in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Easton Marine recovering from Afghanistan attack" »
Scott MacKenzie recalls little of his past. His parents remember every detail.
Continue reading "Memory loss haunts injured Iraq War veteran" »
A year after Cpl. Garrett Jones lost his left leg to a bomb in Iraq, he has rejoined his unit in Afghanistan. Improved medical care and prostheses -- and his determination -- made it possible.
CAMP BARBER, AFGHANISTAN --
Just over a year ago, Cpl. Garrett Jones was one of thousands of Marines slogging through a tour of duty in Iraq. Today, he is deployed with the same unit in Afghanistan, but he serves now with an unusual distinction.
Nearly 12 years ago, the Buila family of Modesto buried 11-year-old son Andrew. He was a happy boy who played baseball, did well at Ustach Middle School and whose favorite color was green.
CLEARLAKE – The knock that came at Denise Wilson's front door early on the morning of July 21 would change her life – and that of her family – forever.
Continue reading "'Hero amongst the proud and few': Family, friends tell fallen Marine's story" »
COMBAT OUTPOST AKASHAT, Iraq —
During the Korean War, U.S. Marines fought to defend the citizens of South Korea against communist North Korea.
CLEARLAKE – A young Clearlake Marine died Monday after being wounded in combat in Afghanistan, becoming Lake County's first military casualty of the war in the Middle East.
CLEARLAKE -- Our nation's war on terrorism has struck home. A devastating call was received by a mother in the community early Monday morning informing her that her son was killed in Afghanistan.
WOODLYN, N.J. — When 1st Lt. Jason Mann joined the Marines 11 years ago, his mom, Alfina, was nervous.
Continue reading "Officer with 24th MEU dies in Afghanistan" »
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Few of these men had ever seen real shoot-and-kill combat.
Continue reading "Corporal earns Bronze Star in desert ambush" »
HIT, Iraq — Cpl. Jeremy M. Wright is a Marine who looks forward to pressure situations.
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.
Dawid Pietrek, a Polish immigrant, couldn't vote, run for public office or obtain a U.S. passport. But he signed up to serve a country that wasn't yet his, and last month he gave his life for that country.
Continue reading "Immigrant Killed in Afghanistan Granted Posthumous Citizenship" »
Family, Friends Remember Sgt. Matthew Mendoza
SAN ANTONIO -- A San Antonio Marine was laid to rest Saturday, a little more than a week after he died on patrol in Afghanistan.
Before Marine Sgt. Matthew Mendoza left for each of his three deployments to the war zone, he told his father what he wanted done if he came back in a casket.
U.S. Marine Dawid Pietrek, who gave his life for a country that was not yet his own, will be buried with military honors alongside other American heroes.
Continue reading "Fallen DuPage Marine to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery" »
Family members of a 21-year-old U.S. Marine critically injured in Afghanistan late Thursday have talked with him as he awaits transfer to a hospital in Germany.
Continue reading "Injured soldier: I need you to be strong" »
'Outgoing,' 'brave' RHS grad among 4 killed by roadside bomb
A 22-year-old Richmond Marine described by friends as "outgoing" and "brave" was killed over the weekend while serving in Afghanistan.
Dawid Pietrek was a Polish immigrant who went to war for the U.S. to help fulfill his dream of becoming a citizen and police officer.
Continue reading "Roadside bomb claimed Marine from Bensenville" »
Corps was big dream for Polish immigrant
Dawid Pietrek was a Polish immigrant who had always wanted to join the Marines.
Continue reading "Marine from Bensenville killed in Afghanistan, Defense Department says" »
TACOMA -- Family says one of the four Marines killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan was from Tacoma.
FENTON — Michael Patton, 19, who grew up in the Fenton area and graduated from Fox High School in Arnold in 2007, was among four Marines killed by a roadside bomb on Saturday in Afghanistan, his sister said Sunday.
Continue reading "Marine from Fenton area is killed in Afghanistan" »
TACOMA, Wash. - A Tacoma family mourns a marine who was killed in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Marine from Tacoma killed in Afghanistan" »
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — “I started from nothing to making something of my life,” said Cpl. Andrew E. Nelson, a personnel clerk with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5. “I was broke then, and now I have goals, my credit cards are paid and I can go to school again.”
A Tacoma Marine was among four Americans killed Saturday in a roadside bombing in Afghanistan, his family said Sunday. Sgt. Michael T. Washington, 20, was returning from a mission when an IED exploded near their Humvee, said his father, who is also named Michael. The Department of Defense had not yet issued a news statement about the incident.
Continue reading "Tacoma Marine among four killed in Afghan blast" »
AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq — Chasing a lifelong dream for a career in professional baseball … It’s a story as distinctly American as apple pie.
Continue reading "Deployed Marine holds onto ‘Big League’ dream" »
COUPLEVILLE, Wash. — After they received the hard news of their daughter’s death in Iraq in December 2006, Mike and Re McClung cloaked themselves in solitude, declining requests for interviews.
Continue reading "Legacy of female major killed in Iraq grows" »
Lance Cpl. Sam Hansen was on a Mother’s Day vehicle patrol in Taliban-heavy Garmser, Afghanistan, when insurgents opened fire.
Continue reading "Marine recovering after being shot in head" »
The young Marine came back from the war, with his toughest fight ahead of him. Merlin German waged that battle in the quiet of a Texas hospital, far from the dusty road in Iraq where a bomb exploded, leaving him with burns over 97 percent of his body.
Continue reading "'Miracle' Marine Refused to Surrender Will to Live" »
A drill instructor hospitalized since March 14 after a motorcycle crash in South Carolina has been upgraded to fair condition and is conscious, a hospital spokesman said Thursday afternoon.
Continue reading "Condition of DI in motorcycle crash upgraded" »
Eupora High graduate, 22, shot to death Sunday during combat in Afghanistan
On Sunday, Marine Cpl. Justin Cooper of Eupora was killed in combat in Afghanistan.
GRAND RAPIDS -- A Marine home on leave and scheduled to return to Iraq on June 2 died in a motorcycle crash while visiting relatives.
Continue reading "Motorcycle crash kills Marine on leave from Iraq" »
RAMADI, Iraq —
RAMADI, Iraq — It was a typical quiet morning on April 22, with the temperature intensifying as a bright orange sun emerged high from the horizon.
Continue reading "Heroic last stand, Marines thwart enemy attack" »
Artist's portraits touch spirit of lost Marines of Ohio's Lima Company
COLUMBUS - There's a little-known stretch of heaven in Westerville.
Marine Cpl. Steven Kiernan, 20 of Petaluma, will be awarded the Purple Heart Thursday afternoon at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Continue reading "Petaluma Marine to receive Purple Heart" »
BLOOMER, Wis. — A new Marine who’s graduating from Bloomer High School this month won’t be able to wear his military uniform during the commencement ceremony.
Continue reading "Marine can’t wear uniform at graduation" »
The Marines and sailors of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion gathered with friends and family at the Combat Center’s Sunset Cinema Thursday to honor their fallen comrade Lance Cpl. Drew W. Weaver, who was killed in action Feb. 21 in Iraq.
HABBANIYAH, Iraq (May 8, 2008) – Funny, outgoing, crazy, loving, full of life – those are just a few of the many words that describe the late Cpl. Richard “Ricky” J. Nelson, a 23-year-old rifleman from Kenosha, Wis., who was killed by an improvised explosive device in the al Anbar Province of Iraq, Apr. 14.
Continue reading "Wisconsin family remembers their fallen Marine" »
May 2, 2008 -- A brave Manhattan-born Marine - whom doctors nicknamed the "Miracle Man" for surviving burns to 97 percent of his body after a roadside blast in Iraq three years ago - has died, the Pentagon announced yesterday.
Sgt. Merlin German had been struggling with burn wounds covering more than 97 percent of his body for nearly two years when he made a decision: painful or not, he was going to don his dress blues and whisk his mother away for a dance during a hospital ball.
Continue reading "Marine burned on 97 percent of body dies" »
RAMADI, IRAQ (April 29, 2008) – It was a typical quiet morning on April 22, with the temperature intensifying as a bright orange sun emerged high from the horizon.
Continue reading "Heroic last stand, Marines thwart enemy attack" »
KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq, April 28, 2008 – A hard-fought transition brought one Marine from shooting photos to shooting rifles.
Continue reading "Face of Defense: Air Force Photographer Becomes Marine Infantryman" »
CINCINNATI — Yes, there were many tears Sunday afternoon as Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin was finally laid to rest. But they were not all tears of sorrow.
Continue reading "Thousands attend service for former MIA Maupin" »
Two young Marines killed in the explosion of a suicide vehicle are being praised for saving the lives of dozens of Marines and Iraqi police by preventing the vehicle from penetrating a police compound in Ramadi.
A lot has changed for the parents of the late Cpl. Jason Dunham since he died in 2004, after saving two other Marines by throwing himself on an insurgent’s grenade in Karabilah, Iraq.
Continue reading "Construction begins on USS Jason Dunham" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - An estimated 20,500 U.S. service members are "non-citizens," according to a March 20 article on CNN.com. They choose to serve, fight and possibly lay down their lives for a country to which they owe no allegiance.
Sniper’s bullet destroyed gunnery sergeant’s knee, but not his will to serve
If you’ve ever wondered what the Marines have in mind when they advertise for “a few good men,” look no further than Gunnery Sgt. William “Spanky” Gibson.
Continue reading "Marine who lost leg returns to combat in Iraq" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. —
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — During the past 31 years, the role of females in the Marine Corps has changed drastically. One female Marine has experienced those changes firsthand.
HAMPTON — The military says the death of a Marine from Hampton is under investigation.
Continue reading "Military says it's investigating death of Hampton Marine" »
One evening last July, Senator John McCain of Arizona arrived at the New Hampshire home of Erin Flanagan for sandwiches, chocolate-chip cookies and heartfelt talk about Iraq. They had met at a presidential debate, when she asked the candidates what they would do to bring home American soldiers — soldiers like her brother, who had been killed in action a few months earlier.
Continue reading "Vocal on War, McCain Is Silent on Son’s Service" »
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (AP) -- Officials say a 19-year-old Marine has died after he was injured in a traffic accident at Camp Pendleton.
Continue reading "Camp Pendleton Marine killed in traffic accident" »
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq —
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq Service members from all over the United States deploy to locations around the world leaving their family behind to fight for their country. For one Marine, deploying to Iraq actually meant reuniting with his father.
CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich (WOOD) -- When word went out that Joshua Hoffman was coming home, his family asked the injured Marine corporal if he wanted a public homecoming.
"Can I give you a kiss?"
Continue reading "Paralyzed Marine Joshua Hoffman returns home to well-wishers" »
When Lance Cpl. Justin Longcor returned after seven months in Iraq he expected to see a few smiling faces.
Continue reading "Local man gets a surprising welcome back" »
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2008) -- Any Marine would brave enemy fire to rescue a wounded comrade when you have friends that "got your back."
Continue reading "2/7 Marine earns Silver Star for combat valor" »
HIT, Iraq (March 19, 2008) -- HIT, Iraq - Lance Cpl. Micah P. Adams said he never thought that as a rifleman he’d be chosen to personally keep a chaplain safe from harm.
AL ASAD, Iraq (March 13, 2008) -- From Amelia Earhart’s solo trans-Atlantic flight in 1932 to Marine Capt. Sarah Deal’s achievement as the first-ever female Marine Corps pilot in 1995, the spectrum of women’s aviation history continues to expand.
Little-Known Event Is Emotional Salute;
Cpl. Lyon Pays a Visit
WASHINGTON -- Cpl. Kenny Lyon's mother pushed his wheelchair down a narrow Pentagon hallway, crying as she listened to the applause.
Continue reading "Wounded Soldiers See the Pentagon In Private Parade" »
HABBANIYAH, Iraq (March 8, 2008) -- Sacrifices are made when preparing to deploy. When a reserve battalion is activated, the Marines are required to put their entire lives on hold. Not only do they sacrifice being away from family, friends and jobs, some of them even put their dreams on hold.
Continue reading "Marine deploys to Iraq, puts Ultimate Fighter dream on hold" »
If Colin Glavan is worried about going to Iraq, he doesn't show it.
He's a newly minted Marine. So it's his job, he says.
Continue reading "Some time with family, then it's off to war" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (March 4, 2008) -- In his book, “The Epic of America”, James Truslow Adams described the American dream as “…that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.”
RODRIGUEZ LIVE FIRE COMPLEX, Republic of Korea (March 5, 2008) -- Of all the weapons in the Marine Corps arsenal, Sgt. Andrew T. Maddox found just the right one at a bookstore.
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq (March 1, 2008) -- KOREAN VILLAGE, AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ -- The overcast sky at Camp Korean Village, Iraq, March 1 reflected the solemn mood as Marines from 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 gathered to remember their fallen Marine.
Continue reading "3rd LAR gathers to remember their fallen Marine" »
Spanky Gibson was shot by a sniper in May of 2006 while on foot patrol in Ramadi, Iraq. When the firefight was over, his left leg was gone.
But Gunnery Sgt. William Gibson, a decorated Marine, didn't stop serving his country, even after his leg was amputated above the knee. He didn't settle for a desk job stateside, either. He's back in Iraq — his second tour — on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Continue reading "Iraq War Marine With Amputated Leg Back on Active Duty" »