Drawn to 

perfection

> Their combat load includes paints & 

brushes; watercolors & pencils

> Grunts training through artists’ eyes

Drawn to 

perfection

> Their combat load includes paints & 

brushes; watercolors & pencils

> Grunts training through artists’ eyes

July/Aug/Sept 2008

Inside:

> Stay Reserve! Here’s a comprehensive 

look at how and why to keep the uniform on

> New program gives OIF/OEF vets an out- door outlet for their combat stress

> 2/25 Marines train for battle in California

> 3/25 Marines visit Georgia for Operation 

Immediate Response 2008

> 1/23 Marines head to Ghana for bi-lateral 

infantry tactics training
The Continental Marine Magazine is an official publication 

of the Department of Defense. Contents of the magazine are 

not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U. S. 

government, the DoD, or the Marine Forces Reserve Public 

Affairs Office. The editorial content of this publication is the 

responsibility of the MFR Public Affairs Office. Opinions 

expressed are not considered an official expression of the 

DoD or the United States Marine Corps. Any questions can 

be directed to: Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office, 

4400 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70146, or by telephone 

at (504) 678-0713.

I

t seems as though this quarter has flown by in the blink of an 

eye! 

In this edition of the Continental Marine Magazine, we finish 

up our coverage of the summer exercise season.

Two of our highly trained, highly motivated combat correspondents 

deployed to the Republic of Georgia and returned just before hostilities 

broke out there.

In this edition, we have quite an array of stories from our embedded 

correspondent with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, as they 

prepared for their deployment to Iraq. Our next edition should feature 

stories about the battalion from Iraq as they were putting feet down as 

we went to press.

The Reserve force is in need of qualified Marines, both enlisted 

and officer. We have an article that explains some of the benefits prior 

service Marines can reap from the Reserves.

We also look at an outdoor program geared toward helping wounded 

OIF and OEF veterans deal with the stresses of returning to “normal 

life.”

I hope you enjoy this edition of your magazine.

Semper Fi,

Sgt. G. S. Thomas

Editor, Continental Marine Magazine

Director 

Deputy Director

Media Officer

Public Affairs Chief

Editor/Media Chief

Combat Correspondents

Featured Contributor

Public Affairs Office

Lt. Col. Francis Piccoli

Mr. Allen Foucha

Capt. Nate Braden

Gunnery Sgt. J. J. Connolly

Staff Sgt. G. S. Thomas

Cpl. Johnathan D. Herring

Cpl. Frans E. Labranche

Lance Cpl. Mary A. Staes

Lance Cpl. Michael J. Laycock

Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

A Marine from Weapons 

Company, 2nd Battalion, 

25th Marines, operates a 

Multifunction Agile Remote 

Control Robot to investigate a 

suspected improvised explosive 

device (IED) during a training 

exercise at Camp Wilson at 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat 

Center in Twentynine Palms, 

Calif., Aug. 5. (Artwork by Chief 

Warrant Officer 2 Michael Fay)

Drawn to 

perfection > Combat load includes paints & 

brushes; watercolors & pencils

> Grunts training through artists’ eyes

Drawn to 

perfection > Their combat load includes paints & 

brushes; watercolors & pencils

> Grunts training through artists’ eyes

July/Aug/Sept 2008

Inside: > Stay Reserve! Here’s a comprehensive look at how and why to keep the uniform on

> New program gives OIF/OEF vets an out- door outlet for their combat stress

> 2/25 Marines train for battle in California

> 3/25 Marines visit Georgia for Exercise Immediate Response 2008

> 1/23 Marines head to Ghana for bi-lateral infantry tactics training

C o v e r S h o t

Correction: In the previous edition, we incorrectly 

captioned the photograph of the band on the bottom of 

page 5. The photograph was taken during pre-game warm 

ups before a New Orleans Saints/St. Louis Rams football 

game and not during the actual half-time performance.

Mea Culpa

The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
8

A Marine from Company F, 2nd 

Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, kicks in the door of a house to 

enter and clear with his fire team in 

Combat Town at Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 19. (Photo by

Capt. Paul L. Greenberg)

Immediate Response begins in 

Georgia

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine 

Regiment, travelled half-way around the world to 

the Country of Georgia where they trained with 

their Georgian counterparts.

Features

Columns

è14

103/25 Marines pitch in at 

Georgian orphanage

The Marines took time away from training infantry 

tactics to visit a Georgian orphanage.

14Realistic training preps MFR 

Marines for Iraq

Marines spent quite a bit of time out in Twentynine 

Palms’ training areas, honing their skills for an 

upcoming deployment. 16Combat artists paint Reserve 

battalion’s portrait

Two combat artists provide a unique vision of grunts 

preparing for war.

19Reserve Marines become U.S. 

citizens

These Marines sought and attained their citizenship 

despite a rigorous training schedule. 20Transition team trains aboard Camp 

Pendleton

More than 60 pounds of gear, multiple weapons and high 

temps ... military transition team of 2/25 runs through an 

advanced combat marksmanship course.

22Weapons Company Marines 

rehearse quick response drills

Being ready at the drop of a hat is a perishable 

skill, and these Marines polished that skill to 

perfection. 2.3MAG-41 gains aircraft, squadron colors 

following MAG-42 decommissioning

Air frames and colors come to Texas from Atlanta-based 

MAG-42.

24Program gives OIF and OEF vets 

outdoor outlet

This outdoors program offers and a stress relief to 

OIF and OEF vets.

9

3/25’s junior Marines tell their 

stories

Every Marine has a story, and these junior Marines 

provide a good cross section of America’s youth.

In Brief .........................................4

Taking a quick look across Marine Forces Reserve.

Marine Forces Reserve Band .........5

Take a look at some of the engagements the band has performed 

over the past few months.

Recreation ................................. 6-7

Many families take to the woods for some summer camping. This 

edition’s column looks at the basics you need to have a safe trip.

Marines in the Fight ............... 12-13

Highlights of MFR Marines taking the fight to the enemy across 

the globe.

Safety......................................... 28

Suicide is a sad fact of life, and this edition’s Safety column 

provides resources to help prevent a potential suicide.

2.6Reserve Marines travel to Ghana for 

bi-lateral training

A Houston-based Reserve company exchanged smallunit tactics training for jungle training in this West 

African country.

29Employers nominated for U.S. 

government’s highest employer 

award

The Defense Department recognizes annually top 

employers who support members of the guard and 

Reserve. 30The Reserves need you (and you 

may need the Reserves)

There are many reasons to go Reserve. Here’s a look 

at some of the options available to you if you’re 

transitioning from active duty.

11Marines improve Peruvian 

school, clinic

Reserve Marines built a clinic and schoolhouse for 

Peruvian children during an annual exercise.
“President’s Own” national tour dates announced 

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band tours each year from the beginning of October until early 

November. The tour lasts approximately 31 days, during which the band performs in roughly 29 cities. 

The tradition of the Marine Band tour began in 1891 under 17th Director John Philip Sousa. 

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band has roughly 160 members, including five officers, a drum major 

and assistant drum major, roughly 130 musicians, 22 full-time professionals working in administration, library, music 

production, operations, public affairs, recording, stage managing, and supply and 13 Marines from the Fleet Marine 

Force who work with administration, supply, and the stage managers.

All dates, locations, and times are subject to change. For more information, you can go to http://www.marineband.

usmc.mil/

Anderson relieves Ashley as 4th MAW’s top enlisted

Sgt. Maj. Paul K. Anderson relieved Sgt. Maj. Bradley M. Ashley as the sergeant 

major for 4th Marine Aircraft Wing during a ceremony Sept. 10 aboard Naval Support 

Activity New Orleans on the West Bank. 

Anderson comes to 4th MAW after serving as the station sergeant major for Marine 

Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. His previous assignments include: Marine 

Security Guard duty at the American Embassies in Belgium, Morocco and Nassau, 

Bahamas; Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 451 at MCAS Beaufort, S.C.; InspectorInstructor staff, Marine Wing Support Squadron 474, MWSG-47, 4th MAW, in 

Johnston, Penn.; and 4th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, 

Birmingham, Ala.

Ashley retired from the Corps after 29 years of faithful and professional service.

Reserve Marine develops life-saving device

Sgt. Jason Cox, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, earned a Navy and Marine 

Corps Achievement Medal in July 2008 for his work on countering improvised 

explosive devices. With his science background, Cox recognized that infrared 

spectroscopy could be useful in detecting and identifying improvised explosive 

devices from a 250-meter distance. Cox researched a device which allows the 

military to image triggering systems for roadside bombs. These triggers are 

almost impossible to see with the naked eye or current imaging techniques. 

Coming up with the idea was a combination of luck and optimization, according 

to Cox, who recognized the utility of infrared imaging.

Together with his fellow Marines, they shared ideas, and, ultimately, created a 

system that allowed detection of victim-initiated IEDs. 

“I’m proud that I could contribute to a device that will ultimately save lives,” 

Cox said.

Marines awarded for contributions to 

Asian Pacific American awareness

Two Marines were among nine service members awarded the 

Federal Asian Pacific American Council Military Meritorious 

Service Award during a luncheon at the New York Marriott at the 

Brooklyn Bridge June 26.

1st Lt. Monica J. Moon and Staff Sgt. Tom S. Woo were both 

recognized for their distinguished military service and significant 

contributions to the advancement of Asian Pacific Americans 

during the ceremony.

Woo was awarded for his volunteer work while serving under the Marine Corps Mobilization Command. An 

active member in the Chinese American community in Rochester, N.Y., he helped coordinate the Chinese New Year 

celebration there. 

Moon was recognized for her service as the adjutant and equal opportunity officer of Headquarters and Support 

Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., from June 2005 to March 2007. During this time, she 

participated in the first cultural heritage day for the base, introducing the people of surrounding Jacksonville to 

cultural diversity and awareness.

The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008

Brief In

Taking a quick look across 

Marine Forces Reserve.


&

Marine Forces Reserve Band

Over the past three months, the band performed 

for or supported more than 25 civilian and military 

events.

From July 21-25, the band officer, enlisted 

conductor, and one musician took part in 

a conducting symposium hosted at Florida 

International University. This opportunity for training 

in the area of conducting and ensemble directorship 

greatly enhanced the unit leaders’ capabilities. 

Aug. 9 saw the ceremonial band supporting the 

4th Marine Aircraft Wing change of command in 

New Orleans. 

Two days later, the ceremonial band performed 

for the 138th Congress of Correction at the Ernest N. 

Morial convention center in downtown New Orleans.

The brass quintet traveled to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, 

for an Aug. 19 performance for a post office naming 

ceremony. The post office was named for a fallen 

Marine who was from the area.

The band evacuated New Orleans Aug. 30, in 

response to Hurricane Gustav. With more than 50 

vehicles and 80 Marines, family members, and pets, 

the band maintained 100 percent accountability 

for all personnel and gear during the movement to 

Fort Worth, Texas, and the return to New Orleans. 

During the week-long evolution in Fort Worth, the 

band continued to march, taking part in numerous 

rehearsals for future ceremonies.

The Marine Forces Reserve Band 

practices at Naval Air Station/

Joint Reserve Base Forth Worth 

while evacuated due to Hurricane 

Gustav Sept. 3. 

Photos by Master Sgt. Michael Q. 

Retana

www.mfr.usmc.mil 
LIFELines Services Network

A family camping trip can be an enjoyable experience 

with a little preparation. Knowing everyone’s limits, taking 

the time to plan ahead, and packing the right items will 

help your adventure come off without a hitch. Here are the 

down-and-dirty basics of woods and camping safety.

Planning Ahead If you’re not skilled in the outdoors, begin your 

adventures by taking day trips. But even then be aware of 

camping safety issues, such as bug bites and stings; plants 

that may cause rashes and allergic reactions; exposure to 

heat, wind, water, and cold; and getting lost.

Once families feel comfortable with their camping skills, 

they may want to plan a few days or a week in a wilderness 

park. But first, gather information from park rangers, read 

guide books about the terrain and weather, and talk with 

campers who’ve been there.

Common Camping Dangers One common mistake made by camping families is 

not being ready for seasonal transitions regarding proper 

clothing and equipment. Storms blow in and out during 

all seasons, and there can be sudden shifts in temperatures 

in spring and fall, particularly on high mountains. 

Precipitation and wind lead to rapid cooling, especially 

when temperatures drop at nightfall.

Excessive heat can be a problem for young children, 

whose sweat glands are not fully developed until 

adolescence. On hot days, hike in the cooler mornings and 

evenings. During the day, spend time in shaded areas. Wear 

skin protection whenever you or your kids are exposed to 

the sun, including hats, sunscreen, and cotton clothes.

Another common problem is getting lost. Teach your 

kids how to recognize landmarks at the campsite and 

on hikes. While hiking, encourage them to turn around 

and look at the trail to familiarize themselves with their 

surroundings. Teach them to remain where they are and 

stay calm if they are lost. Kids should wear whistles 

(whistles can be heard farther away than the human voice) 

and know the universal help signal of three blows or loud 

sounds. Try to take your cell phone along in case you can 

get a signal.

Before your trip, look for a local class or go online to 

find out more about map reading and finding directions. For 

wilderness trekking, always carry a topographical map and 

compass.

Proper Clothing To protect against sudden temperature and weather 

changes, wear multi-layered clothing made of 

polyester, polypropylene, and wool. Layers of clothing 

— such as tank tops, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters — 

will allow you to reduce or increase clothing as needed. To 

protect against rain and wind, bring breathable, lightweight 

waterproof jackets and pants.

All family members need comfortable hiking shoes 

to prevent blistering. When hiking, tuck pant cuffs into 

socks and boots to protect against ticks. Kids should wear 

brightly colored clothes to increase visibility. Caps or hats 

will help guard against the sun and protect against insects.

Setting Up a Campsite Natural hazards such as forest fires and fallen trees are 

less likely to be encountered at campgrounds that can be 

accessed by cars. But other dangers lurk, such as broken 

glass, discarded needles, and other hazardous trash.

Scout the area before setting up a tent. In wilderness 

areas, look for signs of animal and insect use; for example, 

yellowjacket wasps build their nests in the ground. If 

berries are plentiful at a site, bears may forage for food 

there.

To build a firepit, look for a clearing and previous 

firepits. During fire-hazard periods and dry seasons, use 

portable stoves rather than campfires.

Drinking the Water Assume that all wilderness streams and creeks are 

potentially contaminated water sources due to domestic 

and wild animals. Giardia lamblia, a common parasitic 

contaminant, can cause nausea, bloating, gas, stomach 

cramps, and explosive diarrhea leading to dehydration.

If you are unable to bring bottled water with you on your 

trip or your supply runs out, iodine is an inexpensive and 

easy way to purify water (you can buy iodine tablets that 

dissolve in the water). You’ll need to check the expiration 

date before using. You can also use water filters. Boiling 

is an excellent method for purifying water, but takes a lot 

of time, energy, and resources; also, appropriate boiling 

times are uncertain because boiling points vary according 

to elevation.

Food Supplies and Foraging Plan your meals according to how many days you will 

be on a trip, and then bring extra food. Pack plenty of 

portable foods, such as granola bars, packaged trail mix, 

breads, peanut butter, fruit, and other camping-friendly 

foods. You can even purchase dehydrated meals that only 

require the addition of water. It’s best to leave foraging for 

berries to the animals because it’s easy to mistake toxic 

berries for edible ones that can make someone pretty sick 

and ruin the entire trip.

Plants and Insects

Common plants to be wary of are poison oak, sumac, 

and ivy. Show your kids pictures of these plants before your 

trip, and if in doubt, avoid touching any unknown plants. 

Dress your kids in long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect 

Woods and camping safety for the whole family

 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
the skin from exposure to plants that may cause allergic 

reactions. You can apply protective products before hiking 

that will act as a barrier against the oils of the plants. Any 

area that comes in contact with a poisonous plant should 

be washed immediately with cool water to help remove 

the oil that causes the allergic reaction. Calamine lotion 

or hydrocortisone cream (1 percent) may help to stop the 

itching that’s common with poison ivy.

Antihistamines taken by mouth are effective for allergic 

reactions or itchy rashes — from contact with poison ivy to 

mosquito bites to bee and wasp stings. Use citronella-based 

products to repel insects and put it on clothing instead of 

skin whenever possible. Repellents containing DEET also 

can be used. Choose a repellent that contains no more than 

10 percent to 30 percent DEET; in higher concentrations, 

the chemical (which is absorbed through the skin) can be 

toxic. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. DEETcontaining products should only be used on children older 

than 2 years.

Another camping concern is ticks, which can carry 

several types of infections, including Lyme disease. Check 

your kids at the end of each day for ticks. Examine places 

where ticks like to hide, like behind the ears, in the scalp, 

under the arms, and in the groin area. Be aware of the 

typical rash seen in some patients with Lyme disease — a 

red ring that may grow to about 2 inches in diameter around 

the bite appearing about a week after the tick bite.

Protecting Against Animals Teach kids that animals in the wild are strong and agile, 

and will defend themselves and their young if threatened. 

Children should not approach wild animals, even small 

ones, and should never feed them. Don’t leave kids 

unsupervised — small children, especially, are vulnerable. 

Instruct them to stay calm and call loudly for help if they 

encounter a wild animal.

Always ask the park rangers about wild animals in 

your wilderness park. Keep the campsite free of food 

odors and do not bring food into tents. Pack food in your 

cars overnight; if you’re going on a long camping trip, 

pack food in resealable plastic bags and animal-resistant 

containers.

What to Pack

Essentials for every camping trip include:

• map of the area 

• compass 

• flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs 

• extra food 

• extra clothing, including rain gear 

• sunglasses and sunscreen 

• pocketknife 

• folding saw 

• matches in waterproof container 

• candle or fire starter 

• adequate supply of clean drinking water 

• appropriate insect repellents 

Other necessary items include: full water bottles for 

hikes; a waterproof and lightweight tent; ground insulation 

for sleeping; a blanket for emergencies; signaling device 

such as a whistle, mirror, pocket flare, walkie-talkie or cell 

phone; duct tape; and 50 to 100 feet of nylon rope.

Bring a first-aid kit that includes:

• adhesive and butterfly bandages 

• self-adhesive roller bandages 

• sterile gauze pads 

• a cold pack 

• splinting materials 

• large wound dressings 

• blister dressings 

• nonadhesive dressings 

• cloth-based adhesive tape 

• elastic bandages 

• non-latex gloves 

• large plastic bag 

• safety pins 

• scissors 

• tweezers and needles (to remove splinters or ticks) 

• topical antibiotic cream 

• oral antihistamine 

• medications for pain or fever 

• hydrocortisone cream (1%) 

• alcohol pads 

In addition, bring a liquid antiseptic soap to clean 

wounds. Don't forget extra protective dressings for severe 

arm or leg blisters. Knowing how to make a splint in 

case of injury is also useful and can be learned in first-aid 

classes.

Camping Emergency Basics

In the case of an emergency, the most important thing to 

do is to remain calm. During an emergency, families need 

to decide together on the best plan of action, examining 

the resources available. Before your trip, notify friends and 

families of your destination and time of return. And sign up 

at park registers before and after wilderness treks.

If your kids have whistles and were instructed to wait in 

a sheltered area if they get lost, you should be able to find 

them more readily. If you bring a cell phone, make sure it’s 

charged.

Always stay on the safe side when setting boundaries for 

family camping. The more remote your location, the more 

care you should take in choosing your activities. Survey 

campsites for riverbanks and cliffs. Check out climbing 

trees for dead branches and moss, both of which cause falls.

Properly preparing for camping lets the whole family 

enjoy the great outdoors safely. o

www.mfr.usmc.mil 

Recreation
Lance Cpl. Edward H. Currie III

Marine Forces Reserve

VAZIANI TRAINING BASE, Georgia – Marines are 

used to training in foreign climates, preparing themselves 

for any situation, but for one group of grunts, the training 

will not only be for their unit but also for a new ally in the 

war on terrorism. 

Marines from 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 

left Cleveland July 10, for the Country of Georgia and 

Operation Immediate Response, in which American forces 

helped train the Georgian Armed Forces. 

“Our primary hope,” said Lt. Col. Minter Ralston IV, 

Inspector-Instructor, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 

“is to establish a strong bond with the Georgian army, train 

them proficiently and work in a safe training environment 

all while having a good cultural exchange.”

This exercise is part of what Marine Forces Europe 

refers to as a Theater Security Cooperation, which puts 

countries together to make Marines and other services more 

proficient and familiar with each other’s operations.

“This is a great experience for everyone on both sides 

in which we can learn from each other all while becoming 

more proficient at our jobs,” said Pfc. Nate T. Robinson, 

a 20-year-old rifleman from Columbus, Ohio, who works 

at a gym when not training for future deployments. “It’s 

important to reach out to other cultures and exchange 

training programs all while building familiarity with each 

other before working together in a combat zone.”

Georgia has already committed troops to Iraq, so it 

is important that they are as proficient as possible, said 

Ralston.

Though it’s his first time in Georgia, Cpl. Raymond A. 

Jackson, a personnel clerk with Headquarters and Service 

Company, said he’s looking forward the experience.

Every Marine needs training to be proficient at their job 

and it’s no different for the Georgian army,” said Jackson. 

“It will be great to refresh our skills together and get a taste 

of each others cultures at the same time.” o

Immediate Response begins in Georgia

The joint-service, multi-national color guard, 

consisting of two Marines, four U.S. soldiers, 

and two Georgian soldiers, posted the colors 

during the opening ceremony for Immediate 

Response 2008 July 15.

Lance Cpl. Edward H. Currie III

The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
Cpl. Johnathan D. Herring

Marine Forces Reserve

VAZIANI TRAINING BASE, Georgia – If the noncommissioned officers run the Marine Corps, it’s the 

lance corporals and below who make the Marine Corps. 

They are the ones who execute the orders given from the 

commanding officer on down.

The junior Marines of 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine 

Regiment, 4th Marine Division, here for Operation 

Immediate Response 2008, prove that it’s they who are the 

backbone of the Marine Corps, and each one has a story to 

tell. 

Pvt. Jason W. Hobson, a rifleman with 3/25, joined the 

Marine Corps this year to get some adventure and help 

provide better for his wife and their young son.

“In the drywall business, you’re either real busy or there 

is no work at all,” said Hobson. “This helps balance out not 

being able to work sometimes. I also want to join the police 

department one day, and I knew being a Marine would 

better my chances.”

Hobson checked into his unit one week before deploying 

to the country of Georgia.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Hobson said. “I wasn’t quite 

prepared. But being here I can see that the sacrifices being 

made are worth it. We are helping the Georgians learn how 

to be better infantry soldiers.”

Pfc. Andrew N. Deeb, another rifleman with 3/25, who 

is also on his annual training exercise, said he joined the 

Marines for the excitement.

“I wanted to do something exciting with my life instead 

of sitting around and doing nothing,” Deeb said. “I always 

wanted to do this, and it’s pretty motivating now knowing 

that I am a Marine. I’m also trying to get into the Columbus 

police force to add even more excitement to my life. Every 

day is something different.”

There have always been many different reasons for 

Marines to join the Corps, and although excitement and 

adventure are among the top reasons, so are structure 

and discipline. Pfc. Chris J. McConnell joined for both 

excitement and structure.

McConnell joined right out of high school. He is 

registered for the fall semester at the University of 

Cincinnati in Ohio. Other than excitement, he also had 

ulterior motives. 

“I joined because I didn’t know what I wanted to do 

except stay out of trouble,” McConnell said. “I really 

needed to get some discipline, but mainly I joined for the 

excitement. I was going to go active duty, but I wanted to 

go to college. After college, I may consider transferring 

into active duty, maybe as an officer. I’m only 19, so I have 

plenty of time to think about what I want to do.”

Pfc. Brandon Schmitt joined the Marine Corps for 

structure. The 21-year-old 3/25 rifleman from Cincinnati is 

also a security systems installation technician working for 

his father. He is married and has a daughter who turned one 

just a few days after he got here.

“I waited until I graduated in 2006, went into the 

Delayed Entry Program and waited to go to recruit training 

so that I could be there for the birth of my daughter,” said 

Schmitt. “I basically joined to build a structure for my 

family, to better myself and to better my family. I didn’t 

join just for myself; I joined for my fiancé and to be a better 

role model for my daughter.”

No matter what their reasons for joining the Corps, they 

all share a lot of common incentives. Whether it is just for 

the excitement and the adventure of seeing new places, or 

for the structure and discipline Marines are renowned for, 

they all got something out of becoming Marines. o

3/25’s junior 

Marines tell 

their stories

Cpl. Johnathan D. Herring

Pvt. Jason W. Hobson loads ammunition during 

Operation Immediate Response in the Country of 

Georgia July 17.

www.mfr.usmc.mil 
Cpl Johnathan D. Herring

Marine Forces Reserve

VAZIANI TRAINING BASE, Georgia – In a 

continuation of their humanitarian efforts, Marines with 

3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, 

along with soldiers from the Georgian Army’s 4th Infantry 

Brigade, spent the day with local children at the Tsavkisi 

Hospice for Homeless Children near Tbilisi, July 25, as a 

part of Operation Immediate Response 2008.

Ten Marines and two Georgian army soldiers tackled the 

opportunity to take a day off from training to play with the 

underprivileged children.

The day began with a meet and greet between the 

Marines, Georgian Soldiers and the children. Though shy 

at first, the children quickly warmed up to the warriors, and 

it wasn’t long before they were all playing soccer in the 

back yard.

“We could judge by their smiling faces that the children 

are happy to see the Marines and soldiers,” said David 

Janashvili, the director of the home. “They really enjoyed 

their company.”

The children laughed with joy as the Marines played 

with them on the playground which was donated by the 

city. From kicking the ball around to swinging on the 

swing set, both the Marines and youngsters had a good 

time.

“I teach outdoor education to children at the YMCA 

in Oregonia, Ohio,” said Lance Cpl. Dustin Eubank, a 

rifleman with Co. L, 3/25. “Working with kids and teaching 

them different things is a life-changing experience. By us 

being here, it gives these kids a chance to see some of what 

Americans are all about.”

Prior to the visit, Marines and soldiers took up a 

collection of money from their fellow warriors. With this 

generous donation they were able to purchase furniture, 

toys, books and educational materials for the home. 

“The table and furniture was necessary,” said Janashvili. 

“The children can see how much the soldiers and Marines 

care for them, not just by the furniture and toys but by 

them just being here and spending time with them.”

A second trip to the orphanage is scheduled sometime in 

the near future, and the children say they look forward to 

the visit.

 “I really enjoyed playing with the Marines,” said Anna, 

an 8 year-old girl living here. “We had a lot of fun. God 

bless all of the Marines and soldiers. I hope they can come 

back soon.” o

3/25 Marines pitch in at Georgian orphanage

After the initial 

introductions at the 

Tsavkisi hospice for 

Homeless Children 

near Tbilisi, Georgia, 

the children warmed 

up to the Marines of 

3rd Battalion, 25th 

Marine Regiment. The 

leathernecks were 

there to bring furniture, 

supplies, toys and candy 

to the children and got 

the opportunity to play 

with them.

Cpl. Johnathan D. Herring

10 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
Capt. David Tomiyama

Marine Forces Reserve

AYACUCHO, Peru – When children in Yanamilla, 

Peru, returned to school or visited the doctor, they walked 

into a brand new schoolhouse and medical clinic - courtesy 

of the U.S. Marines. 

Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 

Detachments (-) out of Willow Grove, Pa., Alpha out 

of Wyoming, Pa., and Bravo out of Chicopee, Mass., 

completed a schoolhouse in San Jose and medical clinic 

in Yanamilla, in the Ayacucho region, as part of New 

Horizons - Peru 2008. 

Since June 1, more than 150 Marines have worked 

on the clinic and schoolhouse. In what was supposed to 

take two and a half months to complete, the Marines are 

scheduled to finish their projects two weeks early. 

“We projected the construction to be a lot longer but 

since it’s moving rapidly, it means good teamwork from 

everybody to get it done,” said Staff Sgt. Anton Rozbora, 

Task Force New Horizons project manager for the San Jose 

and Yanamilla sites. 

Once completed, the school will have two classrooms, 

a library, latrines and electricity. The medical clinic will 

have five patient rooms, a storage room, a lobby, a restroom 

with running water, doctor’s quarters, windows, fluorescent 

lights, ceiling fans, and electricity. 

Although it was not part of their original plans, the 

Marines took it upon themselves to build an outside 

retaining wall to provide long-term stability for the clinic. 

“A retaining wall will give better drainage, especially 

during the rainy season; it will control all the water coming 

down from the mountainside and guide it around the 

clinic,” said Rozbora. 

Local contractors laid a concrete slab as foundations for 

the two buildings in May. By early June, the MWSS 472 

began building the infrastructure with concrete blocks and 

reinforced them with vertical rebars for structural integrity. 

The locals around Yanamilla are excited about the 

construction of these vital facilities. 

Add to the fact that interacting with the Peruvian locals 

breaks down cultural barriers. 

“We love interacting with the locals that live around 

the job sites and learning a little bit about their culture; the 

country is beautiful and the people have been very thankful 

and welcoming,” said Cpl. Kathleen Ruscio, a combat 

engineer. “We enjoy being in a different country, helping 

those that are less fortunate.” 

The experience the MWSS-472 Marines are gaining 

through New Horizons as part of their annual training 

cannot be duplicated back in the states. 

“It’s real training, its good training,” said Rozbora. “I’m 

teaching them how to do my job and they walk away with 

something they didn’t know before. I’m not only helping 

the local population. I’m also helping my Marines by 

teaching them.” 

For MWSS-472, this is not the first time they have 

participated in New Horizons, having supported the 2006 

mission in Honduras. However, this New Horizons project 

has offered an even better experience. o

Marines improve Peruvian school, clinic

(Left to right) Cpl. Corey Lameroux, 

Lance Cpl. Kristopher Osborne, Maj. 

James Glass and Staff Sgt. Romeriza 

Miguel lay block as part of the 

construction process for the medical 

clinic at Yanamilla, Peru, June 25.

Photo by Capt. David Tomiyama

www.mfr.usmc.mil 11
Pfc. Jerry Murphy

Regimental Combat Team 1

CAMP HABBANIYAH, Iraq – More than 36 years ago, Chief Warrant 

Officer 5 Jim M. Roussell, the assistant intelligence officer for 2nd Battalion, 

24th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, was deployed to 

Thailand in support of the war in Vietnam.

Today, Roussell is walking the streets of Iraq with an abundance of combat 

experience and more than enough understanding of counterinsurgency to pass 

on to Marines in his battalion. 

Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for the third time, he 

remains humble when it comes to his service saying, “I’m here for these 

young guys who have embraced the concepts we have taught them very well 

– to try to teach them everything I know.”

Throughout his nearly 38 years of service in the Marine Corps Reserve, 

Roussell, nicknamed “The Wizard” because of his wealth of knowledge, has 

held many job titles. 

After enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1970 with an open contract, 

Roussell was assigned the military occupational specialty of musician. Upon 

completion of his first enlistment, he re-signed as an infantryman where he 

stayed through the rank of master sergeant before becoming a warrant officer 

in the intelligence field. 

During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Roussell served as the 

commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Bn., 24th 

Marines. 

He also served as a tactical intelligence officer with 1st Battalion, 24th 

Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, in Fallujah, Iraq during 

Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07. 

Roussell said his experience in the intelligence led him to volunteer for 

the current deployment to assist a fellow reserve battalion in the fight against 

‘The Wizard’ shares counterinsurge

”

“

I would say that there 

is about a 70 percent 

similarity between street 

gangs and terrorists.

CWO 5 Jim M. Roussell,

assistant intelligence officer, 2nd Battalion, 24th 

Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1

12 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
ency knowledge with 2/24 Marines

Cpl. Stephen McGinnis

Chief Warrant Officer 5 James Roussell (standing third from left), a 56-year-old tactical intelligence officer 

with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, stands with a group of Marines 

during his last deployment to Iraq in 2007.

terrorism in Fallujah. 

Like most Marines in the battalion, Roussell is 

a reservist mobilized in support of the war. Back in 

Chicago he has made a second career with the city police 

department, where he is a lieutenant. 

Roussell compares the tactics he and the Marines he 

serves with here use to those he uses in the police force. 

“I would say that there is about a 70 percent similarity 

between street gangs and terrorists,” said the 57-yearold. “Insurgents try to hide amongst the population; so do 

gang members. The real difference is that street gangs are 

motivated by profit. In the insurgency, there is no profit but 

a whole lot more violence. So we are almost dealing with 

the same thing, just more violence (here).”

Many Marines throughout the battalion said they have 

benefitted from Roussell’s knowledge pertaining to the 

Marine Corps and counterinsurgency tactics.

“Chief Warrant Officer Roussell’s comprehension 

on how insurgents and criminals think and function is 

astonishing,” said Cpl. Andy Behnfeldt, the targeting 

noncommissioned officer for 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines. 

“He has probably forgotten more about intelligence and 

counterinsurgency than most people will ever know.”

Regardless of his own accomplishments and experience, 

Roussell credits the Marines in the battalion who are living 

among the Iraqi people everyday to provide over watch in 

hopes of a safer tomorrow.

“Our guys are out there living with the local people, 

experiencing the same things they are,” he said. “They’re 

out there interacting with the people and building 

relationships with the children. They’re the ones who 

deserve the credit.” o

www.mfr.usmc.mil 13

Marines in the Fight
Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

Marine Forces Reserve

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Reserve Marines 

from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment 

acclimated themselves to the desert heat here June 18-20 in 

preparation for their upcoming deployment to Iraq.

The company conducted “Hyper-Realistic Squad-Level 

Field Training” for their pre-deployment training program.

The exercise focused on patrolling and familiarization 

with Iraqi culture. Each aspect of the training began in the 

classroom and moved into practical application exercises.

Role players speaking Arabic added a sense of realism 

to the scenarios. Marines also heard the traditional 

Arabic call to prayer or Iraqi music on a loudspeaker 

every afternoon. The realism was further enhanced by the 

thundering impact of artillery rounds from another range 

several miles away.

“Utilizing role players and battlefield effects, this 

training will provide an environment that ensures 

Marines can operate in combat under extremely stressful 

conditions,” said 1st Sgt. Dennis J. Schager, the company’s 

first sergeant. “This training is also an evaluation tool that 

will show us areas where we can improve,” 

Schager, a New York State Trooper of 10 years, is going 

back for his second tour in Iraq with the battalion. He 

added that not only will the training enhance the Marines’ 

urban warfighting abilities, but it will also refine small unit 

leadership skills.

“It’s a big change to go from our civilian careers 

or college, leaving behind family and friends,” said 

Schager. “But regardless of which component we come 

from, we are all Marines and know we have a job to 

do. The Marines are working hard, day after day, to learn 

all they can. This will, in turn, provide our company 

with skills to do our job proficiently, effectively and 

professionally.”

The training kicked off June 18, with a two-hour 

Iraqi Arabic class, taught by Kelvin Garvanne, a civilian 

instructor fluent in the language. Marines learned common 

greetings and key phrases in Arabic, such as: “Welcome,” 

“Can I please come inside?” “We can work together,” and 

“Do you have electricity?”

The Marines practiced repeating phrases aloud and 

scribbled down phonetic pronunciations in their notebooks.

“You have to find ways to build the Iraqis’ trust, to gain 

Realistic training preps MFR Marines for Iraq

Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

A simulated improvised explosive 

device detonates at a vehicle 

control point set up by Company 

F Marines during “Hyper-Realistic 

Training” at Camp Pendleton, 

Calif., June 18.

14 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
their confidence so that you can help create stability,” 

Garvanne told the Marines.

After initial classroom instruction, each platoon spent 

one day on foot patrol, one day doing mounted vehicle 

patrolling and a third on raids, cordons and house-to-house 

searches.

Col. Mark A. Smith, the 4th Marine Division officer 

in charge of training, has supervised Marine units going 

through this phase of pre-deployment preparation for the 

past two years.

“The challenge of the current war is asymmetric,” 

asserted Smith. “Marines default to what they know when 

they’re confronted with these situations. We prepare 

them to function with a law enforcement mentality while 

retaining the Marine warrior ethos.”

Over the four-mile patrolling route, Marines from 1st 

Platoon scoured the roadside for simulated improvised 

explosive devices (IEDs), reacted to explosions and set up a 

vehicle control point, where they encountered Iraqi civilian 

role players in suburban utility vehicles.

As one group of Iraqi civilians distracted Marines at the 

control point with uncooperative behavior, a pick-up truck 

quietly approached. Within minutes, flames shot out of the 

bed of the truck as a simulated IED was detonated.

“This training kick-starts their brains and makes it easier 

to react when the time comes,” said Angel Barcenas, a 

Marine gunnery sergeant who was medically retired in 

March due to injuries sustained in Iraq.

Barcenas now works at Camp Pendleton as a civilian 

contractor and helps facilitate the vehicle control point 

segment of training.

“I wish I had this training before I went over,” said 

Barcenas, who lost both legs from the knees down in a 

2006 IED attack. 

Drawing on his experience in Iraq in 2004-2005, 

Sgt. Maj. Griff Lippencott, a Reserve Marine with 4th 

Reconnaissance Battalion, was the primary instructor.

“It gives Marines the fundamentals of clearing a house 

and teaches them to focus on what they need to do in 

combat,” said Lippencott, a 12-year veteran police officer 

from Naperville, Ill. “The live fire teaches them to function 

under stress. The [Special Effects Small Arms Marking 

System] rounds add a definite sense of realism.”

Squads took turns entering and clearing houses of 

civilian role players, all native-born Iraqis. One of the 

biggest challenges for the Marines was distinguishing 

innocent civilians from armed insurgent fighters.

“It’s the first time they’ve all been operating 

as a unit with role players in an unknown 

situation,” explained Capt. Darren Wallace, 

3rd Platoon’s commander. “They’re really 

beginning to mesh as a platoon.”

Marines went through various scenarios in the town, 

which was constructed to resemble an Iraqi village. They 

began by doing “knocks and searches,” utilizing the skills 

they learned in the previous day’s language and culture 

class and with the help of an Iraqi interpreter.

As the exercise progressed, the Marines took fire from 

insurgents and had to kick in doors and apprehend suspects, 

the entire time communicating over the din of shrieking 

role players and Arabic music playing over the speakers.

“When you get hit with a sim round, it’s a total reality 

check,” said Pfc. Kyle Samuels, a 19-year-old rifleman 

who was mobilized to augment 2nd Battalion for the 

deployment.

On the opposite side of the urban training site, 2nd 

Platoon conducted a dismounted patrolling exercise. This 

was designed to teach platoon-level security patrol 

techniques and counterinsurgency operations.

“We try to teach the Marines to be polite, how to show 

respect to Iraqi women and how to act well in Iraq. We try 

to show them that not all Iraqi people are bad, that we are 

peaceful, educated people who just want a better life,” said 

Ali Alaesawi, a 42-year-old role player. “We try to teach 

them so that they can come home safely.”

A six-year veteran of the Iraqi Army, Alaesawi fled the 

country after a failed uprising against Saddam Hussein in 

1991. Claiming political asylum, he moved to the U.S. in 

1997, after spending six years in a refugee camp in Saudi 

Arabia.

Back on the streets of Combat Town, 2nd Platoon moved 

through the streets and buildings, practicing their Arabic 

with the role players and exchanging blank round fire with 

insurgents.

“Intermixing with the locals gives the Marines stress 

inoculation,” said Gunnery Sgt. Lee K. Kyle, one of the 

lead instructors.

“This type of realistic training opens the Marines’ eyes 

to how truly difficult the mission is. It gives the Marines a 

lot of things to work on over the next two months so that 

their tour in Iraq will be safe and successful,” said Maj. 

Thomas Armas, the Company F Commander. Armas has 

worked for the U.S. Secret Service since 1999. This will be 

his third tour in Iraq.

The battalion’s Mojave Viper is slated for the entire 

month of August. Shortly afterward, the Marines are 

scheduled to deploy to Iraq for seven months. o

Editor’s Note: The leathernecks of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine 

Regiment, touched down in Iraq as this edition was put together. Our 

next edition will have coverage of them, and of course, you can find 

the most up-to-date coverage on our Web site www.mfr.usmc.mil

www.mfr.usmc.mil 15
Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

Marine Forces Reserve

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – There are hundreds of thousands of Marines 

spread across hundreds of occupational specialties, yet only two of them are combat 

artists. 

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Fay and Sgt. Kristopher Battles travel around the 

world photographing, sketching and painting Marines and Sailors in action.

They both traveled here Aug. 3, from their home base at Marine Corps Base 

Quantico, Va., to historically document in sketches and watercolor paintings the first 

two weeks of “Mojave Viper,” a requisite pre-deployment training evolution for 2nd 

Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment.

“We want to capture, in art, the unique experience of fellow Reserve Marines 

training at Mojave Viper,” said Fay. “Through our eyes, we want to get as close as 

possible to the realness of what is happening - the sweat, suffering, boredom and 

Reserve Marines from Company F, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, bound 

into the town of “Ridwaniyah,” a live-fire urban warfare training facility in a remote 

section of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., on 

Aug. 14. (Official USMC artwork by Sgt. Kristopher Battles)

Combat artists paint Reserv

16 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
adrenaline. In an era of digital imagery, our art is slowed vision. 

There is depth to it. The viewer can see that the artist was there and 

get an idea of how the subjects were feeling.”

Fay’s Marine Corps career has spanned 33 years, during which 

time he has worked as a mortarman, bookkeeper, a CH-46 avionics 

technician, crew chief, and as a recruiter. Though he had been 

sketching and studying art most of his life, he didn’t become a 

combat artist until January 2000.

“It was the fall of ’97, and I’d been out (of the Marine Corps) 

a few years,” Fay said. “I was walking by an art gallery in 

Fredericksburg, Va., and I recognized the paintings in the window 

as the original work of Lt. Col. Donna Neary, a Reserve Marine 

and combat artist for more than 20 years. I went in, met her, and 

discussed Marine Corps combat art. She asked to see some of my 

work, so I walked three blocks back to my apartment to get my 

sketchbook, which included pieces I’d done during [Operation] 

Desert Shield in Oman and in Mogadishu, Somalia. She asked me 

if I would be interested in coming back in as a combat artist. It 

sounded like a good idea.”

At the age of 47, Fay re-entered the Corps on a two-year contract 

as a mobilized Individual Ready Reservist and has been drawing 

and painting non-stop ever since. 

The Reserve Marines of 2/25 received Fay with a sense of both 

awe and fascination as he and Battles sat in the 110-degree heat 

sketching the troops during their training. 

“With a reserve unit like this, the level of knowledge about art and the questions 

I received tells me that they fully appreciate what we’re trying to do,” explained 

Fay.

The artists rotated through the companies and followed the Marines in the brutal 

combined arms assault courses located in a remote region of the Mojave Desert.

They slept in the field, ate Meals-Ready-to-Eat, and worked feverishly in the 

Quonset Huts back at Camp Wilson, creating watercolors in the stifling mid-day 

heat and spraying them with fixative to keep out the dirt and grit. 

They returned to the National Museum of the Marine Corps Aug. 18 to register 

these new pieces in the artwork collection there and for future use at exhibitions in 

museums throughout America.

“It was totally unexpected. I just saw a guy writing in a notebook, and then he 

tapped me on my shoulder and showed me the sketch. I thought he did a good 

job,” said Lance Cpl. Nicholas A. Gleason of Marathon, N.Y., a Fox Company 

Marine who is a life-long sketch artist himself. 

In addition to documenting the troops in action, Fay also taught a tactical 

sketching class for the Scout-Sniper platoon of 2/25 Aug. 11.

Cpl. Tim Barber, who has been with the platoon since May 2007, is a graphic 

designer from Montclair, N.J., in his civilian career. Barber said that the class was 

definitely beneficial for him professionally, both as a Marine sniper and an artist.

“It helped me hone my skills,” said Barber. “I didn’t expect to get to do 

ve battalion’s portrait

Official USMC artwork by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Fay

A Marine from Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 

25th Marine Regiment, practices operating a 

Multifunction Agile Remote Control Robot to 

investigate a suspected improvised explosive 

device during a training exercise at Camp Wilson 

aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 

in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 10.

www.mfr.usmc.mil 17
anything like this. As far as application, a picture is worth 

a thousand words. When you can accurately depict a battle 

space in combat and relay that information back to higher 

[headquarters], that is where you really make your money.”

The snipers have cameras and powerful lenses to take 

photos during scouting and reconnaissance operations, but 

Barber explained that sketching is a vital tool which all 

snipers should have. 

“It really brings things back to fundamentals,” added 

Barber. “If you don’t have that foundation of observing 

and recording information, you can’t fully utilize the new 

technology.” 

As the battalion is nearly three months into their predeployment training program here, the series of grueling 

live-fire ranges in the oppressive summer heat has left many 

of the battalion’s Marines exhausted, both physically and 

mentally. 

“I think the sketching breaks the routine of training for 

the Marines, especially when they’re out here going nonstop from range to range,” said Fay. “Sgt. Battles and I are 

blessed that we can do something like this full-time. Not 

many artists get paid for their work. We do. We are able to 

go out every day and do something we have a passion for.”

One day in the future, the Marines of 2/25 may able 

to take their children and grandchildren to the National 

Museum of the Marine Corps to see images of them in the 

Mojave Desert in 2008, training for deployment in support 

of the Global War on Terror.

“What we are creating here with our sketches and 

paintings is not just art,” emphasized Fay. “It is artifacts.” o

Encumbered by more than 

50 pounds of flak vest and 

Kevlar, Sgt. Kristopher 

Battles (bottom, right), a 

combat artist based at the 

National Museum of the 

Marine Corps, sketches 

the Marines of Company E, 

2nd Battalion, 25th Marine 

Regiment, during a livefire combined arms assault 

course at Marine Corps Air 

Ground Combat Center in 

Twentynine Palms, Calif., 

Aug. 8.

Lt. Cmdr. Kobena Arthur, the chaplain for 2nd 

Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, conducts a field 

service at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 

in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 10. (Official USMC 

artwork by Sgt. Kristopher Battles)

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Fay

Editor’s Note: The leathernecks of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine 

Regiment, touched down in Iraq as this edition was put together. Our 

next edition will have coverage of them, and of course, you can find 

the most up-to-date coverage on our Web site www.mfr.usmc.mil

18 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

Marine Forces Reserve

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – A group of 14 

Reserve Marines from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine 

Regiment, set out from desert camps and forward operating 

bases at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center here 

Aug. 18 for the base staff judge advocate’s office to take an 

oral exam administered by agents from the U.S. Citizenship 

and Immigration Service. 

The Marines were natives of countries throughout the 

world and spoke many different languages in addition to 

English, but their goal was the same - pass the test and 

become naturalized U.S. citizens. 

Despite the fact that they had been training hard in the 

desert heat for more than three months, they still found 

time to study the information they’d been provided.

“This says a lot for their character,” said Lt. Col. Geoff 

Rollins, the 2/25 battalion commander. “These guys came 

here to America, and they haven’t asked for anything. 

Instead, they volunteered to serve in the Marine Corps. 

I’m very proud of them in that they’ve not only worked 

hard all summer to prepare for deployment, but they’ve 

constructively used the little time they had off to study for 

this exam.” 

The questions required the candidates to learn basic 

information about the U.S. Constitution, how the three 

branches of U.S. government work together, the way in 

which elections are conducted, the length of terms of public 

office and key leaders in U.S. history, such as George 

Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Patrick Henry.

Normally, immigrants to the U.S. must wait a period of 

five years before they are eligible to apply for naturalization 

and take the exam. For those who serve honorably on 

active duty in the U.S. military, however, they are eligible 

to apply within a year under provisions in Section 329 of 

the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. This also applies 

to military reservists when they are mobilized on active 

duty orders. 

Pursuant to Executive Order 13269 of July 2002, 

however, all personnel on active duty can now file 

immediately for citizenship. 

“I’m nervous and excited at the same time,” said Pfc. 

Miguel E. Portillo Melendez, a battalion warehouse supply 

clerk. “It’s a very good opportunity to become somebody 

important in this country”

The Marines of 2/25 had a short celebration and photo 

session, then headed back out to the field to continue with 

their training.

“My unit has been very flexible to enable me to get this 

done,” said Cpl. Taj A. Green, an automotive mechanic 

with Headquarters and Service Company, 2/25. “I joined 

the reserves because I wanted to serve, but I wanted to live 

my life and have a civilian career as a law enforcement 

officer as well. The Marine Corps said they were looking 

for a few good men, and I believe I’m one of them. ” o

Reserve Marines become U.S. citizens

Jamaica native Lance Cpl. 

Kevin Wint (center), a supply 

administration Marine with 

Headquarters and Service 

Company, 2nd Battalion, 

25th Marine Regiment, signs 

papers making him a U.S. 

citizen during an Aug. 18 

naturalization ceremony held 

at Marine Corps Air Ground 

Combat Center in Twentynine 

Palms, Calif.

Lance Cpl. Corey Blodgett

www.mfr.usmc.mil 19
Transition team trains abo

Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

Marine Forces Reserve

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines from 2nd Battalion, 

25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, completed a four-day 

tactical shooting course at Range 111 here Aug. 1, in preparation 

for their upcoming military transition team (MiTT) 

mission in Iraq.

Over the course of the advanced combat 

marksmanship skills training, the Marines 

practiced shooting their rifles and pistols 

from various firing positions in full combat 

load, which included more than 60 pounds 

of personal protective equipment, weapons and 

ammunition.

Under the tutelage of experienced civilian 

marksmanship instructors, all former U.S. military 

staff non-commissioned officers from special 

operations, the students shot while both stationary 

and moving, learning how to operate fluidly in 

their gear in the mid-day heat.

The course was similar to the standard Marine 

Corps Combat Marksmanship Program with 

some modifications to better prepare the 

students for specific urban warfare scenarios.

“This is the best shooting practice I’ve had 

in my eight years in the Marine Corps,” said 

Sgt. Kristoffer Borch, a Marine from Weapons 

Company, 2/25. “The instructors are all top-notch, 

former spec-ops guys. We’re getting training from 

the experts.”

The battalion’s two teams are comprised of about 

30 Marines and Sailors. Many were hand-selected 

from companies throughout the battalion, while 

others are augments from active duty Marine 

Corps units and the Individual Ready Reserve.

20 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
oard Camp Pendleton

Together, they have spent the past five 

weeks learning how to become teachers and 

mentors for their future Iraqi Police and Iraqi 

Army counterparts.

Marksmanship expertise is just one of many skills 

which the MiTTs will take with them to Iraq.

“The concept is to bring in specialized MOSs [military 

occupational specialties] such as infantry, logistics, medical 

and intelligence to give us the skilled personnel to train the 

Iraqi Security Forces in the most current techniques we’ve 

developed,” said Master Sgt. Joe Yuditsky, the MiTT combat 

service support chief.

Yuditsky, a 22-year veteran with the battalion’s Headquarters and 

Service Company, is headed for his second tour in Iraq. He explained that 

transition teams have already gone through intensive Arabic language, Iraqi 

culture and first aid classes, as well as hands-on training in detecting and reacting 

to improvised explosive devices, since arriving here June 22.

The cadre of Marines understands the vital importance of transmitting this 

tactical knowledge to their Iraqi students. They will embed with Iraqi Army units 

for about six months, sharing all their hardships and challenges. The ultimate 

goal is to transfer responsibility of Iraq’s security from coalition units to the Iraqi 

Security Forces.

“MiTTs are a key component of the strategic objective of the U.S. military right 

now,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Cole Dolinger, one of the MiTT leaders. “The 

goal is to get advisors on the ground, in place to train the Iraqi forces to stand 

on their own, to be militarily proficient so the Iraq government can nurture their 

democracy.” o

Editor’s Note: The leathernecks of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine 

Regiment, touched down in Iraq as this edition was put together. Our 

next edition will have coverage of them, and of course, you can find 

the most up-to-date coverage on our Web site www.mfr.usmc.mil

www.mfr.usmc.mil 21
Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

Marine Forces Reserve

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Marines from 

Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 

spent July 17 training at a forward operating base here as 

part of a battalion-level field exercise. 

The purpose of the four-day exercise was to immerse the 

Marines in an environment which approximates what they 

will see in Iraq, with each of the battalion’s four companies 

at separate FOBs, geographically dispersed over several 

square miles outside a military operations in urban terrain 

[MOUT] training facility. 

Capt. Jonathan Frangakis, the platoon commander 

for 4th Mobile Assault Platoon, explained that the days 

preceding the exercise gave the company an opportunity to 

operate independently in a realistic desert environment. 

“We get to work out some of our own kinks first, and 

can then do the battalion-level exercise,” said Frangakis, 

who left active duty in 2006 after serving two tours in 

Afghanistan and was involuntarily mobilized out of the 

Individual Ready Reserve for this deployment. 

Most of July 17 was spent conducting quick reactionary 

force rehearsals. This entailed loading up the Humvees and 

speeding off toward the nearby MOUT town to engage a 

simulated enemy force. 

“It’s not something you work on a lot unless you’re 

out somewhere like here, and it’s a mission at task,” said 

Frangakis. “Right now we’re just walking through things, 

identifying masking terrain (land features such as hills and 

berms which block observation) and getting comfortable 

working in the environment.” 

Getting comfortable was not easy in the spartan 

conditions. The Marines slept on cots in open tents with dirt 

floors, as mid-day temperatures reached 108 degrees. The 

only chow on the menu was Meals-Ready-to-Eat. Sleep 

was also sporadic. 

Around the clock, the company’s four MAPs each took 

their turn in four-hour rotations as the “two-minute QRF.” 

This team waited in a tent next to their vehicles for a 

mission to be announced. On order, they had two minutes 

to run to their vehicles, load up in full combat gear, start 

up the engines and be on their way out the front gate of 

their FOB. Simultaneously, the MAP on perimeter security 

rushed to their assigned guard posts inside the wire. 

“QRF is tough,” said Frangakis. “You have a lot of down 

time, and then you have to react. We got saddled up and 

out the gate in one minute and twenty-seven seconds. It’s a 

validation of the things we rehearse. It’s good to see them 

execute it.” 

At the end of this exercise, the battalion’s Marines will 

receive a one-week leave period to say good-bye to their 

families and friends. 

They will return to Twentynine Palms by the end of 

July for Mojave Viper, an intensive, month-long training 

evolution here. This will be the battalion’s final assessment 

of combat readiness before deploying to Iraq for seven 

months. o

Weapons Company Marines 

rehearse quick response drills

Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

Lance Cpl. Graham Ferro (left) and Cpl. Doug 

Osberg from Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 

25th Marine Regiment, scan the desert terrain, 

guarding their forward operating base during a 

battalion-level exercise at Marine Corps Air-Ground 

Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 17.

Editor’s Note: The leathernecks of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine 

Regiment, touched down in Iraq as this edition was put together. Our 

next edition will have coverage of them, and of course, you can find 

the most up-to-date coverage on our Web site www.mfr.usmc.mil

22 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
Sgt. Beth Zimmerman Still

Marine Aircraft Group 41

NAVAL AIR STATION-JOINT 

RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, 

Texas – Fort Worth, Texas-based 

Marine Aircraft Group 41 on June 24 

received two fixed-wing aircraft and 

the squadron colors of a cadred unit 

following the June 21 decommissioning 

of its Atlanta-based higher headquarters. 

The transition followed the June 

21 decommissioning of MAG-42, 

which was based at Naval Air Station 

Atlanta. The Defense Base Closure 

and Realignment Commission tapped 

NAS Atlanta for closure and its assets 

for realignment in 2005. According 

to Lt. Col. David Pohlman, a plans 

officer with 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in New Orleans, MAG-42 was 

decommissioned as part of the Marine Aviation Transition Plan, which 

works to redistribute aviation assets throughout the Corps in concert 

with BRAC closures and realignments. 

Two of MAG-42’s units, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 

and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, were transferred 

from Atlanta to MAG-49 at NAS Willow Grove, Penn. The squadron 

colors for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 142 were cased and 

transferred to Fort Worth with two of the squadron’s F/A-18 Hornets. 

According to Pohlman, the Marines of Fort Worth-based VMFA-112 

will fly the Hornets as their own. Meanwhile, VMFA-142’s colors will 

remain cased at MAG-41 while the squadron is administratively shut 

down. 

“Down on the flight line, there’s no difference between being 

decommissioned and cadred,” Pohlman said. However, “a cadred unit is 

more likely to come back, with the same or different aircraft,” he said. 

“The Marine Corps has the intention of bringing back VMFA-142, they 

just don’t know when.” 

Other units throughout the Corps received aircraft from VMFA-142 

as well. However, the unit colors were specifically transferred to MAG41, Pohlman said. 

Within 4th MAW, “MAG-41 is the fixed-wing MAG, and MAG-49 

is primarily a rotary-wing MAG, even though there are bits and pieces 

of others,” Pohlman said. Hence, the reason the helicopters went to 

Willow Grove and the Hornet squadron colors ended up in Fort Worth. 

Basically, “they’re trying to keep apples with apples.” o

MAG-41 gains aircraft, squadron colors 

following MAG-42 decommissioning

Petty Officer 2nd Class D. Keith Simmons

A plane captain from Marine Fighter 

Attack Squadron 112 directs the pilot 

of one of the two F/A-18 Hornets 

Marine Aircraft Group 41 received from 

VMFA-142 on June 24. The squadron 

colors of the VMFA-142 "Gators" were 

cased and transitioned to MAG-41 

following the June 21 decommissioning 

of Atlanta-based MAG-42.

www.mfr.usmc.mil 23
Lance Cpl. Mary A. Staes

Marine Forces Reserve

MARINE FORCES RESERVE, New Orleans – A 

new program available to veterans of Operation Iraqi 

Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom is designed to 

relieve some of the stress endured during deployment and 

reintegrate warriors back into life at home.

Outward Bound is a world-wide program that offers 

outdoor wilderness courses. In April, it announced a new 

program that will use grants from the Military Family 

Outdoors Initiative to fully sponsor up to 1,500 OIF and 

OEF veterans to participate in classes designed specifically 

for returning veterans.

“Everything is paid for in these courses,” said Meg 

Ryan, program manager for Outward Bounds’ veterans 

program. “Even all the equipment is provided for them.”

Activities including backpacking, canoeing, and even 

dog sledding are available to students, and Outward 

Bound helps applicants choose which course is right for 

them. Most classes last about two weeks, but the veterans 

program features classes that last five days so that even 

active duty service members who have participated in OIF 

and OEF can attend.

Program gives 

OEF vets outd

Michael Brands 

Matt “Doc” Payton on the ropes course.

24 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
 OIF and 

door outlet

The courses emphasize teamwork and development as part of the healing process.

“One of the benefits is a personal growth experience,” said Ryan. “They share that 

experience with other veterans on the course, and it brings them together. Everyone 

shares that, and when they come back, they have each other to look to.”

Although some may be hesitant to sleep out under the stars, service members who 

have participated in a course say there is nothing to worry about.

“It’s not like having to listen to your staff non-commissioned officers yell at you,” said 

Matt Payton, a former Navy corpsman who deployed to Iraq in 2005. “It’s really mellow, 

and gives you time to separate yourself from stress at home. I’d definitely recommend it 

to people coming back from deployment. It doesn’t matter whether you went to Iraq or 

Afghanistan, when you come home, stress levels are so high. It helped hone in on team 

skills and was relaxing.”

Many people have already taken the course in groups, said Ryan. Units can create 

their own course with Outward Bound, and the program can also make a contract with 

a facility that has activities for veterans who are seriously injured if they are not able to 

participate in outdoor activities.

To receive enrollment material or ask about the Outward Bound Veterans Program, call 

1-888-837-5211 ext. 2374. o

Michael Brands

Kyle Stozek climbs Turtle Rock near Buena Vista, Colo. 

www.mfr.usmc.mil 25
Master Sgt. Donald E. Preston

Marine Forces Europe

DABOYA CAMP TRAINING AREA, Ghana – More 

than 300 Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine 

Regiment, and 150 members of the Ghana Army have 

completed a two-week training event here June 26, during 

exercise Shared Accord 08.

The Shared Accord exercise provided a bi-lateral 

training opportunity focused on individual and crew 

served weapons proficiency and small unit training 

tactics, techniques and procedures as well as company 

and battalion level staff training in order to assist Ghana’s 

capacity to conduct coalition operations. In turn, the 

Ghanaian military personnel provided instruction to the 

Marines in jungle survival training at the Jungle Warfare 

School in Achiase.

Arriving in Accra, on the southern coast of Ghana, the 

Houston-based reserve unit of Marines and sailors traveled 

more than 11 hours to the northern region of the country 

to the camp here, approximately 25 miles west of Tomale. 

Military training this far north in Ghana is an unusual 

event.

“Military exercises normally take place down south. It 

is rare to have this kind of activity this far north,” said Lt. 

Col. Jeffery R. Eberwein, Shared Accord 2008 exercise 

action officer, assigned to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, 

Europe. “While being this far north comes with numerous 

logistical challenges this was the perfect place to be. The 

Africa Command has been very helpful in supporting the 

various aspects and challenges associated with making this 

exercise happen.”

For some, the deployment as a whole was a new 

experience. Especially for 19-year-old Shreveport, La., 

resident Pfc. Danthony M. Williams, assigned to Company 

B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment. Temporarily 

leaving his civilian job in Shreveport, Williams was now 

face-to-face with the people of another continent learning 

about their culture and military while building friendships.

“This is my first deployment,” Williams said. “I came 

into the Marine Corps to see the world and while I am here 

I hope to become more diverse and learn as much as I can.”

For those on subsequent deployments, the benefits and 

importance of working and being familiar with partner 

nations was reinforced. On his second deployment to 

Africa, Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Trevil, Company C, 1st 

Reserve Marines travel to 

Ghana for bi-lateral training

Staff Sgt. Andres E. Garza, 

Co. C, 1st Battalion, 23rd 

Marine Regiment, spots 

target hits with Lance Cpl. 

Mensah Evans, a Ghanaian 

infantry soldier assigned to 

the Ghanaian Army’s 6th 

Battalion based in Tomale, 

Ghana, during exercise 

Shared Accord 2008 at 

Daboya Camp Training 

Area, Ghana, June 16.

Master Sgt. Donald E. Preston

26 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment and a Corpus Christi, 

Texas resident, knows the importance first hand.

“I served with a provisional security company in 

Djibouti and I can’t tell you enough how important it is 

to know how other militaries operate when you need to 

work with them,” Trevil said. “This has definitely been 

beneficial. We now know what to expect from them and 

they are more familiar with how we work.”

During the training, U.S. and Ghanaian soldiers were 

inter-mixed while participating in non-lethal weapons 

training, martial arts training and patrols using paint ball 

guns to add a bit of reality to the training.

“Using paint ball gun adds reality to the patrol because 

you need to know how to react as a unit if something like 

that were to happen,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Martinez, 

Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines. “The reaction 

can take you by surprise and is much different than most 

people expect.”

The response to the bilateral training opportunity drew 

a positive response from the Ghanaian solders as well. In 

some cases the benefits of the training will continue after 

the Marines depart.

“This is the first time I have trained with the Americans,” 

said Lance Cpl. Mensah Evans, Ghanaian infantry soldier 

of the 6th Battalion, based in Tomale. “I have learned a 

lot about the sighting of the rifle. I am very fortunate and 

what I learn here I will take back to my unit to teach other 

soldiers.”

In addition to the training, the Marines assisted with 

security and the processing of thousands of patients during 

numerous Medical Capability Programs taking place in 

conjunction with the exercise. Ghanaians in the villages 

surrounding the training camp benefited from limited 

medical, dental and optical examinations and care as well 

as the de-worming of thousands of goats and cattle.

“It has been fun to see the differences between the 

ways we do training and how they do it,” said Pfc. Erik S. 

Romero, Company K, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment.

“During the humanitarian assistance medical project it was 

like a joint effort with them. We had to really work together 

to make sure things ran smoothly so the most people could 

be seen.”

Completing the jungle survival training in southern 

Ghana the Marines and sailors returned home with a better 

understanding of the Ghanaian military, the country’s 

people and their culture.

“Shared Accord 08 gave us the opportunity to 

strengthen our ties of friendship, understanding and 

mutual cooperation with the Ghanaian Armed Forces and 

citizens,” Eberwein said. “It also provided us with the 

perfect platform to provide first-class medical, dental and 

veterinarian services to some of the local communities here 

in Ghana. These are very important concerns for Africa 

Command, serving both long; and short term goals.” o

Sgt. Israel Maldonado, Company C, 1st Battalion, 

23rd Marine Regiment, shows a Ghanaian infantry 

soldier how to adjust his rifle sights during exercise 

Shared Accord 2008 at Daboya Camp Training 

Area, Ghana, June 16. Maldonado, a reservist and 

Weslaco, Texas resident, was one of almost 300 

Marines participating in the exercise that focused 

not only on infantry training, but supported various 

humanitarian assistance projects benefiting 

thousands of Ghanaians and their animals.

Master Sgt. Donald E. Preston

www.mfr.usmc.mil 27
Maj. Winston Jimenez 

Marine Corps Mobilization Command

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Marine Corps Mobilization 

Command’s Single Marine Program and Heartland Hospice 

of Kansas City conducted their first visit to a veteran as part 

of a partnership they started in June providing support to 

veterans receiving hospice care. 

Staff Sgt. Deuntae Preston, MOBCOM Single Marine 

Program lead; Cpl. Adam Austin, Single Marine Program 

treasurer; and Stacy Higgins, volunteer coordinator of 

Heartland Hospice of Kansas City, held the first visit 

June 23, in the home of 83-year-old Army Cpl. Bernabe 

“Bernie” Aguilera, a World War II veteran, former Prisoner 

of War and a resident of Independence, Mo., receiving 

hospice care from Heartland Hospice. 

Hospice care offers a broad range of services with 

goals for treatment that are concrete: relief from suffering, 

treatment of pain and other distressing symptoms, 

psychological and spiritual care and a support system to 

help the individual live as actively as possible. 

Marines do not treat patients but support the veteran 

with basic household chores, errands, and like the first visit, 

companionship engaging in conversation with a fellow 

veteran. 

 “Each member of the interdisciplinary team brings a 

skill set to the table,” Said Higgins. “The philosophy of 

Heartland Hospice is to meet the patient where they are. 

Who better to be a listening ear for our veterans than those 

who serve and defend our country today?”

Statistics show 54,000 American veterans die each 

month and account for one quarter of all U.S. deaths. 

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, World 

War II veterans were once 16 million strong, and now, they 

are dying at a rate of more than 1,000 a day. They now 

number a mere 2.5 million.

“It’s our job and duty to serve and help the Veterans 

that have served before us,” said Preston. “We now have 

14 volunteers for the hospice program, and the numbers 

continue to grow.”

The Mobilization Command’s Single Marine Program 

was started to provide young single Marines with 

alternatives to the usual risky behaviors most young adults 

engage in. Partnerships with Heartland Hospice and other 

worthwhile programs provide Marines with a fulfilling 

alternative to attend during their free time.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with 

MOBCOM,” said Higgins. “Staff Sergeant Preston has 

been very open to the program and has helped to ensure 

that we continued to move forward.” 

Nearly 9,000 veterans were treated in designated hospice 

beds at VA facilities in 2007 with thousands of other 

veterans referred to community hospices to receive in-home 

care.

“Thank you,” said Aguilera. “Thank you very much for 

visiting with me.” o

MobCom’s Single Marine Program strikes 

partnership with local hospice

Maj. Winston Jimenez 

From left to right, Staff Sgt. Deuntae Preston, 

Single Marine Program president and program 

lead; Cpl. Adam Austin, SMP treasurer; and Bernie 

Aguilera take time from a visit to smile for the 

camera.

28 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
Kimberly J. Sunds

ESGR

The Department of Defense annually honors up to 

15 employers with the Secretary of Defense Employer 

Support Freedom Award. This is the U.S. government’s 

highest recognition given to employers who provide 

outstanding support to their employees serving in the 

National Guard and Reserve and their families. The open 

nomination season for the 2008 Freedom Award closed 

on Jan. 21 with 2,199 nominations received from across 

the country, which represented a 97 percent increase in 

nominations from previous years. 

All employers, both large and small, are encouraged to 

support their employees’ commitment to military service. 

Assistance can range from continuation of health care 

benefits to enable a service member’s family to see their 

physician to an act of kindness such as offering to cut 

the lawn for a deployed member’s spouse. And while all 

employer support is exemplary, employers who go above 

and beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services 

Employment and Reemployment Rights Act to assist their 

employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve 

deserve special recognition. 

One such company that was nominated this year for the 

Freedom Award is semiconductor company Xandex, Inc., a 

small business consisting of less than 100 employees.

Xandex employee and United States Marine Corps 

Reserve Maj. Theodore Wong nominated his employer 

for the Freedom Award stating that although the 

company is small, their support is tremendous. Wong has 

experienced this generosity first hand, as he has dedicated 

approximately 65 percent of the last six years to the 

military, which, in turn, meant so has Xandex. 

“All during these periods and throughout my extensions, 

my employer remained flexible, supported the military 

in its constant changes and supplemented my salary by 

paying the difference I was losing while serving on active 

duty,” said Wong. 

Beyond providing full pay to service members for 

periods of military service greater than 12 months, Xandex 

also provides continuation of all benefits including 

health and dental care to the families left behind during 

deployments. This extra assistance provided piece of mind 

to Wong and his fiancé as she did not qualify for military 

family benefits since they were not married prior to his 

deployment. Xandex even went as far as buying Wong 

a tri-band cell phone which allowed him to call from 

overseas back home, at the expense of Xandex. “This 

type of support was good to rely on when a call home was 

needed to boost morale,” said Wong.

While not all employers are able to provide the financial 

benefits listed above, there are other gestures they can 

make to support their employees serving in the National 

Guard and Reserve. 

Every month, Xandex sent care packages filled with 

toiletries, food, magazines and movies to Wong’s unit. 

Perhaps more importantly, these packages contained 

photos and personal notes expressing support from Wong’s 

colleagues. 

These simple gestures and reminders of home make all 

the difference to our citizen-warriors thousands of miles 

away from their loved ones. 

Recently, the Marine Corps Times named Wong as 

the Marine of the Year for 2007, citing his extraordinary 

commitment to mentoring elementary children, 

maintaining a letter-writing campaign for deployed troops, 

and visiting those recovering from traumatic brain injuries 

at the local Department of Veteran Affairs hospital. Wong 

credits his ability to keep up with his extensive community 

involvement because of the flexible hours offered by 

Xandex. 

The 2008 Freedom Award recipients will be honored 

at a black-tie gala ceremony at the Ronald Reagan 

International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 

18.

For more information about the Secretary of Defense 

Employer Support Freedom Award please visit www.

FreedomAward.mil, the Employer Support of the 

Guard and Reserve’s Web site at www.esgr.mil, or call 

the national committee at (800) 336-4590. ESGR is 

a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 

whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support 

for National Guard and Reserve service by recognizing 

outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and 

resolving conflicts through mediation. o

Employers nominated for U.S. 

government’s highest employer award 

www.mfr.usmc.mil 29
Lt. Col. Roger S. Galbraith

Marine Forces Reserve

The Global War on Terror is ongoing with no clear end 

in sight. You’ve just completed a few or several years of 

active duty and you still have Iraqi sand coming out from 

your ears. Why stay in the Reserves? If you decide to stay 

in the Reserves, how do you get into a Reserve unit? How 

do you retire? 

Why stay in the Reserves?

The two best reasons for staying in the Reserves are 

keeping your ties with Marines and the Marine Corps and 

the financial benefits.

The best part about the Marine Corps is the Marines. 

There is not another group of 200,000+ persons anywhere 

in the world as connected to each other and their heritage 

as we are. Where else can an 80-year old talk to a 22-

year old like they are brothers who grew up together. In a 

sense, they did grow up together, one in World War II and 

the other in Iraqi Freedom. Staying in the Marine Corps 

Reserves keeps your connection to Marines and allows you 

to build on your common experiences together.

Believe it or not, joining the Marine Corps Reserves can 

be financially rewarding, and retiring from the Reserves 

can be a cornerstone of your retirement planning. Reserve 

Marines are paid anywhere from a few hundred to one 

thousand dollars a drill weekend. That’s good pay for doing 

something you love, but the real benefits come further 

down the road. The larger financial benefit comes if you 

qualify for retirement and when you receive your benefits 

at 60 years old. 

The Marine Corps Reserve has got to be the only job 

where you get paid more in retirement, than you are paid 

while actually working the job. It is not uncommon for 

an enlisted Marine to be paid a few hundred dollars a 

month for serving in the Reserves but then get paid several 

hundred a month and receive full military retiree benefits. 

The main difference between the active duty retirement and 

Reserve retirement is the paycheck and benefits do not start 

until age 60 for Reserves, instead of the day after you leave 

the service like active duty retirees. 

Full military benefits (including medical benefits) are an 

increasingly valuable package. As Americans get healthier 

and live longer, the age to receive Medicare benefits has 

gone up. Now, retirees must wait until 67 years of age 

to receive a government health insurance benefit. If you 

receive a military Reserve retirement, you will be eligible 

for retiree medical/health benefits at age 60; which turns 

out to be a significant financial benefit compared to buying 

health insurance for you and dependents at that age.

How do you get into a Reserve unit?

All roads to a Reserve unit lead through a Prior Service 

Recruiter. Just like their title describes, these are recruiters 

who are stationed throughout the United States, looking 

for recently discharged Marines to fill certain vacancies in 

nearby Reserve units. But don’t hold your breath for their 

phone call. If you are, for example, an infantry Marine, and 

you return to your hometown of Newport News, Va., you 

may not be called by a Prior Service Recruiter, because the 

Newport News unit is a supply unit. In fact, there is not an 

infantry unit around for hundreds of miles. What are you to 

do?

The interesting point about a Marine Corps Reserve 

career is that it is a mix of the Corps’ needs, the needs 

of the Marine, and just plain geography. If you are an 

infantry Marine and your hometown unit is a supply unit, 

they would still love to have you. The experience and 

leadership a prior service Marine brings to a Reserve unit is 

invaluable. 

To manage your career and be competitive for promotion 

and technically useful to the unit, you will have to be 

trained in a new MOS and then have your primary 

MOS changed. Many MOS’s can be awarded through a 

combination of on-the-job-training and command approval. 

However, if your new MOS is more technical, the 

Reserve unit will want to send you to the active duty MOS 

school for your training in the new field. The best time to 

go to training is obviously right when you get off active 

duty. 

Your uniforms still fit, you may still be job-hunting for 

a civilian job, and a few months of a Marine Corps school 

may not be a big interruption.

The management of your Marine Corps Reserve career 

is much more up to you than up to the Corps. Unlike active 

duty, you will not get new sets of orders every two to three 

years for a new unit. In fact, many Reserve Marines stay 

for 10 or more years in the same units, assuming new duties 

as they gain experience and rank. 

Staying in the same unit may be great for remembering 

the way to your drill center, but career counselors will 

tell you that showing you can succeed in different units 

and duties will typically impress a board more than being 

The Reserves need you (and you may 

need the Reserves)

30 The Continental Marine Magazine - July/Aug/Sept 2008
successful with the same unit and same Marines your whole 

career. That is doubly true for officers who are encouraged 

and in company commander and unit OIC billets, forced, 

to move units every two to three years. Unlike active duty, 

you are not given a new unit automatically, you have to find 

one.

There are two essential tools to finding a new billet/unit: 

the phone and the Internet. The Marine On-Line Web site 

has a tool called Reserve Duty On-Line. This tool is a 

searchable database of billet vacancies which may show 

a nearby fit for your MOS and rank. Even if you can’t 

find a direct fit, but a close fit, it is worth a phone call. 

Many Reserve billets can be filled “one up/one down” in 

terms of rank (for example, a major may fill a captain’s 

billet). In addition, MOS requirements may not be hard 

and fast depending on your qualifications and even civilian 

experience. That’s where the second tool comes in: the 

telephone.

There is no substitute for talking to the Marines at the 

Reserve unit you are interested in joining. Only through 

talking can they get to know you and your experiences, and 

you can ask questions about the billet your are interested 

in and can ask questions about any other vacancies or 

upcoming vacancies they may have. In this manner, looking 

for your next Reserve unit/billet is much like looking for a 

civilian job without the difficulties of pay negotiations.

How do you retire?

So you are bought in, you are in the Reserves after a few 

years on active duty because you want to stay with Marines 

and reap the benefits of a Reserve retirement, so how do 

you retire?

The short answer is: the same as active duty. Get your 

20 years, and you can retire, but that simple statement 

deserves explanation. Time in the Reserves is measured in 

satisfactory years. A sat year is one in which the Reservist 

accrues 50 or more retirement points (or credits in some 

documents). A retirement point is for no better explanation 

a unit of service. A Reservist receives one retirement point 

for each four hours of Reserve drill duty. On a typical twoday Reserve drill weekend, the reservist will receive four 

retirement points. For periods of active duty, the Reservist 

receives one retirement point per day. Your active duty 

time will count at the rate of one point per day (365 points 

per year) toward retirement. So if you have a few years 

of active duty under your belt, it would be a shame to 

throw those points away when they could boost a Reserve 

retirement.

You are eligible for retirement when you accrue 20 sat 

years. Your retired pay will be based on a comparison to 

a fictitious Marine who joined the service the same day 

you did, got promoted the same as you, and has been on 

active duty the same time you’ve been in the Corps. For 

example, in your 20-year Reserve career you may have 

accrued 2,500 points. In 20 years your make-believe active 

duty counterpart has accrued 7,300 points. Your retirement 

will be the ratio of your points to your counterpart’s points, 

or roughly 34 percent of your active duty counterpart’s 

retirement.

The Marine Corps Reserves needs a constant stream of 

prior service Marines to fill the ranks of NCOs and officers 

to provide leadership, experience and technical knowledge 

that Reserve service can only duplicate so well. Affiliation 

with the Marine Corps Reserves is not merely a one-way 

street of giving to the Corps; the financial and retirement 

benefits you will receive in return for your service can 

add up to be quite lucrative over a multi-year career that 

culminates in qualifying for a military retirement.

Start your Marine Corps Reserve career, go to www.mfr.

usmc.mil for information. Call 1-800-234-3940, to speak to 

a Prior Service Recruiter. o

”

“

The Marine Corps Reserve 

has got to be the only job 

where you get paid more 

in retirement, than you are 

paid while actually working 

the job.

Lt. Col. Roger S. Galbraith,

Marine Forces Reserve

www.mfr.usmc.mil 31
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