Dear Marines, Sailors, family and friends,

Thank you for your personal efforts and sacrifices while we accomplish the mission and continue to take care of our Marines and Sailors. Your

Marines and Sailors are continuing to deliver tremendous and important support every day for nearly 16,000 Marines and Sailors assigned to I MEF

(Fwd) throughout the RC(SW) area of operations. It is a pleasure to be able to see them thriving while they fix damaged equipment, inventory

supplies from dusty containers, load and distribute equipment and supplies, strap containers and boxes on heavy trucks, drive hundreds of miles on

dangerous roads, care for and surgically repair injuries, and complete thousands of other support requirements to make all of these critical tasks

happen. I could not be more proud of their professionalism, discipline and enthusiasm. They are providing world-class support for our fellow

Marines and Sailors that are serving the farthest-forward during this chapter of the global war on terrorism. We are able to do this due to the

tremendous support from all of our Marines, Sailors, family and friends. I know our Marines and Sailors are immensely proud of what they have

accomplished already and they appreciate your support.

I want to thank our 600 Marines and Sailors aboard Camp Pendleton that continue to provide responsive support to I MEF units. Many of them recently

returned from other deployments or are preparing for upcoming deployments. Thanks to everyone that is working harder and longer hours to accomplish

the mission. I know it is not easy performing more work with less manpower available due to the deployments but I do appreciate your hard work.

Thanks to those that also supported our fantastic homecoming for the first flight we sent home a few weeks ago. It was a great success and a

memorable occasion for everyone. This was the first flight that began our long draw-down during June through October. All remaining flight windows

will be provided to our Marines and Sailors. All re-deployers must authorize contacts for information to be released by the FRO. Re-deployment

reception information for returning flights will be updated to e-Marine (www.emarine.org) and at 1-866-676-0662 (Press 5-2-5).

I hope you and your family are having a great summer and enjoyed a Happy 4th of July holiday. I am reminded daily of how proud I am to be able to

serve with such fine warriors. But I know they are doing what they love because of all of the support they receive from their family, friends and

loved ones. Thanks for all you do.

Semper Fidelis,

LtCol C. D. Richardson

I would like to say thank you to our greatest supporters of all, our families, who are waiting for us

back home with open arms. It is with the support that you provide to your Marines and Sailors that

gives them the extra push to endure the Mission that is put before them. Working endless hours,

day after day, they continue to strive, not only to accomplish the mission but to continue their pro-

fessional development such as Corporals Course, Lance Corporal Seminar and MCMAP. I am

very proud of all that they have accomplished and look forward to the day that all the families are

reunited once again! As you celebrate Independence Day, remember those who have made this pos-

sible and those who continue to keep this possible for us.

Semper Fi,

MGuns

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this message finds you all doing well and in good spirits. We've wrapped up the month of June and we've all shared a big sigh of relief. For most of the Marines and Sailors in H&S Company, the beginning of July brings the realization that we will be home next month. Rest assured, your Marines and Sailors maintain a laser-like focus on the mission at hand. We have a lot of work to complete before we return home, so your support continues to be very important in these last two months of the deployment.

The Company will redeploy in four waves over the next four months. The first Marine and Sailor re-turned to Camp Pendleton on June 20th to a wonderful homecoming. The next twenty Marines and Sailors will redeploy around the beginning of August. Another fifty-one individuals will follow in trace three weeks later. Ten of the eighty-four Marines and Sailors from H&S Company will remain in Afghanistan until early October. Information about the redeployment and home-coming of your Marines and Sailors will be available on E-Marine and via the Family Readiness Officer.

Thank you for the amazing support you continue to give your Marines and Sailors. Without a strong network of support from home, we wouldn't be able to properly fo-cus on our mission here in Afghanistan. Thank you and God Bless,

Major Jason Miller

Administration: The Administration section successfully completed the Administration: The Administration section successfully completed the

“INSANITY” workout series. After that grueling, 60“INSANITY” workout series. After that grueling, 60--day challenge, the group has day challenge, the group has

developed more tone and endurance than ever. Their enhanced fitness levels are developed more tone and endurance than ever. Their enhanced fitness levels are

beneficial as they have been extremely busy processing individual awards, beneficial as they have been extremely busy processing individual awards,

preparing correspondence documents, and sorting and distributing mail. As you preparing correspondence documents, and sorting and distributing mail. As you

can imagine, mail is extremely important to morale, thus making the can imagine, mail is extremely important to morale, thus making the

Administrative section quite popular.Administrative section quite popular.

Intelligence: The Intelligence section, also known as our “Secret Squirrels”, has Intelligence: The Intelligence section, also known as our “Secret Squirrels”, has

developed a new and innovative process to collect route imagery. This is a developed a new and innovative process to collect route imagery. This is a

significant accomplishment because the information is utilized by the intelligence significant accomplishment because the information is utilized by the intelligence

enterprise throughout the area of operations. Additionally, the Intelligence enterprise throughout the area of operations. Additionally, the Intelligence

section has begun the sanitation process for all nonsection has begun the sanitation process for all non--essential classified materials. essential classified materials.

This, too, is important because it is a part of our preparation for redeployment.This, too, is important because it is a part of our preparation for redeployment.

Logistics: The Logistics section successfully coordinated the movement of 57 Logistics: The Logistics section successfully coordinated the movement of 57

Marines and Sailors back to Camp Pendleton in June. The R4 Team, established Marines and Sailors back to Camp Pendleton in June. The R4 Team, established

by the Logistics section, is charged with processing and transferring all excess by the Logistics section, is charged with processing and transferring all excess

equipment to other USMC organizations, who, in turn, send the equipment back equipment to other USMC organizations, who, in turn, send the equipment back

to the United States. This mission is critical to the Battalion's successful to the United States. This mission is critical to the Battalion's successful

retrograde. The section enjoys weekly "family nights" which consist of a “family” retrograde. The section enjoys weekly "family nights" which consist of a “family”

meal and often a movie.meal and often a movie.

Operations: The Operations section has effectively managed the Command and Operations: The Operations section has effectively managed the Command and

Control (C2) of six Combat Logistics Patrols (CLP) within the area of operations. Control (C2) of six Combat Logistics Patrols (CLP) within the area of operations.

The retrograde of the battalion continues to be the focus for the Operations The retrograde of the battalion continues to be the focus for the Operations

section as the planning and execution propel the battalion closer to their section as the planning and execution propel the battalion closer to their

redeployment goals. The Operation section's oversight of the redeployment of redeployment goals. The Operation section's oversight of the redeployment of

57 Marines and Sailors in June led to a smooth and successful homecoming. 57 Marines and Sailors in June led to a smooth and successful homecoming.

Supply: The Supply section has successfully processed over 8,000 orders Supply: The Supply section has successfully processed over 8,000 orders

and receipt for transactions. The retrograde of the battalion continues and receipt for transactions. The retrograde of the battalion continues

to be their priority focus. They are responsible for managing all to be their priority focus. They are responsible for managing all

equipment transfers for the battalion. Their efforts have made a major equipment transfers for the battalion. Their efforts have made a major

contribution to the overall success of the retrograde mission.contribution to the overall success of the retrograde mission.

Communications: The Communications section is intently focused on Communications: The Communications section is intently focused on

the retrograde and turnover of all their excess equipment. They also the retrograde and turnover of all their excess equipment. They also

played a critical role in establishing communications at the new played a critical role in establishing communications at the new

Ammunition Supply Point on Camp Leatherneck, which enabled the Ammunition Supply Point on Camp Leatherneck, which enabled the

movement of the largest ammunitions supply point in Afghanistan. movement of the largest ammunitions supply point in Afghanistan.

Religious Programs: The Religious Programs team completed several Religious Programs: The Religious Programs team completed several

trips to outlying bases to provide religious services. The Chaplain coor-trips to outlying bases to provide religious services. The Chaplain coor-

dinated and scheduled professional education for the Officers and Staff dinated and scheduled professional education for the Officers and Staff

NonNon--Commissioned Officers which focused on how to assist any Marines Commissioned Officers which focused on how to assist any Marines

or Sailors struggling with mental health matters.or Sailors struggling with mental health matters.

Medical: The Battalion Aid Station had an exciting month as three sail-Medical: The Battalion Aid Station had an exciting month as three sail-

ors were awarded with the Fleet Marine Force device. The Sailors' pin-ors were awarded with the Fleet Marine Force device. The Sailors' pin-

ning of the Fleet Marine Force device is major accomplishment; it signi-ning of the Fleet Marine Force device is major accomplishment; it signi-

fies their expertise in all things Marine Corps. The Medical team also fies their expertise in all things Marine Corps. The Medical team also

provided assistance to over 500 patients in June at the Combined Aid provided assistance to over 500 patients in June at the Combined Aid

Station. The Combined Aid Station supports all of Camp Leatherneck. Station. The Combined Aid Station supports all of Camp Leatherneck.

Headquarters: The small, but effective, Headquarters team completed two Lance Corporal Seminars consisting of professional training for junior Marines. Most of the classes were taught by different Sergeants from the Battalion which took significant

dedication. The two courses resulted in 84 highly motivated graduates.

SSGT EITING

CAPT ASH

CPL VALDEZCALDERON

LT BERNHARDSON

HM3 ELKINS

HN TATE

LCPL SNELL

LCPL YOUNG

HN EASTMAN

LCPL WILSON

LCPL RODRIGUEZORTEGA

Greetings Family and Friends:

We are now midway through the deployment. The Marines, Sailors and Civilians in Supply Company continue to amaze us with their performance of mission requirements.

Thank you all for your continued support!

Your Marines within the Storage Section

have been working extremely hard and are

making unbelievable progress, they have met

every expectation and moved beyond each

requirement, and they are now ahead of

schedule. I am amazed everyday when I walk

the Storage Supply Yard and see the changes

that your Marines are able to make! You

can be very proud of their accomplishments

and know that they are doing, and will

continue to do great things out here. The

morale is high because of all of the

support they’re receiving from their close

friends and family back home. Storage has

provided superior support to units

operating in the southwestern region of

Afghanistan.

The high volume of work that they face on a

daily basis can sometimes be overwhelming

but knowing the positive impact that it has

on Operation Enduring Freedom makes it all

worth it. The provided support has

consisted but has not been limited to

clothing, individual equipment, tools,

administrative supplies and hazardous

material. Throughout this month of June

the Marines in the Storage Section have

also diligently been working on the

retro-grade of over 15 million dollars in

assets and the consolidation of supply

locations in order to reduce the Storage

footprint here in Afghanistan, setting the

next deployment up for success.

The mission has been challenging at times but the Marines understand the

importance of this operation. Your Marines are ecstatic because they are

beginning to see the fruits of their labor, your Marines miss being home

surrounded by family and friends, however we have found new friendships

and a new family amongst our fellow Marines within our Unit. They are

ready to finish the job at hand and return safety, in the near future.

Marines of Ammunition Platoon had a very busy month in June. Beginning on the 11th, the Marines were tasked with picking up all gear and supplies located at their current location,

and moving the whole operation to a newly constructed facility. This involves a little over 600 Truck loads of ammunition and gear. Since the beginning of this move, the Marines have been working extended hours with minimal downtime to accomplish the mission. Spirits remain high and the Marines continually exceed expectations. This move and the corresponding re-warehousing requirements afterwards, will keep the Marines on their toes for the remainder of this deployment.

Special recognition goes out to Corporals Daniel Bechta, Daniel Hayes, and Lance Corporal Brandy Smothers for their participation in 1st Maintenance Battalion’s Field Meet. Cpl Bechta and Lance Corporal Smothers both placed 2nd in the Ironman event. This event consisted of 20 Burpies, ½ Mile Sprint, and 10 Dead Hang Pull-Ups. Cpl Hayes was on the Gator Push team, which helped secure enough points to achieve an overall win for Supply Company.

The Tactical Retrograde Team was sourced from Supply Co,

Maint Co, GSMT Co, and from CLB-4. These Marines came

together to travel throughout Helmand Province to assist

several infantry units in the retrograde of their gear.

Your Marines at FOB Dwyer

have been providing

incredible supply, packaging,

packing, preservation, and

distribution support to the

units within their area of

operations.

Your Marines at FOB Nolay and FOB EDI have accomplished a monumental task of moving over 20,000 pieces of gear throughout the battlespace. Working Hard @ EDI, Dwyer,

and Nolay

Greetings from Helmand Province,

Mid way! Yes, the Marines and Sailors of GSMT Company

have hit – essentially – the mid-way point of our

Afghanistan deployment, with approximately 2 months

to go.

It has not been easy and will not get easier: the weather

and terrain is austere, the roads and villages are laden

with the enemy, and exhaustion has set in. But rest

assured, GSMT Company will push to the very end and

remain focused on our assigned mission until we reach

home.

Our operations have continued to build as we distribute

and retrograde more and more equipment and supplies

throughout Regional Command Southwest. In fact, we

are much busier now than we have been at any point in

the deployment, and the work is appreciated.

Please stay abreast of E-Marine for more in-depth

correspondence, additional pictures, and personal

acknowledgements of the accomplishments of your fine,

young Marines and Sailors during this adventure.

Until we meet again,

Capt Chuck Larson

Hi from Camp Leatherneck,

As we reach the downside of our deployment, GSMT is

focused on one task: to complete all assigned mission require-

ments for re-supply or retrograde.

Our mission tempo has increased off the charts, as has the

weather. Like all other deployments, Marines find all kinds of ways

to stay cool, stay motivated,

and look out for one another.

Rest assure that the Marines and Sailors from GSMT are being well

taken care of. The Company Staff is ensuring

the company is getting plenty of chow, rest, hydration,

and all admin issues addressed and rectified.

Thank you again,

GySgt Jesse Rodriguez

Anchors Aweigh

The Commanding General, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), personally selected

from GSMT Company First Lieutenant Christopher B. Joseph as his new Aide de

Camp and Staff Sergeant Vincent D. Reynolds as his new Personal Security

Detachment Chief. These Marines were selected, respectively, from all available

candidates within the entire 1st MLG. Their contributions to the company were

remarkable — and while they certainly will be missed — both will excel in their

new assignments.

Awards

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals Sgt Goodson, Cpl Keys, and

LCpls Harwell and Huff

Certificates of Commendation Sgt Burwell, Cpls Deloach and

Hernandez, LCpls Barnes, Brewer, Garcia, Jones,

McCall, Rutter, Williams, and Wilson

Meritorious Masts

LCpls Hill, Nehring, Rife, Stewart, Wade,

Washington, and Willis

Promotions

LCpls Bradley, Fischer, Jefferson, and Mickelson

to Cpl (all Meritorious) on 2 June.

LCpl Delao to Cpl

(Combat Meritorious) on 2 June.

Letters of Appreciation

GySgt Keast and Sgt Kane

On behalf of the Surgical team we would like to say greetings. The month of June was a great month for us. Our annual 114th Hospital Corpsman Birthday was celebrated throughout the area of operations. Here at Camp Leatherneck we celebrated with an early 5K run and a ceremony which was well represented by many of the Hospital Corpsman throughout Camp Leatherneck and Camp Bastion. We hope our loved ones remain in good health and that all is well. As Surgical Company is spread throughout the area of operations, here are a couple of updates from around the Camps:

Happy birthday to LCDR Elliot and HM2 Rimando

Congratulation on your Promotions HM3 Povis, HM3 Gamez, and HM3 Liceasandoval

Congratulations to our newest FMFQO warriors CDR Case, CDR Chapman, LCDR Pattison, LCDR Wilson, LT Borden, LT Chang, LT Foley, LT Gross, LT Kelso, LTJG Lykes, and

LTJG Neuens

The CRCC collectively lost 240.5 lbs an average of 10.42%. (BETWEEN 11 PEOPLE) in a contest they are doing for

“The Biggest Loser”.

Happy Birthday to HM1 Mcfarland,HM2 Simmons, CPL Obando and LT Mosher

Congratulation on your Promotion HM3 Reeder

We celebrated Father’s day by making fresh pancakes for all the men and passed out gifts for the oldest father (LT Rubustillo) and the newest father (CDR Streets). We also celebrated the 114th Hospital Corpsman Birthday. The Field Mess supported the celebration by baking a

cake, and we had a short program which honored those fallen Corpsman in OEF.

Happy birthday to LCDR Sauter, Cpl Pratt, LCpl Jaramillo .

Congratulation on your Promotions LCDR Cuozzo, HM2 Murray, and HN Jones

Congratulations to our newest (FMFQO) and (FMF) warriors: LCDR Boyer, LT Goldenberg, LT Wilcox and LT JG Gordon. HM2

Jeffers, HM2 Murray, HN Brennecke, HN Jones, and HA Aglit,

LTJG Martin and LTJG Gordon qualified as Tan belts in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP).

HM1 Camacho, HM2 Aguirre, HM2 Jeffers, HM3 Tello, HM3 Barkley, HM3 Bourque, HN Jones and LCPL Kremmer received their

Grey belts in MCMAP.

HM2 Jeffers found out the Sex of his new baby, due in October. IT’S A GIRL!!!!

We also celebrated the 114th Hospital Corpsman Birthday with a BBQ held by RCT 6 RAS.

Happy birthday to Cpl Carmon and HN Wieland

We had a Luau for the 114th Hospital Corpsman birthday. We have softball games every Sunday with 1/7 marines and corpsman. HM2

Nieves has completed her (FMF) qualification. There are more quals on their way with a few more Sailors waiting for their board. We are

still continuing to sharpen our skills out here every day. This deployment has built a lot of friendship and comrade.

Happy birthday to LT Freeman

Congratulations to our newest (FMF) warriors : HM2 Curreri, HM2 Shelton, and HM3 Mission.

Cpl Farris and his wife Jordan delivered their healthy baby boy Bryson Michael Farris who weighed 9 lbs!

As we look forward to the last remaining months of our deployment, we still expect and foresee more changes to

come. Not to worry though, with our team’s prior and current deployment’s experience with change, we are more than prepared to greet change head on without

compromise to our mission. We are more than halfway through this deployment and we all look forward to a

safe return to our loved ones back home.

Congratulations to our newest FMFQO: LT Pierce

Greeting’s from Camp Dwyer. We are all enjoying our time and making the best of this deployment.

We send all our love to our families and a big thank you for all our support.

Even though newly promoted, Lance Corporal Dudley was selected as the Maintenance Operations Section Warehouse chief, a SNCO billet, and in this capacity has proven to be an immeasurable asset to the Maintenance Company team. Lance Corporal Dudley single handedly controls the maintenance tempo in the IMA by ensuring that every part order processed for each platoon is received and delivered in an expeditious manner. Lance Corporal Dudley has displayed outstanding drive and dedication not only in his daily assigned duties but also in his personal endeavors by volunteering for the first Company Brown Belt MCMAP course and completing eight MCIs.

and Whitehouse. At times the only Marine back at the IMA is Cpl Fernandez to perform her quality control duties. The A/C section has sent out two Marines and the generator section has sent out three. Usually these teams go out with a very specific mission but they also provide general support for bases flooded with work. The platoon still has to maintain its normal operational tempo while some Marines are out on these MSTs. Everyone has had to come together and work as a team as the work flow increases and longer hours are needed to complete the mission. The platoon has also had the added work of retrograding equipment and parts but has risen to meet the occasion with great success.

Engineer Maintenance Platoon is made up several sections to include heavy equipment, which includes operators and maintainers; utilities section, which includes generator and A/C sections. Every month each section sends at least 1 person on a maintenance support team (MST) in support of other bases. So far in June, Engineer Maintenance Platoon has sent out eighteen of its members — nearly half of the platoon. The heavy equipment section has sent out eleven people this month to support FOBs Nolay, Dwyer, Schukvani, Edi,

LCpl Simons smiling for the camera as he’s very enthusiastic

about his job

Cpl Hansen operational checking a Harris radio system with the

VRC110

The workhorse of the Ground Electronics Maintenance platoon is the Falcon III radio repair section with over 450 radios and amplifiers coming in and out of this shop just in the past four weeks. Corporal Kyle Myers is the driving force of this section and from 0715 until 1900, his crew of four Marines: Cpl Westrick, Cpl Hansen, and LCpl Simons , along with one

Field Service Representative, are going all out to ensure that whenever the Warfigthers need new radios they get one. “Falcon III” is the manufacture model name for the third generation radio equipment that comprises the VRC-110 family of radio systems, the most widely utilized radio on the ground in theater. 95 percent of all ground vehicles are equipped with the VRC-110 as it is the primary means of communication in convoys; whether it is a combat logistics patrol, combat patrol or a MEDEVAC, the VRC-110 is there and it is because of Cpl Myers’ craftsman-ship and dedication that Marines on the forward edge of the battle space are able to make it happen.

A contact team was provided to COB Kajaki to support 2/10 with M777 support to their gun line. The Marines of the Optics Section were afforded the opportunity to cross train with the 0811 Cannneers to learn how the equipment is utilized in the forward area.

The Infantry Weapons Repair section (IWR) continues to support the war fighters on the front lines. This month the Marines have performed maintenance, semi-annual and/or annual inspection on over 105 weapon systems for approximately 11 different units throughout the RC (SW) area of operation. This month the Marines have conducted two Maintenance Support Teams to outlining FOBs and two Contact Teams here on Camp Leatherneck to better support the units requiring maintenance for their weapons. The Marines commitment to their jobs and attention to detail has ensured the Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers fighting on the front lines have the best possible weap-ons available to them and are guaranteed to perform whenever the mission calls for.

The Artillery Section conducted a contact team to COB Kajaki in support of 2/10. The Marines of

the Artillery Repair Section performed annual preventive maintenance on three M777 Medium

Towed Howitzers and also had the opportunity to cross train with the 0811

Cannoneers with operating the M777s on

the gun line.

motivated Marines who will be relieving us in the future. The Marines hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, as we were able to award a few of them for the tremendous efforts and superior performance that was pivotal to the successful completion of our assigned mission. Corporal Ounanian and Corporal Moseley both received a Certificate of Commendation for their efforts as well as Corporal Huebert, Corporal Picard, Lance Corporal Allen, and Lance Corporal Whitson each received a Meritorious Mast for their outstanding performance

It was another busy and exciting month for MTM Platoon. We continued to provide the vital maintenance that is keeping the war fighter engaged, while simultaneously reducing the foot print and equipment to levels that are more sustainable for the

of their assigned missions. Lance Corporal Saucedo won the Marine of the Quarter board held by Maintenance Company for his outstanding performance as a Marine and a Motor Transport Mechanic. We also had the privilege of promoting a few of our Marines this month. Dennis Corey, Jordan Roberts, and Lauren Picard were all welcomed to the Noncommis-sioned Officer ranks when they were promoted to the rank of Corporal. Dustan Moseley was also welcomed to the Noncommissioned Officer ranks when he was Meritori-ously promoted to Corporal.

SSgt Nuyen and his crew utilizing the Wrecker vehicles to do what

they do best

Wrecker Marines PM’ing their truck and conducting 1st Echelon

Maintenance

“Sometimes trucks

require a little spark

to efficiently ensure

corrective

maintenance is

completed”

The anchor of the Reparable Issue Point has consistently been the

Marines that work daily in the warehouse. These dedicated young

Marines led by Corporal Amanda Schultz have taken on the grueling

task of receiving and shipping out more than 3,200 pieces of

equipment. These Marines come from all over the United States with

one vision in mind…support the War fighter. Through hard work and

dedication, these Marines work in excess of 12 hours a day in the hot

Afghanistan sun with temperatures spiking well into the triple digits.

Even with the all of the hard work, heavy lifting, and long hours all of

these Marines accomplish the mission with a sense of accomplishment

because they know that it is their responsibility to ensure that all of

the gear is packed and shipped in a timely manner to their fellow

Marines who need it down range.

Pictured are: Corporal Santino Wilson, Corporal Malcolm

Rowland, Corporal Anthony Matthews, Corporal Michael Vega, Lance Corporal Craig Gregory, Corporal

Felipe Hoyos and Corporal Amanda Schultz. No feat is to big or too small for these young Marines

who’s dedication and devotion to duty is a testament of the

hard work that they complete every day.

These Marines come from all over the United States with one vi-

sion in mind…support the War fighter

Sgt Medina and Sgt Carrillo award their MCMAP students with their grey belts

after a 2 week vigorous course.

LCPL McCollum is the only H.E Operator for the Dwyer detachment. He loads and unloads all

convoys, truck runs, shipments, etc. His hard work and dedication have helped all sections in Dwyer quickly return equipments to a mission capable

status. He is also the Safety representative for the detachment.

LCpl Pillow, Cpl Gomez, Cpl Hedlund, and Cpl Young stopped to take a quick picture after working extensively on an

MRAP.

Marines and Civilians from both CLB-5 and Maintenance Company got together this month to help move the entire lot around and are also busy retrograding excess equipments at the same time. The IMA detachment is comprised of numerous Military Occupational Specialties. All the Marines work long, hard hours every day to repair equipment. The temperature has been on the rise at Camp Dwyer and the Marines are still managing to accomplish the mission. One Marine that has made a big difference during this deployment is Sgt Warren. Sergeant Warren is originally from Wallace, North Carolina and is currently attached to 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) Reinforced, Maintenance Company. She is one of two Marines assigned to work the Special Equipment Items (SEI) located in Camp Dwyer. During this deployment Sgt Warren im-proved the induction process to make it smoother and quicker by physically involving herself in the flow of traffic ensuring that vehicles receive all necessary work and modifications to obtain maximum effectiveness on missions. SEI includes GYROCAM (VOSS) systems, Blue Force Trackers, Counter to the Radio Controlled IED Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems, C4I (TWV), GBOSS systems, Counter Suicide Bomb Capability, and Backscatter. Sgt Warren has implemented the induction process to make it smoother and quicker by

physically involving herself in the flow of traffic, which ensured vehicles received the necessary

work and modifications to obtain maximum effectiveness on missions. So far Sgt Warren has

serviced 692 vehicles since our arrival and has been helping Marines, Air Force, Navy, and Army

accomplish their mission. She has retrograded 128 vehicles, including 85 MEU Augmentation

Program (MAP) vehicles and 25 vehicles sent to JPO to receive Chameleon to CVRJ upgrades and

GYROCAMS.

SSgt Milton established a schedule which maximized every minute of the day and reduced the maintenance cycle time. After long arduous hours of work, the Marines of FOB Nolay completed repairs on one MRAP, two MATVs, one AMK25, and one Wrecker, (all big trucks). All the vehicles and equipment inducted during this time period had extensive battle damage; this normally makes the maintenance process more difficult. During this time, they also welded and rebuilt seven battle damaged mine rollers; these are vital pieces of gear which help protect Marines from explosive devices. Throughout this period, the Motor Transport section also assisted the IMA Engineer Section by supporting Contact Teams, repairing small engine components and completing six 2nd echelons repairs on heavy equipment. The section also completed welding brackets for thirteen Mine Rollers.

The Marines of the Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA), Detachment FOB Nolay, continue to raise the bar in their support of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines Area of Operations, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The Motor Transport Maintenance Section lead by SSgt Milton consists of the Heavy Equipment and Welding Sections. Due to an in-creased number of missions and kinetic activity during the summer months, the work load drastically increased. The Marines of the IMA welcomed the challenge and ramped up their tempo in order to deliver the critically needed equipment back to the owning units. In order for the Marines to meet the timeline requested by the owning units,

maintenance turnaround if the trucks had to go all the way to Leatherneck,” said Montalvo. “If we have the parts here, the

truck can be repaired and given back to [2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 5] within a couple days.”

The team is composed of generator mechanics, motor transport mechanics, refrigeration unit mechanics, heavy equipment

mechanics and heavy equipment operators. Though they come from an array of job fields, their goal and motivation is the

same. “We all support the area of operations,” said Lance Cpl. Sterling Stroud, an engineer equipment mechanic, IMA

Detachment, FOB Edinburgh, 1st Maint. Bn. (-) (Rein.) “I love my job. Being able to get dirty taking out parts and

replacing them to give back a working truck to its operator helps ensure mission accomplishment.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE EDINBURGH, Afghanistan – The

ability of the Intermediate Maintenance Activity to quickly fix broken

trucks keeps Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines,

Regimental Combat Team 5 in the fight.

Getting a damaged truck to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan for repair

and then back to its original unit can take weeks. To expedite this

process, a detachment of maintenance and supply Marines is positioned

at Forward Operating Base Edinburgh and runs one of four IMA lots in

Helmand Province by receiving broken vehicles, fixing them and

returning them to their operators in just a day or two. “The biggest

threats out here are [improvised explosive devices],” said Sgt. Nicholas

Orwig, maintenance chief, IMA Detachment, 1st Maintenance Battalion

(-) (Reinforced), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) at FOB

Edinburgh. “We fix the trucks as fast as we can and put them back on

the road as soon as possible.”

“Our average turnaround time is two and a half days which is amazing,”

said Staff Sgt. Melquiades Montalvo, detachment chief, IMA Detach-

ment, 1st Main. Bn. (-) (Rein.) “We see a lot of battle damaged [mine-

resistant ambush-protected vehicles] that need axle and [suspension

part] replacements. We usually keep a good stock of those parts handy

so when the trucks come in they can be repaired in a day.” Without the

IMA lot at FOB Edinburgh, time would be lost transporting broken

equipment to Camp Leatherneck. “We’re talking about weeks for the

The Intermediate

Maintenance

Activity lot at

Forward Operating

Base Edinburgh

provides expedient

repairs to many

battle damaged

vehicles in support

of 2nd Battalion,

5th Marines,

Regimental Combat

Team 5.

“Life is what happens while you’re making other plans.”

~ John Lennon

Glorious is the tumult of waves that crash against the vessel, preparing it for the seas of life.

“A good battle plan that you act on today, is better than a perfect one tomorrow.”

~ Gen. Patton

It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.

I pray this finds you reaping the benefits of having planned for a great deployment. That time is passing as quickly for you as

this deployment is passing for us. That children are enjoying summertime shaped (but not defined) by deployment and that

as you read this you are feeling at peace. But…the life that happens while we are making other plans can be overwhelming

and waves that come crashing down may leave us crying out for rescue. Plans? You may wonder who has time for such

things… Be assured, no matter what you are experiencing, God’s plan, God’s battle plan, for each of us has commenced and

God will always be victorious. “The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You

will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you.” Zephaniah 3:17

Peace~ Chaplain Kleppe

CORPORAL

MICHAEL CARMON

SUEZANDRA CLAH

HAYDEE COLLADO

DENNIS COREY

JACOB COX

DANIEL GREGORY

LAUREN PICARD

FRANSHESKA PIQUET

ALFREDO RIVERA

JORDAN ROBERTS

ADRIAN TORRES

NEFTALI VALDEZCALDERON

ENMANUAL VECIANA

LANCE CORPORAL

NICHOLAS MCCOLLUM

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS

MERITORIOUS CORPORAL

(COMBAT)

MARCO DELAO

DUSTIN KEE

KINGA SAWICKI

MERITORIOUS CORPORAL

LANCEY BRADLEY

JASON BARNES

MARVIN JEFFERSON

DUSTAN MOSELEY

CAPTAIN

JAMIE ASH

PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS

FRED RHOADS

FROCKED

PATRICK MURRAY

ROGER GAMEZ

ANTHONY HARRIS

EDGAR LICEASANDOVAL

ADAM POVIS

GRANT REEDER

(

Certificate of Commendation:

Cpl Joshua Anderson

LCpl Derek Ayalasegura

LCpl Evan Augustine

Cpl Christian Bluford

Cpl Dennis Corey

Sgt Opie Ermis

LCpl Brendan Follmar

HM2 Aaron Garcia

Cpl Grace Gomez

Cpl Cameron Green

Cpl Zachary Hart

Cpl Evanss Hernandez

Cpl Richard Hogan

Cpl Kevin Kunkel

LCpl Steven Lueder

Cpl Andrew Martinez

LCpl Amado Medeles

LCpl Adam Orozco

LCpl Eric Paiz

Sgt Trey Peters

LCpl Timothy Parker

LCpl Amy Perez

LCpl Galina Ring

LCpl Alfredo Rivera

Cpl Stephen Salazar

Cpl Vassili Sadovski

Cpl Brandon Swartz

LCpl Matthew Shaffer

LCpl William Terry

LCpl Steven Urban

LCpl Andrews Valdez

LCpl Hayes Walker

Meritorious Mast:

LCpl Kylie Allen

Cpl Alvaro Alvarez

LCpl Tyler Ancke

LCpl Eduardo Alvarado

LCpl Charles Berg

LCpl Codi Blacklock

LCpl Joshua Dunbar

Cpl Stephen Dysart

LCpl Tyler Gilbreath

Cpl Joshua Huebert

Cpl Jareld Isbell

Cpl Ron Kurokawa

LCpl Cary Kunkel

LCpl Joel Martinez

Cpl Michael Morris

Cpl Nasser Marquez

Cpl Daniel Pacchioli

LCpl Lauren Picard

LCpl Albert Rodriquez

LCpl Alfredo Ruiz

Cpl Francisco Sandoval

Cpl David Soileau

Cpl Eric Scalise

LCpl Christopher Slaugh

LCpl Matthew Tiffin

LCpl Kevin Whitson

Navy & Marine Corps

Achievement Medal:

Cpl Jorge Carrillo

Cpl Sean Castillorinaldi

Cpl Michael Damman

Sgt Jeremy Goodson

LCpl Christopher Harwell

LCpl Michael Huff

Cpl Mychal Keys

Cpl Racqual Kerkau

Cpl Diony Rojas

Cpl Amanda Schultz

Sgt Robert Toon

LCpl Moises Vasquez

HM2 Vito Curreri

HM2 Kishaun Jeffers

HM2 Patrick Murray

HM2 Karla Nieves

HM2 Shannon Shelton

HM3 Terresa Elkins

HM3 Roger Gamez

HM3 Rainer Mission

HN Turner Brennecke

HN Jake Jones

HN Jonathan Tate

HA Haroldkyle Aglit

CAPT SHEPPS

CDR BOYER

CDR CASE

CDR GOFF

LCDR GALINDO

LCDR SAUTER

LCDR STREETS

LCDR PATTISON

LCDR WILSON

LCDR WILCOX

LT ANTICO

LT BORDEN

LT BERNHARDSON

LT FOLEY

LT CHANG

LT FREEMAN

LT KELSO

LT GROSS

LT LUNCEFORD

LT PIERCE

LT REBUSTILLO

LT ZIEMINSKI

LTJG GORDON

LTJG LYKES

LTJG MOSHER

LTJG NEUENS

LTJG ODONNELL

LTJG SCHERL

1st Maintenance Battalion (-) REIN

News and Stories:

Intermediate Maintenance Activity team keeps the mission going in Afghanistan http://www.dvidshub.net/news/90042/intermediate-maintenance-activity-team-keeps-mission-going-afghanistan

Keeping Our Honor Clean: Motor Transport Maintenance Platoon

http://www.dvidshub.net/video/146241/keeping-our-honor-clean-motor-transport-maintenance-platoon

Ammunition detachment conducts massive storage move

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/90528/ammunition-detachment-conducts-massive-storage-move

Maximus Meridius Gossett

19 June 2012

SSgt Eddy and Christyn Gossett

Alexa Marie Maguire

13 June 2012

Cpl Timothy and Danisse Maguire

Elizabeth Acquah

25 June 2012

LSSN Kwamena and Stephanie Acquah

Isaiah Manuel Chavarria 17 June 2012

LCpl Erick Chavarria and Maritza

All information for absentee voting for Service Members and their

families can be found on :

FVAP.GOV

Tennessee: August 2

Kansas: August 7

Michigan: August 7

Missouri: August 7

Washington: August 7

Hawaii: August 11

Connecticut: August 14

Florida: August 14

Minnesota: August 14

Wisconsin: August 14

Georgia: August 21

Wyoming: August 21

Alaska: August 28

Arizona: August 28

Oklahoma: August 28

Vermont: August 28

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