FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010

HONORPLATOON

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO AND THE WESTERN RECRUITING REGION

Co. K doesn’t fear the Reaper, earns EGA

Pg. 4

Vol. 70 – No. 11 – COMPANY K

Aircraft plays part in Marine Corps recruiting

Pg. 3

by Lance Cpl. Frances CandelariaChevron staff

April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of the first official Earth Day. The day was founded by U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson in 1970 as a day to raise awareness of the earth’s environmental situation, and is now celebrated with events around the globe.

Although awareness for Earth Day has kicked off with National Cell Phone Recy-cling Week, April 5 – 9, on the depot, and educational booths during the family-oriented event, Clean up Day on The Bay, April 10, there are ongoing ways to pitch in. The depot has an established recycling

center and environmental office that helps the base reduce, reuse, and recycle thou-sands of dollars in materials every year.

Although April 22 is the celebrated Earth Day, the depot has been and contin-ues to go green, with more than just recy-cling.

“With all the money we receive from recycling it helps us to enhance our pro-grams and maintain a proactive (green) base,” said Paul Gerencser, assistant chief of staff of logistics, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. “The money comes back to us and allows for better recycling bins and more of them. It also allows us to bring in more awareness programs to the depot.”

Some of the environmental initiatives on the depot include many energy con-servation projects such as installation of new street lamps which uses only 60 to 70 percent power and illuminates better than regular street lamps. The depot has also installed a non-condensing back pressure steam turbine generator which reduces the incoming 300-pound steam pressure to 80 pounds for depot-wide distribution, saving approximately $108,000 last year. The depot’s fleet of vehicles is also going green with a fleet of approximately 75 percent alternately-fueled vehicles.

“We do raise awareness and contribute on Earth Day,” said Gerencser, “but we

look at every day as Earth Day on MCRD San Diego.”

Although any day is a day to conserve and recycle, on Earth Day the environmen-tal office brings an educational opportunity for children at the depot’s Child Develop-ment Center. Kruizin’ Kritters brings in exotic animals for a day to teach the chil-dren how to respect animals and the envi-ronment in which they live.

The depot’s environmental office and recycling center personnel can answer questions about the various ways to con-tribute to the environment this Earth Day and every day, at (619) 524-6579/6575 or in buildings 223 and 224.

Earth Day’s 40th anniversary this month

by Cpl. Scott SchmidtHeadquarters Marine Corps

The Marine Corps made a long anticipated move recently when it authorized use of social networking sites, user-generated content, social software, e-mail, instant messag-ing and discussion forums on the Marine Corps Enterprise Network.

Marine Administrative Mes-sage 181/10 defines Internet-based capabilities as publicly accessible Internet capabilities not operated by the Marine Corps, Department of the Navy or Department of Defense.

The policy is by no means a free-for-all of access.

According to the MarAdmin, Marines are allowed to visit social networking sites for “reasonable durations and frequency” based on the determination of a supervisor.

The Headquarters Marine Corps Office of Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4), previously sited bandwidth, security and productivity issues among the top concerns when the Marine Corps began reviewing its social networking policy. How-ever, C4 HQMC officials said these issues are now a matter of balancing morale and operational needs.

“Given new technologies and communication forms, and a new generation of war fighters…social media provides an opportunity never realized in generations past,” said Capt. Eric L. Holmes, the cur-rent plans and policy officer at C4.

Concern has been placed on whether access to Internet-based capabilities will negatively impact operational security; an issue Holmes said is no more a threat than other forms of communica-tion.

“When accessing social media,

Marines will have to remain vigi-lant in order to ensure operations security, or OPSEC, is main-tained,” he said.

The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, acknowledged while he may not “utilize or understand its capabilities,” social media is not a fad.

“Social media is clearly becom-ing a way of life for today’s younger Marines,” Kent said. “So many Marines are utilizing these sites, and this is just another tool to help spread the word and inform Marines on important topics.”

The Corps’ original policy, which placed a ban on social net-working sites, sparked controversy in both civilian media outlets and internal Marine Corps audiences when it was released.

Once the DoD announced its Internet-based capabilities policy in February, the ban became obso-lete.

“Upon the release of the DoD policy, the Marine Corps began a review of our social network-ing policy to include MarAdmin 458/09,” said Gunnery Sgt. C. Nuntavong, media chief at the Division of Public Affairs, HQMC. “After an evaluation of operational requirements and the overall secu-rity of the MCEN, we decided to lift the ban for accessing SNS.”

According to an official state-ment issued by Headquarters Marine Corps, “The Marine Corps will remain vigilant when it comes to security. We are working toward the best mix of security and access that allows the Corps to remain safe and communicate effectively.”

Though Corps-wide social media access is something new, Marine Corps public affairs offices have been engaged in social net-

Social Media changing how Corps operates

works, such as Facebook and Twit-ter, for the better part of a year.

“Through the use of social media, we are able to listen and interact with people around the world,” Nuntavong said, who manages the Marine Corps’ offi-cial Twitter account. “We encour-age Marine Corps units, through their public affairs offices, to estab-lish an external official presence online.”

Marine Corps officials stress that the new policy does not end security risks to the MCEN, and the new policy should be part-nered with new training standards for Marines.

“The Marine Corps under-stands and embraces Internet-based capabilities,” said Maj. Gen.

George J. Allen, the Director for C4 and chief information officer of the Marine Corps. “Compro-mises to the Marine Corps Enter-prise Network raise serious issues for protecting the safety and lives of our Marines. We have a respon-sibility to use the Internet in a responsible way, and that means our Marines are educated on information assurance and opera-tions security.”

The MarAdmin establishes that training will be implemented through annual information assurance training. The Marine Corps is currently drafting sepa-rate policy for external official presences as well as guidelines and best practices for Marines.

Overall, Marine officials said

the new policy would help com-munication, but stress it must be done correctly. Even the sergeant major of the Marine Corps plans to use social media.

“We’re going to test the waters on Facebook first and see how that goes, and then may launch a Twitter account,” Kent said. “The Facebook fan page will go public soon, and I’m interested to see how that helps me communicate with Marines, sailors and the public.”

Kent did express some caution however, saying, “we’re making sure we’re not getting too deep, too quickly.”

A list of official Marine Corps social media sites can be found at www.marines.mil/pages/sociame-dia.axpx.

Staff Sgt. Jahir Garcia, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of Recruiting Substation South Chicago, uses Facebook to screen potential applicants and keep in touch with members of Chicago’s poolee program. The involvement helps foster a sense of brotherhood in the poolees, providing support as they get ready to go to boot camp. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. George Papastrat

2 CHEVRON ~ NEWS AND COMMENTARY ~ APRIL 16, 2010

Semper Fi Singers ConcertA free community concert is

scheduled at the depot chapel today from 3 to 4 p.m., to showcase the best of MCRD vocal talent. Participants will include depot civilian staff, sailors and Marines. For information, call Chaplain David Carlson at (619) 524-1953 or Chaplain Robert Peters at (619) 524-4340.

Happy baby, happy youLearn new techniques to calm

your baby April 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the depot Family Advo-cacy Program, Bldg. 6E. A free par-enting CD will be given to attendees. The event is pen to all eligible patrons: active duty, reservists, retirees, DoD and their guests. For information, call (619) 524-0465.

Depot Chili CookoffA chili cookoff will be held April

23 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Honors Lawn across from Bldg. 31 for all eligible depot patrons. Contestants must fill out the back of the f lyer at mccsmcrd.com and return it to Sun-shine Ortiz in Bldg. 5. The event will also offer a hot wing eating contest, music and entertainment for children. A no-host beer garden will be avail-able to patrons with valid ID. For $10, attendees can sample all chili entries at the event, or pick chili samples for $1 each. Pre-purchased tickets are available at IT&T office, Bldg. 16. Pre-purchased $10 tickets enable individu-als to enter into a raff le for a prize package valued at $300. For informa-tion, call (619) 524-8083.

Self defense class for womenA self defense class for women will

be offered April 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Bldg. 5E. This class promotes personal safety for women includ-ing awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontational skills, safety strate-gies, and physical techniques that enable them to successfully avoid, prevent, escape and survive violent assaults. Space is limited and registra-tion is required. For information and to register, call Laura Texier at (619) 524-1200.

Activity morning for parents and tots

MCRD L.I.N.K.S. and New Parent Support will host a monthly activ-ity morning for parents and their children beginning April 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Bldg. 6E classroom. Parents and children under 5 years old can participate in activities such as story time, arts and crafts, movement activities, making snacks and more. For information and to register, call Patricia Kalaye at (619) 524-8104 or Heather Chamberlain at (619) 524-0805.

Volunteers needed for tele-vised spots

Marine Corps Community Ser-vices televises “What’s Happening at MCCS,” a weekly segment on upcom-ing events throughout the depot and is looking for volunteers to narrate. Candidates can be active military, DoD civilians, or military dependants aboard the depot. Taping takes 30 minutes reading a prepared script. For information, contact Rachel Landolt, MCCS Coordinator, at landoltrr@usmc-mccs.org.

Send briefs to:MCRDSDPAO@usmc.mil. The Chevron staff reserves the right to publish only those briefs that comply with Department of Defense regulations and the standards of the U.S. Government.

by Gunnery Sgt. Laura GaweckiChevron staff

I am guilty of not following safety rules during the recent earthquake and aftershocks - and I’m not alone. I was with friends during Easter’s 7.2-mag-nitude earthquake that shook much of California.

They took video footage rather than protected themselves. The next day, others admitted to not knowing the safety procedures or did some pretty dangerous things, such as taking the elevator to the roof to scan the neighborhood for damages. The Easter earthquake was responsible for two deaths in and a considerable amount of property damage in Mexico. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 700 shocks each year have the capability to cause property damage, injury and death when centered in a populated area. Several million earthquakes occur annually although most are too small to be located. Still, we must know what to do to protect ourselves, our Marines and families.

Steps to prepare for an earthquake:• Eliminate hazards throughout your home and work-place to reduce your risk of injury or death following an earthquake. Conduct a hazard hunt to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computers, book-cases, furniture and unstrapped water heaters. • Ensure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person’s name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. • Have disaster supplies kits stored in accessible locations at home, at work and in your vehicle. Your disaster sup-plies kits should include food, water, f lashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.

Steps to take during an earthquake:• Minimize your movements by choosing a nearby safe place and if you are indoors, stay there until the shak-ing has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe. Drop to the ground; take cover under a sturdy table or furniture and hold on until the shaking stops. If there’s no avail-able cover, protect your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Protect your head with a pillow. • Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly-supported, load-bearing doorway. • Research has shown that many injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different loca-tion inside the building or try to leave. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, f lying glass, and falling objects.• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may sound. • Don’t use elevators. • If you’re outdoors, move away from buildings, street-lights and utility wires.• If you’re in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Pro-ceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

Steps to take after an earthquake:• If you’re trapped under debris, don’t light a match, move around, or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with clothing, tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale danger-ous amounts of dust. • Check for injuries and damages that need immedi-ate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques. You should be able to administer first aid and to identify hazards such as dam-aged gas, water, sewage and electrical lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government.• Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your por-table radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. For most presidentially-declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies.

What did you do during the quake?

Nicole A. Martin, 15, does a back flip in a bouncy castle during a cookout hosted by the Montford Point Marine Association at the depot Boathouse, April 10. The cookout included games of horse-shoes and volleyball, a bouncy castle and hot-dogs and hamburgers. “The cookout was aimed to promote camaraderie and to network with the members as well as the general public,” said Sgt. Maj. Chermaine Harrell, sergeant major of Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23, Lemoore, Calif. “It also informed qualified students of scholarships that will be awarded later this year.” The Montford Point Marine Associa-tion’s mission is to “pro-mote and preserve the strong bonds of friend-ship born from shared adversities and to devote themselves to the further-ance of these accomplish-ments to ensure more peaceful times.”Lance Cpl. Rebecca Lamont/Chevron

Know the rules for self, family preservation

Montford Point Marines gatherat cookout to promotefriendship,camaraderie

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORMaj. Christopher B. Logan

DEPUTY DIRECTORjaniCe M. hagar

PUBLIC AFFAIRS CHIEFgunnery sgt. Laura gaweCki

PRESS CHIEFsgt. Carrie C. Booze

3

ESTABLISHED 1942

COMBAT CORRESPONDENTSsgt. shawn DiCkens

CpL. Matthew Brown

LanCe CpL. reBeCCa LaMont

LanCe CpL. FranCes CanDeLaria

COMMANDING GENERALBrig. gen. ronaLD L. BaiLey

SERGEANT MAJORsgt. Maj. Brian k. jaCkson

EDITORroger eDwarDs

MaiL CoMMents to:MCRDSDPAO@usmc.mil

Chevron/puBLiC aFFairs oFFiCe

1600 henDerson ave. #120san Diego, Ca. 92140

(619) 524-8722www.marines.mil/unit/tecom/mcrdsandiego/Pages/welcome.aspx

The Chevron, printed with appropriated funds in compliance with Marine Corps order P5600.31F, is published by Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego personnel. Opinions and views expressed herein are not necessar-ily those of the Marine Corps or the Department of Defense. The Chevron is promulgated for informational purposes only and in no way should be considered directive in nature. All photos are official USMC property unless otherwise indicated.

CHEVRON ~ FEATURE ~ APRIL 16, 2010

by Sgt. Justin M. PackMPA RS Denver

Six sets of eyes gaze through the windows as the Rocky Mountains emerged through a gray Colorado morning. The plane banks to the right and lines up with the runway. A minute later the wheels touch down and the first f light of the day is complete.

With a smile, the pilot looks back at the three stu-dents and one Officer Selec-tion Assistant and gives the thumbs up. The twin engine Beechcraft King Air had been f lown by everyone inside the plane during the hour-long f light. They were all a part of the Marine Corps Flight Ori-entation Program or MCFOP.

“The Marine Corps is the only branch of the military that guarantees an aviation option to applicants,” said Capt. Richard Birt during the pre-f light brief to the group.

Birt is an EA-6B Prowler pilot, stationed at 8th Marine Corps Recruiting District headquarters, Fort Worth, Texas. “The other branches reserve aviation slots for those who attend their service academies.”

Birt was in Colorado to assist the local Officer Selec-tion Station in Denver. The MCFOP f lies to each OSO in the 8th District twice a year to assist with recruit-ing efforts. Capt. Esteban Vickers, the Officer Selec-tion Officer for Denver, sees the benefit of this program and ensured there was a good turnout.

“We had 50 people attend the two-day event,” said Vick-ers, satisfied that his office’s legwork was worth it. “We walked around our college campuses handing out f lyers and contacted various media to get the word out.”

The morning of the f light, Channel 9 News came out to

interview Vickers, Birt and Kathryn Evezich, one of the students participating in the event. They shot three live segments for the morning news and passed information about Marine Corps aviation programs.

After the morning seg-ments aired and while Birt and the first group of students were in the air, protesters showed up at the airport. They didn’t last long as the news van had already left and there was no military pres-ence on site.

Ninety percent of the people participating in the MCFOP came from the Uni-versity of Colorado at Boul-der, where Evezich attends.

“I want to be a combat pilot,” said Evezich to the cameras while being inter-viewed. “I am two weeks away from getting my private pilot’s license, which I have been working toward since August of 2009.”

The MCFOP f light plan took Birt and the students west through the mountains and then north toward Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyo. Colorado’s diverse topography makes for a very scenic f light. There is Denver in the background when taking off and landing, the Rocky Mountains, multiple lakes, rivers, hills and plains, all which makes Colorado Birt’s favorite place to f ly.

“Capt. Birt is a very down-to-earth, considerate and a funny guide for this adven-ture,” said Evezich, who is a sophomore and recently contracted to become a Marine Corps aviator.

Birt always warns his pas-sengers before the f light that the goal is to have fun, and to try not to throw up in the plane.

According to those who attended the MCFOP, fun was the theme of the day.

“The feedback was out-standing,” said Vickers, a

Fruita, Colo., native. “About 80 percent of the students we spoke with about the program didn’t even know the guar-anteed aviation option was available.”

Vickers noted that MCFOP was very useful to his area and the program worked well toward getting people inter-ested in the Marines.

With this round of MCFOP over for OSO Denver, Birt will f ly into the sunset and on to another location, continuing his job of finding qualified applicants to pilot the future of Marine Corps aviation. Vickers will continue to visit college campuses and job fairs to find the most highly quali-fied candidates to lead the next generation of Marines, know-ing MCFOP will only help his mission.

When asked if MCFOP changed her view of Marine Corps aviation, Kathryn said that it just re-established her desire to f ly with the Marines.

A Beechcraft King Air lifts off from Rocky Mountain Regional Airport, Broomfield, Colo., March 8, for the second Marine Corps Flight Orientation Program flight of the day. Capt. Richard Birt, the pilot for the 8th Marine Corps District, took five participants west over the Rocky Mountains and then north to Wyoming. Sgt. Justin M. Pack/MPA

Marines take to Colorado skies

Brooke Thacker interviews Capt. Richard Birt for Channel 9 News’ morning program March 8. Birt was at the Rocky Mountain Regional Airport for the Marine Corps Flight Orientation Program being held for the Denver Officer Selection Office. Sgt. Justin M. Pack/MPA RS Denver

Capt. Richard Birt, the pilot for the 8th Marine Corps District, speaks to the first group of participants for the Marine Corps Flight Orientation Program. Fifty people participated in the pro-gram over two days. Sgt. Justin M. Pack/MPA RS Denver

4 CHEVRON ~ FEATURE ~ APRIL 16, 2010

More than 240 recruits from Company K head up into the hills at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., on their last hike of the Crucible, a 54–hour culmination of all recruit training, April 3. Lance Cpl. Frances Candelaria/Chevron

After completing the Reaper, Co. K hikes back down on the final leg of the Crucible toward the parade deck for the Emblem Ceremony and the well-deserved Warriors Breakfast. Lance Cpl. Frances Candelaria/Chevron

Recruits of Co. K bow their heads to pray during the Emblem Ceremony on Camp Pendleton, Calif. Lance Cpl. Frances Candelaria/Chevron

Recruits of Co. K salute the colors as they are marched across the parade deck on Edson Range. Lance Cpl. Frances Candelaria/Chevron

A Co. K drill instructor awards one of his new Marines his eagle globe and anchor emblem with a handshake and a “Congratulations Marine,” during the Emblem Ceremony. Lance Cpl. Frances Candelaria/Chevron

5CHEVRON ~ FEATURE ~ APRIL 16, 2010

by Lance Cpl. Frances CandelariaChevron staff

I f someone hiked to the top of the San Diego hills, they would find a gor-geous view of the Pacific Ocean below, and the cool breeze would set the tone for a beautiful day. But for the recruits of Company K, who stood atop one particular hill, this just may be the most beautiful sight they’ve

seen since they started their journey on the depot’s yellow footprints 13 weeks ago.

The recruits have just hiked up the infamous Reaper, a 700-foot hill located on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. This hike was their last obsta-cle of the Crucible, a cumulative training exercise where recruits receive only 12 hours of sleep in 54 of the most stressful, exhausting and painful hours of their life. Co. K started their final 9.7 mile hike after making sure all recruits and rifles were present at 3 a.m.

“The Reaper’s tough, but hey, no one does it better than Kilo,” said Staff Sgt Gary Weidner, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3227, Co. K. “When we’re get-ting ready before the hike, I tell the recruits you only get to do this once. How do you want to remember the day you earned your (eagle, globe and anchor emblem)?”

During the Crucible, the recruits who came to boot camp as individuals learned how to come together as a team.

“This platoon really built great unit cohesion and a couple of (the recruits) surprised me on the hike,” said Weidner. “I had a small group with me at the bottom of the last hill. I started running up and they stayed with me.”

Once the company made it to the top of the Reaper, the drill instructor read the final Medal of Honor citation before beginning their descent.

“Once I was at the top, I was ecstatic,” said Pfc. Cody Walker, Platoon 3227, Co. K. “It’s hard to describe how great it feels knowing it’s only a few more miles until I will be a Marine. We had been working so hard for so long and now it was only a few miles away.”

Co. K was in the home stretch. They marched down the hill and onto the parade deck where they received their eagle globe and anchor emblems and a “Congratulations Marine,” from their drill instructors.

The emblem is the symbol of the Marine Corps and is only presented to those who have earned their place among the few, the proud. It is the first time recruits are congratulated by their drill instructors and the first time they are called, Marine. For many recruits, this is an emotional event. Though drill instructors see the transformations happen every cycle, it’s the new Marines that are feeling the pride for the first time. When the Emblem Ceremony takes place, both drill instructors and recruits finally see the trans-formations.

The drill instructors award the recruits with the emblem of the Marine Corps, shake the new Marine’s hand and move on to the next one, with each handshake, the transformation is finalized.

“It’s a really proud moment, when I give the new Marine his emblem,” said Weidner. “I can see the change he has gone through.”

Weidner said he hopes his new Marines will go out into the Fleet Marine Force knowing they can take on and accomplish any mission no matter what obstacles may lay ahead.

After the new Marines have earned their emblems, they eat a Warrior’s Breakfast of steak, eggs, French toast and many other breakfast items. Though their long road as recruits will be coming to an end, the Marines will continue on their journeys in the United Sates Marine Corps.

More than 240 recruits from Company K head up into the hills at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., on their last hike of the Crucible, a 54–hour culmination of all recruit training, April 3. Lance Cpl. Frances Candelaria/Chevron

Recruits of Co. K bow their heads to pray during the Emblem Ceremony on Camp Pendleton, Calif. Lance Cpl. Frances Candelaria/Chevron

TheReaperChews up recruits, spits out Marines

Col. Willard A. BuhlParade Reviewing Officer Col. Willard A. Buhl grew up in Los

Gatos, Calif., and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1981. He served as a recon-naissance man and team leader with Detachment 4th Force Reconnaissance Company in Reno, Nev., from 1982 to 1986.

Successfully completing Officer Candidates Class at Quantico, Va., he was commissioned a second lieutenant in April 1986, and trained as an infan-try officer. His first Fleet Marine Force assignment was with Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. There he commanded rif le, weapons and heavy machine gun platoons, and a weapons company, deploying twice to the West-ern Pacific with Marine Expeditionary Units.

In 1990, he was promoted to captain and trained as an intelligence officer. In this capacity, he served as an assistant regimental intelligence officer for the 1st Marine Regiment and as a battalion intelligence officer and scout sniper platoon commander for BLT, 1st Bn., 4th Marines. In these billets he participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and United Nations operations in Mogadishu, Somalia. Buhl also served in the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force future operations section during Opera-tion Iraqi Freedom I, in Kuwait and Iraq. In his most recent assignment, he served as a military assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs at the Pentagon, Wash-ington, D.C.

Buhl is particularly proud of his ser-vice with the Marines and sailors of 3rd Bn., 1st Marines, where he served from 2003 to 2005, and participated in Opera-

tion Iraqi Freedom II and Operation Al Fajr, the clearing of the City of Fallujah in November 2004.

Buhl is a graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School (1993); U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College; School of Advanced Warfighting (2001 to 2003); and the U.S. Marine Corps War College (2006). He also taught at the Command and Staff College from 2006 to 2007. He holds a B.A. in history and international rela-tions from California State University Chico (1985), and masters degrees in military science and strategic studies from Marine Corps University (2002 and 2006).

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal; the Bronze Star Medal with “V” and gold star; the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; the Navy and

Marine Corps Achievement Medal; and the Combat Action Ribbon with gold star.

6 CHEVRON ~ FEATURE ~ APRIL 16, 2010

by Cpl. Jose NavaChevron staff

H e spoke of want-ing to be a Marine since he was a child, but there

was a reason his enlistment was delayed for four years; he was an exceptionally-good foot-ball player. Although Pfc. Cody Walker, Platoon 3227, Company K, did not join the Marine Corps immediately after high school, he still gained valuable lessons from playing football at Mesa

State College of Colorado, Grand Junction, Colo.

Some of the training for football necessitated him waking up at 4:30 a.m, and practicing in six inches of snow, said Walker. His training varied from practice to practice which helped keep the team on their toes, he added.

“He was a good leader who gave everything he had when he stepped onto the field to play,” said Joe Ramunno, head football coach, Mesa State College of Colorado. “He was a great guy to be around because he got the team going and

demanded excellence from them.”Walker said that he was too

anxious and excited to begin recruit training, therefore, he left college early with just 15 credits left to complete his degree.

“I could not think about work-ing at a nine-to-five job every day out in the civilian world,” said Walker. “I wanted to do something different.”

Arriving at MCRD San Diego, Walker said that he wanted to feel more confident then he when he met the drill instructors on the yellow footprints.

“With the chaos and yelling, the drill instructors stripped all the “coolness” from the new recruits our first night on the yellow foot-prints,” said Walker.

Having been put through his coach’s tough and demanding physical training, Walker said he found most of the physical activities that took place during recruit train-ing came easily to him.

“Walker was a squared-away individual that was highly moti-vated, took charge, had initiative, and was more mature then the other recruits,” said Staff Sgt. Gary Weidner, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3227, Company K. For these reasons he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of private first class, said Weidner.

But recruit training was not always an easy task for Walker. One of the things he found difficult was close-order drill. Close-order drill is marching while in formation to instill instance and willingness obedience to orders.

“The hardest part for me was to keep focus through all the hours of drill,” said Walker. Drill for recruits took place on Shepherd Memo-rial Drill Field, also known as the Grinder.

Another rough patch for Walker was homesickness. Walker said that he got through it with the help of the friends he met during training.

“What I missed was the proximity of family and friends when I played football because they lived in the same town as the college,” said Walker. “Besides,

meeting the buddies I did in boot camp, remembering that I came to become a Marine, helped me push through.”

Through all of his training, the field portion of it stood out most to Walker. Getting dirty in the mud and sand, firing weapons and eating meals-ready-to-eat were the things he found most exciting while on the Crucible. The Crucible is a 54-hour training exercise in which recruits march 40 miles and navi-gate obstacles with little food and sleep, to build teamwork.

“A lot of the teamwork I learned while in football transferred over when I joined the Corps,” said Walker. “I used that training to help guide me through the Cru-cible.”

Walker said he has thought a lot about his future in the Corps. Not yet done with his bachelor’s degree, Walker wants to earn his degree and plans to make the Marine Corps a career.

Following graduation, Walker will report to Infantry Train-ing Battalion, School of Infantry West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., where he will train as an infantry man, the job he had his heart set on since he was a child.

Although recruit training is over, Walker is looking forward to continuing his training.

“I do not know what is going happen to but I am excited to see where the Marine Corps will take me and what I will see,” said Walker.

From the football gridiron to the depot’s grinder

DI achieves goal, shapes new Marines

Staff Sgt. Gary Wiedner, senior drill instructor, Platoon 3227, Company K, stands in front of his platoon during graduation practice Wednesday. It has been his job, with the help of his fellow drill instructors, to set the example for the new Marines as they go through recruit training. Sgt. Shawn Dickens/Chevron

by Sgt. Shawn DickensChevron staff

He stands contemplating the answer to the question of why he joined the Marine Corps all the while he adjusts his uniform, ensuring it looks perfect.

Before Wiedner came to the depot, he spent time working in the fleet as an administration clerk. He was a motivated young Marine with a goal in mind: he wanted to be a drill instructor.

“I can tell you why I became a drill instructor,” said Staff Sgt. Gary Wiedner, senior drill instructor, platoon 3227, Com-pany K, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.

“I still believe in the legendary drill instructor,” said Wiedner. “They are the cream of the crop, setting the standard for others to emulate.”

He knew he had what it took to be one of the men who he held in such high regard and proved it by being meritoriously promoted to every rank from lance corpo-ral all the way to sergeant.

His accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed.

“I had a first sergeant who was a prior drill instructor who became my mentor,” said Wiedner. “He found out my goal of going to D.I. school and made sure I was ready for what was yet to come.”

His mentor put him through the gamut of what he would have to do once he made it to drill instructor school. Having to con-stantly give classes and do close order drill and sword manual filled his schedule, but ultimately it prepared him to succeed once he hit the drill field.

“It was like I went to drill

instructor school before I even got accepted to drill instructor school,” said Weidner. “All the hard work paid off though.”

It was that extra attention and having someone to look up too that helped him reach his goal, he said. He hopes to be that inspira-tion for his junior Marines.

“When I leave here, I am going to do my best to be the example for my junior Marines that my old first sergeant was for me,” he said. “I want them to look at the example I set and say, ‘I want to be like Staff Sgt. Wiedner.’”

Wiedner’s advice for junior Marines thinking about becom-ing drill instructors is to be humble.

“This job will consume you, so be ready,” said Wiedner. “But you will get back what you put in.”

Pfc. Zachary Tanaka, Platoon 3227, Company K, left, watches as Pfc. Cody Walker, Platoon 3227, Co. K, shows him how to properly iron his trousers. Recruits are taught basic maintenance of their uniforms during recruit training. Cpl. Jose Nava/Chevron

3RD RECRUIT TRAIN-ING BATTALIONCommanding OfficerLt. Col. J. S. MeadeSergeant MajorSgt. Maj. D. A. LeeChaplainLt. R. W. Peters III, USNBattalion Drill MasterStaff Sgt. S. Gaytan

COMPANY KCommanding OfficerCapt. K. S. CrimCompany First Sergeant1st Sgt. J. E. Quijada Jr.

SERIES 3221Series CommanderCapt. R. Crowder Series Gunnery SergeantGunnery Sgt. S. Quezada

PLATOON 3221Senior Drill InstructorGunnery Sgt. E. J. RuizDrill InstructorsGunnery Sgt. T. R. DanielGunnery Sgt. G. WalkerStaff Sgt. R. A. GriffithStaff Sgt. G. W. Webber

Pvt. A. K. Aldridge Pvt. L. W. Alldredge Pfc. J. W. AnstedPvt. K. M. Aquiasaranda Pvt. C. G. Arodriguez Pvt. N. Y. AsfahaPfc. A. AyvarruizPvt. E. N. BaileyPvt. R. A. Barrett Pvt. S. R. Barton Pvt. S. L. BealPvt. K. M. BeckerPfc. J. P. Birkland Pfc. D. L. Boren Pvt. A. R. BoydPfc. L. M. BrownPfc. B. M. BurtonPvt. B. M. Butler Pvt. J. W. Buyes Pvt. D. L. Cahill Pvt. E. P. Canchola Pvt. C. G. CheshirePvt. R. W. ColePvt. D. R. Compston Pfc. A. J. CookPfc. J. D. CopleyPvt. S. T. CortaPvt. S. D. CountsPvt. D. R. DempseyPfc. J. P. DensonPvt. K. R. DietrichPfc. J. C. DosePvt. G. DuranPvt. D. W. EmersonPvt. J. A. EnsmingerPvt. O. Esquivel Pfc. I. M. Farber Pfc. W. A. FergusonPfc. B. R. ForgyPfc. J. E. FuentesPvt. D. T. GallegoPvt. F. D. GarayPvt. N. A. GarciaPvt. L. F. GardnerPvt. A. S. GardockiPvt. B. W. GarnerPvt. D. W. GatlinPvt. J. GawPvt. L. A. GettlemanPfc. P. G. GielowPvt. J. P. HilsgenPfc. M. HooverPvt. J. J. JacobePvt. C. W. Jaquess-BrennerPfc. N. L. JensenPfc. E. N. JokerstPfc. J. JongPvt. S. M. LeachPvt. J. F. Leon Pvt. D. D. LewisPvt. D. LugoPvt. B. E. MacAlisterPvt. M. R. MartinPvt. J. J. McCrayPfc. C. M. MedemaPvt. C. V. Miller Pvt. C. G. MillsPfc. A. C. MorenoPfc. B. G. MorrisPvt. A. R. Narbaez

Pvt. M. X. NavarroPvt. J. T. NguyenPvt. A. C. OrtizPfc. I. PantojaPvt. A. A. PattersonPvt. C. M. PricePvt. B. S. RamosPfc. A. SalcidoPvt. J. D. ShockleyPvt. T. J. StevensPfc. S. B. Thompson

PLATOON 3222Senior Drill InstructorStaff Sgt. J. R. SampsonDrill InstructorsStaff Sgt. R. T. GusevikStaff Sgt. J. HansenStaff Sgt. L. Martinez-BidoSgt. V. Monroy

Pfc. I. M. AbdiPfc. O. R. AcevesPfc. J. A. AdamsPvt. S. C. Anderson*Pfc. C. C. ArrickPvt. C. K. ArurangPvt. R. Arzate Jr. Pvt. J. M. AstburyPfc. C. H. AventPvt. M. S. Babler*Pfc. A. G. BarmorePvt. E. A. BarreraPvt. J. R. BartleyPvt. T. J. BattrickPvt. A. BautistaPvt. J. M. BazzanoPfc. J. J. BingmanPvt. J. A. BirnelPfc. B. L. BladerPvt. J. A. BolanosPfc. B. T. BowmanPvt. B. D. BoylesPfc. M. R. BrionesPvt. D. R. BrownPvt. B. M. BullockPfc. M. J. BurazinPfc. K. A. BurnsPfc. G. CardenasPvt. J. J. CastanedaPfc. N. A. CastellonPvt. D. CazaresPvt. M. A. Chlopek IIPvt. S. Y. ChunPfc. D. C. Coonce*Pfc. B. K. CunhaPfc. W. L. DeanePvt. G. A. DiazPvt. K. S. DoPvt. D. W. Duenow Jr. Pfc. Z. K. DufresnePvt. J. EstradaPvt. D. S. FellwockPvt. M. J. Ferreira*Pfc. J. H. FisherPvt. M. W. FlemingPvt. G. B. Ford IIPfc. B. R. FreemanPvt. E. GallardoPvt. M. V. GarciaPfc. R. H. Garcia Jr. Pfc. M. B. GomezPfc. L. H. GonzalezPfc. J. M. GorhamPvt. C. J. HahnPfc. J. C. HanesPvt. C. S. Hawley Jr. *Pfc. T. G. HeadlePfc. N. J. HickeyPvt. N. HorvatPvt. D. B. HousePvt. K. A. IzquierdoPvt. E. L. Jackson*Pfc. K. R. KaiserPvt. C. W. KillgorePfc. J. J. Kirkendoll-JowersPvt. L. J. KoehlerPvt. G. E. Lewis Jr. Pvt. H. M. LoyaPfc. M. K. LuddenPfc. S. P. Ludington*Pfc. Z. G. LyonPvt. B. A. MerrillPvt. F. Sandoval Jr. Pvt. W. A. ShuePfc. A. J. SmithPvt. E. T. SpencePvt. E. YanezPvt. Z. S. Zinanti

PLATOON 3223Senior Drill InstructorSgt. R. A. Fuentes

Drill InstructorsSgt. C. G. GarciaSgt. M. A. LombardoSgt. B. E. Torrence

Pvt. A. M. ArchuletaPvt. J. S. AskewPvt. E. BautistaPvt. P. M. BehrensPfc. J. A. BenbrookPvt. S. J. BierPvt. A. F. BrackPvt. I. T. BrakePvt. K. L. BrooksPvt. T. J. Brumaghin Jr. *Pfc. D. A. Burke*Pfc. E. L. CantuPvt. L. M. Cantu-MorinPvt. A. C. Carley*Pfc. A. L. CouturierPvt. S. J. Coyner IIPfc. C. B. DantzlerPvt. C. A. DeHartPvt. J. L. de la CerdaPvt. T. A. DeLayPvt. D. C. Devora Jr. Pvt. D. A. DochertyPvt. S. R. EnglandPvt. A. M. EversonPvt. J. L. Flores-SotoPvt. M. A. FordPvt. R. GarciaPvt. B. J. GatzPfc. M. S. GenovesiPfc. A. T. GonzalezPfc. J. W. GrosePvt. T. J. HernandezPfc. J. S. HillPvt. J. T. HolderlePvt. T. J. HudsonPvt. T. L. HugueleyPvt. R. J. JarmonPvt. A. M. JonesPvt. D. M. KasperPfc. W. T. KuersPvt. T. R. LoftonPvt. K. I. MacklinPvt. D. B. ManningPvt. J. A. MarquezPvt. R. S. MarshallPvt. A. Martinez Jr. Pvt. J. J. MartinezPvt. M. H. MayPvt. J. A. MayoPvt. D. C. McKenneyPfc. D. A. Miller IIPvt. M. V. MirandaPvt. S. A. MonaghanPvt. B. D. MoorePvt. C. J. MoyaPfc. M. D. MunozPvt. J. E. MurrayPfc. K. D. MyersPfc. P. A. NeelPvt. M. R. Neumyer*Pfc. R. A. NewtonPvt. C. A. NicholsPvt. J. E. NicholsPvt. S. L. Patterson II*Pfc. B. M. PotterPvt. N. W. PoulterPfc. E. A. PresleyPfc. M. R. QuinnPfc. J. A. RamosPvt. J. A. ReynoldsPvt. J. J. SaldibarPfc. K. M. SavagePfc. J. K. Scheer IIPfc. C. M. ShearsPfc. C. J. SouthPfc. J. R. SullivanPvt. P. M. TorresPvt. W. C. VallancePvt. R. A. VivianoPfc. I. H. WalkerPfc. K. R. Whitson SERIES 3225Series CommanderCapt. D. J. Daly Chief Drill InstructorStaff Sgt. J. E. Barnes

PLATOON 3225Senior Drill InstructorSgt. A. W. HamadehDrill InstructorsSgt. R. S. Garcia Sgt. C. P. GentrySgt. N. V. Priesman

Pvt. S. D. AguileraPvt. B. M. Antuna

Pvt. V. A. BlancoPfc. C. M. BradshawPvt. R. DelgadoPfc. A. DiazPfc. A. R. Distefano IIIPvt. H. Douglass-CooperPvt. P. M. Grant Jr. Pvt. C. B. JensenPvt. M. A. JensenPvt. W. D. KentPvt. J. R. LuhnPvt. J. L. LynchPvt. P. A. MadrizPvt. S. E. MagnusonPvt. J. D. MagouirkPvt. Z. J. MartinPfc. E. A. MartinezPvt. V. MasihPvt. B. R. McDaniel*Pfc. T. T. McFarlandPvt. J. B. MichaelPvt. N. T. NguyenPvt. C. T. O’Donnell Jr. Pvt. R. W. PadgettPvt. N. R. PastorePvt. J. S. ReddenPvt. J. E. ReecePvt. E. J. ReveringPvt. D. D. RhodesPvt. D. P. RickertPvt. M. G. RobertsonPvt. C. RodriguezPfc. J. J. Romero*Pfc. C. Romo IIPvt. C. A. RosasPvt. K. N. RunnelsPfc. C. A. SanpedroPvt. B. A. Savard*Pfc. N. J. ScattareggiaPvt. A. M. SchackmannPvt. D. W. SchultzPvt. D. C. Scott*Pfc. A. Segura Jr. Pvt. S. L. SeilerPfc. A. W. SenkowPfc. M. A. SilvaPvt. N. H. SparrowPvt. S. M. StinecipherPvt. S. S. StonePvt. T. J. StonePvt. D. J. StrowenjansPvt. S. D. SweeneyPvt. O. T. ThomasPfc. A. D. TimmonsPfc. J. L. TinsleyPfc. E. K. TiwaPvt. R. J. TorresPvt. J. A. TraxelPfc. A. J. ValleyPvt. M. R. VigilPvt. M. S. Villaluz Jr. Pvt. M. B. VillanuevaPvt. C. P. Villoutreix Jr. Pvt. C. A. WagnerPvt. Q. J. WarrenPfc. R. Y. WarrenPfc. D. L. WendebornPvt. E. A. WilliamsPfc. T. E. WillsonPvt. S. L. WilsonPvt. M. M. WinderPvt. R. L. Witt IIPvt. S. T. Woodard*Pfc. B. W. WrightPvt. V. H. Young IIIPvt. G. L. Young*Pfc. E. ZamoraPfc. D. Zarate Jr.

PLATOON 3226Senior Drill InstructorStaff Sgt. B. GoldthwaiteDrill InstructorsStaff Sgt. D. R. KingStaff Sgt. J. P. SeguraStaff Sgt. R. A. Williams Pvt. J. A. AguayoPfc. M. AlvarezPvt. J. R. Amundson Jr. Pvt. M. D. ApalateguiPfc. M. T. AstonPvt. E. R. Baranda-Angel*Pfc. A. M. BixbyPvt. B. W. Bliss*Pfc. J. R. BrandonPvt. A. C. Burnside IIPvt. N. W. BusengaPvt. L. Caballero Jr. Pfc. J. L. CabreraPvt. C. M. Carranza Jr. Pfc. J. CervantesPfc. J. R. Chamberlin

Pvt. B. G. CleggPvt. R. V. ColimaPvt. A. B. CoramPvt. W. C. CovellonePfc. M. A. DelgadilloPvt. K. C. DevlinPvt. I. D. EgbukaPfc. D. R. Elliott IIIPfc. J. T. EnePvt. R. A. EspinozaPvt. M. A. Flores-EstradaPfc. L. A. ForemanPfc. R. J. GallarzaPfc. M. D. GammillPfc. J. E. GarciaPvt. W. A. GilleyPvt. D. L. Gonzales IIPvt. J. Gonzalez*Pfc. N. GonzalezPfc. H. Gonzalez-OcaranzaPvt. M. J. GouldPvt. S. A. GulickPvt. T. M. HoylesPvt. N. A. JohnsonPvt. V. KajberuniPvt. M. W. Keran*Pfc. J. M. KransPfc. C. M. LandersPvt. P. LomePfc. K. M. LowePvt. J. B. LysenPvt. M. D. MaldonadoPvt. I. R. MarquezPvt. J. T. MattisonPvt. M. D. McKillopPvt. R. MejiaPvt. J. A. MottaPfc. C. J. MullinsPvt. D. T. NorwoodPvt. J. C. OuradaPvt. J. L. PagePfc. N. W. PapaikPfc. A. W. Paredes-WestPfc. J. D. PereiraPfc. A. T. PetriePvt. M. C. RaglinPvt. M. ReyesPfc. M. E. RipleyPvt. J. G. RomeroPvt. E. RubalcavaPvt. J. D. SchuttPvt. K. R. SieglerPfc. S. A. SquiresPvt. M. J. StarchPvt. A. C. SteckPvt. J. D. StricklandPfc. K. J. SzemanPfc. E. S. ThompsonPvt. B. L. TwaPvt. J. M. UribePfc. R. S. ValdezPfc. A. L. Van HeelPfc. M. T. WacklerPvt. E. P. WhitePfc. D. C. Wilkinson

PLATOON 3227Senior Drill InstructorStaff Sgt. G. L. WiednerDrill InstructorsStaff Sgt. D. E. HarveyStaff Sgt. R. RemingtonSgt. S. Rios

Pfc. A. R. CamposPfc. A. B. CollinsPvt. C. D. EichhornPvt. A. K. KeotaPfc. J. S. McKeePfc. N. E. MeansPvt. M. B. MillerPfc. M. C. MoorePfc. C. D. NeelyPvt. R. J. OldhamPvt. D. W. OlsonPvt. A. J. Orozco Jr. Pvt. S. OrozcoPvt. A. J. PalagalloPfc. T. S. Pontifex*Pfc. T. G. PostlewaitPvt. M. A. Ramirez Jr. Pfc. M. B. ReddPfc. R. J. ReedPvt. R. L. ReyesPfc. L. J. RiedelPvt. L. G. Rios-FloresPvt. A. Rodriguez Jr. Pfc. R. RojasPvt. T. W. RominesPvt. J. A. RoudebushPfc. A. G. RudolphiPvt. M. S. Rzabli*Pfc. C. C. Samples

Pfc. C. SanchezPfc. J. A. SanchezPvt. J. J. SandersPvt. E. Santiago-GonzalezPvt. B. A. Scanlan*Pfc. A. J. SchanenPfc. T. R. SchmidtPfc. M. W. Scordo Jr. Pvt. J. S. ShafferPfc. D. D. Silva*Pfc. L. J. SimonettiPfc. C. SimsPfc. A. E. SinclairPvt. D. F. SmithPvt. E. S. SniderPfc. W. D. SnyderPvt. A. V. SolorioPvt. C. A. SosaviscarraPfc. B. J. SousaPvt. B. A. SpaldingPfc. S. R. SpanglerPfc. B. M. StalzerPfc. C. L. StaufferPfc. E. W. SteelePvt. J. W. StewartPfc. Z. S. TanakaPvt. C. A. TaylorPvt. J. Teniente Jr. Pvt. A. M. ThornburgPfc. T. G. Timmons Jr. Pvt. M. F. TomPvt. V. A. TorresPvt. R. ValenciaPvt. M. A. Valencia-CantuPvt. E. G. ValenzuelaPfc. M. A. Van WyhePvt. C. R. Van ZandtPvt. D. A. Vera*Pfc. C. J. WalkerPvt. C. J. WallacePvt. R. M. Wallace*Pfc. J. B. WatanukiPvt. M. A. WeberPfc. E. M. WilliamsPvt. N. E. WillsonPfc. R. J. WolfPvt. Z. A. WolfePvt. R. D. Woodland*Pfc. R. C. WrightPvt. E. J. ZamoraPvt. J. A. ZereceroPfc. E. L. Zimmerman

* Indicates meritorious promotion

7CHEVRON ~ GRADUATING COMPANY ~ APRIL 16, 2010

KILO COMPANY

Platoon 3223 Platoon 3221 Platoon 3222 Platoon 3225 Platoon 3227 Platoon 3222COMPANY HONOR MANPfc. A. M. BixbyFt. Wayne, Ind.Recruited bySgt. R. R. Valdez

SERIES HONOR MANPfc. A. T. GonzalezHoustonRecruited bySgt. J. Salazar

PLATOON HONOR MANPfc. N. L. JensenRochester, Minn.Recruited bySgt. J. J. Havemeier

PLATOON HONOR MANPfc. C. C. ArrickColorado Springs, Colo.Recruited byStaff Sgt. D. J. Maxwell

PLATOON HONOR MANPfc. C. C. SamplesLas Cruces, N.M.Recruited bySgt. C. Morales

PLATOON HONOR MANPfc. D. L. Wendeborn Vancouver, Wash.Recruited bySgt. S. L. Almon

HIGH SHOOTER (336)Pvt. W. A. ShuePueblo, Colo. Marksmanship InstructorSgt. J. Crappel

HIGH PFT (300)Pfc. R. RojasYuma, Ariz.Recruited byStaff Sgt. P. Barron

Platoon 3227Platoon 3226

8 CHEVRON ~ FEATURE ~ APRIL 16, 2010

by Sgt. Carrie C. BoozeChevron staff

The Navy and Marine Corps are known for their unshakable inter-service bond. They have worked side-by-side in garrison and have fought together in countless battles throughout history.

This brotherhood that took decades to nurture was thrown to the wind when the Marines of Ceremonial detail and sailors of Medical went head-to-head during the fifth game in the third week of the Commanding General’s Cup basketball, April 13. Despite their normal friendship, these teams were out for blood.

After lacing up their high-tops and slipping on their jerseys, both teams took to the court with confi-dence and determination.

“I predict it’s going to be raining three’s today,” said shooting guard Richard Harmon, Ceremonial, referring to scoring three-pointers in basketball.

Ceremonial did exactly that,

and seemed to always have the ball in-hand, scoring on their oppo-nents at a cyclic rate.

The buzzer sounded at the end of the first half, freezing Ceremo-nials’ lopsided score of 41-23. Each team migrated to their side of the court for some coach pep-talk. Despite being down in the game, Medical still managed to stay positive and trash talk on the side lines.

“I think we are going to catch up in the second half of the game,” said guard Albert Mayoyo, Medi-cal. “We have better fundamentals, and they have sloppy guard.”

During the second half, there was definite improvement by Medical. A few times throughout the game there was a gleaming light of possibility that they may catch up, but it was false hope. The game ended, 66-54.

“They had a lot of shooters,” said guard Karlyle Bringsplenty, Ceremonial. “They were a compet-itive team, but we are a pretty solid team. It was a good game.”

Devil dogs devour squids on courtShooting guard Richard Harmon, Ceremonial, right, shoots a three-pointer while both his team and opponents watch in awe at the depot’s field house, April 13. In the end, Ceremonial beat Medical 66-54. Sgt. Carrie C. Booze/Chevron

Forward Andrew Johnson, Medical, concentrates as he shoots a free-throw after his team was fouled on by one of the Ceremonial Marines. Sgt. Carrie C. Booze/Chevron

Guard Karlyle Bringsplenty, Ceremonial, shoots his second free-throw while his teammates and opponents stand to the side in anticipation. Bringsplenty said that although his team doesn’t practice, and only comes together on game day, they have great cohesion. Sgt. Carrie C. Booze/Chevron