CLR-15 (FWD) May Edition Newsletter

COMBAT LOGISTICS

REGIMENT-15 (FORWARD)

MAY 2010

Dust Storm on the Horizon

COMMANDING OFFICER

To the Families and Friends of CLR-15 (FWD),

Most of us have been in Afghanistan for two months and I can proudly report that we are well on

our way to a memorable deployment. It is a honor to observe the Marines and Sailors of CLR-15 (FWD)

every day and they are doing amazing things – I feel like I have the best job and there is nothing better

than serving with such fine men and women. The sacrifices that they make to serve our Nation and their

unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment is inspiring. Without a doubt, I know they get

much of their strength from you. Although you are not physically here with us, your presence is always

felt.

One of life’s most enduring questions is ―what have you done for others?‖ This is also a key prin-

ciple of leadership, it is more about those we lead than anything we personally may do. As I watch the

Marines and Sailors of CLR-15 (FWD), I am continually reminded of this and they epitomize everything

this simple phrase implies. The camaraderie, the motivation, the professionalism, the discipline, the

work ethic within this team is unsurpassed. Through their efforts, they are making this deployment an

experience of a lifetime that they will share with their friends, family, and children some day. When

they reflect back on this time of their lives, they will have the fondest of memories and a sense of pride

that will remain with them forever.

Although we are getting into a nice rhythm, the unrelenting drive of the Marines and Sailors is

continually on display. There is no challenge too great and no task too small; our steady list of accom-

plishments grows daily and we are rapidly changing the landscape of Afghanistan and Camp Leather-

neck, along with the other outlying bases that are home to CLR-15 (FWD) personnel. We are rapidly

improving support to the Marine who is deployed at the most forward, remote, and austere out-

post. This is our focus and we will not rest until our return.

While there is much work to do, the Marines and Sailors do find time to relax and enjoy them-

selves. It is important for them to take a break to remain physically and mentally sharp. Your support

is a key component of this – if you could only see their faces when they receive a package or letter, you

would feel good. The thoughts of home, the memories of special times, and the anticipation of our re-

turn help us through the difficult separation from you. You all are such incredible people and we could

not be successful without you. Thank you for your service and unwavering support to the Marines and

Sailors of CLR-15 (FWD). We miss you all!

Semper Fi,

K. J. STEWART

CLR-15 (FWD) MAY 2010 PAGE 2

SERGEANT MAJOR

Families and Friends of CLR-15 (FWD),

The majority of our Marines and Sailors have been in country for almost 60 days and they are doing great things

all over Afghanistan. The CO and I get out weekly to visit our Marines and Sailors in every FOB across the coun-

try and it is amazing to see the things they are accomplishing. In only two months they have become a cohesive

unit and together they accomplish any and all tasks that they are given. I am truly blessed to be their SgtMaj and

I am proud to see their desire and commitment they have on a daily basis in taking care of the Marines and Sail-

ors they support in the fight.

Without a cohesive unit across the board our seven companies could not accomplish the commanders intent in a

timely manner. All of the companies have settled into a nice battle rhythm and they support each other on a

daily basis without question no matter what the assignment. They are fixing broken vehicles, supplying the for-

ward Marines, securing convoys and driving long hours to get every mission completed on time in all condi-

tions. Our work tempo has increased with the number of assignments we have been given on a weekly basis,

but that has not stopped our companies from getting things accomplished. Even with the heat starting to in-

crease to 100 degrees plus daily we are doing our best to stay cool, but unfortunately most of our assignments

call for our Marines and Sailors to work outside every day. The 100 days of wind is also upon us and we have al-

ready had a couple of nice sized dust storms around the country. When the dust storm comes the sky turns or-

ange and everything gets covered in sand and it takes hours to clean up all of the work and living areas. No mat-

ter how hot it gets or how sandy the conditions become our Marines and Sailors continue to push forward to ac-

complish the mission and that is what makes them a great team of leaders across the board.

Even though we have gotten off to a tremendous start and we have accomplished a lot of things in just a short

time, there is still a lot of work to do around the country. Our focus is to supply the most forward Marine and

make sure that they have everything they need to win the fight and our Marines are making sure that they have

it. We are being tasked with greater assignments everyday and we will accomplish them without question be-

cause our Marines and Sailors of CLR-15 (FWD) will not let each other down. They are without a doubt some of

the finest Marines and Sailors that I have had the pleasure to serve with throughout my career.

Most of us are very lucky to be on Camp Leatherneck because we have the nice chow halls, showers, work

spaces, living spaces and other little things to make this place feel like home for seven months. We do have

some Marines and Sailors at FOBs that aren’t as lucky as we are to have all the amenities to make the deployment

a little easier every day when they aren’t working. Mail is the biggest morale booster that they can get from

home and no matter how many times the CO and I visit or talk to our Marines and Sailors there is nothing like a

letter or package from a loved one. When we hand out mail they immediately forget about the long hours, heat,

wind, sand and they light up like it was Christmas day. Your Marines and Sailors are working very hard to make

you proud and it is one of the greatest things to see what they do every day out here to make you safe at

home. Even though we are thousands of miles away from you at home we feel you in our hearts and that is what

keeps us going. We will keep you in our prayers and God Bless.

Semper Fi,

SgtMaj J.S. Miller


HEADQUARTERS &

SERVICE COMPANY


Company Commanders’s Corner:

To the Family & Friends of CLR-15 (FWD),

The Marines and Sailors of H&S continue to do great things. The

packages and letters keep flowing from home and we are pushing

forward making sure those Marines and Sailors on the front lines

are getting the support they deserve.

Semper Fidelis! 1stLt Russell

1stSgt’s Two Cents:

Two Month Down! The Marines and Sailors are still doing amazing stuff.

Several have already been recognized and awarded for their perform-

ance. We planned and hosted a BBQ Social for all the Staff & Officers of

CLR-15 (FWD), where the leaders had a chance to get together and

relax a little.

Semper Fi & God Bless, 1stSgt McEvoy

Talent Show

H&S had 2 contestants

performed in the

talent show on a nice

Saturday evening here

on Camp Leatherneck.

They were very enter-

taining and boosted

the moral for all that

were present. You

would have been very

proud of them. The Tal-

ent Show was a huge

success.

Left: SSgt Futrell is a

natural stand up

comedian.

Right: LCpl

Ramirez sang

her heart out for

the crowd.


Female Engagement Team

The I MEF (FWD) Female Engagement Team (FET) conducted an Augment FET Training

Course (10-2) from 18-26 Apr. This course serves to train female military personnel to aug-

ment FET missions in support of counter insurgency operations throughout Regional Com-

mand South. H&S Company had three females participate and successfully complete this train-

ing.

―The nine days of training was fast paced and draining, but I feel more than confident that we

all walked away trained and willing to be called upon for

any mission in Helmand province.‖ - Sgt Schwartz

―FET is here to help the population, to gain the trust, to let them know we are here to help and

to tell them they can get help without being threatened. Basically, to let them know they don’t

have to live their life in fear. I also learned different procedures to follow in different situations

such as combat aid, Call For Fire, and civil affairs. It was good training. Helping people is in my

genes. FET is my kind of thing. YUTTTT!!‖ –LCpl Kalkstein

From Left: Sgt Schwartz, 1stSgt McEvoy, LCpl Kalkstein,

1stLt Russell, LCpl Valencia, and GySgt Sanchez.

MAINTENANCE COMPANY


This past month has been a busy, but very productive time for the Marines of Maintenance Company. As

the weather continues to get hotter, the Marines continue to perform extremely well. It is an absolute

honor and pleasure to work with each Marine. To help you get to know the Marines, we are going to high-

light two platoons each month. This month, Ordnance/General Support Maintenance and the Communica-

tions Electronics Maintenance platoons are in the spotlight. Finally, thank you so much for your continued

support. We could not continue the fight without the support of our families.

Ordnance/GSM Platoon

M88A2 RECOVERY SECTION

The M88A2 Tank Recovery section has been busy over the last three weeks. The crew has been

called to repeatedly to recover several items of heavy equipment and multiple vehicles ranging

from 38,000lbs to 50,000lbs, which has kept them very busy. Of note, Cpl Avila has been per-

forming duties well outside the norm in his capacity as SSgt Ray’s right hand and resident duty

expert displaying the qualities that exemplify the professionalism and ―can do‖ attitude that is the

hallmark of the Marine NCO. Also Cpl Cook, LCpl McNeese and LCpl Stineman have been hard

at work creating a standard operating procedure binder to provide a guideline for operating as

an M88A2 recovery man.

OPTICS/SMALL ARMS

Following in-depth research, the Marines of the Optics shops were able to streamline the requisi-

tion process for Night Vision parts. Their superb skills have allowed the section to complete re-

pairs on equipment that has been in the shop before CLR-15 (FWD) arrived. LCpl Stevens made

the biggest impact this period and saved upwards of 25 man-hours with his intricate knowledge

of system software. He created a database for all shop sections in the platoon. From which multi-

ple spreadsheets can be integrated and data from more than 3000

pages can be cross-referenced. Great job, LCpl Stevens! Addition-

ally, the Infantry weapons section has been busy this past month.

The Marines have sent and received over 350 pieces of calibrated

gages to support the Forward Units; all of which have been coordi-

nated by Lance Corporal Salamone. This month LCpl Hansen volun-

teered for the Marine Corps’ Female Engagement Team (FET) and

successfully completed her initial training. The FET team’s primary

mission is to provide interaction between the International Assis-

tance Security Force and the female population of Afghanistan. LCpl

Hansen is a valuable asset to this program and to the ORD/GSM Pla-

toon.


GENERAL SUPPORT

The GSM Platoon has successfully got the

Engine Dyno, AGRS (Alternator, Generator,

Regulator, Starter) test machine, and the

AVM2 (fuel pump test stand) operational.

The Marines have also ordered and invento-

ried all the parts and tools that will be used

to repair our gear. Cpl Burkett led the

charge on preparing 6 LAV’s for WIR and

LCpl Kautz used a little creative ingenuity to

repair the starter that got the Engine Dyno

running for the GSM shop.

WOW, it’s May already? Time has been moving along and all the Marines of Communica-

tions Electronics Maintenance (CEM) Platoon have been performing exceptionally well. Over

the past two months we have definitely grown much closer together as a unit. We continue to

work long hard days, and have settled into our daily routine. Many of the maintenance proc-

esses and procedures have been revised, and the Marines are accomplishing more work now

than when we first got on deck here. The Marines were actually able to crank out over 500

pieces of equipment this month.

This month we will spotlight one of the CEM platoon Marines, Sergeant Ryan Albright,

a reservist from Indiana. In the civilian world, Ryan is a

diesel mechanic for Penske Trucking and he lives in Leba-

non, Indiana with his wife Carrie. He unselfishly volun-

teered for this deployment and has done an outstanding

job leading and developing Marines. Filling the Assistant

Data, Crypto, and Circuit Card Repair (DCCCR) Section

Chief billet, Sergeant Albright is responsible for running

the DCCCR section, and ensuring that all equipment in-

ducted into the section is repaired and returned in a timely

manner.

Communications Electronics Maintenance Platoon

ARTILLERY

Over the past month the artillery section has achieved tremendous results. Their hard work and

dedication has allowed them to complete annual inspections on nine M777 Howitzers. They sec-

tion has also performed Limited Technical Inspections on six M77 Howitzers and in the process,

completed software updates and required repairs. Corporal Fullmer and Lance Corporal

McLean were able to assist forward units in the annual inspections of three M777 Howitzers re-

sulting in direct support to fire missions. Their hard work is evident in the daily functions of the

artillery section.


Maintenance Company Continued

Significant Accomplishments- Cpl Mains was the CEM platoon nomination for Meritorious

Sergeant for March. Sgt Albright and LCpl Palmer were the CEM platoon nomination for

Non-Commissioned Officer and Marine of the Quarter.

Communications Electronics Maintenance Platoon would like to again thank everyone

back home for their love and support. The Marines of CEM would like to also give all Moth-

ers a belated ―Happy Mother’s Day‖. We have hit the two month mark and the days keep

ticking on by. We will be home before you know it.

Additionally, Sergeant Albright has found the time to assist other sections throughout the

Company by helping fix generators and even some refrigerators. He has also been sent

out to COB Dwyer to assist the small CEM Intermediate Maintenance Attachment there with

refining maintenance and supply procedures. The list of Sergeant Albright’s contributions

to the Platoon and Company goes on and on. His hard work and dedication is commend-

able and he is setting the standard for the Marines of CEM to emulate.

SUPPLY COMPANY

From the Company Commander Hello All,

Has it been two months already? Hardly seems like it. We’re beginning to see a little of

what Afghanistan can throw at us, literally. We experienced a pretty significant sand storm

not too long ago. It lasted about two hours and everything was saturated with sand. Once it

blew over the night crew was right back to work and pushing hard. The next day was spent

cleaning sand out of just about everywhere you can think of. The Marines did it with the en-

thusiasm and hard work they have put towards everything they do out here. I continue to be

impressed by the energy and dedication each and every one of the Marines has displayed

so far. I used to think that it was the novelty of the deployment and being in Afghanistan.

Now I think they were just warming up and the best is yet to come. Thanks again for you sup-

port and everything you do for us. We could not do it without you.

Best Regards,

Maj Doug Burke

Left: Promotions at FOB Dwyer.

Right: Marines of the IIP.

CLR-15 (FWD) MAY 2010


Supply Company Continued

Company First Sergeant

Family and Friends,

We are on our second month deployed and the momentum of the Supply Company

persists to build. We continue to hear great things from leadership throughout the Marine

Expeditionary Force about the noticeable improvement in logistics support and the hard

work accomplished by your Marines and Sailors. We knew we would eventually hear this, in

fact it was a goal of ours, but it came much sooner than expected. We’d like to set our goals

higher yet again but we have a major evolution ahead of us. Future plans call for the Supply

Management Unit, the hub of this company, to make a move across the camp to a larger

area. Let me tell you, there is a bunch of equipment to move, and I haven’t seen not one Ry-

der truck. The Storage and MMDC Platoons will be impacted the most during this move;

however we are all going to have our hands full. While this move will involve much work, in

the long run it will provide better work conditions for us. Maybe this facility will protect us

from the occasional sand storm or dirt devil which shows up at a moment’s notice and from

out of nowhere. Since our Marines and Sailors will have a place to hide from these sand

storms, the military meteorologists may be forced to learn how to send out an advisory that

is somewhat timely and accurate. Our new facility or an accurate weather prediction; which

one will occur first? I can’t predict. I would think it is hard to miss a two and a half hour sand

storm on radar that can see a golf ball at 10 miles! Since I last wrote, during the months of

April and May; eighteen of our Marines have been promoted. Additionally, many Marines

and Sailors have competed at meritorious promotion boards and for Marine and Sailor of the

Quarter, lending creditability to the caliber of individual which fills our ranks. Additionally,

there were some personal milestones which were achieved. Four babies were born this

month to members of the Company! Congratulations to the families of Sergeants Vila and

Cuellar, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Rosales and Lance Corporal Juarez. Job well done

by all!



Fiscal: The Marines of the Supply Management Unit (SMU) Fiscal Office send their greetings to all of the

families back home. We arrived in Afghanistan in mid-March and are now two months deep into a seven

month long deployment, set to arrive back in Camp Pendleton this fall. The Fiscal Office is broken down

into two smaller work sections: Financial Management and the Commercial Item Support Program

(CISP).

Marines working in the Fiscal Office are accounting analysts responsible for our financial man-

agement and the daily reconciliation of over $240 million dollars in Overseas Contingency Operations

(OCO) funds which has been spent to date. These funds have been utilized to purchase everything from

kitchen utensils to tank repair engines. Upon arrival in March, the Marines immediately began sifting

through years of unorganized documents and established a filing system in order to ensure that the com-

mand could prove that it had received millions of dollars worth of medical supplies. Although the work

can be tedious at times, it is a critical element of ensuring that Congress and taxpayers have confidence

in the financial stewardship of the Marine Corps in Afghanistan.

The Government-wide Commercial Purchase Card Program (GCPC) section conducts business 24 hours

per day, 7 days per week, in order to provide essential logistics support to all Marine Corps units in Af-

ghanistan. They do this by leveraging commercial sources of supply for mission critical requirements.

Due to the time difference between Afghanistan and the United States, the Marines in the section work

overnight so that they can communicate with businesses and coordinate the purchase, shipment and de-

livery of the gear. Working during the hottest parts of the afternoon with temperatures reaching over 100

degrees, Marines receive gear ordered by the cardholders, inventory every piece, prepare paperwork,

notify the requesting unit that gear has arrived, and issue it to command representatives. The GCPC sec-

tion has proven to play a critical role in the overall mission accomplishment of not just the SMU, but the

entire I Marine Expeditionary Force ( I MEF).

Things are going well at Camp Leatherneck. It is a little warm out during the day (100-110 de-

grees!), there is an occasional sandstorm to deal with, and the work is demanding, but spirits are high.

The Marines are focused on elevating expectations and not slowing down. This is the first deployment

for many of our junior Marines; however,

this is not preventing them from setting

the bar at the highest level for their coun-

terparts who will be replacing them in the

fall. Everything aboard the camp is within

walking distance, the laundry services are

convenient and the chow halls are Camp

Leatherneck’s greatest amenities. The

food is definitely better than MRE’s. Last-

ing friendships have been developed that

help make the time go by quickly until

everyone returns home to their loved

ones.

Thank you for all your support from the

Marines of SMU Fiscal.

PAGE 11



Storage: During these first two months of the 10-1 deployment, the Storage Platoon has been busy break-

ing new ground and getting things set up to properly execute our mission. Since our arrival, every Ma-

rine has played a vital role in implementing various supply and logistics initiatives. Here recently, they

all participated in a major clean up of our inventory; one carrying over 18,000 different National Stock

Number’s valued more than $60 million dollars. And in just over two months, the Storage Platoon has

issued more than 22,000 material release orders and receipted for over 21,000 document numbers.

Geographically separated, the Marines from Storage Platoon have operated from two separate

camps to provide critical supply support to the deployed forces of I Marine Expeditionary Force

throughout Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. These supplies have been transported by air and ground

by both military and civilian convoys. Every Marine in Storage Platoon completed a Battle Sight Zero

(BZO) small arms live fire range in addition to a simulated, yet realistic course on Improvised Explosive

Devices (IED). Marines have been working 24 hours a day seven days a week, accomplishing the mis-

sion with high morale and motivation.

Every Marine in Storage Platoon has worked extremely hard this deployment, and accomplished

a great deal so far, well ahead of schedule. The Marines in Storage continue to represent themselves in

an exceptional manner and a few had the privilege to compete at the Supply Company Marine of the

Quarter Board. The Receiving Section’s, Lance Corporal Karim, took top honors despite keen competi-

tion and is now Supply Company’s 2nd Quarter FY10 Marine of the Quarter. Additionally, LCpl Hernan-

dez of Shipping and LCpl Alfred of D-Lot finished first and second respectively at the Supply Company

Meritorious Corporal Board and will have to opportunity to compete at the Regimental level for a meri-

torious promotion to Corporal. Storage is currently in preparations for the relocation. Our current loca-

tion is relatively small when compared to the amount of gear we are managing. Our new site is double

the size. We are all very excited for this opportunity; it will be much hard work and long hours. The Ma-

rines are very excited for the challenge as they too see the potential benefits. This definitely will help

us alleviate the congestion of our gear and make it easier for us to maintain our accuracy. All of the Ma-

rines from Storage definitely look forward to seeing you soon upon our return home to California this

fall. See you soon!

PAGE 12

GENERAL SUPPORT MOTOR

TRANSPORT COMPANY


Company Commander

To All,

The Marines are doing GREAT things. I cannot convey how impressed I am by the

work ethic and diversity of skills that GSMT Company Marines possess, but I can

say that I am frequently surprised and awe struck by what the Marines can do. As

we roll through the month of May, the tempo of operations has picked up and the

Marines have responded in kind. Frankly, I think that they feel like they’re not be-

ing pushed hard enough, want to do more and are not really happy unless they’re

on the road resupplying our fellow Marines throughout the Helmand Prov-

ince. That’s the spirit that makes GSMT Company, CLR-15 (FWD) and our Marine

Corps the great organizations that they are. We look forward constantly to your

emails, letters and care packages, and thank you for your continued love, prayers

and support.

Semper Fi!

Captain Hines


Company First Sergeant

Hello Family and Friends!

General Support Motor Transport Company is now conducting Motor Trans-

port Operations. It is what our Marines came over to Afghanistan to do and

they are doing it very well! It is a busy pace but our Marines are proving to be

up for the challenges. Our Marines work through the weekends seven days

week and holidays included. They are motivated and they take pride in serv-

ing their Country and Corps. As we head into the summer months our focus

will be to accomplish our many missions and do it safely with strong consid-

eration for the upcoming heat that the summer months will bring. We appreci-

ate your continued support and the many letters and packages received; mail

and packages are always a motivator!!

Semper Fidelis,

1stSgt Miller

GSMT Company Continued


LCpl Lionel Smith Winner of the 1st Annual Camp Leatherneck Talent Show

For the Following Rap

Blood stains his trousers, sweat smears his brow

And all he can think is "How'd I End up here, now?"

But only for a moment, he's gotta stay focused

Cuz enemies surround him and odds are looking hopeless

He picks up his rifle, and loads a magazine

Then ducks down for cover while surveying the scene

His resolve never falters, when other mens wean

Cuz he's more than a man, he's a Marine

I will NOT fade quietly into the night

If it's my time to go, I'm goin' out with a fight

I do it all for my country, for them stars and them stripes

From the first fog of dusk.. 'till the dawns early light


'Till the whole world's at peace, and there's no one to fight

But until that day when I can light cigars,

I'm gonna BRAWL for my stripes 'n stars

This Marine life is the life for me

All the way from the Halls of Montezuma… To the Shores of Tripoli

To the flag raising on Iwo Jima

I am the vengeance of the prisoners of war and the missing in action

And no foe can stop me

From Musa Qaleh, Now Zad and even Dwyer

Plus I've got Rocky skills,

And a thousand more like me, so if I fall, my spirit still cannot be killed

I hold the soul of Old Glory

We will NOT fade quietly into the night

If it's our time to go, we're goin' out with a fight

We do it all for our country, for them stars and them stripes

From the first fog of dusk.. 'till the dawns early light


'Till the whole world's at peace, and there's no one to fight

But until that day when I can light cigars,

I'm gonna BRAWL for my stripes 'n stars

I pray for peace and train for war

Protect my country from shore to shore

Bred to fight and trained to kill

Never said die and never will

So I..

Pray for peace and train for war

And I..

Protect my country from shore to shore

I was..

Bred to fight and trained to kill

And I've..

Never said die and NEVER will


SECURITY COMPANY

From the Company Commander: Keep on Movin’ Your Marines and Sailors in Security Company have kept on moving, taking the charge in providing secu-

rity to elements of CLR-15 (FWD) and supporting external units as needed. They performed superbly in

partnering with an Afghan National Army Battalion for their movement East of Kandahar, as well as provid-

ing support to our sister Units in the Area of Operations. Whether its routine Combat Logistical Patrols, or

Quick Recovery Missions, Marines of Security Company take pride in providing the best security possi-

ble. They also take pride in providing security to our senior leaders as they traverse the battlefield to

gain first hand assessments of logistical support requirements to the outlying Forward Operating Bases

and Combat Outposts. This has been an eye opening experience for a lot of our Marines as they have

gained first hand appreciation of the entire area of operations.

During the Month of April we celebrated Easter with a wonderful feast at the Chow Hall. Although there

were no egg hunts, the steak and lobster did trick for most of the Marines. It is hard to believe that it has

already been over 60 days, and although your Marines miss home, they are always happy to receive let-

ters and packages. Marines have also figured out the best times to use the Morale, Welfare, and Recrea-

tion tent to make phone calls home and to update their Facebook pages on the internet. Some of them

have been granted access to the free wi-fi that is available around the base. The only complaint is that it is

slow.

I continue to be impressed across the board with the quality of Marines we have in security company.

They are very intelligent, hard working, and have demonstrated courage throughout our deployment so

far. They are eager and they are hungry to support the mission wherever needed.

Lastly I would like to once again thank you all our families for your endless support to us—your United

States Marines.

Semper Fi,

Capt Carper


From the First Sergeant

Well, here we are in the month of April and ―time just

keeps on ticking!‖ Before you know it your Marines

and Sailors will be back on that parade deck looking

in the smiling faces of all you our families. I can see

huge hugs and warming kisses in conjunction with

tears of joy and laughter.

Yes this is a reality, and as long as you keep the

aforementioned thought in the forefront of your

minds, you will be able to deal with all the emotions

and feelings of anxiety brought on by separation.

One person can look at a glass and say it is half way

empty and be upset, yet another can look at the same

glass and say it is half way full and be full of joy. It is

how you look at a thing that’s going to affect you the

most. I say always look for the positives and put your

mind there and focus.

As for this deployment, we have been busy, but as

always, God has been faithful and has allowed for

your Marines and Sailors to accomplish every mission

and task set before them unharmed. For that very fact

we always thank him and those of you who are back

home praying for us.

We also thank you for the mail that continues to come

in; it is great seeing the bus pull up full of your ―care

package cargo!‖ Do not let up, keep sending it, it

really enforces our focus on the mission and builds

morale. If someone can send a box of Shade and

cool air that will really help! It gets hot out here!

In Conclusion, I again want to thank you all for keep-

ing the home front in order.

.

God Bless,

GySgt Alvin T. Dupree

CONGRATULATIONS

Cpl Sean T. Johnson

Cpl Justin T. Cate

Both were recipients of Certificates of Commen-

dation for outstanding performance of duties.

Cpl Daniel F. Wysocki

LCpl Colton L. Ringsaylor

LCpl Heather J. Nejame

All were recipients of Meritorious Mast for distin-

guishing themselves above their peers in the

performance of their duties, thus bringing a great

spot light for the company.

LCpl Michael R. Douglass

Was promoted to the rank of LCpl and was instru-

mental in taking on the secondary duty of guard-

ing the base at an entry control point, keeping all

of us safe and protected.

BRAVO SURGICAL COMPANY



CHARLIE SURGICAL COMPANY

ADVON Party Lays Down Blueprint for Charlie Mission in Afghanistan The Charlie Surgical Company of 1st Medical Battalion, after three months of rigorous pre-

deployment training, has finally begun its seven month journey in the Middle East. The Com-

pany’s fluid transition from the Home Front to the Front Lines would not have been made possible

if it wasn’t for the tedious strategic planning and sleepless nights put forth prior to the Company’s

arrival in country by the ADVON Party (Advanced Party).

The ADVON Party, which included Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Brendon Drew and Hospital

Corpsman Chief Petty Officer (HMC) Barry Floyd, arrived in Afghanistan in early March to set the

operational tone for the Surgical Company stationed out of Camp Pendleton. The dedication these

gentlemen put forth into planning for the company’s arrival in the Middle East included countless

meetings, strategic planning, travel coordination, and maintaining overall operational readiness

for the company. LCDR Drew, when asked to explain the specific mission of the ADVON party, ex-

plained: ―Our mission is to coordinate company turnover, establish a billeting plan at four differ-

ent bases, and orient arriving personnel to quality of life and daily battle rhythm.‖ The mission

wasn’t all work however: ‖We were fortunate enough to be invited to a dinner hosted by the Af-

ghan National Army (ANA) at their camp site in Marjeh. Part of what made the dinner so interest-

ing was the fact that the members of the ANA battalion leadership were all previously involved in

the Northern Alliance which led to them reminiscing about interesting war stories and detailed

memories of intense battles with the Taliban.‖

The ADVON party mission concluded after giving a brief to arriving personnel that included a

plethora of pictures and very useful information through means of PowerPoint. LCDR Drew parted

with the following: ―With the planning and organization that Chief Floyd put into making this de-

ployment a successful one for Charlie, I feel that great results are going to follow. After almost two

weeks of working together as a company here in Afghanistan, I can already tell you that the enthu-

siasm of the personnel has dramatically increased in comparison to what it was in garrison. This is

a great sign for what is to come for us.‖ Stand By...

Left: LTJG Loran (standing), HM1 Sotto (lying down)

and HM2 Moore conduct chest tube training at

Payne.

Right: HMC Helt (Charlie Surgical) and

HMC Crane (4th LAR) breaking bread

together.


Charlie Co. Completes Successful “Rip "of Duties with Alpha Co. Just like a 400 meter track relay, Alpha Surgical Company has ran their leg of the race and has

made a clean exchange of the baton to Charlie Company. In early May, Charlie Co. assumed the

duties from Alpha Company of providing for a Level II Echelon of medical care in the Helmand

Province of Southern Afghanistan. The transition process of one unit assuming duties from another,

in military terms, is known as a Relief-in-Place, colloquially known as ―The Rip‖ or ―Ripping.‖ For

Charlie personnel assigned to Camp Dwyer, the transition consisted of real-time, real-life patient

care. Unpacking bags, navigating the base, and setting up berthing spaces was second priority

considering the fact patient flow ignited im-

mediately upon arrival. When asked how he

felt the ripping process from Alpha to Char-

lie went and what he expected of Charlie,

Commanding Officer of Alpha Surgical Com-

pany, Captain Daniel Noltkamper replied: ―I

expect that Charlie will do fine out here, I

think they received a very good turnover

and got to see a lot of patients that will cover

the game they are going to see out here.

Left: Officers from Charlie Surgical enjoy cigars and

their ―near beers‖ at Camp Leatherneck, prior to

moving down to FOB Dwyer.

Greetings from the Chaplain Here is a famous story from the Zen tradition: Two monks, an elder and a young

disciple, were traveling across China to return to their monastery. On the way,

they came to a river; the only way across was to ford through a shallow area. The

other travelers were able to get across with little difficulty. However, there was a

young and beautiful woman in tears because she was afraid of the water. She did

not dare to cross, but everyone ignored her pleas for help. The elder monk no-

ticed her distress and said to her, ―Do not worry - I can carry you across the river.‖

He did so, and having reached the other shore, the young woman thanked the

monk and went on her way.

The younger monk was shocked. It was forbidden for monks to look directly at

women, much less touch them and carry them in one’s arms! The two monks con-

tinued on their journey back to their monastery. The younger monk thought about

what happened obsessively, unable to understand why his respected teacher

would have done such a thing. When they reached their destination, the young

man finally blurted out, ―Venerable Master, why did you do such a thing as to

carry that woman?‖ The elder monk looked at the younger one in surprise and re-

plied, ―That woman? I put her down a long time ago. Are you still carrying her?‖

This story is often used as a teaching on clinging to unnecessary things, or attach-

ments. The elder monk had overcome attachments. He only saw a human being in

trouble and helped her, so there was no temptation for him. The younger monk,

not yet as wise, only could see the attachment: woman=bad!

Have you ever read about a ―hoarder,‖ a person who obsessively collects stuff and

refuses to throw anything away? On one hand, it’s good to reuse and not waste

things, but at the other extreme garbage and other useless things are kept. Mental

―hoarding‖ can be like this. All of us have both pleasant and unpleasant memo-

ries. It is when we become excessively attached to unpleasant memories that it

becomes a problem: feelings of guilt, memories of a marriage or relationship

gone bad, or memories of disappointment or even violence. Memories of deploy-

ment also can be happy or painful. We like our good memories, but our unhappy

ones can torment us years, even decades later after the event has ceased to mat-

ter.

For a Zen Master, it’s easy to simply ―put down‖ the attachment and walk away.

For ordinary people, it is much harder to give up our attachments. They have be-

come a part of us, and letting go can be as difficult as trying to let go of a physical

part of us, like an arm or leg. But if an arm o a leg is damaged or diseased beyond

healing, we can only survive by removing it. Our negative attachments are the

same – to let go, to forgive – is sometimes the best p.ath to follow Then, they can

be transformed and create no further pain; we may even use the experience to

help others overcome their similar situations.

Namaste! (Peace!)

MAY PROMOTIONS

First Lieutenant

Alexandra Cole

Charles Robinson

Master Sergeant

Veronica Munoz

Sergeant

Ashley Schwartz

Corporal

Edward Baltazargarcia

Tylor Davis

Joshua Eilhardt

Aleksandra Etter

Eric Garcia

Gina Glowickiruiz

Darren Gurtler

Bryan McWilliams

Ray Peek

Daniel Reynero

Tony Rush

Corey Smith

Lance Corporal

Joshua Anderson

Michael Belanger, Jr.

Michael Douglass

Timothy Foley

Jarrett Harrison

William Kolb

Jarod Monette

James Morrison, Jr.

Andrew Thomas

Santino Wilson

New Arrivals to the CLR-15 (FWD) Family

Charlie Surgical Company

Taylor Borut

(LT Jeffrey and Jenny Borut)

Headquarters and Service Company

Abigail Harris

(Sgt William and Marissa Harris)

Supply Company

Jasmine Rosales

(HM2 Rodolfo and Rosa Rosales)

Juanita Juarez

(LCpl Luis and Adrianna Juarez)

Motor Transport Company

Meagon Robinson

(1stLt Charles and Gwendolyn Robinson)

Konnor Tubb

(Cpl Joseph and Brittany Tubb)

Orlando Pinosehwerert

(Cpl Felix and Yaiselin Pinosehwerert)

Christopher Forgues, Jr.

(LCpl Christopher and Mary Forgues)

AWARDS Congratulations to the following Marines for their exceptional performance:

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Cpl Diggins; Maintenance Company

LCpl Grajales; Maintenance Company

Certificate of Commendation

Sgt Salazar, Headquarters and Service Company

Cpl Cate; Security Company

Cpl Johnson, Sean; Security Company

Meritorious Mast

Cpl Wysocki; Security Company

LCpl Kalkstein; Headquarters and Service Company

LCpl Nejame; Security Company

LCpl Ringsaylor; Security Company

LCpl Rocha; Headquarters and Service Company

CLR-15 (FWD) May Edition Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of CLR-15 (FWD) May Edition Newsletter