MACG-38 HQ (FWD) OEF 10.2

Family and friends: Several within MACG-38 (Fwd) recently passed the seven month mark. Many of the meritorious “12 monthers” have already taken their rest and recuperation or are soon to embark on their much earned R&R period. There is a cer-tain look to those that have been here since March; much like the thousand yard stare. In all seriousness, much has been accomplished since our arrival in March. The transi-tion from a Marine Expeditionary Force to a Regional Com-mand with joint and coalition partners is no small task. The R.2 folks came in with high energy and great motiva-tion. All 400+ Marines, Sailors, and civilians are essentially settled in. The smooth transition from one rotation to the next is vital to successfully accomplishing our mission as the transfer of authority from R.1 to R.2 was seamless. The operational tempo is high; however, the personnel of MACG-38 (Fwd) vigorously embraced the challenge and grabbed the tiger by the tail. You might like to know what we do as a unit. As the Marine Air Control Group (Fwd), we provide several supporting agencies directly affecting the major functions of Marine Aviation. We provide essential personnel that work in the Tactical Air Command Center which is the senior air com-mand and control agency serving as the command post for the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd) commander. The Direct Air Support Center (from the MASS detachment) processes immediate air support requests; coordinates aircraft em-ployment with other supporting arms; manages terminal control assets supporting the ground combat element; and controls assigned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and itinerant aircraft transiting through their airspace. The Tactical Air Operations Center (from the MACS detachment) provides airspace surveillance, air direction, air control,

coordination, and information exchange. The Air Traffic Control Detachment (from the MACS detachment) provides friendly aircraft with continuous all-weather radar/non-radar approach, and ATC services within assigned airspace. The Communication Company (MWCS Company) provides communications assets, maintenance, and support. As you can see, we provide a lot of aircraft control. In essence, we facilitate the process of pilots getting from their point of origin, to mission accomplishment (dropping bombs/delivering troops/logistics) and back safely. None of these tasks could be executed without the appropriate forms of communication. We at MACG, are a key component of the Marine Air Command and Control System. Deploying abroad brings its own set of challenges when compared to life in garrison. The long hours, lack of time off, and the inability to be with loved ones takes time for one to adjust. I find it is most difficult in the beginning of the de-ployment. I encourage you to keep the e-mails, letters, and packages coming. Communications from home are very potent; never underestimate the power of a letter, e-mail, or current photo. Don’t be frustrated when your loved ones seem delayed in response to your communications, they are working hard every day, and from time to time, communica-tion assets go down--this is Afghanistan. It takes a certain mindset to be a Marine. We are here be-cause we volunteered to be Marines. We love our country, and we find it a privilege and an honor to represent our nation and our Corps here in Afghanistan. We are a brother-hood a profession of arms and we are making a difference one day at a time. You can be comforted to know there is much you can be proud of as your loved one is directly sup-porting the war effort and making a difference.

Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

Inside this issue:

235th Birthday

Staying Busy

What We Do

New Billeting

Family VTC

Information

MACG-38 (Forward) Detachment Executive Officer Remarks Maj K.R. Korpinen

NOVEMBER

2010

NEWSLETTER

Communications SSgt J.A. Muldrow

Family, friends, and fellow Marines, October has departed leaving in our possessions sweetened mementos from All Saints’ Day. The S-6 office is still in sync with one another as if synchronization was instilled in our brains 235 years ago. Between ensuring computer, telephone, and satellite com-munication assets remain fully operational in order to support the Marines on the ground, the S-6 continues to remain gainfully employed. As we begin to approach the half way mark, Maj Townsend has finally convinced me that Cowboy Troy is not the name of the Dallas Cowboys team mascot. Aside from educating me on the ways of Troy Lee Coleman III, an American musician who performs Country music styled rap, Maj Townsend has also taught me that 1 pound of Hoody’s Peanut Crunch can be de-voured in one day.

This deployment overall is turning out to be a very educa-

tional experience. Not only are we learning how all of the

moving parts within MACG-38 interact with one another in

a deployed environment, we have also learned that Maj

Townsend without his Kindle is like the Dallas Cowboys

without their mascot … Rowdy. Until next time Semper Fi

Page 2 MACG-38 HQ (FWD)

Another month has flown by, and we are inching closer to

returning to San Diego. The weather is holding up but

getting cooler each day. Since our last edition, we have

moved into our new billeting, from cots to proper mat-

tresses, and from tents to hard stand buildings. There has

been a great deal of construction keeping everyone on

their toes. Our fence line is nearly complete, and we now

have siding on our buildings.

Cpl Jinnett has been managing the flow of people moving

around the theater and laying the groundwork for our

return home. He has created a flight tracker for us on our

website so everyone in the Group does not have to call him

every five minutes to ask for the status of their flight. Cpl

Spears has been busy re-classifying documents as we regu-

larly transfer information between our coalition counter-

parts.

The guard force has been extremely busy this month

watching over the contractors hired to build our new

fence. On November 1st new Marines from MACG-38 be-

came part of the guard force and are our eyes around the

perimeter of our compound. Newly promoted Sgt Alt and

Cpl Barrazaortiz are doing an outstanding job in their new

ranks. As always, Cpl Baptiste, in his second month on the

guard force, is keeping the rest of his crew (and anyone

walking through the door-see picture to the right) ener-

gized and on their toes as he sells his case to go to drill

instructor school.

Earlier this month, we sent Marines from MACG-38 to sup-

port new operations that recently occurred in the southern

portion of our battle space. The ground and air units in-

volved were extremely grateful for their hard work ensur-

ing top-notch aviation command and control in support of

the mission.

Next week begins another iteration of Corporals Course, in

which MACG-38 personnel will serve as the instructors for

Marines from units throughout Camp Leatherneck. Several

of our Marines will be attending the course.

Family and Friends of MACG-38 (FWD), First I would like to wish all of you a Happy 235th Birth-day. Our celebration this year was represented in glorious fashion, forward deployed and simple, keeping it within the spirit and intent of our illustrious Birthday celebration; bringing war-fighters together in order to preserve peace. With the ongoing operational tempo, we have combined forces with the other Wing units forward, a merging of the Marines and Sailors currently fulfilling their call to duty. We hope that you have taken a chance to celebrate the birth of our Corps and toasted those who could not be with you to enjoy this phenomenal day in history. The Marines and Sailors of MACG-38 (Fwd) have been extremely busy weatherproofing our structures in prepa-ration of the rains to come; sandbags and siding are just a few things to mention. To date we have been lucky enough not to share the same weather conditions that this area had last year and are awaiting the change in season. The change in season marks our milestone of being 1/3rd completed with duties forward. We have had the opportunity to prepare 16 of our Corpo-rals to attend our first Corporals Course in the R-2 rota-tion. These NCO's will be better prepared for the duties of leadership outside their technical expertise and ready to support the Marines of today and tomorrow. Our second class will begin in mid January so we can offer more train-ing to others without compromising the mission at hand.

Sergeant Major SgtMaj B.C. Hall

I would like to conclude the message with a thank you to all of you that continue supporting our Marines and Sailors. Through packages, letters, and communication back home, our Marines and Sailors are able to focus on the duties at hand. It is not an easy job to be away from family and friends, especially during the holiday season. Just know you are in their/our thought daily and we will be home soon enough. Again thank you for your continued support! As always if there are any issues that arise, please feel free to contact the command teams Family Readiness Officers. They have a direct line to the command and can assist with getting official information forward. The point's of contact for MACG-38 is Jo Anne Dinwoodie (858.577.8442/joanndinwoodie@usmc.mil) and MTACS-38 is Brooke Spitzer (858.864.4231/brooke.spitzer@usmc.mil) Have a great holiday season and know you are in our thoughts as we complete our mission! Semper Fidelis, Sergeant Major Brandon C. Hall

Operations, Plans, and Intelligence Capt R. E. Lemaster

November 2010 Page 3

Loved ones, your deployed logistics Marines are staying

busy defending freedom one ATLASS transaction at a time.

Our recent logistics focus centered on the move from pole

tents into pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) for the entire

MACG-38 Detachment. The amenities in the PEBs are so

nice they truly compare to a familiar Motel 6 minus carpet,

TV’s, little bottles of shampoo/ conditioner, and the bible

in the nightstand. A bonus is that we share the additional

benefit of hearing our roommates snoring.

In addition to our move, we wanted to impart with you a

few updates on your warrior logisticians so that you can be

proud or their accomplishments. Leading off--Cpl

Dunkerson (D-bone) quickly became our resident carpen-

ter. His latest project is a wooden sculpture of LtCol Dodds

planning the next mission (photo enclosed). The likeness

is truly amazing…

SSgt Yonko manages to keep his fingers in everything and

has a knack for getting us what we need. He managed to

obtain 200 “Yorkie” British candy bars (photo enclosed) to

keep our boss in a jolly mood 24 hours a day. His ability to

acquire Yorkie bars has absolutely nothing to do with his

last name.

Sgt Carozzi has in fact worn out his first keyboard as he

feverishly type’s new spreadsheets and mathematical

algorithms for pleasure. Fortunately for us, supply fore-

casted this equipment demand prior to his arrival having

stocked the inventory—thankfully, we experienced no

gaps in performance. SSgt AlonzoMiranda, Sgt Blair, and

the motor transport/utility Marines keep a dirty face, but

maintain high spirits as they grind out projects in the

transportation lot. Many of whom, actually enjoy the pow-

dered “moon dust” sand as it doubles as free foot powder

and exfoliate for their faces.

Sgt Reed has renewed his vows and love for the supply

administration MOS. He has been working the evening

duty shift and now moonlights as an extra on the Twilight

saga series. Lastly, many of the logistics Marines began a

workout program to get their bodies in beach shape for

future SoCal activities and/or their favorite significant

other. One particular workout program is actually titled

“Insanity” or “Fantasy”… can’t quite remember. At any

rate, your MACG-38 Marines are looking fit and feeling

great. Some were actually accused of smuggling canta-

loupes from the chow hall as spectators admired newly

swollen deltoids. Keep your communications coming, it is

very welcomed and appreciated by all and it tends to pro-

vide a little extra motivation in the weight room! In all you

can rest assured that your Marines are well and in good

spirits as each contributes to our very important mission.

Supply, Logistics, and Safety Maj F.C. Ferguson

Administration and Career Planning SSgt J.J. Aguayo

Four Marines have committed to another reenlistment since our last news letter and collected a total of $79,000 in bonus money. Many Marines are continuing to submit Special Duty Assignment requests and pursue career ad-vancement opportunities by volunteering for these diffi-cult duties that benefit our Corps’ and continue our legacy. Lat move season is well underway. Many Marines will be

submitting for new jobs within the Marine Corps on De-

cember 1st and continuing to improve and branch out in

their careers. Some Marines have a desire to be closer to

the fight and want a new life and career in the 03XX Infan-

try community, while others are pursuing more technical

jobs in Intelligence and Linguistics fields.

During the month of November some of our Marines will

be screened for a position within the Explosive Ordinance

Disposal MOS.

These Marines will get a chance to experience what it’s like to be an EOD Marine by putting on their bomb suit and performing various tasks that are part of the screening process. They will also be required to sit on an interview board and run a physical fitness test before being found qualified to make the move over to EOD. Continuing education is a priority for some of our forward deployed Marines. It is one way to ensure a higher level of competitiveness in regards to retention. Our dedicated NCO’s are leading by example and taking college courses to improve their personal and professional excellence. Ma-rines from all ranks are also continuing education by com-pleting MCI’s and PME courses to help improve their chances at advancing in rank and fine tuning their leader-ship capabilities. Both S-1 and Career Retention Specialist keep enthusiasti-

cally supporting the 424 Marines attached to Marine Air

Control Group 38 Forward.

MACG-38 FWD

Mailing Address Rank, Last Name, First Name MI

MACG-38 (Fwd) Section

Unit 41121

FPO AP 96427-1121

MACG-38 (FWD)

FAMILY INFORMATION

MACG-38 (Fwd) Family Video Conference

on 21 November beginning at 0900 PST

at MACG-38 HQ aboard MCAS Miramar

Contact Jo Ann to schedule times

MACG-38 Family Readiness Officer

Jo Ann Dinwoodie, (858) 577-8442,

joann.dinwoodie@usmc.mil MACG-38 Duty Officer

(858) 577-9605

Haley Taricani

MCAS Miramar Readiness and Deployment Support Program Manager

Phone: 858-577-6306

mahala.taricani@usmc.mil