Year 2010 - MAGTFTC/MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms

January 7, 2011 Since 1957 Vol. 54 Issue 1

2010In Review

Another year has come and gone. Turn the page to checkout some of the highlights of the Combat Center’s 2010.

Year

Former Combat Center Marine awarded Silver StarLLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

A former Combat CenterMarine was awarded theSilver Star for valor inAfghanistan during a cere-mony at Lance Cpl. TorreyL. Gray Parade Field Dec.17, 2010.

Sergeant William W. Rollinsearned the Nation’s third-highest award for demonstrat-ing courage under fire inaction against the enemy June19, 2008, while serving as 1stSquad Leader, 2nd Platoon,Company G, 2nd Battalion,7th Marine Regiment, in sup-port of Operation EnduringFreedom.

During a patrol to the vil-lage of Dowlatabad, inBalkh province, Afghanistan,Rollins’ squad was ambushed.His squad was pinned downwithout a way out. Rollins’found himself to the far leftof the squad and furthestfrom the fire. After a quickassessment, he seemed to bethe only one mobile enoughto create a distraction, hisonly hope to free hisMarines from the enemy’sfire and get them to safety.With machine guns androcket propelled grenadesflying at the Marines,Rollins rushed to within 30meters of the enemy posi-tions, leveled his machinegun and provided suppres-sive fire, allowing his men toescape the immediateambush area, according tothe award citation.

Once his Marines with-

drew, Rollins maneuveredthrough enemy fire to rejoinhis squad where he contin-ued to attack the enemywhile the squad’s woundedMarines were extracted.Then, with enemy fire stillimpacting around him,Rollins’ observed a Marinehit, rushed to his aid anddragged him to safety.Rollins aggressive actionsin the face of the enemydrew fire onto his ownposition and provided hissquad the reprieve theyneeded to maneuver tosafety, according to theaward citation.

Marines and those closestto him aboard the CombatCenter attended the ceremo-ny to honor their brother forhis bravery.

“Sergeant Rollins is trulya hero, his actions areincredible and selfless,”said Lt. Col. John M. Reed,battalion commander, 2ndBn., 7th Marines. Hisactions on the battlefieldplace him in the companyof many other notableMarines in history.”

Reed also noted thatRollins’ actions were takensolely to ensure the safetyof his brothers on the bat-tlefield. “The Silver Star isawarded to anyone whodistinguishes himself inextraordinary heroism andgallantry,” Reed added.

Several of his fellowMarines said the medal waswell-deserved, that Rollins’bravery epitomized the val-ues every Marine, past andpresent, lives by.

“It doesn’t surprise methat he got it,” said EdgarFigueroa, a former activeduty Marine and friend ofRollins. “He’s a very hum-ble guy. He would give youthe shirt off his back. He isa normal guy, who got putin an extraordinary situa-tion, did what any Marineor squad leader would do;protect his squad, even if itmeans his own life. I’mproud of him.”

After the ceremony,Rollins stood proud andhumbled as the Silver Star

hung from his chest and oldfriends greeted him withsmiles and congratulations.

“I feel extremely hon-ored,” Rollins said. “Theonly thing going throughmy head at the time washow can we move to coversafely. This [award] was thelast thing on my mind. It isquite an honor, and it’s niceto be back.”

Rollins and his wife,Alexandra, expect a baby girlin February. He plans toenroll in a fire fighter acade-my in Houston.

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONN

Sergeant William W. Rollins stands in front of Marines from his unit, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, during a cer-emony in which Rollins was awarded the Silver Star, the Nation's third-highest award in a ceremony at the CombatCenter's Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Parade Field Dec. 17, 2010.

Sighting in on snapshots, page A6

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONN..

Sergeant William W. Rollins (right) is congratulated by aMarine from, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.

Park clean-up, page A5

AACCRROOSSSS1. Kemo __5. “Pygmalion”

penner9. In unison14.Say the rosary15.Durango dough16.Helped out at a T-

ball game, perhaps17.Farm unit18.Bar mitzvah or

baptism19.Old hat20.“Return of the

Jedi” star23.Before, poetically24.Twister Joey25.Lay to rest29.Pocahontas’s

husband John31.Racetrack

boundary34.“Zip-__-Doo-

Dah”35.Comedienne

Charlotte37.Cedar Rapids

college38.Solitary39.“The Piano” Oscar

winner

42.Canal to the Mediterranean

44.Shoebox letters45.Liberal arts class,

for short46.Concerning47.Seemingly

boundless49.Do figure eights53.Candlestick holder

on a wall55.WWII female

enlistee57.Understand, in

hippie lingo58.Big name in

American cookery62.Madrid mister65.Frankfurt’s river66.Suffix for the well-

to-do67.Popular theater

name68.Take from square 169.Finger board ridge70.Like many

limericks71.Rolling stone’s

lack, proverbially72.G-men and T-men

AA22 JJAANNUUAARRYY 77,, 22001111 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt

PROVIDERS

Public Affairs Officer - Capt. Nick MannweilerPublic Affairs Chief - Gunnery Sgt. Sergio Jimenez

CCoommmmaannddiinngg GGeenneerraall BBrriigg.. GGeenn.. HH.. SSttaaccyy CCllaarrddyy IIIIII

Observation Post

The Observation Post is published by Hi-Desert Publishing, a private firm in no way con-nected with the Department of Defense or the United States Marine Corps, under exclu-sive written contract with the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. This commercialenterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services.Contents of the Observation Post are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by,the United States government, the DoD, or the United States Marine Corps. The appear-ance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not con-stitute endorsement by the DoD or Hi-Desert Publishing of the services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use orpatronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital sta-tus, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron. Editorial content is prepared by the Public Affairs Office,MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, Calif. 92278. All photos, unless otherwise indicated areOfficial USMC Photos. Questions can be directed to the Public Affairs Office, locat-ed in building 1417, during normal working hours at 830-6213 or FAX 830-5474. TheObservation Post is made with 60 percent recycled paper.

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DDOOWWNN1. It keeps things

separate2. Triple Crown jockey

of 1941 and 19483. Bunghole’s place4. Watchful one5. Shopaholic’s binge6. Calfless cow7. Italian wine city8. Trials and tribulations9. Pulitzer poet W.H.10.Wisenheimer11.Make a choice12.Society page word13.Hall, formerly of

“The Tonight Show”21.Standard of

excellence22.Mount Saint __26.Gym-socks

emanation27.Queens, in chess28.Domesticated insect30.Supermarket aisle32.Sore spots33.Promissory initials36.A natural, in craps39.One who saves the

day40.Thumbs-up vote

41.Puccini heroine42.Boom-bah preceder43.Mom’s bro48.Coarse fabrics50.Think the world of51.Like a wedding cake52.Wetland birds54.Barker, for example56.Bushy dos59.Par60.Prefix with gram or

graph61.Rabble, for short62.Have a bawl63.Author LeShan 64.Just out

1 2 34 5 6 1 78 9 7 6

6 9 28 3

1 3 4

6 1 7 55 9 8 4 3

5 7 1CCRROOSSSSWWOORRDD AANNDD SSUUDDOOKKUU PPUUZZZZLLEESS CCOOUURRTTEESSYY OOFF ©© 22001100 HHOOMMEETTOOWWNN CCOONNTTEENNTT

[[PPuuzzzzllee ssoolluuttiioonnss oonn AA77]]

SSEEMMPPEERRTTOOOONNSS:: CCRREEAATTEEDD BBYY GGUUNNNNEERRYY SSGGTT.. CCHHAARRLLEESS WWOOLLFF,, UUSSMMCC//RREETT..

Press Chief/Editor - Sgt. Heather GoldenLayout, Design - Leslie Shaw

SUDOKU #2047

Eagle

Eyes

Report any suspicious activity immediately whichmay be a sign of terrorism, including:

1. Surveillance2. Suspicious questioning3. Tests of security4. Acquiring supplies5. Suspicious persons6. Trial runs7. Deploying assets

830-3937

Opinions expressed in Centerspeak are not necessarily those of the OBSERVATION POSTthe Marine Corps or the Department of Defense.

WWhhoo iiss yyoouurr ffaavvoorriitteepprreessiiddeenntt??

MAJ. STEVEN STORMANT

G-3 ,HEADQUARTERS BATTALION

The year’s top centerspeak responses

“Ronald Reaganbecause he didn’t

take crap from anybody.”

WWhhaatt iiss yyoouurr NNeewwYYeeaarr’’ss rreessoolluuttiioonn??

SGT. CARLOS VALDERAS

MOJAVE VIPER TRAINING, MOTORTRANSPORTATION

“Not to spend somuch money on

my truck.”

WWhhaatt nnoonn--aallccoohhoollrreellaatteedd aaccttiivviittyy ddooyyoouu eennjjooyy ddooiinngg??

CPL. CHARLES LONDON

STAFF JUDGE ADVOCATE’S OFFICE

“I like to lift weights andbetter myself so I can

be sexy for the summer.”

Hot TopicsTTOOBBAACCCCOO

CCEESSSSAATTIIOONN

The Naval Hospital HealthPromotion and WellnessProgram offers tobacco cessa-tion counseling. Classes are nolonger mandatory to receivethe tobacco cessation medica-tions. For more information,call Health Promotions at(760) 830-2814. Submitted byDan Barber, Public AffairsOfficer (760) 830-2362.

DDSSTTRREESSSS LLIINNEE

From combat related stress tothe everyday stressors of life,stress can affect even thestrongest Marine. TheDSTRESS Line was developedby the Corps to provide pro-fessional, anonymous counsel-ing for Marines, their familiesand loved ones when it is need-ed most. Call 1-877-476-7734.

AAPPPPRREECCTTIICCEESSHHIIPPSSTTHHRROOUUGGHH UUSSMMAAPP

The USMAP is a formal mili-tary training program thatallows Coast Guard, MarineCorps and Navy personnel tocomplete a civilian apprentice-ship program while on activeduty. Marines are assigned anapprenticeable trade based ontheir respective occupationalspecialties, while sailors mayapply for an apprenticeabletrade based on their Navy rat-ing. For more information, visithttps:// usmap.cnet.navy.mil.

NNEEIIGGHHBBOORRHHOOOODDWWAATTCCHH

There will be a Base HousingNeighborhood Watch com-munity meeting at theProtestant Chapel at 7 p.m.Jan. 19. For more informa-tion, call Crime Prevention at830-4961 or send an e-mail [email protected].

Marine Corps History

JAN. 10, 1995

The Pentagon announced that2,600 U.S. Marines would be

deployed to Somalia forOperation United Shield to

assist in the final withdrawal ofUN peacekeeping troops fromSomalia. The decision came inresponse to a UN request forAmerican protection of its

peacekeeping forces serving inthe war-torn African nation.

WWhhoo ddoo yyoouu wwaanntt ttoowwiinn tthhee WWoorrlldd CCuupp??

PFC. JOSH OSE

WEAPONS COMPANY, 1ST BATTALION,8TH MARINE REGIMENT

“America, because all theother countries are

POGs.”

WWhhoo iiss yyoouurr ffaavvoorriitteessuuppeerrhheerroo??

LANCE CPL. JOHN TORREZ

COMPANY K, 3RD BATTALION, 5THMARINE REGIMENT

“Batman, because he’s areal person and

always gets the girl.”

WWhhaatt iiss tthhee ggrreeaatteessttiinnvveennttiioonn ooff yyoouurr

ggeenneerraattiioonn??

CPL. LEONEL BARRON

HEADQUARTERS COMPANY, 7TH MARINEREGIMENT

“The microwavebecause you can

cook food in minutes.”

WWhhaatt ddoo yyoouu wwaannttyyoouurr mmaarrkk oonn hhiissttoorryy ttoo bbee??

SGT. DENNIS LUM

COMPANY C, 3RD LIGHT ARMOREDRECONNAISSANCE BATTALION

“Changing the face ofthe entire U.S.

political system.”

WWhheerree ddoo yyoouu sseeeeyyoouurrsseellff iinn ffiivvee

yyeeaarrss??

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2

EDUARDO QUIROZ

COMPANY A, HEADQUARTERS BATTALION

“Retired and going fishing.”

WWhhaatt aarree yyoouurr ppllaannss ffoorrHHaalllloowweeeenn??

CPL. DESHAUN WHITEHEAD

1ST BATTALION, 9TH MARINE REGIMENT,HEADQUARTERS AND SERVICES COMPANY

“Going to a costumecontest as

SpongeBob SquarePants.”

WWhhaatt iiss yyoouurr ffaavvoorriitteeppaarrtt ooff tthhee BBiirrtthhddaayy

BBaallll cceelleebbrraattiioonn??

CPL. TODD CARRUTHERS

HEADQUARTERS BATTALION, POSTAL

“Bringing a date whoknows nothing about

the Corps, and at the end ofthe day she is thinking you’rethe greatest thing on Earth.”

CAPT. EDWIN NUÑEZ

4TH TANK BATTALION

“Pauly D. from ‘Jersey Shore.’”

WWhhaatt iiss yyoouurr ffaavvoorriitteewwiinntteerr ssppoorrtt??

SGT. DANIEL BURNS

TACTICAL TRAINING AND EXERCISECONTROL GROUP

“Ice skating, because it isway more dangerous

than people think it is.”

Compliance with CCO 5760.1Crequired for private organizationsRRAANNDDYY MMEEYYEERRMCCS MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS & CONTROL

Throughout the CombatCenter, private organizationsoperate to improve the qualityof life for our Marines, Sailorsand their families. Privateorganization such as, but notlimited to the Officer’s SpousesClub, Chief Petty OfficersAssociation, and Family ChildCare Provider’s Club are notgovernment organizations.Rather they are groups ofindividuals who meet andoperate aboard the CombatCenter for their mutual enjoy-ment and benefit.Private organizations must be incompliance with CCO 5760.1C,which requires that each organi-zation is formally recognizedand authorized to operate

aboard the Combat Center. ThisCombat Center Order is avail-able under the base’s website,http://www.29palms.usmc.mil/dirs/manpower/adj/cco-toc.asp. This order requires thatno later than Feb. 1 of each year,or within 30 days of establish-ment, each organization shallrequest authorization to operateor continue to operate aboardthe Combat Center. Failure toreapply can be cause for revoca-tion of authority to operateaboard the Combat Center.

Private organizations seekingto operate aboard the CombatCenter shall submit at least thefollowing documents, alongwith their request for authoriza-tion to the director of MCCS:(1) copy of most recent certifiedadopted constitution and bylawsof that organization, (2) descrip-

tion of membership eligibility,(3) documentation governingliabilities, disestablishment,management/officer’s responsi-bilities, and insurance if applica-ble, correspondence address,roster of organization’s officers,and calendar of scheduledevents/activities for the calen-dar year.

MCCS will sponsor an openmeeting Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. to2 p.m. at the CommunityCenter, room 102 for all inter-ested private organizationsseeking assistance with theirapplications or turning theirrenewing private organizationapplication in.

For more information,contact Randy Meyer, MCCSManagement Analyst, [email protected] orby calling 830-8107.

WWhhaatt HHaalllloowweeeenn ccoossttuummee aarree yyoouu

ppllaannnniinngg ttoo wweeaarr??

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

Rows of military crossessolemnly lined Lance Cpl.Torrey L. Gray Field Oct. 15,2010 during a memorial cere-mony dedicated to the 74men lost during RegimentalCombat Team 7’s recent

deployment to Afghanistan.From October 24, 2009 to

September 28, 2010, unitsattached to RCT-7 lost 70Marines, three sailors, andone British journalist to thewar overseas.

Seventy-three helmetswere placed on 73 rifles while73 dog tags hung over 73 newboots. There was a single

white cross in the midst ofthem all, with a British flagplaced beside it, a quietreminder the United States isnot alone in this war.

“The battlefield cross – itspurpose, to show honor andrespect for the fallen at the bat-tle site,” stated a narrator ofthe service. “Today its immedi-ate need is to show respect forthe fallen among the still livingmembers of the unit.”

Regimental CommanderCol. Randy P. Newman roseand spoke of the honorthese 74 men showed on thebattlefield.

“We pay tribute today towhat these men gave, livescut short but not unfulfilled,”Newman said. “Each mangave their lives in a nobleeffort to give back to the peo-ple of Afghanistan so theycan determine their futureand to increase the security ofour own nation.”

As he spoke, the 74 crossesbehind him held a reminderfor every Marine in attendanceof what it means to fight

alongside one another to com-plete the Corps’ mission.

“Once the first drop ofblood was shed by a Marine inAfghanistan, we became com-mitted to remaining there forhowever long our nation

desires there,” Newman said.“Our Corps will remain thereand will fight because that iswhat we do. They went ontothe battlefield with the fullunderstanding that we were100 percent committed to

what we were there for.“The only way that any of

these men would have died invain is if we give up in theeffort that is currently suc-ceeding in Afghanistan,”Newman said.

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt JJAANNUUAARRYY 77,, 22001111 AA33


Seventy-four military crosses line Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field during a memorial cere-mony for Regimental Combat Team 7, Oct. 15, 2010. The total fallen consisted of 70Marines, three sailors and one British civilian reporter.


A Marine bows his head in remembrance of a fallen Marine during the Regimental CombatTeam 7 memorial ceremony Oct. 15, 2010 at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field. The unitsattached to RCT-7 were deployed to Afghanistan from Oct. 24, 2009 to Sept. 28, 2010.


A trumpet player in the Combat Center’s Band plays Taps over the 74 memorial crosses dur-ing Regimental Combat Team 7’s memorial ceremony Oct. 15, 2010 at Lance Cpl.Torrey L.Gray Field. RCT-7 was deployed to Afghanistan from Oct. 24, 2009 to Sept. 28, 2010.


Marines bow their heads in remembrance of the 74 Marines,sailors, and one civilian journalist lost in Afghanistan duringa Regimental Combat Team 7 memorial ceremony Oct. 15,2010 at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field.

RCT-7 remembers 74 fallen brothersYYEEAARR 22001100 IINN RREEVVIIEEWW

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. WWIILLLLIIAAMM JJ.. JJAACCKKSSOONNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

As the Combat Center Bandfilled the Lance Cpl. Torrey L.Gray Field with music, mem-bers of the Combat Centercommunity filled the bleach-ers the morning of Aug. 20,2010, awaiting the installa-tion’s 58th birthday ceremo-ny and the awarding of aSilver Star Medal, the mili-tary’s third highest award, toretired Col. Marcel J. Dube.

Dube, the former Chiefof Staff of the CombatCenter retired in 1989. He

was also elected to theTwentynine Palms CityCouncil and was mayorfor three of his eight yearson the City Council. Dubehas spent more than 52years of military and pub-lic services.

The ceremony beganwith a citation dictatingthe “gallantry and intre-pidity” Dube displayedwhile serving as the senioradvisor to 3rd Battalion,Vietnamese Marine Corps,in March 1967.

During his tour, Dube leda small team of VietnameseMarines, equipped with

Browning Automatic Rifles,through enemy lines to res-cue a U.S. Air Force ForwardAir Controller, whose L-19aircraft was shot down byenemy fire.

While pursuing the downedaircraft, the North VietnameseArmy’s fire was directed towardthe helicopter, maskingDube’s team’s efforts inlaunching suppressive fire.Unscathed, Dube success-fully evacuated Air ForceCapt. Phil Jones, cleared thecrash site and had 11 con-firmed enemy kills.

Dube later returned tothe aircraft, disarmed thelive ordnance an retrievedsix rocket pads. Finally heand his team overturnedthe bird and coordinatedits recovery.

After the citation read-ing, Brig. Gen. H. StacyClardy III, commandinggeneral, addressed thecrowd and thanked every-

one for coming, stating itwas an honor to be able topresent the award beforeturning the microphoneover to Dube.

Recalling stories of“the old Corps,” Dubegave his appreciation tothe Marines aboard theCombat Center, to theMarines he once servedwith and to his family.

“We served here, and welove the place,” Dubeadded. “Happy Birthdayand God bless.”

The ceremony drew toan end as Clardy cut thebirthday cake, and theinstallation colors werepinned with the MeritoriousUnit Commendation Streamerwith one Bronze Star, theNational Defense ServiceStreamer with three BronzeStars and the Global War onTerror Service Streamer inhonor of its 58th birthdayanniversary.


Combat Center soaks up sun’s raysLLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD.. TTHHOORRBBUURRNNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

The desert sun beats down on every-thing all day long, rarely inhibited bycloud cover dampening its power.

Conditions like this exist year-round and make the Combat Centera prime location for the use of solarenergy, said Gary Morrissett,Utilities & Energy Manager for theCombat Center. The CombatCenter capitalized on this byinstalling more than 2,400 additionalsolar panels in June 2010.

The solar panels will help saveabout $160,000 a year, Morrissettsaid.

“We are in the Sun Belt, which isone of the best areas for solar pro-duction,” said Morrissett. “So we havetried to take advantage of this oppor-tunity and Headquarters MarineCorps has supported us do to that.”

The new panels, which wereplaced on buildings 1201, 1202, 2008,2067 and 2068, are stationary andfocus the energy they generate to sur-rounding buildings.

“Any excess power will be put intothe grid itself,” said Chris Murphy, theassisting manager from StrongholdEngineering, “The main plan is to

have the power meters spin back-wards in this area and I think it isdoing that right now.”

The old panels, which are lined upon the far end of main side, constant-ly rotate toward the sun to receivemaximum energy all day.

Besides the sun panels, theCombat Center has been working onother ways to improve its energyindependence, said Morrissett. Thereare controls in most of the buildingswhich cut power after hours, retrofit-ted lights, both indoors and outdoors,and motion sensors which turn lightsoff when no one is around.

“We are trying to use more greenenergy,” said Peter Mazarre, the con-struction manager for this project.“We are trying to lower our carbonfootprint. It’s going to make it so weare not relying on generated power.It’s going to provide more energyfrom the sun, which is free.”

Although the technology allowsfor heightened energy conservation,Morrissett said the real environmen-tal impact still lies with the individ-ual. Combat Center patrons stillneed to remember to keep outsidedoors and windows shut when airconditioning is on and to manuallyswitch off lights when leaving aroom empty, he said.

CCOOUURRTTEESSYY PPHHOOTTOO

Solar panels on buildings 1201, 1202, 2008, 2067 and 2068 were completed June 10, 2010, andwill help save about $160,000 a year.

Combat Center celebrates 58th birthday, Silver Star after 43 years

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. WWIILLLLIIAAMM JJ.. JJAACCKKSSOONN

Brigadier Gen. H. Stacy Clardy III, the Combat Center’scommanding general, pins a Silver Star on retired Col.Marcel J. Dube for his actions in Vietnam.

YYEEAARR 22001100 IINN RREEVVIIEEWW


Marines, sailors plant new beginning for national parkCCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW SS.. AAVVIITTTTCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. – FiveMarines and sailors with 3rdLight Armored ReconnaissanceBattalion assisted JoshuaTree National Park Resources’staff with an environmentrestoration project along theLost Horse Mine Trail inJoshua Tree National Park,April 6-7, 2010.

Volunteers planted newtrees to help rejuvenate theenvironment after a fireswept through the area andburned 450 acres last May.

Although Joshua TreeNational Park firefighters wereable to extinguish the blaze injust two days, the scorchedearth bared no resemblance tothe untouched areas aroundthe rest of the park.

“If we were to let theenvironment run its course,it would take 25 to 100 yearsto return to normal,” saidVicky Chang, the sciencecoordinator at Joshua TreeNational Park.

“Restoring the vegetation

quickly helps to restore theecosystem and bring animalsback to the area,” addedKaty Mathews, a biologistwith Joshua Tree NationalPark staff, and Rochester,N.Y. native.

Volunteers and park staffdug two-foot-by-one-footholes for 120 plants from theJoshua Tree National Park’sCenter for Arid LandRestoration Nursery, whichcollected seeds from within afive-mile radius of the burn siteand cultivated the seedlingsuntil they became resilientenough to live in the wild. Thisprocess takes anywhere fromsix months to a year.

The plants and othersupplies were then airliftedto four separate sites withinthe burn area.

The various vegetationincluded Joshua trees, apricotmallow, cheesebush, blackbush, buck wheat and desertalmond.

Planting the native vegeta-tion from the park’s nurseryhelps to prevent furtherdegradation and will help

visually blend the site withsurrounding areas.

“We are planting perenni-als. That way they will becoming back year after year,”Chang said. “These plantswill, in turn, seed and bespread by wildlife, offering amultiplying effect. We restoresmall areas and let nature takeits course.”

After planting, volunteersput up fencing to protect theplants from wildlife con-sumption, to end a two-dayrestoration process whichhas left a mark on JoshuaTree National Park.

“It was an amazing experi-ence,” said volunteer PettyOfficer 3rd Class RobertHerrera, a 3rd LAR corpsman,from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,who volunteered for the two-day project. “I’m glad I couldhelp to repair the damage doneby the fire so others will havethe chance to see what the realJoshua Tree looks like.”

The park is always lookingfor volunteers for various proj-ects. For more information orto volunteer, call 367-5579.

CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW SS.. AAVVIITTTT

Sgt. Alberto Garcia, a scout squad leader with 3rd Light Armored ReconnaissanceBattalion, from Corpus Christi, Texas., prepares to fill in hole around a newly-plantedJoshua tree at Joshua Tree National Park April 7, 2010. During the restoration process,volunteers planted new trees to help rejuvenate the environment after a fire sweptthrough the area and burned 450 acres last May.


U.S., Romanian Marines partner to hone rifle, martial arts skillsSSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYY CCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEEBLACK SEA ROTATIONAL FORCE

BABADAG TRAINING AREA, Romania— U.S. Marines, in partnership with RomanianMarines and soldiers, honed their rifle andhand-to-hand combat skills May 18, 2010.

The Marines and sailors of scout platoon,Headquarters and Service Company, 1st TankBattalion, are currently training with theRomanian military in nonlethal weapons,combat marksmanship, noncommissionedofficer development, the Marine CorpsMartial Arts Program and other areas of mil-itary operations.

Scout platoon helped train Romaniantroops by teaching them the fundamentals ofmarksmanship and by developing a specialcourse based on the MCMAP hand-to-handcombat regimen to help them better preparefor situations they may encounter while con-ducting peacekeeping operations.

First Tank Battalion, from Marine CorpsAir Ground Combat Center TwentyninePalms, Calif., forms the core of the SecurityCooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Forcedeployed to the Black Sea region. The U.S.Marines are training in partnership withRomanian Marines and soldiers to create amore fluid relationship between the twonations’ military forces.

Cpl. Richard Chavez, a radio operator with scout platoon, Headquarters and ServiceCompany, 1st Tank Battalion, speaks with Romanian Marines about proper firing posi-tions at Babadag Training Area, Romania, May 18, 2010.

A Romanian Marine practices hand-to-hand combat techniques at Babadag TrainingArea, Romania, May 18, 2010.

Romanian Marines practice U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques atBabadag Training Area, Romania, May 18, 2010.


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Corporal Omar Curbelo, a light armored vehicle crewman for Company E, 3rd Light ArmoredReconnaissance Battalion, looks through the Vector 21B binoculars to find the simulated tar-gets at the Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer, June 15, 2010. The trainer gives Marines achance to call in motor, artillery and air strikes against simulated enemy positions.

PPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONN

Marines from the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion run a relay which includedputting random clothing items on at different points of the race during a Barracks Bash July29, 2010 at a light armored vehicle ramp.

CCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEE

Ukrainian Army soldiers with the 30th Mechanized Infantry Brigade attackMarines with 1st Tank Battalion’s scout platoon during a Marine CorpsMartial Arts Program physical training exercise at Babadag Training Area,Romania, June 16, 2010. The PT was designed to incorporate theMCMAP skills they have learned throughout the week.

CCPPLL.. RR.. LLOOGGAANN KKYYLLEE

Cpl.Francisco Guzman, a tank commander with Company B, 1st Tank Battalion, retrieves his Kevlar helmet fromJessica Plummer, the wife of Lance Cpl. Chad Plummer, a crewman with Co. B, after a ride in an M1-A1 AbramsMain Battle Tank during the battalion’s “Jane Wayne Day” at Combat Center Range 500 March, 30, 2010.

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Marines training with the Combat Center’s AdvisorTraining Group set off signal smoke Sept. 27, 2010 afterbeing hit by a notional improvised explosive device. Thegroup trains Marines in convoy operations, which isamong many other things they will use in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom.


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Marines load rounds into ammo belts July 14, 2010 asother Marines prepare to fire on the firing line at theCombat Center’s Range 113A. The Marines were trainedin foreign weapons by the Advisor Training Group here.


TOUGH MINDED OPTIMISM by Lou Gerhardt

This message sponsored by:

Perspective 2011

2010 has been a very good year for me. I have enjoyed good health, a loving family, many friends, and worthwhile tasks that challenge me.

I am an ordained minister and I officiated at many weddings including two same sex ceremonies. I delivered a number of talks at Rotary, Kiwanis, and other service groups, and, of course, I offered a total of more than 60 positive living seminars. I also did considerable family counseling, blessings of homes, adult and child baptisms, etc.

My point is that at the age of 85 I have a pretty good perspective on our society and its individual citizens.

So as we begin a new year I give you the words of a world-renowned historian Will Durant speaking from the pulpit of the Church I served in Los Angeles.

“I was once challenged to sum up civilization in a half hour. I did it in less than a minute. Civilization is a stream with banks. The stream is sometimes filled with blood from people killing, stealing, shooting and doing things that historians usually record. While on the banks, unnoticed, people are building homes and making love, raising children, singing songs, writing poetry and even whittling statues. And the story of civilization is the story of what happens on the banks. Too often historians are pessimists because they ignore the banks and write about the rivers.”

Dr. Lou can be reached at 760-367-4627 800-995-1620

[email protected]

Mike Lipsitz Landers

AADDVVEERRTTIISSEEMMEENNTT

SSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYYLLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. MM.. CC.. NNEERRLLCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

Combat Center Marines fromHeadquarters Battalion took abreak from their regular dutiessupporting Marines andreturned to their rifleman rootswith a three-day field exercise atthe Combat Center’s Range100 April 28 – 30, 2010.

The Marines used thetime to refresh basic com-

bat skills, like patrolling,immediate action drills,hand and arm signals andcalling for fire.

They also performed amedical evacuation, prac-ticed defensive tactics bydigging and manning theirown fighting holes and car-ried out a night patrol utiliz-ing night vision goggles andemploying proper light andsound discipline.

“The training was meant to

refresh non-infantry Marineswho haven’t had a chance toget out of the office and refinetheir infantry skills,” said 1stSgt. Thomas D. Russi, thecompany first sergeant forCompany A, Headquarters Bn.

Leadership was a recur-ring theme throughout thefield exercise, said Russi,from Temecula, Calif. It wasa perfect opportunity to testthe Marines’ everyday unitcohesion and leadership skillsin situations which theMarines do not experienceevery day.

The Marines respondedto the challenge with enthu-siasm, even surprising theirleaders with how well theycame together and adapted.

“The cold weather andthe wind was really kickingtheir ass, but there wasn’t awhole lot of complaining,”Russi said. “The Marinesweren’t even asking ques-tions like we thought theywould. Like, ‘This isn’t myjob; why am I doing this?’”

Lance Cpl. CosmeCardenas, a light armoredvehicle mechanic withExercise Support Division,said the training was a step in

the right direction in preparinghim for an upcoming assign-ment with a deploying unit.

“I need to know every-thing we’re doing out here,”said the Hesperia, Calif.,native. “I haven’t even sleptout in the field since beforemy [military occupationalspecialty] school, but it was-n’t hard recalling every-thing.”

Even Marines who haveplenty of experience in thefield said they were stillable to take somethingaway from what the groupaccomplished.

“I go to the field a lot,but it’s always as a cook,”said Lance Cpl. FernandezGarcia, with the installa-tion’s food service office,and a native of Antonito,Colo. “I mean, who knows?I may even be put onpatrols and have to use allthis stuff we’ve been doing,instead of just cooking forall the other Marines.”

The battalion is currentlyputting plans together formore follow-up training tocontinue enhancing theMarines’ field expertise inthe coming months.

Marines with Headquarters Battalion carry a casualty during a medical evacuation drill April 29 at the Combat Center’s Range 100. The drill was designed to foster team building dur-ing the unit’s three-day field training exercise.

A Marine with Headquarters Battalion patrols the CombatCenter’s Range 100 as the sun rises behind him during afield training exercise April 29, 2010.

First Sgt.Thomas D. Russi [background], the company firstsergeant for Company A, Headquarters Battalion, instructsPfc. Sonny Powers, an ammunition technician with theCombat Center’s Center Magazine Area, during a call forfire exercise at Combat Center Range 100 April 29, 2010.

HQBN Marines returnto rifleman roots


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SSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYYCCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW SS.. AAVVIITTTT COMBAT CORRESPONDENT

MOUNTAIN WARFARETRAINING CENTER

BRIDGEPORT, Calif.—Marines and sailors with 2ndBattalion, 5th MarineRegiment, learned the art ofmountain climbing and itspractical application in a tac-tical environment during theclimbing phase of theirassault climbers course at theMountain Warfare TrainingCourse Oct. 4-15, 2010.

Throughout the five-weekcourse, students learned aboutmountain safety, the care ofmountaineering equipment,mountain casualty evacua-tions, suspension and travers-ing, among other techniquesuseful for assault climbers.

The mountain climbingportion of the course taughtMarines the basics of climb-ing and eventually pro-gressed to the moreadvanced aspects, such as aconducting lead climbs.

“Ninety percent of theMarines here have neverclimbed before,” said Capt.Thomas Irwin, the officer incharge, Special OperationsTraining Group, I MarineExpeditionary Force. “[Thecourse] takes the Marinesfrom the bottom to the top,”said the Culver City, Calif.,native, commenting on theevolving Marine’s skill levels.

Climbing teams scaledmultiple rock faces duringthe phase, including onemore than 150-feet-tall.

“During the course, thehardest part to overcome forme was my fear for heights,”said Cpl. Robert Blair an anti-tank missile man and teamleader with 2nd Bn., 5thMarines. “When I did, I waslooking for my next thrill, thatnext chance to repel or climb.

“After you realize the sys-tems are good, it gives you a

lot more confidence in every-thing that you’re doing,” saidthe Dallas native.

Blair said throughout thecourse he was challengedmentally and physically andhas a few recommendationsfor Marines and sailors con-sidering the course.

“Study your knots. Thehardest part of this coursewas the first week, whilelearning about the knots andsystems. There are also a lotof things that you will do inthis course you never expect-ed doing in your life, youknow? I am from Dallas;there aren’t too many placesto go repelling around there.”

A tactical theme waspresent throughout thecourse, as Marines learnedhow to minimize the soundof their climbing harnessand other swinging piecesof gear attached to it.

“For nighttime climbing,when we are trying to bemore tactical, we don’t usevoice commands. We userope tugs,” said Sgt. JayRichardson, an instructorwith SOTG, I MEF. “Onerope tug means ‘I’m offclimb,’ two rope tugs means‘I’m on belay,’ and three ropetugs symbolizes that ‘I’mabout to start climbing.’”

Upon graduation, theassault climbers will return totheir units, adding to the flexi-bility and capabilities of thatunit, said the Orange County,Calif., native. Their new skillsinclude being able to effective-ly move gear, as well as raiseand lower casualties, he added.

“They are learning theskill set to move a company’sworth of Marines up theside of a cliff safely,”Richardson said.


Assault climbersreach new heights


Two Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a two-party-climbwhile scaling a 150 ft. wall in Toiyabe National Forest during the Assault Climber’sCourse Oct. 15, 2010.


Sergeant Michael Truax, an assault climber instructorwith Special Operations Training Group, I MarineExpeditionary Force, quizzes his Marines over materiallearned throughout the course, at Mountain WarfareTraining Center Bridgeport, Calif., during the AssaultClimbers Course Oct. 15, 2010.


Marines with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, takein the view after scaling a rock face during tthe AssaultClimbers Course at the Mountain Warfare TrainingCenter Oct. 12, 2010.

DDAANN BBAARRBBEERR

The first baby of 2011 at the Combat Center was born to Sgt. Walter Roc-KallRichardson, with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, and his wife, Sharhonda atthe Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital’s Desert Beginnings at 2:18 p.m., Jan 1, 2011.D-Monte Benjamin Richardson weighed 6 pounds and 15 ounces. Also present towelcome the newest family member was big brother, 3-year-old D-Andre.

Combat Center welcomes first baby of new year


January 7, 2011 Since 1957 Vol. 54 Issue 1

GGUUNNNNEERRYY SSGGTT.. SSEERRGGIIOO JJIIMMEENNEEZZ

Lt. Col. Todd P. Simmons, the commanding officer for 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, from Watervliet, N.Y., leads his Marines andsailors on a formation run throughout the Combat Center April 30, 2010. The unit trained in preparation to become the battalion landingteam for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force, which returned home this week.

Year 2010 in Review‘First Team’ shows true colors

CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW SS.. AAVVIITTTTCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

Combat Center personneland families gathered forthe 6th annual We SaluteYou Celebration on May 22,2010, at Lance Cpl. TorreyL. Gray Field.

“This event began in2005 to honor our Marines,sailors and family members,”said Kelly Coe, the specialevents program manager forMarine Corps CommunityServices. “The tradition ofthis event is to honor andrecognize the continued sac-rifices of those Marines andsailors who serve aboardMarine Corps Air GroundCombat Center [TwentyninePalms]/Marine Air GroundTask Force TrainingCommand and their families

during wartime.”Service members from

Marine CorpsCommunications-Electronics School,Headquarters Battalion andMarine Wing SupportSquadron 374 volunteeredto help with equipment setup and tear down.

One hundred and fiftyvolunteers from theCalifornia BBQAssociation and JustBlowin’ Smoke BBQ, keptthe crowd well fed with5,000 pounds of pork butt,2,500 pounds of chicken,and 2,000 pounds ofLouisiana hot sausage wereserved free at the event.

“It was nice they took thetime to do all of this. It was agreat chance for families tocome together,” said Sgt.

Meagan Hebert, a radio oper-ator instructor for MCCES

The Combat Center Bandperformed at the event, fol-lowed by country singersJulianne Hough and JoeNichols.

“I feel pretty good aboutbeing here today. We alwayslove playing for the military,”said Nichols before his per-formance Saturday. “We areall about any chance we getto play for the military andhave a lot of respect andadmiration for those whoserve our country.

“The men and womenwho sacrifice every day,regardless of politics, deserveour support,” he said.

Amber Caruso, a countrymusic fan at the event,

‘We Salute You’ rocks Combat Center


Country music star Julianne Hough performs before turing the stage over to countrymusic star Joe Nichols during the “We Salute You Celebration” at Lance Cpl. Torrey L.Gray Field May 22, 2010.See CONCERT, B4


Navy Shark cheerleaders form abasic pyramid to rouse the crowd’sexcitement during a Marine ver-sus Navy powder puff footballgame at Felix Field May 27, 2010.

Marines dominate duringpowder puff game

SSTTOORRYY AANNDD PPHHOOTTOOSS BBYY PPFFCC.. SSAARRAAHH AANNDDEERRSSOONNCOMBAT CORRESPONDENT

The gridiron erupted in full-fledged inter-servicerivalry as the Marine Panthers and Navy Sharks bat-tled it out for year-long bragging rights and the tro-phy during the Combat Center’s annual powder pufffootball game at Felix Field May 27.

A powder puff game is one in which roles arereversed. Women take it to the field while the mentake on cheerleading.

The game is a great way for the women of theCombat Center to get some competitiveness outof their system, said Tu Tran, the coach for thePanthers.

“It’s one of those things, inter-service rivalry;we want to beat the Navy,” Tran said. “Theylove competition.”

The Sharks used the game as a fundraiser fortheir Corpsman Ball later this month, whereas theMarines just came to play for some good, ol’ fash-ioned, rough-n-rumble fun.

“We have been practicing twice a week forabout a month,” Tran said. “We want to win.”

The Sharks said they came to represent what

See POWDER, B4

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD.. TTHHOORRBBUURRNN

Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 Rhinos number 22 is pummeled by twoHeadquarters Battalion Bulldog defenders as fellow teammates attempt to pull themoff during the championship game of the Commanding General’s Intramural FootballLeague at Felix Field Nov. 22, 2010.

Rhinos take championship game

Parting sports shots,page B3

NNEEIILL PPOONNDDAMERICAN PROFILE

“True Grit”Rated PG-13

Among Western lovers,“True Grit” is a somewhatof a sacred cow. The origi-nal movie, in 1969, wonJohn Wayne his only Oscar,and its success sparked awider discovery of theCharles Portis novel onwhich it was based.

In the new “True,” JeffBridges saddles up theJohn Wayne role asRooster Cogburn, the can-tankerous, alcoholic sheriffhired by a resourceful 14-year-old girl, Mattie Ross (aknockout performance bynewcomer HeileeSteinfeld), to avenge herslain father. Matt Damonplays the know-it-all TexasRanger who tags along forthe ride, and Josh Brolin isthe baddie on the runthey’re all hoping to bag.

The vision for this ver-sion belongs to the writer-director duo of Joel andEthan Coen, whose senseof deliciously morbidhumor, quirky dialogue anddense detail spurs thewhole shebang. “TrueGrit” isn’t as out-there as“The Big Lebowski,” asgoofy as “Raising Arizona,”as bleak as “No CountryFor Old Men,” or as twist-ed as “Fargo,” but it crack-les, like a good campfire,with colorful Coen flour-ishes all the same.

First, the Coens immerseviewers in their characters,

spending a good deal oftime setting everything upbefore the action of the sec-ond half is ready to uncoil.A dandy five-minute court-room scene establishesRooster as a lawman with aloose interpretation of crim-inal rights.

Another scene betweenMattie and a horse merchantdraws out the negotiationsby which she’s able to wran-gle a deal on her terms – andsuggests why we shouldhave no trouble believingshe’d have the gumption togo after her father’s killer.

And in just oneencounter between Mattieand Damon’s character, the

straight-arrow Texas RangerLeBeouf, we learn all weneed to know about howhe’ll fit into the story as thepreening, polished counter-part to the loutish, bottle-loving sheriff.

When the shooting starts,the knives come out and therattlesnakes and bad guysboth start to hiss, we’re rightthere alongside three verydifferent characters we’vecome to know, like andunderstand.

Bridges, Damon, Brolin,the Coens – that’s quite animpressive pedigree, and itabsolutely, totally clicks. Butthe real revelation here isyoung Steinfeld, who pro-vides the center of gravityaround which the rest of themovie, and all the othercharacters, revolve. “TrueGrit” is Mattie’s story aboveall else, and Steinfeld sells it

with an amazing naturalgrace and ease.

The movie’s on-locationcinematography looks gor-geous, and the soundtrack,often incorporating snippetsof an old familiar hymn,reinforces Mattie’sProtestant resolve.

The final scene, aboutwhat happened to Mattie(and Rooster) 25 yearslater, wasn’t in the 1969movie, and it’s pure Coens– a parting shot of sweet-ness and warmth spikedwith irony about the “ever-lasting arms” that carriedher to safety.

More faithful to the novelthan its predecessor, this“True Grit” follows thebasic plotline of the previ-ous movie – if anyone’skeeping score. When it gal-lops to a close, it prettymuch leaves 1969 in its dust.

BB22 JJAANNUUAARRYY 77,, 22001111 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt

Liber t y Call

Saddle up for new ‘True Grit’


Heilee Steinfeld gives a knockout performance as 14-year-old Mattie Ross, the young girl who hires RoosterCogburn to avenge her slain father.


Matt Damon plays the know-it-all Texas Ranger, LeBeouf,who tags along for the ride.


Jeff Bridges saddles up as Rooster Cogburn, the cantankerous, alcoholic sheriff hiredby a resourceful 14-year-old girl, Mattie Ross, to avenge her slain father.

OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt JJAANNUUAARRYY 77,, 22001111 BB33

Combat Center Sports year 2010 in review


The Twentynine Palms team celebrates with hard-earned second-place tro-phy after the West Coast Regional Tournament championship soccer gameat Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 24, 2010.The team went unde-feated throughout regionals and lost the final game to the Marine Corps BaseCamp Pendleton, Calif., team.

PPVVTT.. MMIICCHHAAEELL TT.. GGAAMMSS

Fight Club 29 veteran Omar Askew puts his final opponent, Michael Childs, into a rear nakedchoke for the win after the pair struggled for 21 minutes in the longest match of the GrapplingExperience Tournament in Las Vegas Nov. 13, 2010. Askew won a gold medal in his weight classand a bronze medal in the Intermediate Absolute Division.


Oscar Serrano, a player for the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., installation team, headsthe ball as Carlos Iruegas, a player for the Combat Center’s installation soccer team, flies throughthe air during a tournament game June 26, 2010 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.The game ended with a 5-1 Twentynine Palms victory.

LLAANNCCEE CCPPLL.. AANNDDRREEWW DD..TTHHOORRBBUURRNN

A player for the Mustangs watches his pass fall incomplete onto the grid iron during a scrimmage at the 11 Area football fieldSaturday at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 11, 2010

PPVVTT.. MMIICCHHAAEELL TT.. GGAAMMSS

Eric Charles, a player for Bad Karma, eliminates the competion during theCommanding General’s Intramural Dodgeball League game at the EastGym. Bad Karma won both matches on Feb. 2, 2010.

Prefer your newsfrom the web?

Visitop29online.com29palms.usmc.mil

CCPPLL.. MM.. CC.. NNEERRLL

Ray Wren [grey], a player with the Drama Killers,dives to home plate after hitting an in-the-parkhomerun Dec. 7, 2010 against the Misfits White.

they consider to be astrong minority aboard theinstallation.

The Navy is a verysmall group aboard theCombat Center, and beingfemales we are part of aneven smaller group, sothis is an awesome chancefor us to come out hereare represent the Navy,said Sheena Hayes, thequarterback for theSharks.

In the heat of friendlycompetition, the MarinePanthers jokingly talked uptheir game before the kick-off. Marine Irina Jonescommented, “BAS [battal-ion aid station] is going tobe full in the morning.”

However, the NavySharks were preparedwith their own battery ofremarks.

“If we injure them, wehave to deal with them inour clinic on Wednesday…that’s what happened lastyear,” countered Navy play-er Kameryn Hughes.

With neither team ableto claim home field advan-tage, it started out as any-body’s game.

However, the Sharks’bravado proved to be a falsefront as soon as the coinwas tossed. A combination

of aggressive, well-executedplays and quick thinkingkept the Panthers leadingthe scoreboard.

The Sharks made aminor attempt at a come-back during the third quar-ter, but by then, it was toolate. The Panthers clamedvictory 40-12.

Sergio Romero, the

Sharks coach, said hebelieves this game is animportant event the girlslook forward to every year.

Tran added he looks atthe powder puff game as anopportunity for the girls toshowcase their talent ontheir own stage.

“It’s a great way for thegirls to learn [traditionally]

male sport,” Tran said,“They watch it, and they[normally] don’t get to playit in an organized fashion.”

The sailors also stayexcited for the powder puffgame all year, Hughes said.

“This is probably, for thefemales at the hospital, oneof the most fun things wedo all year,” Hughes said.

BB44 JJAANNUUAARRYY 77,, 22001111 OOBBSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN PPoosstt


Kayla Erianne, a player on the Marine Panthers powder puff football team, dives to savethe ball during game against the Navy Sharks at Felix Field May 27.

POWDER, from B1

received a chance to meetthe two performers andhad a few posters signedfor her daughter andbrother.

“It was pretty nice ofthem to take the time to dothat,” she said. “What a

great way to show theirsupport for the troops.”

The hard work fromvolunteers and staff madethe event a success, Coesaid, although the cele-bration is over and plan-ning for 2011’s “We SaluteYou Celebration” isalready underway.

CONCERT, from B1


A participant of the Aerobics Marathon makesa right side kick during the kickboxing class atthe East Gym Nov. 17, 2010.

Aerobics Marathonchallenges participants

Year 2010 - MAGTFTC/MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms

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