december 2013 3d reconnaissance battalion newsletter · good conduct medal gysgt rail argumendo cpl...

December 2013 3D RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION Newsletter

Inside this Issue:

SERGEANT MAJOR’S MESSAGE 3 CHAPLAIN’S WORD 4

H&S CO 5

ALPHA CO 7

BRAVO CO 10

FORCE CO 12

MESSAGE FROM

YOUR FRO 14

RESOURCE

SPOTLIGHT 16

Marines, Families, and Friends, More than 95% of the men in 3d Reconnaissance Battalion joined the Marine Corps- America’s shock troops- while the nation was at war. A majority also volunteered to serve as reconnaissance men. This is an extraordinarily hazardous occupation requiring the Marines to work in six man teams behind enemy lines or well forward of friendly forces. The fact that the men volunteered for this duty speaks volumes about their patriotism and courage. Unfortunately, none of the world’s communists and evil despots has stepped out of line over the past year, so these Marines have not had the opportunity to apply their skillset, except in training. As history has shown, though, the time will come where U.S. ground forces will again be committed to achieve the nation’s objectives. Although no combat operations have been conducted, the Marines of 3d Recon have accomplished much while preparing for war. In October, the Commanding Officer of the 31

st Marine

Expeditionary Unit (MEU) visited 3d Recon to express his delight with the performance of the Maritime Raid Force (MRF) consisting of Bravo Company’s 1

st

Platoon and Force Company’s 1st

Platoon. The MRF performed magnificently during the MEU workups and deployment, and recently deployed to the Philippines to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts following a mega-typhoon

Message from the Commander

that hit that country. In September Alpha Company’s 1

st

Platoon entered the Division Infantry Super Squad Competition. The squad led by Corporal Davis won the event beating out five other squads from throughout 3d Marine Division. This noteworthy achievement, among many others by the Battalion outlined in the following pages, reinforces why Marine Commanders turn to their Reconnaissance Marines for the most critical and sensitive missions. Ground reconnaissance units achieve effects disproportionate to their relatively small organic operational and logistical footprints. This is because Recon Marines are superbly trained and physically tough.

3d Reconnaissance Battalion Newsletter of 15

Please have a joyous and safe Holiday Season. The holidays are especially dangerous as we celebrate by consuming massive amounts of calories and alcohol. Vehicle accidents, heart attacks, and choking (from turkey bones and family members) all skyrocket this time of year. The danger of the holidays is magnified when you consider that while we are celebrating our enemy is preparing to kill us. Right now, somewhere, there is a terrorist planning our demise. The only clean thing on him is his weapon. As visions of sugarplums dance in our heads he is eating a handful of rice. His protein is supplied by the insects in his water. He grows tougher as our society gets softer. The holidays are especially difficult emotionally for many Marines and families that are separated from their loved ones. Please know that the leaders of 3d Recon deeply care about the Marines and their families. It is an honor and privilege to serve with and alongside each and every one of you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments: [email protected].

.

cer

Commanding Officer’s Message Continued…

Ready, Aim, Fire

Ready, Aim, Fire

Iwo Jima senior enlisted and CO

Thank you again for your service,

sacrifice, and support. Happy

Holidays and Semper Fi.

LtCol Eric Thompson

Commanding Officer

Warrior Challenge 2013

mailto:[email protected]

of 15 3d Reconnaissance Battalion Newsletter

To the Marines, Sailors, and Families of the great 3d Reconnaissance Battalion,

It seems like only yesterday that I joined this great Battalion, and now I am leaving. I took over as your Sergeant Major on 31 January 2013 and am sad to be leaving before even a year has expired. However, Headquarters Marine Corps has other plans for me, and I am off to Albany, New York. When I got here last year, I asked only 3 things from you, and those items are still relevant.

Sergeant Major’s Message

1. “Keep up the great job you have all been doing.” I had heard great things about this Battalion and have dedicated myself to helping to sustain the momentum. You all certainly lived up to your great reputation. 2. “Do the right thing at all times. It sounds almost too simple, but it will take us a long way if we keep that thought process going.” I am certainly proud of the efforts that you all have made this past year with doing the right things at the right times. 3. “Look out for each other, both on and off duty. We need everyone healthy, happy and safe.” That is more important than ever in the upcoming Holiday season and as the services downsize. Each and every Marine and Sailor is needed to accomplish the battalion’s mission. Serving with this Battalion has been a highlight in my career, and an awful lot of you have left a mark with me -- even if you are not aware of the impact you have had. If you are ever in or around the New York capitol region and need anything, let me know. I will be there until the spring of 2017, and I would love to be able to assist however I can. All my best and Semper Fidelis!

Semper Fidelis, SgtMaj John D. Calhoun

Iwo Jima

Saying Goodbye


Dear Marines, Sailors, and Recon Families:

As we all are aware, our Nation has been facing all kinds of challenges this year. Our military and families are also full of challenges. In fact, life itself is full of challenges.

Our Nation is still at war. The government made a huge budget cut while, at the same time, the federal debt is still increasing by the minute. Personnel reduction in military is now a reality yet more tasks still have to be done. Besides all these, our country is dealing with new threats every day. Military strategy shifting is taking place. Moral and ethical issues among all military branches are still the big issues to deal with every day.

Chaplain’s Word

Our own families are not excluded. We’re all experiencing some challenges whether big and/or small every day. There are always marriage, relationship, and family concerns. Some of us are dealing with financial hardship and long term separation. Even my Chaplain office is also short on personnel. I've been operating without an active assistant since September. Not only that, I was even asked to operate more with less by also providing chaplain coverage for Combat Assault Battalion with additional 800 personnel or so. As busy as I have been, I was still able to stay positive and active physically, spiritually, and socially. I was able to train and run the Recon Physical Assessment Test (RPAT) with the battalion. I was able to coordinate and execute some Community Relation (COMREL) projects. I was able to provide religious ministries to those that needed it including holding a Memorial Prayer Service on the Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima Island, conducting a baptism service, offering prayers at various Change of Commands, retirement ceremonies, and USMC birthday balls at both battalions. I was able to support the Recon Warrior Challenge Day. With countless of challenges we face in life, where can we find hope and joy to celebrate? We may experience many challenges as a nation, an organization, and/or family but we are and should stay hopeful. There's joy. Looking back at how much we've accomplished TOGETHER this year, we've many reasons to celebrate this Christmas and Holiday season. Each of us contributed to our great success one way or another. With God’s help and believing that He is always on our side, we’ll overcome these challenges. Recon brothers and sisters, do not be discouraged. Stay motivated. Stay hopeful. Stay Semper Fidelis. Blessings, Pon Chanthaphon, Chaplain

A Marine participating in a bicycle relay race during the 40 Annual Henoko District Citizen’s Track and Field Meet

Sports Day. Go Recon!!!

A reason to smile: This can-do Navy Chaps just completed the RPAT and still smiling instead of crying.

Marines and Sailors participating in the 2014 Recon Warrior Challenge Day by executing the boat challenge portion of the event.

Chaps, on top of Mt. Suribachi for a Marine’s re-enlistment, group photo, and a Memorial Prayer Service for the fallen warriors.


H & S Company

Greetings and Konnichiwa from Okinawa!

I and my family have been on island for a few months and we are still trying to get used to life here in Okinawa. In the short time that I've been with the battalion, I have noticed a great amount of energy and enthusiasm from the Marines of Headquarters and Service Company. Your Marines throw themselves completely into every problem or obstacle set before them and negotiate them with finesse and ease. I am truly fortunate to receive the company Captain Paul Smith turned over to me and I look forward to witnessing the achievements your Marines will accomplish for the battalion in the years ahead.

In the time since I was accepted into 3D RECON, the Marines of H&S Company have participated in the

Reconnaissance Physical Aptitude Test (RPAT), a grueling event that tests not only your Marine's muscular endurance, but also his will. The RPAT, a timed 500m swim, 1.5 mile run, 12 mile "ruck" run/march, max pull/push/sit-ups and 4 runs of the obstacle course, is used as a screening tool for applicants who aspire to join the honored ranks of the 0321 Reconnaissance Marines community, so it is a very noteworthy achievement when a Marine who is not a member of the combat arms community completes this test. You should be proud of your Marines in that they completed this test! Not more than two weeks after our RPAT, the Marines of H&S Company participated in the 3D RECON Warrior Challenge, an event that tested your Marines physical fitness, mental agility and ability to work as a team to accomplish goals like: a 500 meter open water swim, weapons disassembly/reassembly, 1500 meter raiding craft race and a 6 mile "Ruck" run. Ending the event in true warrior style, your Marines enjoyed a well-deserved feast of roast pig and beer, shared with their RECON brothers!

A little about me: I enlisted in the Marine Corps in April, 1997 and made the jump to "Officer-hood" December,

2008. As an enlisted Marine, I served with Marine Security Force Company Bangor, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Coalition Military Advising Training Team Iraq and I MEF G-2. As an officer, I served with 2d Radio Battalion ("America's Radio Battalion") as a platoon commander, Detachment OIC, Company Executive officer and Company Commander. My wife of 12 years, Bernie, and our children: Richard, Alyssa and Nathen look forward to joining you in sharing the challenges and celebrations our unit will face together. Happy Holidays!

Semper Fidelis,

Capt. Richard "Dick" Sierra H&S Company Commander

Iwo Jima

Giving back to the Community

Camp Schwab USO Henoko Christmas Party

Right, Left, Right


H & S Company Continued…

Awards: Good Conduct Medal GySgt Rail Argumendo Cpl Daniel Evans Navy and Marine Corps Acheivement Award GySgt Alan Miracle Cpl Lamar Baker

Promotions to: Cpl Amigone LCpl Amisone JR MSgt Argumedo Cpl Branscum Sgt Burrell Cpl Castrillon Cpl Day LCpl DeMarcy SSgt Dueitt PFC Dukes Cpl Fisher Cpl Garcia 1stSgt Garrison JR Cpl Guynn Cpl Harvey GySgt Machado Cpl Mancuso GySgt Martinez LCpl Martinezlugo Cpl McGowan Sgt Melvin Cpl Millender GySgt Miracle SSgt Obace LCpl Phillips LCpl Rambeau LCpl Roberts LCpl Rutherford LCpl Schaefer LCpl Schmitt LCpl Seese Cpl Shanahan Cpl Shove Cpl Szalay III Cpl Tatton Cple Thompson D. Cpl Thompson J. GySgt Vicente Cpl Vonletkemann Cpl Yacono

Birthday Ball

Happy Holidays from the S6!!!!

Promotion Ceremony

Henoko Christmas Party


Friends and Families, The past quarter has continued to see the company operating at a high pace, but the Marines and Sailors have responded well and their efforts have translated into the well-deserved respect of those they have supported.

Following their schools phase, 1st Platoon has operated predominately around

Okinawa. Among their many collective accomplishments this quarter was taking first place in the 3d Marine Division Rifle Squad Competition and supporting 4th Marines during Exercise Chromite in the training areas around Camp Schwab. Preparing themselves for a month in basic infantry skills, 1st platoon competed with teams from across the division in marksmanship, patrolling, physical events, and urban operations. Their collective effort led to them beating out teams from numerous infantry battalions in Okinawa and Hawaii, gaining the attention of the entire staff up to the Commanding

Alpha Company

A. Co SNCO’s at BN Ball

Alpha 1 at the BN Ball

The Company has also saw an increase of personnel which formed 2nd Platoon. Numerous Marines checked in

from the Basic Reconnaissance Course, pairing with a platoon staff that arrived shortly thereafter. These Marines immediately began preparing their individual skills phase, sending Marines to licensing courses for vehicles and Basic Airborne course to learn how to effectively insert via parachute. The platoon will continue with their schools phase following the winter holidays.

During ITX 3rd Platoon played a vital role with integrated training while at 29 Palms, California supporting 3d Marine Regiment. The platoon was able to take advantage of their time there, conducting their own training with marksmanship and vehicle operations. The platoon carried themselves well throughout their time, earning high praise from the staff of 3d Marines. The Marines were able to find some time to themselves, spending a weekend with their friends at 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California. Following the exercise, a detachment from the platoon remained behind to execute training on remote controlled aircraft, bringing an exciting new capability to the company. Upon their return, the platoon executed an additional school phase, sending six Marines to the demanding Marine Combatant Dive school in Florida, Basic Airborne course in Georgia, and numerous local area schools. Following the return of everyone post-holiday period, the Marines will prepare themselves to travel to Thailand to execute Exercise Cobra Gold.

General. Following the competition, 1st Platoon began preparing for Exercise Chromite. Chromite was designed to pull elements from across Okinawa to simulate a regimental size exercise. 1st Platoon provided teams, sneaking through enemy patrols, to support the 4th Marines command with timely information. Following the winter holidays, the platoon will prepare to depart for Korea to train with the Korean Recon Marines.


Alpha Company Continued…

Alpha 3 Shooting Package 29 Palms

Alpha 3 Drives at Range 10 on a Muddy Day

Alpha 3 Team 2 prepares to load helicopter

Cpl Dedmon deep in thought before his jump

Cpl Rayburn atop Mt. Suribachi


As a testament to the dedication and zeal that every Marine brings to Alpha Company, these are just a few personal accomplishments; Sergeant Rogan was meritoriously promoted to his current rank as the winner of 3d Marine Division Meritorious Sergeant Board as well as being the honor graduate of his Advance Infantry Course (AIC). Corporal Stone won the Division Marine of the Quarter Board and was subsequently promoted to his current rank. Corporal Haaland was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal as a result of his placement from the Division’s Marine of the Quarter Board. Corporal Harper was the recipient of the Gung-Ho Marine award while attending AIC and Corporal Larkins was voted by his peers as the Gung-Ho Marine while attending Corporal’s Course. Most recently, Corporal Morgan was the honor graduate and high shooter from Scout Sniper Basic Course (SSBC) in Hawaii.

More from Alpha Company…

Promotions to: LCpl Bailey Cpl Bennaugh Cpl Cannon Cpl Cannon Cpl Cannon Cpl Casilio Cpl Fritchley LCpl Garcia Cpl Haaland LCpl Jones Cpl Larkins LCpl Marin LCpl Range Sgt Rogan LCpl Steiner Cpl Stone Cpl Walker LCpl Whitted Cpl Yarborogh

Cpl Tobler, Cpl Thorpe, Lcpl Fernandez smile at the ball.

Cpl Tobler fires M249 in 29 Palms

Lcpl Fernandez underwater at Marine Dive School

LCpl Marin being Pre JMPI

Rogan’s Promotion to Sergeant

As always, thank you for your continued support of your Marines and Sailors. Your support directly aids them in being able to spend the long hours at work, preparing themselves and those around them to execute their mission as a force in readiness throughout the Pacific.

Sincerely,

Capt J.M. Scheier Alpha Company Commander

Awards: Achievement Medal SSgt Erik Sims Sgt Jesse Crumbley


To the Friends and Families of Bravo Company,

I hope this newsletter finds you and your families well during this holiday season. I am proud to say that your Marines and sailors continue to perform exceptionally. This message will highlight their many accomplishments since this summer, and it will provide an overview of the training they will be participating in at start of the New Year.

Since the last newsletter, Bravo Company’s Marines have excelled in everything from grueling training events to real-world missions. The Marines of 1st Platoon deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and successfully certified

Bravo Company

as the Marine Corps’ go-to reconnaissance unit in East Asia. After returning to Okinawa, 1st Platoon was called upon to support ongoing disaster relief and humanitarian efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Their amphibious capabilities and determined efforts aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard immediately aided recovery efforts in difficult-to-reach areas of the country. On Okinawa, the Marines of 2nd Platoon continued to build the critical skills required for reconnaissance operations. Many members of the platoon completed the battalion’s Team Leader Course 1-14, where they learned the skills required for leading reconnaissance missions. Following this course, 2nd Platoon began its unit training, completing packages on amphibious skills, long-range communications, and patrolling. During this period, the Marines passed the Reconnaissance Physical Assessment Test (RPAT) and Combat Endurance Test (CET), demonstrating their physical stamina and mental toughness. Furthermore, since this past summer, the men have graduated from some of the US military’s most difficult schools including: US Army Airborne School, Marine Combatant Diver, Methods of Entry (Breacher), Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE), Helicopter Rope Suspension Techniques (HRST) Master, and Joint Fires Observer.

Looking forward to next year, 1st Platoon will begin its second patrol with the 31st MEU while 2nd Platoon trains throughout the island of Oahu, Hawaii. During this training in Hawaii, 2nd Platoon will perfect their reconnaissance skills and become highly capable in shooting, moving, and communicating. Their training will include High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachuting, closed-circuit diving, tactical medical care, long-range patrolling, amphibious skills, weapons employment, and infantry tactics.

Birthday Ball

Birthday Ball

Helocasting Camp

Schwab


More from Bravo Company…

Finally, I want to congratulate a number of Marines and sailors for their individual accomplishments: Sergeant Foglesong for selection as the battalion’s nomination for Meritorious Staff Sergeant, Sergeant Tanney for his meritorious promotion by the 3d Marine Division Commanding General, Cpl Langejans for his selection as the Honor Man for Team Leader Course, and HM3 O’Mara for receiving the Gung Ho Award at the Team Leader Course. Once more, I want to note that the training the men are undertaking is tough, and it requires much of their time and energy. I regret that it often takes them away from families here on Okinawa, but I assure you that their training will properly prepare them for combat if the nation calls upon us. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your continued support. Semper Fi,

Capt David Harris Bravo Company Commander

Awards: Good Conduct Award

SSgt Blackmon Certificate of Superior Achievement for attaining a level of first class on the CFT Capt Rincon 1stSgt Robles

GySgt Dare Cpl Dolan

Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist :Gold Wings” Insignia

Capt Harris Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal 1stSgt Robles

Promotions to: Cpl Darner LCpl Held LCpl Love Sgt Tanney

Iwo Jima

Marine trains in CQT MEF CG Congratulates B-1

Combat Endurance Test

Thanksgiving Dinner in the Barracks

Team Leader Course


To the Families, Marines and Sailors of Force Reconnaissance Company,

I took command of the Company in April, but have not really had a chance to introduce myself or meet everyone. I am extremely excited to be here and proud to be a part of this Company. Force Company maintains a very robust training plan and busy schedule. I am routinely amazed at what the Marines and Sailors can and do accomplish, and in such a short amount of time together. To the families and loved ones though, I understand and respect the sacrifice you make in order for your Marine or Sailor to achieve such a high.

Force Recon Company

Just keep finning…

level of readiness for combat. I cannot express in words the gratitude I have for the things you do on a daily basis to make your Marine or Sailor successful. Thank you for the support you give this unit and specifically your Marine or Sailor.

Force 1 has continued on the 31st MEU throughout September to November, continuing to build and enhance the reputation of Force Reconnaissance. I have heard nothing, but praise and admiration for the professionalism and proficiency of the Marines and Sailors in Force 1. In September, they conducted VBSS training in and around Australia and concluded their patrol by sailing up to Hong Kong afterward for liberty. After returning to Okinawa, they spent about a month focusing on a few crucial skills within Force Reconnaissance, by conducting jump operations, dive operations and re-honing their shooting once more as they closed in on the end of the 31st MEU deployment. Unexpectedly in November, they deployed to support Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Aid after Super-typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. While on mission in the Philippines, they were responsible for conducting Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel for three US Congressmen, the US Ambassador to the Philippines and the Commanding General for 3D Marine Division. It is unfortunate to have spent time away from them during the holidays and we are all glad they have returned, but I am proud to say that when bad things happen Force 1 was ready and able to accomplish the mission. To Force 1 and their families welcome home and I sincerely hope you enjoy the Holiday season together and uninterrupted.


Over the past few Months Force 2 has completed a very intense training package to prepare them for their

deployment with the 31st MEU. In September, they were finishing up a two-month training package in Washington state that consisted of parachute operations, shooting skills, demolitions and a week-long reconnaissance patrol exercise that evaluated each team individually on their skills and proficiency. The patrol exercise culminated in a platoon low-level static line insert into a blacked out drop zone where the men of Force Two then patrolled for approximately six hours to extract a VIP from simulated country that was in political unrest and volatile toward US personnel. Upon their arrival back in Okinawa from Washington state they immediately began Dive training and schools in preparation for their Close Quarters Tactics Course which began in November. As I sit here finishing this letter, they are about to graduate from the Close Quarters Tactics Course, instructed by III Marine Expeditionary Force Special Operations Training Group. They have spent long hours and many nights practicing and rehearsing individual, team and platoon level tactics to graduate. The dedication to training they put in over the past eleven months has now paid off. I am, as I am sure you are too, extremely proud of their service and dedication over the past few weeks to graduate this course. I hope that the Marines and Sailors of Force 2 enjoy their well-deserved break over the holiday with family and friends.

Promotions to:

Cpl Allerheiligen Cpl Barbosa Cpl Clark LCpl Gomez J. LCpl Gomez M. Cpl Kornely Cpl Kueber MSgt Martinez Cpl McGuire Sgt Schmidt Cpl Sullivan Cpl Wiedenhaefer GySgt Winfrey

I would also like to welcome the newly arriving Marines, Sailors and families of Force 3. Those Marines extending from Force 1, thank you for your continued service with Force Company.

Last, but not least, I want to thank the Marines, Sailors and families of the Headquarters platoon for continuing to support the important training and missions that Force Reconnaissance Company is called to serve. Everyone wants to be the door-kicker and the shooter, but it takes a large effort of support to make the Marines and Sailors in the operational platoons successful. I thank you for those efforts and the continued support you will bring to Force 3 as they begin their training after the New Year.

P.S. I would like to congratulate a few families publically on the new births of their little ones during the past few months! And wish everyone a Happy Holidays as we close out 2013! Congratulations to the Baye Family with Madison Baye born on July 17! Congratulations to the Pollock-Jacobson Family with Eliza Pollock-Jacobson born on August 29! Congratulations to the Brown Family with June Brown born on September 18! And congratulations to the Deblaay Family with Konnor Deblaay born on September 22! Sincerely,

Jeromy Johnson Force Company Commander

Force Company Continued…

Awards: Navy and Marine Achievement Medal

Sgt Gates, Kristopher, M. Cpl Turner, Patrick

Lcpl Castrillon, Jason

Certificate of Commendation Cpl Schmidt, David B.


I would also like to mention that it has been an absolute pleasure getting to meet everyone in the Recon Family

over the last few months. My transition as the new FRO has been one of the best experiences I have had and I owe that

all to the members, families, and friends of 3d Recon that have welcomed me with open arms.

Now that 2013 is almost finished it is time for us to start looking to the New Year and all the fund events we have

planned. We will be kicking off the New Year with a meeting with LtCol Thompson followed by out Do What Daddy Does

and Recon Rhonda day.

While I have included pictures from our events I would like to invite all our families and friends to join us on

eMarines and Facebook for additional pictures and information regarding past and future events. Should you need any

assistance enrolling in e-Marines or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Message from the FRO

Dear Marines, Families and Friends,

Here in the Family Readiness Office we have been exceptionally busy since our

last newsletter. We have hosted a Fall Festival for our families, a Kids Ball, a Cookie

Drop for our Marines in the Barracks, Pre-Thanksgiving Barracks Bash and a Winter

Holiday Party.

I would like to thank all of our volunteers that have assisted throughout this year

and especially over these last few months. Without you generosity we would not have

been able to pull off any of our events.

Sincerely,

Lauren Bell

Family Readiness Officer

Enjoying play time at the barracks

Even adults need to take a break to color sometimes.

Water balloon toss anyone?


3d Recon

Kids Ball 2013

3d Recon Holiday Party

Santa arrives by light armored vehicle

Happy Holidays from 3d Reconnaissance Battalion!!!

december 2013 3d reconnaissance battalion newsletter · good conduct medal gysgt rail argumendo cpl...

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