w

233

n News Briefs

n In The Community

n Around The Corps

n Graduates

Iraq native flees, becomes MarinePage 12

Stream

TheJet Friday,November 22, 2013

Vol. 48, No. 46Marine Corps Air Station

Beaufort, S.C.

“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”

n Weather

n Entertainment

101215

Kilo Company graduates

Page 15

Drawdown and promotionPage 7

Unlocking suicide: prevention is keyPage 8

Lance Cpl. Brendan RoethelStaff Writer

Tri-Command Marines gath-ered to participate in the Parris Island Intramural Rifle and Pistol Competition at the Weapons and Field Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Par-

ris Island, Nov. 16.According to a Depot bulletin,

the competition is held annually to “promote increased proficien-cy in the use of individual arms” and to “provide the foundation for Corps-wide marksmanship proficiency and enhanced com-bat readiness.”

“The intramurals are all about continuing the reinforcement of marksmanship,” said Master Sgt. Henry Gonzalez, the training chief for Marine Corps Air Sta-tion Beaufort. “They also provide Marines with the opportunity to

Parris Island Intramural Rifle and Pistol Competition

Lance Cpl. Brendan RoethelStaff Writer

To support victims of sexual assault and other crimes, the Marine Corps has put in place the Vic-tims’ Legal Counsel Orga-nization. The VLCO’s im-plementation is detailed in Marine administrative message 583/13, which took effect, Nov. 1.

The organization will provide legal advice and

representation to victims to help protect their rights at all stages of the mili-tary justice process. VLCO services will supplement, not replace, other victim services such as the Fam-ily Advocacy Program, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, Uniformed Victim Advo-cates, and other services.

Victims’ legal counsel

VCLO implemented to preserve victim’s rights

Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron 2 Detachment A account for gear at the end of training with Marine Air Traffic Control Mobile Team. The lights, used as visual indicators of the landing area, can be controlled manually or by remote, and have different color settings and an infrared setting. The training helps Marines perfect the skills necessary to set up temporary airfields in unforgiving environments.

see Vlco, page 4

Tri-Command Marines gathered to participate in the Parris Island Intramural Rifle and Pistol Competition at the Weapons and Field Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Nov. 16.

Cpl. Brady WoodStaff Writer

Marine Air Control Squadron 2, Detachment A, con-ducted training with the Marine Air Traffic Control Mo-bile Team aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Nov. 12.

In order to prepare Marines for operations, the de-tachment used the Air Station runways to set up an As-sault Landing Zone and issue radio calls to participat-ing C-130’s from the Georgia Air National Guard 165th Airlift Wing.

“The primary objective for this training is for us to setup an expeditionary airfield,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jer-emy Goco, the MMT leader for MACS-2, Detachment A. “This allows us to recover C-130 operations. If we are in an austere environment we need to provide chow or any other gear Marines need.”

Expeditionary airfields are intended to be quickly setup for temporary use in unforgiving environments.

The mission of the exercise was to train Marines in the employment of air traffic control services for As-sault Landing Zones.

“As a six-man team we need to be as efficient as pos-sible,” said Goco. “We have to make as little noise as possible, and that’s one thing this training helps with. The low noise level is to teach the Marines that the less noise they make, the less likely they would reveal their location. This also helps us create better communica-tion with other squadrons.”

The commander’s intent was for the six-man team to learn what each specialty would bring to the table.

“The key aspect that I want the Marines to take away from this exercise is teamwork [and] communication,” said Goco. “They will also be learning how to take the information that they are gaining from the pilot’s ap-proaches, and how they can reference that information back to him.”

The exercise didn’t just teach the Marines communi-cations; air traffic controllers were also introduced to the physical aspect of their job.

“This introduced me to how important it is to work with Marines in other Military Occupational Specialty fields in order to accomplish a mission,” said Sgt. Rafael Nepaulsingh, an air traffic controller for MACS-2. “In an exercise like this it’s important to see what the commu-nications and the technician Marines do for the sake of the mission.”

Several months prior to deploying, units around the Marine Corps perform various training exercises with other MOS fields to prepare them for what lies ahead.

MACS-2 performs mobile team training

see Rifle, page 4

see Macs-2, page 6

Cpl. Brady WoodStaff Writer

Experts told the mili-tary compensation and retirement modernization commission that a top priority should be replac-ing non-cash benefits into immediate cash payments for troops, according to Andrew Tilghman, a staff writer for Military Times.

Congress created the

commission earlier this year in response to grow-ing concern that person-nel costs, especially for retirement and health care, may threaten the military’s ability to train, equip and sustain the force in an era of declining budgets.

The bigger pieces of

see Benefits, page 4

Cash or benefits?

Photo by Cpl. Sarah Cherry

Photo by Cpl. Rubin J. Tan

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 Games and Entertainment2

SaturdayLunch

Mesquite roasted pork loin and rice

Dinner Grilled steak and baked macaroni

Mess Hall Menu

SundayLunch

Honey barbecue chicken and beans

DinnerFrench fried shrimp

and tater tots

Monday - Friday Breakfast

LunchLoaded baked potato

chowder and rice

DinnerBarbecue spareribs

and potatoesTuesday

LunchLouisiana chicken

and sausage gumbo

DinnerYankee pot roast and

corn on the cobWednesday

LunchMaple winter

vegetable soup

DinnerTexas barbecue beef

brisket and beansThursday

LunchJamaican jerk chick-

en and macaroni

DinnerBaked stuffed shells and marinara sauce

MondayHot farina, hot hominy grits and oven-fried bacon

FridayLunch

Maple glazed salmon and wild rice

DinnerMambo pork roast and sweet potatoes

Saturday, Sunday and holidaysBrunch: 8:30 - 11 a.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Midrats

Sunday - Thursday11:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Monday - FridayBreakfast: 6 - 7:30 a.m.Lunch: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Dinner: 4 - 6 p.m.

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort, Nov. 27.

Fraud, Waste and AbuseIf you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse aboard MCAS Beaufort, call 228-7777.If you know of or suspect any fraud, waste or abuse within MAG-31, call (252) 466-5038.The automated answering service on these lines is available 24 hours a day.

The contact number for a Uniformed Victim Advocate is 592-0646. This number can get you in contact with a UVA 24 hours a day.

Hotlines

Mission Assurance

Sexual Assault

MCAS Beaufort Station InspectorSexual Assault Response CoordinatorForce Protection infor-mation and concernsPMO DispatchSevere Weather and Force Protection

228-7789

228-6904

228-6924

228-6710

1-800-343-0639

Roman Catholic • 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Mass • Confession takes place before Mass• Confession Monday - Thursday at noon

Protestant • 9:45 a.m. - Protestant Church School (Sunday School) • 11 a.m. - Protestant Sunday Worship Service (Children’s church is also available at this time) • 5 p.m. - Wednesday Protestant Bible Study• 5 p.m. - Saturday Worship Service at Laurel Bay Youth Center

Lutheran• 8:30 a.m. - Sunday Holy Communion Service in the Small Base Chapel

Buddhist• 11 a.m. - Saturday Worship Service in the Chapel Fellowship Hall

Labyrinth Walk• 8 a.m - 4 p.m. - Monday in the Chapel Fellowship Hall

Other Faith Groups• For Jewish, Mormon and Islamic support, contact the Chaplain’s Office at 228-7775

Other Programs• Monday, Wednesday, FridayAlcoholics Anonymous - 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

cHapel seRVices

Crossword

Sudoku

Answer key will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort, Nov. 27.

Takeout Window Hours:

Lunch - Mon. - Fri. 12:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.Dinner - Mon. - Fri. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Breakfast - Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Saturday 2 p.m.PG (1:42)

Saturday 5 p.m.PG-13 (1:31)

Saturday 7 p.m.R (1:39)

MCAS Beaufort Movie Schedule

Sunday 2 p.m.PG (1:38)

Sunday 4:30 p.m.PG-13 (1:36)

Sunday 7 p.m.PG-13 (2:14)

MCRD Parris Island Movie Schedule

DOWN

1. Motto before semper fidelis2.Part of USMC symbol that recognizes

worldwide service3. Part of USMC symbol that recognizes our

nation5. USMC was established here6. Part of USMC symbol that recognizes naval

tradition7. Last offensive battle of WWII

ACROSS

2. First american outpost to fall to the Japa-nese

4. Name of the fort taken without a shot8. Man who established USMC9. First seaborn assault against Coral Attoll

10. First amphibious assault after WWII

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013Command Information

Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron is scheduled to hold a Holiday Basketball Tournament Nov.23, at the Air Station Fitness Center. For more information call 228-7386.

A Santa and Me photo shoot is scheduled to take place Nov. 29 - Dec. 24, at the MCRD Parris Island Exchange from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday - Friday. For more information call 228-1538.

FRIENDS of Caroline Hospice is scheduled to hold a Jingle Jog 5k Dec. 7, at the Spanish Moss Trail located at 2727 Depot Road from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. For more information visit eatsleepplaybeaufort.com/event/2013-jingle-jog-5k.

The Commanding Officer’s 25th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled to take place Dec. 9, at the 7 Day Store aboard Laurel Bay from 6 - 8 p.m.

3

If it takes six men one hour to dig six holes, how long does it take one man to dig half a hole?

Brain Teaser

Answer for this week’s brain teaser will be available on facebook.com/MCASBeaufort, Nov. 27.

A Jingle Bell Run is slated to take place Dec. 6, at the Air Station Fitness Center at 7 a.m. Holiday dress is encouraged. For more information call 228-1566.

Editor’s note: We at The Jet Stream care about our reader’s opinion. In reaching our goal to put out the best possible product, we understand the importance of your feedback. Please add a comment to the “How can we improve The Jet Stream?” topic on our www.facebook.com/MCASBeaufort discussion board on how we can better your base newspaper.

Published by the Savannah Morning News, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., under exclusive written contract with the United States Marine Corps. This commercial-enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Its con-tents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD, the Marine Corps, the Navy, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., or the Savannah Morning News of the products or services advertised. Everything in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physi-cal handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the contractor shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content (i.e., all content other than paid advertisements) is edited, prepared and provided by the public affairs office of the installation. All queries concerning news and editorial content should be directed to: Jet Stream, Marine Corps Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 55001, MCAS Beaufort, S.C., 29904 or (843) 228-7225. All queries concerning business matters or display ads should be directed to the Savannah Morning News at (843) 815-0800.

Commanding Officer MCAS BeaufortCol. Brian Murtha

Public Affairs OfficerCapt. Jordan Cochran

Public Affairs ChiefGunnery Sgt. Stephen Traynham

Press ChiefSgt. Terika S. King

Comm/Media Relations ChiefSgt. Marcy Sanchez

EditorCpl. John Wilkes

Comm/Media RelationsCpl. R.J. Driver

Staff WritersCpl. Sarah CherryCpl. Timothy NorrisCpl. Brady WoodLance Cpl. Brendan Roethel

StreamTheJet

Contact us:228-7225

mcasbeaufort@gmail.comBFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil

facebook.com/MCASBeaufort

youtube.com/mcasbeaufortsc1

beaufort.Marines.mil

Tri-Command Weather

Effective June 1, MCAS Beaufort will be in Tropical Cyclone Condition V for Hur-ricane season until Nov. 30. There are currently no threats. This year will be an extremely active season. Colorado State University is predicting 18 named storms and National Weather Service is predicting 18-20 named storms.

High Shooter

Happenings

7 Day Forecast

Forecast according to weather.com

Strive to maintain a healthy self-image

Staff Sgt. B.M. St. Roman3rd Recruit Training Battalion

378

The photocopying of U.S. Government identification cards is a violation of Title 18, U.S. Code Part I, Chapter 33, Section 701 and punishable by fine and imprisonment.

Cmdr. Dean HoelzAir Station Chaplain

“You are valuable just because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are” (Max Lucado).I have a wonderful little book on my shelf titled, “God’s Survival Manual” by Criswell Freeman. It covers lots of topics concerning daily life. One par-ticular topic that really spoke to me was the topic of “Self-Image.” Thousands of books have been written about the importance of self-esteem and a healthy self-image. Freeman as you might guess suggests that a person’s proper self-image should not be so much shaped by society but rather by God. We can get so wrapped up in what we think others expect of us that we forget to focus on God’s expectations for us. There are a few other tips he gives to aid

people towards a healthy sense of self and they are: 1. Do the right thing; if you’re misbehaving, how can you expect to feel good about your-self? 2. Watch what you think: If your inner voice is your critic, then tone that voice down and be more accepting and less judgmental of your-self. 3. Spend time with boosters, not critics: If your

friends are putting you down, get new friends.4. If you’re addict-ed to something unhealthy, stop: Addictions of any type can cause havoc, disorder and grief in your life which can lead to low self-esteem.Finally, Don’t worry too much about self-esteem:

Instead, focus more on living a life pleasing to God. Learn to think optimistically. Find people to love and people to serve. When you take the time to do these few simple steps you will find that on most days, self-esteem will take care of itself.

“We can get so wrapped up in what we think others expect of us that we forget to focus on God’s expectations for us.”

- Cmdr. Dean Hoelz

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 20134 More of The Story

enhance their marksmanship skills while participating in friendly competition,”

Shooters are required to compete with both the M9 pistol and M16A4/M4 service rifle with Rifle Combat Op-tics during the intramural matches.

Marines can enter the competition as individuals or four-man teams. Each team however must have at least one officer and one sergeant.

More than 100 trophies, plaques, medallions and cer-tificates will be presented to the match winners, Nov. 26.

“Marines who stand out will receive more than just a trophy,” Gonzalez said. “They could be offered the op-portunity to compete in higher level competitions with the possibility of becoming a part of the Marine Corps’ Shooting Team.”

Qualifying for one of the Corps’ shooting teams is tough. Roughly a dozen Marines were chosen to com-pete on the Marine Corps’ 2012 rifle and pistol teams.

Those with top marksmanship skills that become members of the rifle and pistol teams join a rich his-tory of elite marksmanship in the Corps. Team members pass down the team’s history, and represent the Marine Corp’s tradition that every Marine is a rifleman.

RIFLEcontinued from page 1

services are intended for active duty military members, reservists on active duty, and other eligible victims as resources permit.

“We will fully advise victims of their rights, and when detailed, will represent victims in court,” said Capt. Dustin Whetsel, the victim’s legal counselor aboard Ma-rine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. “We will also pro-vide confidential legal assistance to victims of crime.”

Upon seeking assistance from a SAPR coordinator, UVA, FAP, military criminal investigator, victim/witness liaison or coordinator, or trial counsel, all eligible vic-tims will be given the opportunity to consult with a vic-tim legal counselor.

Crimes committed within the military community, in-cluding rape, sexual assault, hazing, and other offenses harm the individuals affected, units, their mission, and the Corps as a whole. To combat victims from being re-victimized when coming forward to seek justice, the VLCO will be made available to fully advise victims of their rights. The MARADMIN explains that the Marine Corps is committed to protecting the rights and inter-ests of all victims, and the VLCO will help ensure proper assistance throughout the process.

VCLOcontinued from page 1

compensation such as health care and retirement plans for those that serve 20 years, may not be the most effective way to recruit, pay and re-tain service members and sustain the all-volunteer force, experts said.

David Chu, a former Pentagon personnel chief, said current military pay structure is flawed because there are troops that don’t fully appre-ciate the value of their benefits package.

“The in-kind benefits are a risky position for the government,” Chu told the commissioners. “Military personnel do not value the in-kind benefits to the same level that they cost the government.”

But some commissioners raised concerns about whether today’s troops, particularly younger enlisted members, could handle the in-creased responsibility that comes with more cash payments.

“I see the power of the economic principle of cash current versus benefits later…it is very, very powerful,” said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Higgins, a member of the commission and former longtime se-nior staffer on the House Armed Services Committee.

“I think, for most service members, the system that we have right now would probably be best,” said Gunnery Sgt. Orion Murray, the career planner for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. “There are a lot of young military families that probably would not be able to handle the extra money given to them to pay for healthcare and other benefits.”

Unlike civilians, troops today receive significant non-cash compen-sation that is either in-kind benefits or deferred for many years. That includes big-ticket items such as the accrual of retirement benefits and the promise of lifetime Tricare coverage for retirees, even into their Medicare years, as well as smaller perks such as tuition assistance and access to Defense Department-run schools, on-base housing and sub-sidized commissaries.

The experts’ suggestion that troops may not fully appreciate non-cash benefits was at odds with comments the commission heard from an advocate from the National Military Family Association.

Eileen Huck, the Virginia-based group’s deputy director for govern-ment relations, said military families place a lot of value on the health care and family services provided to active-duty troops, including mental health care for their children.

“People have more comfort when they know they are in control [of ] what goes on in their life. For those Marines that are more disciplined with their finances, I think it would help put them at ease,” said Sgt. Ra-fael Nepaulsingh, an air traffic controller for Marine Air Control Squad-ron 2, Detachment Alpha. “At the same time, there are those individu-als that would take advantage and use the money in a way that would ultimately hurt them in the long run.”

There are many benefits provided to service members that are used on a regular basis. The big question is, more cash or keep the current system?

BENEFITScontinued from page 1

Courtesy Photo

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 5In Other News

Lt. Col. Kevin O'Rourke, com-manding officer for Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533, presents Jennifer Scherr with a length of service award commending her work as family readiness officer for the squadron on her last day as the VMFA(AW)-533 FRO. “This is the best job I could ever have,” said Scherr. “There honestly hasn’t been a day when I’ve woken up and not wanted to go to work. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people every day. I’m devastated to leave.” Goodbyes were full of smiles through tears on Scherr’s last day as Hawks recounted good memories of her service to the squadron. “She gives her all and is truly an example of service above self,” said Jennifer Morrow, a friend and neighbor to Scherr as well as the family readiness officer for the VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals. “She has a special place in her heart for helping others. I just don’t want to see her go; she’s been a tremendous asset. She’s touched the lives of lots of people and we’ll truly miss her.”Photos by Cpl. Sarah Cherry

Farewell to FRO

The Beaufort/ Port Royal Fire Department along with the Burton Fire Department conducted live-fire training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Nov. 20. The departments trained aboard the Air Station to utilize the live fire training facility which is a reinforced steel structure designed to withstand the hottest temperatures. The Air Station is home to one of two live fire training facilities in Beaufort County.

Photos by Sgt. Marcy Sanchez

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 20136 More of The Story

“This is our work-up for what we need to do when we de-ploy,” Nepaulsingh said. “It helps pre-pare our minds for this aspect of our job, and reminds us why we need to maintain our readi-ness at all times.”

MACS-2 is able to perform this train-ing exercise every month to prepare their Marines for situations they may encounter while de-ployed.

MACS-2continued from page 1

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The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 7In Other News

Lance Cpl. Brendan RoethelStaff Writer

While limits on the maximum number of years Marines may serve at a particu-lar rank before being separated from the Marine Corps remain unchanged, policy revisions have altered the rules on how those limits are applied. The changes were detailed in Marine administrative message 585/13, signed Nov. 1, which outlines the Enlisted Career Force Con-trols Program.

Facing increasing drawdown targets, initial plans to shrink the Corps went from 182,100 personnel by 2016, to the current goal of 174,000 by 2017. This ad-ditional year to hit the Corps’ drawdown target allows the Marine Corps to draw-down at a steadier rate until the end of 2017.

While the ECFC limit for sergeants is 10 years, those who are non-competi-tive may no longer make it that long in uniform. In years past, sergeants who

were passed once by a selection board were granted extensions to serve up to 10 years, allowing them to get a second look by a board. Extensions can still be granted, but it is no longer automatic. If a Marine has been passed over once and a review of their record and their commander’s assessment show they re-main competitive, he could be granted an extension, if not they will be sent home at the end of their contract.

In 2011, the Corps reduced the ECFC limit for sergeants from 13 years to 10. The change in policy sped how quickly sergeants went before selection boards. That was good for more competitive noncommissioned officers wanting to pick up staff sergeant, but it also sped the departure of those who were passed for promotion.

With more non-competitive sergeants being removed from the ranks, and ef-forts made to tempt staff sergeants out of the Marine Corps with early retire-ment incentives, upward mobility is ex-

pected to improve.“Long gone are the days when mul-

tiple deployments would get you pro-moted,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Barrett, the sergeant major of the Marine Corps, during a brief in July 2012. “If you are not well-rounded, you will not get pro-moted.”

The recent change in policy aims to avoid penalizing Marines who were asked to serve in the war effort rather than completing a Special Duty Assign-ment, but also mentions the impor-tance of completing an SDA to remain competitive for promotion.

“To be competitive, a Marine should try to have more than just deployment experience,” said Gunnery Sgt. Orion Murray, the career planner for Head-quarters and Headquarters Squadron aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beau-fort. “Marines should also have time as a recruiter, drill instructor, Marine security guard or another special duty assign-ment.”

Changes to ECFCP help drawdown and promotions

Photo by Cpl. John Wilkes

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 20138 In Other News

Cpl. Sarah CherryStaff Writer

The Department of De-fense is fighting against sui-cide, and gaining ground. Defense officials told the Associated Press that sui-cide in the Marine Corps has decreased 11 percent this year.

The Marine Corps con-tinues to push back against suicide by train-ing individual Marines in prevention techniques.

“Suicide can happen to anyone,” said Jeanette Smith, suicide prevention specialist

for the Tri-Command. “It can strike all races, all genders, all ages. It’s very important to be aware of suicide pre-vention techniques, espe-cially evidence-based suicide prevention tools.”

Suicide prevention edu-cation teaches Marines how to help a Marine in distress. The key word for Marines is RACE – recog-nize, ask, care and escort. Training covers everything from possible signs of sui-cide to available preven-tion resources.

“It gives them the knowl-

edge to handle a distress-ing situation,” said Smith. “Everyone should know how to prevent suicide, not just for your fellow Marines, but also for yourself. Every Marine, every spouse, every family member is impor-tant to the Marine Corps.”

Suicide can affect fami-lies, friends, unit morale, cohesion, even unit readi-ness.

“The bottom line is we have to take care of each other,” said Smith. “You spend more time with each other than with your fami-

lies. Who better to keep an eye on you to make sure you’re okay than your fellow Marine?”

Ideally, prevention is continuous. Suicide pre-vention is not just a class or training, but a proac-tive strategy to maintain readiness, morale and well-being. Suicide train-ing is frequent, focusing on peer-to-peer support, intervention and getting help early.

Smith recommends fol-lowing up annually required suicide prevention training

with supplemental educa-tion from a suicide preven-tion specialist, and keep-ing the discussion open by talking about suicide in the office.

“I don’t want any parent or any Marine to feel that pain of losing a Marine or losing a family member,” said Smith. “We need to lead from the front with prevention, because pre-vention saves lives.

“The earlier you get a person into treatment, the more successful the out-come will be. Your life is

your life. Value your life, and value yourself. The Ma-rine Corps wants you to get help.”

The following preven-tion resources are avail-able for free: Chaplains, Marine Corps Suicide Pre-vention Program, Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), Behavioral Health Counselors 843-228-6126/1620, Military & Family Life Counselors 843-340-2589/843-592-2075, Military OneSource, and the National Suicide Hotline (1-800-SUICIDE).

Suicide prevention gains ground

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 9In Other News

Cpl. Timothy NorrisStaff Writer

Marine Aircraft Group 31 hosted guest speaker Phil Downer aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Nov. 5.

The Vietnam veteran spoke at two events, one addressing the sub-ject of leadership to the Marines of MAG-31 and another regarding couple relationships at the Air Sta-tion chapel later that evening.

Command members of MAG-31 received direction from higher command elements to increase leadership training efforts for Ma-rines at every level.

“It was suggested they were free to engage the subject of leader-ship and ethics in a way of their choosing,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kim Dona-hue, MAG-31 senior chaplain, from Rocky Hill, N.J. “In the past we have had peer groups lead by noncom-missioned officers to discuss dif-ferent topics after a safety stand down. They wanted to combine that.”

The solution was inviting a guest speaker with military experience

who could relate with the Marines on the positive and negative conse-quences of leadership.

“I just love Marines,” he said. “They kept me alive, I care about them. When you get to be older you train others not to make your mistakes.”

Downer spoke of his time as a Marine machine gunner with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, in Vietnam from 1966-1968 and the examples of leadership that saved his life and the lives of others. Each mem-ory he recounted tied back to the principle of servant leadership and how it builds relationships of trust between leaders and subordinates.

“Servant leadership trumps fear, stupidity, and hopelessness and replaces it with courage,” he said. “It helps you to rise to the occasion and serve the people you’re with because if you trust them and they trust you. It’s esprit de corps and it pays off.”

Downer also explained the princi-ples apply in garrison and in home as well as combat, how families and peace-time Marines can still fall prey to mistakes leading to loss of life.

“We’re either going to succeed together or we’re going to fail to-gether,” Downer said to the Ma-rines. “You’re in a war right now, a different kind of war, and your en-emy is more concealed. Your enemy is pride, complacency and alcohol abuse, among other things.”

Downer was just as enthusiastic at the chapel later that evening, speaking more towards personal relationships as spouses or parents.

“I believe our ability to have that kind of trusting relationship is a personally measurable outcome of spiritual fitness,” Donahue said. “I think he got his point across to the Marines. He spoke in a way that was accessible to everyone, and it had quite an impact. Servant leadership leads to mission accomplishment.

“To be a servant, to place another person before yourself, will bring a whole different experience in that relationship,” she continued. “I would want every Marine who was there to know that their life is ab-solutely critical and valuable, and hope that they would feel the same way about everyone else around them.

Vietnam veteran counsels MAG Marines on servant leadership

Marine Aircraft Group 31 hosted guest speaker Phil Downer aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Nov. 5. The Vietnam veteran spoke at two events, one addressing the subject of leadership to the Marines of MAG-31 and another regarding couple relationships at the Air Station chapel later that evening.

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 201310 Around The Corps

Corps Shot

Arlington, VA - A United States Marine holds a salute during the playing of the Na-tional Anthem during the annual wreathe laying ceremony in honor of the 238th Marine Corps Birth-day at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, VA, No-vember 9, 2013.

Sgt. Mallory S. VanderSchans

coRps Bits

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKI-NAWA, Japan --

At the request of the Government of the Philippines, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel has directed U.S. Pacific Command to support U.S. Government humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Republic of the Philippines in response to the devastation from Typhoon Haiyan.

From Nov. 10-13 approximately 250 U.S. per-sonnel, eight Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys and multiple KC-130J Hercules arrived in the Philippines. In those three days, personnel delivered more than 129,000 pounds of relief supplies – food, water and other emergency supplies – provided by the Philippine govern-ment and the U.S. Agency for International Development, and transported more than 140 passengers in the storm-ravaged area.

The aircraft also evacuated more than 160 refugees from the Tacloban area.

A forward command element and humani-tarian assistance survey team, led by Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the deputy commander of III MEF and the commanding general of 3rd MEB, deployed to the Philippines out of Okinawa.

“There’s a lot we can do,” said Kennedy. “We’re working hand in hand with the Philip-pines, both with their armed forces and the national police, and we will help them in their time of need.”

The initial focus of U.S. relief efforts includes surface maritime search and rescue, airborne maritime SAR, medium-heavy helicopter lift support, fixed-wing lift support and logistics enablers.

Super Typhoon Haiyan has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s national disaster risk reduction and management council. Philippine officials will have a better idea of the damage and death toll in the coming days as transportation and communications systems are repaired.

Since 1990, the U.S. Government has re-sponded to more than 40 disasters in the Re-public of the Philippines at the request of its government, ranging from volcanic eruptions and drought, to population displacement.

JAPAN MARITIME SELF-DEFENSE FORCE SHIP ISE, at Sea -- An MV-22B Osprey landed on a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Nov. 12 for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region.

Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force conducted the MV-22 Osprey landing with the Japan Self-Defense Force aboard the Ise, a JMSDF ship, to improve interoperability, en-hance bilateral training and illustrate the capa-bility of the Osprey to speedily transport cargo and passengers to and from ships from both nations.

The Commanding General of III MEF, Lt. Gen. John Wissler, the Chief of Joint Staff of the JSDF, Gen. Shigeru Iwasaki, and the Commanding General of Western Army, JGSDF, Lt. Gen. Koi-chiro Bansho, were among those who visited the Ise.

“This is the first time for an Osprey to land on a JMSDF ship in this region,” said Robert D. El-dridge, the deputy assistant chief of staff, G-7, government and external affairs for Marine Corps Installations Pacific. “The fact that the joint chief of staff and commanding generals personally came down here to see this, that they visited Futenma and that they flew in an Osprey are significant for our Japan-U.S. rela-tionship and for security in this region.”

The group toured the planning area where the JMSDF is capable of handling humanitari-an assistance and disaster relief operations and coordinating with civil defense first respond-ers and nongovernmental organizations.

“This is another opportunity for us to rein-force the Japan-U.S. relationship,” said Wissler. “With the development of capabilities by the JMSDF we have another amphibious partner in the Western Pacific who can help us … and better assist in any humanitarian aid and relief operations.”

This is the second time an Osprey has landed on a JMSDF ship, with the first being at Exer-cise Dawn Blitz on the west coast in the U.S. earlier this year. This landing is a continuation of the Japan-U.S. military cooperation.

“This landing expands the breadth of ca-pability that exists between the JSDF and the United States military,” said Wissler. “This strengthens the alliance and adds strength and interoperability to the Japan-U.S. alliance.”

The aircraft involved in the landing are with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Rein-forced) currently assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III MEF.

Osprey lands on JMSDF ship for first time in Asia-Pacific

Marines, Bulgarians conduct joint Exercise Peace Sentinel 132nd Lt. Danille DixonMarine Corps Forces Europe and Africa

NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria -- Marines and sailors with Black Sea Rotational Force 14 trained alongside Bulgarian soldiers from 1st Company, 2nd Battalion, 61st Mecha-nized Brigade as a part of Ex-ercise Peace Sentinel 13. The two-week long exercise, which began on Oct. 28, included cordon-and-search tactics and battalion-sized defense and raid operations that included dismounted, mounted, and combined-arms tactics.

Sergeant Donnel Watkins, a squad leader with BSRF-14, worked alongside the Bulgar-ian soldiers and demonstrat-ed small-unit leadership and squad-level tactics.

“The purpose was to join forces and work together,” said Watkins. “The hardest part was communication.”

The obvious language bar-rier provided some friction to the fighting forces. Through cohesive training, however, both the Marines and the Bul-garians began communicating implicitly.

“Almost every operation I learned something while working with them. The first thing I remember from my first conversation with a Marine was [the term] ‘geometries of fire.’ We don’t call it that. It’s not translatable [what we call geometry of fire]. But every [Marine] knows what they are

doing. We had an ambush and both flanks [executed],” he added. “It’s really easy to work with [Marines] because I don’t need to say anything. I can just use a hand signal. They are so disciplined.”

First Lieutenant Michael Phil-lips, a platoon commander with BSRF-14, experienced the Bulgarian’s work ethic and leadership first hand as he as-sisted in tactical planning and the execution of the exercise.

“Working with the Bulgar-ians was excellent because of their hospitality and their ability to break down commu-nication barriers,” said Phillips. “They have complete dedica-tion to the mission and their soldiers. Servant-leadership is a foundational tool in the Marine Corps and I think they have truly mastered that.”

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between the two fighting forces was the decen-tralization of command. The Marine Corps is well known for the ‘strategic corporal.’ Enlisted leaders are empowered and given the responsibility and privilege of leading Marines. The Bulgarian soldiers rely more on their officer leader-ship to guide them. This also created a difference in tactical planning.

“They were very surprised. They were really blown away that a corporal was a vehicle commander,” said Cpl. Nicho-las Zablonski, a squad leader and vehicle commander with BSRF-14. “Delegating respon-

sibility to an enlisted Marine or their soldiers was a big shock to them, but I think it was good for them to see.”

Staff Sergeant David Dahl, the platoon sergeant and se-nior enlisted tactical advisor with the Marines, assisted in the raid operations and de-fense planning. Dahl contrib-uted to combining different war fighting tactics to create a workable medium for the Ma-rines and Bulgarians to adopt.

“There was a difference in tactics and techniques in how things are done. Bulgarians are still using an older style of tactics which involves more large-scale operations—put-ting a large face in front of the enemy. Almost like an intimidation style technique which is different from the Marine Corps style,” said Dahl. “[The Bulgarians] showed us the way they would plan the mission and we showed them the way we would do ours. We were able to combine the two techniques for a cordon-and-search operation and ended up successfully completing the course. The company got really high reviews from their chain of command. They loved it and we had a blast doing it.”

Marines were able to be-come familiar with the Bulgar-ian soldier’s weapon systems, dismounting techniques, and observed the Bulgarian Spe-cial Forces conduct raid opera-tions. The exercise concluded with a battalion-sized defense and raid operation that was

observed by distinguished visitors from both nations, to include the President of Bul-garia.

Miroslav Minchev, a sergeant with the Bulgarian forces, worked with Marines once be-fore in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He said the conduct of the Ma-rines was no less professional than the first time he met them in a combat zone.

Dimitar Nedev, a private first class with the Bulgarian forces, described the Marines as ‘in-spiring.’

“They are really good guys,” said Nedev. “Not only good soldiers, but guys—humans.”

The Marines made sure they didn’t leave without finding ways to keep in touch with their new comrades. Although these warriors only knew each other a short time, the broth-erhood developed quickly.

Captain Momchil Dimitrov, the Bulgarian company com-mander working alongside Phillips’ platoon, said it best when he made his closing re-marks to the Marines.

“Everyone is just a soldier, it doesn’t matter the language. What we proved in the last ten days is just that—we can work together no matter the language barrier or different names in tactics. I really ap-preciate everything we shared together. And I think it’s the same with my guys. The rela-tions that we built here are strong enough for future meetings and operations,” said Dimitrov.

Lives saved during Operation Damayan

Sergeant Christopher Sullivan, a team leader with Black Sea Rotational Force 14, stands at attention beside an Army soldier and two Bulgarian soldiers at the conclusion of Exercise Peace Sentinel in Novo Selo, Bulgaria, Nov. 7, 2013. Marines with BSRF-14 con-ducted Exercise Peace Sentinel alongside a platoon of Bulgarian soldiers. The exercise increased partner-nation capacity, enhanced interoperability, and increased overall effectiveness of the participating forces.

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 11Around The Corps

Fightertown deployed:MALS-31 Stingers

detachment is deployed to Afghanistan and is augmenting MALS-40 in support of

Operation Enduring Freedom.

coRps Bits

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Sailors with Medi-cal Logistics Company, 4th Medical Battalion, and 2nd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marines Logistics group trained with a new device for the Portable Pa-tient Transport Life Support System program here Nov. 5 to 7. The training was coordinated by the Combat Support Systems (CSS) pro-gram management office of Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC).

PPTLSS was designed as a lightweight, mobile replacement for the current bulky life support systems used for serious injuries. A ventilator, physiological monitor, suction de-vice, oxygen tanks, and a platform to mount the equipment and secure it to the litter weigh more than 200 pounds together, while PPTLSS weighs approximately 55 pounds and can be carried by a single person.

Although service members will still bring oxygen tanks with them, the number is re-duced from 12 to four, which presents a much lower risk when the device is placed aboard transport aircraft.

The first day of training consisted of classes on the operation of the equipment for the sailors of 2nd and 4th Medical Bn. The second and third days prepared sailors with MedLog for the scheduled 90-day, 180-day and 365-day upkeep, as well as any unscheduled maintenance.

The PPTLSS allows ease of use and mobility in one of the most crucial times for a casualty after receiving a serious injury. It can easily be transferred from the ground, to a vehicle, to an aircraft and provide monitoring and sup-port for several hours.

Sailors train with new mo-bile life support system

Lance Cpl. Paul S. MartinezMarine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Ma-rines with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regi-ment supported 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regi-ment during the Integrated Training Exer-cise 1-14 in an artillery suppression exercise aboard the Combat Center Nov. 12 and 13, 2013.

The artillery unit, who arrived at the Com-bat Center last month, came from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., in order to enhance their war-fighting capabilities with field artillery.

Utilizing the vast training ranges unique to the base, 1/11 was able to successfully ac-complish this task in conjunction with 3/5, also from MCB Camp Pendleton; and 1/8, from MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“In Camp Pendleton, we can’t do nearly as much as we can do here in terms of the size,” said 1st Lt. Michael Valdez, platoon com-mander, Battery C, 1/11. “For artillery, we need the space, and here we can fire the big rounds, go the long distances and check our timeliness and abilities to give the infantry

the support they need.” The training exercise emphasized coopera-

tion between artillery batteries and infantry units, as well as the success it can bring to the battlefield.

“We’re trying to get back to our roots with mass fires,” said 1st Lt. Gerald F. Landholt III, commanding officer, HQ Battery, 1/11. “The important part for us is showing the Marines of 3/5 and 1/8 what we can do … how well we shoot with infantry battalions and sup-porting them through timeliness, accuracy, and flexibility with their intent is (a direct reflection) of how well they cooperate with artillery batteries during deployments.”

According to Landholt, the artillery batter-ies engaged targets through fire missions, making way for the infantry as they maneu-vered through simulated, neutralized targets to assault their own objectives.

“In Camp Pendleton, our training is simu-lated,” Landholt said. “We have an impact area where the infantry can’t maneuver. Here, the infantry can maneuver right through the tar-gets, and it adds a lot of realism to the train-ing.”

The artillery batteries utilized M777 Howit-zers to conduct fire missions, utilizing multi-ple types of rounds such as the 155mm M825

white phosphorous projectile, 155mm M795 high explosive projectile, and M485A2 illumi-nation rounds, according to Valdez. The artil-lery crew Marines found a valuable opportu-nity to sharpen their proficiency as crewmen with the training exercise.

“This type of training really gives the in-depth aspects that aren’t normally present during our standard training evolutions,” said Cpl. Philip H. Buhler, cannon crew section chief, Battery I, 3/12. “It’s an eye-opener for safety and (military occupational specialty) proficiency. Working with these units also al-lows these Marines to build a sense of pride and work toward sharpening their skills in this section.”

The training conducted allowed all levels of the battalion to enhance their specific roles in order to be mission-capable.

“Our Marines have been working hard and this training depends on them,” Landholt said. “Our success with this training exercise comes from all sections, from communica-tions and fire direction control to the gun crews. They are instrumental in what we have accomplished.”

The unit is slated to return to Camp Pend-leton later this month to engage in further training operations.

1/11 supports Integrated Training Exercise

VMFA-312 Checkerboardsare currently deployed to

the Mediterranean to promote security in the region.

CAMP GONSALVES, OKINAWA, Japan -- Simulated rounds thud into the wooden ex-terior of a small hut and covering fire explodes through the jungle as camouflaged figures dart through the vegetation.

This was the scene as Marines patrolled Oct. 29 during the jungle leaders course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gon-salves.

The four-week course is designed to develop Marines capable of leading small units during jungle operations, including patrolling, tactical rope suspension, helicopter assaults, survival skills, raids and escape and evasion techniques.

“For the past twelve years, we have been fo-cused on operating in the desert and are now out here in a jungle where the terrain is very different,” said Sgt. Steven McKinney, the chief instructor for the course with JWTC. “It is very important to establish standard-operating procedures for the units.”

The course was comprised of Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Divi-sion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, along with Marines assigned to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regi-ment, both currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, under the unit deployment program.

The patrol operations included heliborne in-sertion from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772, currently assigned to 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, under the unit deployment program.

“We’re patrolling through the jungle and set-ting up raids and ambushes,” said Cpl. Christo-pher A. Wootton, a student in the course and rifleman with 2nd Bn., 6th Marines. “We will be conducting force-on-force attacks using simu-lated rounds.”

The Marines dispersed into teams during the training to create more realistic opposition forces. While one unit defended a designated position, the other attacked. The objective for both units was to secure the position and elim-inate the opposition.

“When you take contact from the enemy in the jungle they’ll be a lot closer,” said 2nd Lt. Chet W. Shaffer, a student in the course and infantry officer with 2nd Bn., 6th Marines. “You have to learn how to plan; in the jungle any-thing can happen.”

Throughout the training, the Marines not only battled fatigue but also the terrain, ac-cording to Shaffer.

“It’s difficult because you’re looking for the enemy but also the next step, the next tree to grab,” said Shaffer.

At the conclusion of training, the Marines remained enthusiastic, knowing the training helped develop their leadership and close-quarters battle skills.

“The course has been some of the most hands-on training I’ve received,” said Wootton. “I feel I have effectively improved my leader-ship skills. (It) has been a great experience and has built up my confidence.”

Dense jungle provides unique challenge for future leaders

Marines with I Battery, 3/12, 1st Battalion, 11th Marines, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), fire an M777 How-itzer during an artillery suppression support exercise in support of the Integrated Training Exercise aboard the Combat Center Nov. 13, 2013.

Lance Cpl. Anne HenryIIIMEF/MCIPAC Consolidated PAO

IE SHIMA, Japan -- Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 trained for exter-nal load operations Nov. 5 on Ie Shima.

The training prepared the Marines for real-life scenarios involving operations that could occur throughout the Asia-Pa-cific region.

“Today, we conducted train-ing (in conjunction) with the helicopter support team,” said Capt. Bryan G. Hole, a pilot with VMM-265 (Reinforced), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “We will be practicing in stan-dard patterns, which is how we would typically come in, pick up any load, and drop it (off) again.”

The training involved the Ma-rines attaching a 3,500-pound cement training block to the hook of the aircraft. The Marines repeated the process numerous times with the Osprey flying in circular patterns overhead, giv-ing the Marines in the HST time to regroup, maximizing the ef-fectiveness and participation of the training.

“The Marines in the (HST) will be guiding us in when we are picking up the loads as well as

staying in contact with us,” said Hole. “As we come in, we will be hovering over the ground. Once we are low enough, we will ground the (equipment to dissipate) static electricity. They will then attach the hook to the block.”

It is critical for Marines to be-come proficient in external load training, according to Cpl. Kyle H. Haupt, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st MEU, III MEF.

“This training gives the Ma-

rines more (proficiency) in their military operational specialty,” said Haupt. “It’s important be-cause it prepares us for a real-life scenario should we ever need to get equipment to Ma-rines on the ground.”

External load operations are used whenever any particular load of supplies cannot be car-ried inside the aircraft, accord-ing to Hole.

“It is typically advantageous for us to fit all (of) our cargo in-side the aircraft,” said Hole. “If for

some reason we can’t, we have to use our cargo hooks in order to externally carry supplies.”

The training gave the Marines renewed confidence and expe-rience in their respective pro-fessions.

“From this training, I feel more confident in my own abilities as well as those of my Marines,” said Haupt. “Practice always makes perfect, therefore, the more practice we have, the more confident we (become), and the safer we are.”

Marines conduct external load operations training with Osprey

Marines attach a training block to an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft during external load opera-tion training Nov. 5 on Ie Shima.

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 201312 In The Community

Lance Cpl. MaryAnn HillMarine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - A journey that began in Bagh-dad involving an Iraqi na-tive, who used her unique, dual-language skills to help the United States’ military, took a new turn after she earned the title of U.S. Ma-rine recently.

Rct. Aseel Salman was born into an all-female fam-ily in Baghdad, Iraq. With no males in their family, her mother and three sisters were ostracized within their community.

“I hated being looked down upon just because we didn’t have a male fam-ily member around,” said Salman, who trained with Platoon 4039, November Company, 4th Recruit Train-ing Battalion, and gradu-ated Nov. 15. “I joined the Marines to prove to myself and my family and my peo-ple that I can do something great and amazing.”

Salman first encountered the United States military during college at the Uni-versity of Baghdad in 2003. After an American soldier was shot, the other soldiers needed an interpreter to help with the investiga-tion. Salman stepped up, admitting she could speak both English and Arabic, and began working as an interpreter for the U.S. Army while still attending school.

“The first two years were the hardest,” said Salman, a 30-year-old resident of Win-chester, Va. “Going straight from school to the check-point every day and some-times staying overnight was hard.”

Salman spent six years working for the Army, go-ing on countless raids, pa-trols and other missions. She said she has too many stories to count, but one

came to mind immediately. “We went out on a raid

once, and I went into a house with three women in it,” said Salman. “I asked if they knew where this man was, and they all said no. Then, one woman whis-pered to me that she knew where he was and to meet her outside. Once outside, she warned us, saying ‘be careful, they are across the street with five loaded AK-47s.’ We later caught them.”

In 2007, Salman decided it was time to get out of Iraq due to increased violence against interpreters. She applied for a special visa under a program allowing immigrants who assisted the U.S. overseas to come to the states.

“I flew into the U.S. on Dec. 22, 2008,” said Salman of her layover in New York. “I remember it was so beauti-ful with all the snow. I was talking to these two other women, and I was so wor-ried they would know I was Iraqi. They had no idea that I had never been in the Unit-ed States before that night.”

Salman settled down in Houston with her husband, a U.S. military contractor who she met in Iraq. The real struggle began when he left for another tour overseas.

“I didn’t even know how to pump gas when he left,” said Salman. “I remember stopping at a gas station and crying until a nice man helped me pump my gas. I also remember the first time I stepped in Wal-Mart … it was so amazing.”

Salman said when she ar-rived in the United States, she immediately tried to become a Marine Corps of-ficer, but did not meet all the requirements. Her hus-band, a former Marine, was her inspiration to enlist be-cause of the pride he carries

within himself.Salman remained in the

delayed entry program for 15 months before she was ready to ship to Parris Is-land.

“I finally joined on June 6, 2013, and turned 30 on June 7,” said Salman. “I could not have thought of a bet-ter way to spend my last day as 29.”

Salman arrived on Par-ris Island July 22, 2013, and originally was training with Oscar Company before be-ing dropped back in train-ing because she did not qualify on the rifle range. She went back four weeks in training and joined her current platoon.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason and that I was supposed to be with these girls,” said Salman.

Given Salman’s age differ-ence over the other recruits and experience away from home for long periods of time, she often consoled them, telling them that they have a good life here in the states, no matter how bad it may seem during training.

Sgt. Sylvia Washington, one of Salman’s drill instruc-tors, has nothing but good things to say about her.

“When she first got here, she stepped back and ob-served,” said Washington, a 27-year-old native of Man-teca, Calif. “Once the se-nior [drill instructor] made her guide, she really took charge; we really depend on her for a lot of things.”

With boot camp behind her, Salman hopes on mak-ing a career of the Marine Corps but doesn’t plan to be an interpreter. She is slated to be an aviation electronics technician.

“It has been a really rough road for me, but I don’t re-gret anything,” said Salman.

Native Iraqi translator flees Baghdad, becomes U.S. Marine

Rct. Aseel Salman, Platoon 4039, November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, aligns herself with another recruit during her final drill evaluation Nov. 6, 2013, on Parris Island, S.C. Salman, 30, who was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, worked for the United States Army for six years as an interpreter. She reported for recruit training on July 22, and graduated Nov. 15.

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 13Classifieds The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 13Classifieds

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 Classifieds14

The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 15Graduates

Kilo Company Graduates

Honor GraduatesPlatoon 3088

Pfc. P.K. Connelly II, Colonial Heights, VASenior Drill Instructor: Gunnery Sgt. N.C. Catacata

Platoon 3089Pfc. T.C. Coacher, Torrington, CT

Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. R.C. Coacher

Platoon 3090Pfc. C.H. Odom, Greer, SC

Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. D. Garcia

Pvt. A. M. Aizpuro , Pvt. J. C. Aldridge III , Pvt. K. E. Allen , Pvt. J. D. Ariasbosa , Pvt. I. E. Balfour Jr. , Pfc. Z. J. Beazley , Pvt. O. T. Blair , Pvt. C. A. Bridge , Pfc. N. J. Browning , Pvt. J. R. Bryan , Pfc. D. Chia , Pfc. A. D. Collins , Pfc. P. K. Connelly II * , Pfc. J. D. Crouse * , Pvt. J. N. Cruzcastro , Pvt. J. A. Daniel , Pvt. A. M. Davis , Pfc. J. W. Davis , Pfc. S. R. Delaluz , Pfc. T. J. Edwards , Pvt. J. P. Feathers , Pfc. T. S. Francis , Pvt. R. D. Gay , Pvt. N. A. Gilbert , Pfc. R. A. Gockley , Pvt. C. R. Gordon , Pfc. D. D. Gregory * , Pvt. P. J. Grosvenor , Pfc. N. C. Gunter , Pvt. M. E. Hall , Pfc. S. P. Hamlin , Pfc. J. L. Hamrick , Pfc. C. K. Hargrove , Pvt. Z. L. Harrelson , Pvt. A. B. Harris , Pvt. C. C. Harris , Pvt. C. Hernandez , Pvt. M. J. Ibanez , Pvt. J. Irizarry , Pfc. J. D. Juniel , Pfc. A. M. King , Pvt. D. R. Ledford. , Pfc. R. D. Lester Jr. , Pvt. R. E. Lewis Jr. , Pvt. J. R. Lobdell , Pvt. K. J. Louder , Pvt. T. B. Lowe , Pfc. R. J. Lumpkin * , Pfc. J. J. Mashburn , Pvt. M. W. Matherly , Pfc. J. A. Matosdenizac , Pvt. T. L. Matthews , Pvt. B. P. Mccullough , Pvt. K. L. Mcglohon Jr. , Pfc. A. K. Meek , Pvt. M. J. Miles , Pfc. N. E. Muir , Pvt. T. J. Napolitano , Pvt. R. Ohyama , Pfc. R. H. Parker , Pvt. A. G. Patterson , Pfc. M. D. Price , Pvt. J. M. Rebholz , Pfc. H. C. Rodriguezramos , Pvt. J. B. Ruiz , Pvt. C. T. Rutledge , Pvt. N. R. Santiago , Pvt. A. J. Scammell , Pfc. C. W. Scott * , Pvt. M. D. Shaw , Pfc. J. W. Sheriff , Pfc. J. C. Simoneau , Pvt. R. C. Skinner , Pfc. E. S. Stathem , Pvt. T. J. Stjohn , Pvt. D. G. Streefkerk , Pvt. M. C. Strickland , Pvt. D. P. Sutphin , Pvt. D. A. Sutton , Pfc. P. O. Sy , Pvt. A. R. Turner , Pvt. J. P. Waddell , Pfc. W. T. Wadkins

Platoon 3088

Pvt. J. D. Beatty , Pfc. J. D. Blackerby* , Pvt. A. D. Blakely , Pfc. M. M. Bohacz* , Pfc. A. Bonilla , Pfc. T. L. Brown Jr. , Pfc. A. Caballero Jr. , Pvt. B. R. Case , Pvt. C. A. Chase , Pvt. C. J. Coolbaugh , Pvt. P. E. Copeland , Pvt. D. F. Defazio , Pfc. N. Delacruz , Pfc. A. M. Delgado , Pfc. N. A. Diaz , Pfc. R. C. Dickinson , Pvt. D. X. Duey , Pvt. J. C. Dunaway , Pvt. S. B. Elrich , Pvt. W. J. Flohr III , Pfc. B. R. Frisby , Pfc. N. C. Garner , Pvt. P. T. Ginley , Pvt. D. Gonzaleznieves , Pfc. T. A. Goodman* , Pvt. B. D. Gosselin , Pvt. M. G. Graham , Pvt. A. S. Guerin , Pvt. C. R. Horner , Pvt. K. M. Hunter , Pvt. A. C. James , Pfc. T. C. Jerram Jr.* , Pvt. J. L. Johnson , Pvt. J. E. Johnson , Pfc. R. N. Johnson , Pfc. J. J. Jones Jr. , Pvt. M. K. Jones Jr. , Pvt. C. G. Jones , Pfc. A. S. King* , Pvt. P. J. Lane , Pvt. E. K. Lavigne , Pfc. A. Lenis , Pvt. C. A. Louth , Pfc. K. D. Mason* , Pvt. K. D. Mcclurkin , Pvt. P. C. Mckee , Pvt. M. Mejia , Pvt. B. A. Millanlebron , Pvt. M. B. Mowery , Pfc. A. C. Mulford , Pfc. J. D. Neal , Pvt. D. P. Odonnell , Pvt. D. W. Parker , Pvt. S. M. Paulan , Pfc. S. Penadiaz , Pvt. J. D. Peterson , Pvt. G. A. Pingatore , Pvt. E. J. Pollock , Pvt. V. O. Rakhminov , Pvt. E. D. Raven , Pvt. A. L. Rodriguez , Pfc. R. A. Ridriguez , Pvt. M. A. Roth , Pvt. H. S. Roush , Pvt. P. W. Ryan , Pvt. K. A. Salgueiro , Pvt. J. L. Santos , Pvt. J. R. Sapp , Pvt. D. M. Shealy , Pvt. J. A. Slater , Pvt. E. S. Smith , Pfc. M. R. Smith , Pfc. T. L. Stephens , Pvt. B. T. Stotz , Pvt. J. L. Truesdale , Pvt. A. M. Veralourenco , Pfc. J. W. Vondracek , Pvt. A. L. Waite , Pvt. T. D. Watson , Pfc. R. J. Weston

Platoon 3089

Pvt. J. D. Age , Pvt. C. C. Alexander , Pvt. J. E. Arana , Pvt. M. J. Atkins , Pvt. B. L. Balas , Pvt. T. N. Barone , Pfc. M. A. Bermudezzapata* , Pvt. E. P. Bochi , Pvt. C. E. Branham , Pvt. C. M. Bridges , Pvt. T. L. Canty , Pvt. K. R. Cassel , Pvt. I. Cedillojr , Pvt. M. F. Christensen , Pfc. J. A. Conrad , Pfc. T. S. Creighton , Pfc. J. P. Cress , Pvt. T. Deschampsperez , Pvt. A. R. Dickey , Pvt. K. C. Douglas , Pfc. A. C. Dowell , Pvt. M. C. Elliott , Pvt. B. C. Ellixson , Pfc. B. J. Evans , Pvt. C. E. Filosa , Pvt. K. L. Fore , Pfc. N. T. Foust , Pvt. R. W. Frank , Pvt. R. Garrie , Pvt. C. A. Grant , Pfc. R. E. Hair , Pvt. L. A. Hanley Jr. , Pfc. W. L. Haughey , Pvt. N. J. Hernandez , Pfc. J. E. Holmes III , Pfc. A. R. Icaza , Pfc. J. F. Klingshirn , Pvt. M. C. Kobus , Pvt. R. Larregui Jr. , Pvt. D. T. Ledoux , Pvt. K. J. Letang , Pvt. T. L. Lewis , Pvt. H. C. Littman , Pvt. D. S. Macgibbon , Pvt. T. G. Maher , Pfc. A. M. Maldonadonegrin , Pfc. S. D. Mangino , Pfc. S. N. Marshall* , Pfc. T. O. Martin , Pvt. H. D. Martinez , Pfc. L. J. Martinezgarces* , Pvt. K. A. Mccarty , Pvt. M. A. Mcintosh , Pvt. M. L. Mcmillian , Pfc. W. Mendoza Jr. , Pfc. P. E. Mirandaperez , Pvt. R. L. Mohler , Pvt. J. P. Monterozarate , Pfc. B. A. Morris , Pvt. J. T. Mullen , Pvt. J. L. Myers , Pfc. P. M. Myers , Pfc. C. H. Odom* , Pvt. M. D. Owen , Pfc. H. E. Padilla Jr. , Pvt. M. Pastranaandujar , Pfc. T. F. Payne* , Pvt. R. D. Perry , Pfc. J. L. Peterson , Pfc. S. T. Pilkington , Pfc. Z. R. Pohlmeier , Pvt. C. H. Randol , Pvt. T. W. Reiring , Pvt. C. J. Riveracotto , Pvt. D. M. Robinson , Pvt. S. N. Romero , Pvt. W. Sawerromero , Pvt. A. C. White , Pvt. A. B. Whitehead , Pfc. M. P. Wiwitsurakarn

Platoon 3090

Platoon 3092Pfc. J.R. Stovall, Nashville, TN

Senior Drill Instructor: Gunnery Sgt. R. Dorval

Platoon 3093Pfc. D.M. Prewitt, Warren, MI

Senior Drill Instructor: Staff Sgt. R.A. Johnson

Platoon 3094Pfc. C.M. Braunscheidel, East Amherst, NY

Senior Drill Instructor: Sgt. D.S. Driggers

*Denotes meritorious promotion

Pfc. A. A. Araujo , Pfc. C. J. Ballinger , Pvt. J. D. Barnes , Pvt. T. G. Bashlor , Pfc. P. R. Brandon* , Pvt. I. T. Brown , Pfc. M. A. Casto , Pfc. D. S. Chapman , Pvt. K. C. Cornwell , Pfc. K. C. Crozier* , Pvt. S. Cuevasmejias , Pvt. E. T. Demastus , Pvt. W. J. Dooley , Pvt. I. J. Dubose , Pvt. M. R. Duell , Pfc. E. R. Duncan , Pfc. A. M. Durbin* , Pfc. P. M. Elmore III , Pfc. J. M. Ely Jr. , Pfc. T. H. Evitts , Pvt. A. K. Fiala , Pfc. B. D. Fitzwater Jr.* , Pvt. J. A. Flores , Pvt. T. I. Gassman , Pfc. M. D. Gatlin , Pvt. P. S. Gillenwater , Pfc. M. R. Gillett , Pvt. A. Gonzalez , Pvt. Z. A. Guminski , Pvt. J. M. Hall , Pvt. V. S. Harman , Pfc. S. E. Hefferrnan , Pvt. T. D. Hill , Pvt. T. K. Hoehn , Pvt. G. T. Hubbard , Pvt. T. D. Hutchings , Pvt. A. M. Jones , Pvt. F. D. Kemp , Pfc. N. E. Lockwood , Pvt. S. Lopez Jr. , Pvt. B. Lopez , Pvt. N. B. Lozada , Pfc. I. S. Lucas , Pvt. J. A. Lugogonzalez , Pvt. M. I. Marambiomarin , Pfc. A. D. Margrave , Pvt. A. A. Martinez , Pvt. R. A. Mathews , Pvt. N. E. McCoy , Pfc. J. D. McCullough , Pfc. C. A. Mitchell , Pvt. J. N. Montgomery III , Pvt. D. M. Morgan , Pvt. K. G. Morrison , Pvt. L. J. Nosiglia , Pfc. J. T. Orr , Pfc. C. L. Persinger , Pfc. M. L. Rachel , Pvt. D. J. Riddoch , Pvt. J. A. Rogala , Pfc. A. J. Sanabria , Pfc. P. Schmucker III , Pvt. K. G. Simon , Pfc. T. R. Smalley , Pvt. C. J. Smith , Pvt. D. D. Smith , Pfc. D. M. Smith , Pvt. J. D. Smith , Pvt. W. W. Spencer , Pvt. J. L. Stamper , Pvt. T. P. Steed , Pfc. J. R. Stovall* , Pfc. J. M. Swigard* , Pvt. E. T. Taylor , Pvt. T. B. Thomas , Pfc. B. S. Tomasko Jr. , Pvt. B. T. Vanhoose , Pvt. J. S. Verbeck , Pfc. M. G. Weir , Pvt. T. A. Werner , Pvt. K. M. White

Platoon 3092

Pfc. J. A. Abbott , Pfc. F. J. Alcantara , Pfc. D. Applemeyer , Pvt. S. J. Awalt , Pfc. M. Bak , Pvt. N. M. Beauchesne , Pfc. A. A. Brown , Pfc. R. L. Casiano III , Pvt. J. D. Crenshaw , Pfc. R. A. Dienno , Pfc. M. J. Escobar* , Pvt. D. A. Fail , Pvt. K. M. Foss , Pvt. O. W. Garciabust , Pfc. T. D. Gay , Pvt. R. S. Hern II , Pvt. J. H. Hunsberger , Pvt. A. B. Hylander , Pfc. P. N. Ignarri , Pvt. J. A. Jagodzinski , Pvt. S. K. Jefferson , Pvt. S. C. Keiser , Pvt. J. Kuhn , Pfc. L. L. Laboy-Vargas* , Pvt. J. T. Langston , Pvt. R. M. Leddon , Pvt. C. A. Liguori , Pfc. K. P. Mailahn* , Pfc. K. N. Martins , Pfc. M. C. McGovern , Pfc. D. J. Mclear , Pvt. J. D. Menezes , Pvt. K. B. Montagna , Pvt. A. R. Morris , Pvt. J. L. Neisler , Pfc. B. S. Neumann , Pvt. P. J. Olivo , Pfc. D. T. Oneill III , Pvt. J. N. Perce , Pvt. R. O. Petrikas , Pvt. J. D. Powers , Pfc. D. M. Prewitt* , Pvt. G. A. Pridmore , Pfc. C. A. Reynolds , Pvt. N. C. Ricci , Pvt. L. J. Rodriguez , Pvt. N. J. Roell , Pvt. J. M. Russell , Pfc. S. P. Ryan , Pvt. J. A. Sawvelle , Pvt. S. M. Schmitz , Pvt. N. J. Sciortino , Pvt. N. V. Singler , Pvt. A. Z. Smith , Pvt. J. R. Smith , Pfc. B. T. Stewart , Pvt. P. J. Struss , Pfc. M. T. Takojeff , Pfc. S. D. Thompson , Pvt. C. K. Toland , Pfc. G. Tomaszewski , Pfc. D. F. Tomlinson , Pvt. S. J. Trifiro , Pvt. D. L. Turner , Pfc. J. J. Turoslebron* , Pfc. M. Q. Twining , Pfc. J. P. Valesey , Pvt. J. L. Vang , Pfc. J. B. Varcoe , Pvt. R. E. Velasco II , Pvt. A. A. Villatoro , Pvt. S. L. Vital , Pvt. S. L. Vital , Pfc. C. J. Warren II , Pvt. L. J. Watson , Pvt. T. Weir , Pvt. K. M. Whitlock , Pvt. H. C. Will , Pvt. P. Wozlonis , Pvt. C. C. Zeiter

Platoon 3093

Pfc. Z. B. Abedin , Pvt. R. A. Alvarado , Pvt. M. Arevalo-Fernandez , Pvt. B. R. Bert , Pfc. D. T. Bohannan , Pvt. N. D. Boschen , Pfc. C. C. Brantley , Pfc. C. M. Braunscheidel* , Pfc. M. J. Brosious , Pfc. R. N. Brumbaugh , Pfc. R. A. Bush , Pvt. D. J. Casey , Pvt. M. J. Castillo , Pfc. B. M. Cedar , Pfc. N. T. Christman , Pfc. M. A. Cipolla , Pfc. J. J. Crawford , Pfc. J. L. Curtiss , Pvt. S. J. Daniels , Pvt. M. A. Davila , Pfc. C. J. De Lavera , Pvt. E. N. Delcid , Pvt. A. D. Fallin , Pvt. S. T. Faulkner , Pvt. W. C. Flamm , Pvt. A. M. Fults , Pvt. R. W. Gearhard , Pfc. J. M. Golden* , Pvt. T. J. Harris , Pvt. D. R. Hinnant III , Pvt. D. R. Huntington , Pvt. D. T. Jackson , Pvt. R. A. Jones , Pfc. K. D. Kirby , Pvt. S. A. Kopenhaver , Pvt. D. W. Lovoy , Pvt. C. R. Mancini , Pfc. S. Manzano , Pfc. A. Y. Markos , Pvt. A. M. Matheny , Pfc. S. V. Mauch Jr. , Pfc. S. E. McKee , Pfc. L. V. McMillan , Pfc. S. R. Miller , Pfc. K. Mishra , Pfc. K. A. Moore , Pfc. D. A. Morales-Camacho , Pfc. R. H. Mullinix , Pvt. T. G. Naylor , Pfc. M. A. Nichols , Pvt. E. N. Peake , Pfc. E. N. Portee , Pfc. T. A. Rock* , Pfc. D. J. Rogala , Pfc. R. J. Rosales , Pvt. H. Sesay , Pfc. J. C. Sharpe , Pfc. J. D. Shumate , Pfc. T. D. Sinner* , Pvt. A. F. Slingsby , Pfc. B. C. Smith , Pvt. Z. C. Smolinsky , Pvt. R. J. Stametz , Pfc. J. N. Swaim , Pvt. J. M. Tausendfreundt , Pfc. J. I. Tene-Herman , Pvt. A. K. Thibodeaux , Pvt. Z. A. Thomas , Pvt. D. M. Thompson Jr. , Pvt. W. E. Trempe Jr. , Pfc. D. Vasquez Soto , Pfc. A. R. Weis , Pfc. J. P. Whitlock , Pvt. M. R. Wingfield , Pvt. W. A. Womble , Pvt. C. L. Wood Jr. , Pfc. J. C. Zarnowski , Pvt. C. E. Ziegler , Pvt. A. C. Ziegman

Platoon 3094

16 The Jet Stream Friday, November 22, 2013 Classifieds