|
|
| Friday, 11-Nov-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share |  | Bookmark |
|
Distinguished Marines U.S. Postage Stamps!
|
 |
|
U.S. Postage Stamps
|
|
|
|
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/0/5DD6F8C8D1AA64C4852570B5006E34FE?opendocument
MARINE BARRACKS WASHINGTON, Washington DC(Nov. 10, 2005) -- Gen. Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and John E. Potter, Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service,unveiled the Distinguished Marines commemorative 37-cent U.S. Postage stamps at Marine Barracks Washington on the 230th Birthday of the Marine Corps, Nov. 10. The stamps depict legendary Marines, Daniel Daly, John Basilone, John A. Lejeune and Lewis "Chesty" Puller.
Other participants included the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performing elements of the Barracks' Friday Evening Parade, and Aaron Tippin, country music recording artist.
Another first-day dedication ceremony took place at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA.
Gen. Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and John E. Potter, Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service, shake hands at the unveiling of the Distinguished Marines commemorative 37-cent U.S. Postage stamps at Marine Barracks Washington on the 230th Birthday of the Marine Corps, Nov. 10. The stamps depict legendary Marines, Daniel Daly, John Basilone, John A. Lejeune and Lewis "Chesty" Puller. Photo by: Cpl. David Revere
Here's a short bio plus if you check out the link it will give you more detail and further bios. - JHD
Four Distinguished Marines Saluted on U.S. Postage Stamps
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/11-10-2005/0004213386&EDATE=
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- America was looking for a few good
Marine stamps so the Postal Service delivered four. Available nationwide
today, the 37-cent Distinguished Marines commemorative postage stamps salute
four heroic Marines who served with bravery, distinction and honor during the
20th Century. These legendary Marines include: Gunnery Sergeant John
Basilone; Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly; Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune,
and Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041105/DCF007-n )
"The United States Postal Service is proud to honor the Marine Corps' 230-
year tradition of excellence in military service to our nation," said
Postmaster General John E. Potter, speaking from the Marines' Barracks in
Washington, DC. "These four legendary Marines are inspirational examples of
the U.S. Marine Corps extraordinary devotion to their proud motto: Semper Fi,"
he added, referring to the Marines' credo taken from the Latin phrase Semper
Fidelis, meaning "always faithful."
Joining Potter at the Washington, DC, ceremony was General Michael W.
Hagee, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, and some of the relatives of the Marines
depicted on the stamps.
"The Puller family is truly honored and pleased with this recognition. He
was a revered Marine as well as a magnificent father," said Martha Puller
Downs, one of Chesty Puller's two daughters. "The light of his life was
mother, us, and the United States Marine Corps, and each of his three children
have sons named for him," she added. "Father was there for us and showed us
much affection. We did not want to let him down, and I do not think the
Marines he served with did either. He was the constant encourager and had
much faith in mankind. He would never give up on anyone."
Puller, one of the most decorated Marines in history, was held in high
esteem by those who served under him. Getting his nickname for his barreled
chest, Puller often ate and slept and showered in the same conditions as his
men.
A First-Day-of-Issue dedication ceremony also took place at Marine Corps
Base, Camp Pendleton, CA, near San Diego. Joining USPS San Diego District
Manager John E. Platt was Major General Michael Lehnert, commanding general,
Marine Corps Installations West, and Major General Richard Natonski,
commanding general, 1st Marine Division.
The stamps images, based on photographs, also include text identifying
each of the four Marines. The approximate date of each photo and insignia also
appear on each stamp (detailed background information on each Marine
attached).
Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone
The John Basilone stamp features a detail of a 1943 photograph of Basilone
and the insignia of the 5th Marine Division. The recipient of the nation's
highest military award, Basilone was recognized during World War II for
holding 3,000 Japanese soldiers at bay for 72 hours during the battle of
Guadalcanal with only 15 men, 12 of whom died. Following this act of heroism,
Basilone was sent back to the U.S. to promote war bonds. Shortly thereafter,
he requested return to his unit to, "be with my boys." He again distinguished
himself by single-handedly destroying an enemy blockhouse and helped guide a
friendly tank out of a minefield during the invasion of Iwo Jima, where he was
killed during a shelling attack, Feb. 19, 1945, at the age of 28. He was
posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.
Sergeant Major Daniel J. Daly
The Daniel J. Daly stamp features a detail from a photograph of Daly taken
around 1919 and the insignia of the 73rd Machine Gun Company, which is a
variation on the Army's 2nd Infantry Division insignia. During World War I,
Daly served as a Marine with the 73rd Machine Gun Company in the 2nd Infantry
Division. Acclaimed by Maj. Gen John A. Lejeune as "the outstanding Marine of
all time," Daly received the Medal of Honor twice for separate acts of
heroism.
In 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, the defense of the American Embassy
at Peking (now Beijing) was in the hands of a strong but small force of
Marines. On the afternoon of July 13, German soldiers were driven back from
their position on the east end of the wall. When a Marine captain asked for a
volunteer to take up point and provide cover fire while repairs were made to
the fortification, Daly stepped forward and said, "I'm your man."
Daly held his position alone, throughout the night, withstanding repeated
Boxer assaults, an accomplishment that earned him his first Congressional
Medal of Honor.
In 1915, he was a recipient of his second medal when Marines were deployed
to Haiti to protect American lives in the wake of an anti-government uprising.
Daly was part of a night reconnaissance mission with 35 enlisted Marines and
three officers when 400 Haitian bandits fired on them from three sides. The
detachment found better position and fought them off throughout the night. At
daybreak, the three squads of Marines advanced and surprised the enemy,
scattering them in all directions.
Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune
The John A. Lejeune stamp features a detail from a circa 1924 photograph
of Lejeune. The stamp also depicts the insignia of the Army's 2nd Infantry
Division, which Lejeune commanded during World War I. Born in Pointe Coupee,
LA, Lejeune (1867-1942) is best remembered as a wartime commander after being
the first Marine General to command an Army division in combat during World
War I. He is also credited with saving the Marine Corps from budget cuts and
consolidations following World War I and establishing Marine Corps
institutions and traditions. The Marine base located near Jacksonville, NC
bears his name.
Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller
The Lewis B. Puller stamp features a photograph of Puller at Koto-ri,
Korea, in 1950, and the insignia of the 1st Marine Division. Nicknamed for his
barrel chest, Puller (1898-1971), born in West Point, VA, was one of the most
famous Marine commanders in Corps history. He was a battalion commander and
regimental commander with the 1st Marine Division during World War II and the
Korean War.
True to himself and the Corps, Puller never was one to mince words.
During the Korean War, when surrounded by more than 100,000 Chinese
soldiers at the Chosin Reservoir, Puller is believed to have said, "They're on
our right, they're on our left, they're in front of us, they're behind us;
they can't get away from us this time."
During his 37-year career, Puller was awarded 14 personal decorations in
combat, five Navy Crosses (the nation's second highest award for valor), one
Army Distinguished Service Cross plus a long list of campaign medals, unit
citation ribbons and other awards. He began his career with the "Horse
Soldiers" in China, then on to four World War II campaigns, the Korean War and
expeditionary service in China, Nicaragua and Haiti.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Thursday, 10-Nov-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
The 230th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps!
|
|
MARINE CORPS ORDERS
No. 47 (Series 1921)
U.S. MARINE CORPS HEADQUARTERS
Washington, November 1, 1921
759. The following will be read to the command on the 10th of November, 1921, and hereafter on the 10th of November of every year. Should the order not be received by the 10th of November, 1921, it will be read upon receipt.
(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.
(2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and is the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.
(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.
(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.
JOHN A. LEJEUNE,
Major General Commandant
75705--21
ALMAR 051/05
««-----------------------------------------------------»»
Date signed: 10/31/2005 ALMAR Number: 051/05
R 310026Z OCT 05
FM CMC WASHINGTON DC(UC)
UNCLASSIFIED//
ALMAR 051/05
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CMC//
SUBJ/UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY MESSAGE - 10 NOVEMBER 2005//
POC/SGT K. PTAK/ADMIN CHIEF/CMC STAFF GROUP/-/TEL:(703) 614-2326//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. ON NOVEMBER 10TH, 1775, THE SECOND CONTINENTAL
CONGRESS RESOLVED TO RAISE TWO BATTALIONS OF CONTINENTAL MARINES
MARKING THE BIRTH OF OUR UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. AS MAJOR
GENERAL LEJEUNE'S MESSAGE REMINDS US, THE ENSUING GENERATIONS OF
MARINES WOULD COME TO SIGNIFY ALL THAT IS HIGHEST IN WARFIGHTING
EXCELLENCE AND MILITARY VIRTUE. EACH NOVEMBER AS MARINES THE WORLD
OVER CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR CORPS, WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THAT LONG
LINE OF "SOLDIERS OF THE SEA" AND THE ILLUSTRIOUS LEGACY THEY HAVE
HANDED DOWN TO US.
2. THIS PAST YEAR HAS BEEN ONE OF CONTINUOUS COMBAT OPERATIONS
OVERSEAS AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE HERE AT HOME - A YEAR OF
CHALLENGES THAT HAVE BROUGHT OUT THE VERY BEST IN OUR CORPS. IN
IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, MARINE COURAGE AND MASTERY OF COMPLEX AND
CHAOTIC ENVIRONMENTS HAVE TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF
MILLIONS. MARINE COMPASSION AND FLEXIBILITY PROVIDED HUMANITARIAN
ASSISTANCE TO THOUSANDS IN THE WAKE OF THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN TSUNAMI,
AND HERE AT HOME, MARINES WITH AAVS, HELICOPTERS, AND SOMETIMES WITH
THEIR BARE HANDS SAVED HUNDREDS OF OUR OWN FELLOW AMERICANS IN THE
WAKE OF HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA. ACROSS THE FULL SPECTRUM OF
OPERATIONS, YOU HAVE SHOWCASED THAT MARINES CREATE STABILITY IN AN
UNSTABLE WORLD, AND HAVE REINFORCED OUR CORPS' REPUTATION FOR
SETTING THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE.
3. THE SENSE OF HONOR, COURAGE, AND PATRIOTISM THAT EPITOMIZED
THOSE WHO ANSWERED THAT FIRST CALL TO ARMS 230 YEARS AGO IS STILL
INDELIBLY IMPRINTED ON OUR RANKS TODAY. IN COMMEMORATING OUR
ANNIVERSARY, LET US STRENGTHEN OUR TIES TO THE PAST BY PAYING HOMAGE
TO THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US. AS WE HONOR THE SACRIFICES OF OUR
WOUNDED AND FALLEN COMRADES, OUR COMMITMENT TO ONE ANOTHER REMAINS
UNSHAKABLE. WE TAKE SPECIAL PRIDE IN THE ACTIONS OF THE MARINES NOW SERVING IN HARM'S WAY, AND REDEDICATE OURSELVES TO THE SERVICE OF OUR NATION AND OUR CORPS.
4. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES, SEMPER FIDELIS, AND KEEP ATTACKING! M.W.
HAGEE, GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS, COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS.///
Happy Birthday Marines!
Love, Honor, Respect,
JHD
UPDATE:Photos in from Camp Fallujah!
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/ae82f18a8e1b160b852568ba007e7e5e/2707c2ed141aea1c852570b8003cc7b8/$FILE/Cake2.jpg
# 1 -A Marine carries a birthday cake during the II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) cake cutting ceremony at Camp Fallujah in honor of the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday Thursday. More than 100 Marines and Sailors were present at the ceremony, which was attended by the II MEF (FWD) commanding general, Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Johnson and the II MEF (FWD) sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Gary W. Harris.
Photo by: Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/ae82f18a8e1b160b852568ba007e7e5e/7415cf503a5b9c95852570b8003c76ef/$FILE/Cake1.jpg
# 2 -A color guard presents the colors during the II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) cake cutting ceremony at Camp Fallujah in honor of the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday Thursday. More than 100 Marines and Sailors were present at the ceremony, which was attended by the II MEF (FWD) commanding general, Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Johnson and the II MEF (FWD) sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Gary W. Harris. Photo by: Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/ae82f18a8e1b160b852568ba007e7e5e/04c8a79af67020f8852570b8003d8e11/$FILE/Cake3.jpg
# 3 -Major Gen. Stephen T. Johnson, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), prepares to cut the first piece of cake during a cake cutting ceremony at Camp Fallujah in honor of the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday Thursday. More than 100 Marines and Sailors were present at the ceremony, which was attended by the commanding general and the II MEF (FWD) sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Gary W. Harris. Photo by: Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/ae82f18a8e1b160b852568ba007e7e5e/d32cae918d5a1437852570b8003de563/$FILE/Cake4.jpg
# 4 -Major Gen. Stephen T. Johnson, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), presents a piece of cake to the oldest Marine in the unit, Col. Gary I. Wilson, officer-in-charge, Anti-Terrorism Force Protection, II MEF (FWD), during a cake cutting ceremony held at Camp Fallujah in honor of the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday Thursday. More than 100 Marines and Sailors were present at the ceremony, which was attended by the commanding general and the II MEF (FWD) sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Gary W. Harris. Photo by: Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/ae82f18a8e1b160b852568ba007e7e5e/75bef837360a3f9d852570b8003e2845/$FILE/Cake5.jpg
# 5 -The oldest Marine in the unit, Colonel Gary I. Wilson, 58, officer-in-charge, Anti-Terrorism Force Protection, II MEF (FWD), presents Lance Cpl. Ryan Eberly, 19, communication center operator and systems administrator, G-2 office, II MEF (FWD), the youngest Marine in the unit, with a piece of cake during a cake cutting ceremony held at Camp Fallujah in honor of the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday Thursday. More than 100 Marines and Sailors were present at the ceremony, which was attended by the II MEF (FWD) commanding general, Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Johnson and the II MEF (FWD) sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Gary W. Harris. Photo by: Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/ae82f18a8e1b160b852568ba007e7e5e/2cd7ded96a38638c852570b8003e6787/$FILE/Cake6.jpg
# 6 -II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) celebrated the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday at Camp Fallujah Thursday. More than 100 Marines and Sailors were present at the ceremony, which was attended by the II MEF (FWD) commanding general, Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Johnson and the II MEF (FWD) sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Gary W. Harris. Photo by: Cpl. Evan M. Eagan
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Wednesday, 9-Nov-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
DoD Photos - 2/2 Easy 3rd and Golf 1st
|
 |
|
Easy 3rd in Zaidon
|
|
 |
|
Golf 1st in Bad Kharma
|
|
|
http://www.defenselink.mil/photos/Nov2005/051106-M-5213M-038.html
U.S. Marines from 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division enter the Al Sadan market in Zaidon, Iraq, to search for arms and high-value targets on Nov. 6, 2005. The 2nd Marine Division is conducting counter-insurgency operations in the area. DoD photo by Sgt. Paul S. Mancuso, U.S. Marine Corps. (Released)
http://www.defenselink.mil/photos/Oct2005/051026-M-5213M-019_.html
U.S. Marines of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines conduct a security patrol in downtown Kharma, Iraq, on Oct. 26, 2005. DoD photo by Sgt. Paul S. Mancuso, U.S. Marine Corps. (Released)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Tuesday, 8-Nov-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
LCpl Hutchison gets to watch his son born!
|
 |
|
Photo # 1
|
|
 |
|
Photo # 2
|
|
|
For those that may not recognize LCpl Hutchinson you will find his photos throughout this fotopage. Congrats go out to the LCpl and his lovely bride!
Now get back out and take more pics LCpl! 
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/38EC79D1B997009D852570B300358A8A?opendocument
Akron, Ohio, native deployed to Iraq sees birth of child via internet
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200511844448
Story by Pfc. Chistopher J. Ohmen
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Nov. 8, 2005) -- While deployed to Iraq, many Marines of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, will unfortunately miss important family events that happen only once a year or perhaps once in a lifetime.
But one Marine, Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Hutchison, a combat cameraman with the battalion, was fortunate enough to see one of the most important events in his life, his first child being born, via video transmitted across the World Wide Web. He received some help from the hospital and fellow deployed Marines, allowing him to see the birth shortly after the actual event.
“The hardest part of being sent to Iraq was that I would miss the birth of my son,” said the 25-year-old Akron, Ohio, native. “But knowing that the hospital and Marines from Regimental Combat Team-8 were going out of their way to help me see the birth was a great feeling.”
While Hutchison was on leave a few months ago, he and his wife Sarah, 23, took a tour of the Akron City Hospital. While they were there, they asked if there was a way to view the birth of his son via a web broadcast.
They were directed to Kimberly Holm, a member of the corporate communications section of Summa Health Systems, who set up a meeting to discuss the request and determine what they would be able to do. This would be the first time this hospital would do anything like this and the staff was excited to do what they could.
Holm contacted other hospitals that had fulfilled similar requests for deployed service members. The whole process took approximately six weeks to complete and included 11 individuals from the corporate communications, public relations, audio-visual support, legal and nursing departments.
“When the idea first came up that the hospital was going to help us make it like Matthew was there, I was excited,” Sarah stated. “This way he could see an hour of video online and much quicker than if we did it ourselves. I felt like someone was looking out and helping us.” After the hospital’s capabilities were assessed and the group discussed the options available, Holm decided to allow the families to utilize some of the hospital’s digital video equipment. They were allowed to take footage of Sarah and their newborn son Benjamin after he was born. The family also brought their own equipment as a backup.
The hospital then set up a secure website for Hutchison to access the video footage from a computer in Iraq. Staff Sgt. Christopher Rogers, Regimental Combat Team-8’s data chief, exchanged emails with the hospital computer technicians so they could test the site.
With a successful test of the website and all of the equipment prepared and ready, all that was left was the arrival of Benjamin.
“This was a learning experience for all of us and we were very happy to do this for the Hutchisons,” Holm said.
Once Hutchison was informed that Sarah was in labor, he sat by the phone for the whole night waiting for the phone call. After hours of waiting patiently he heard it ring. Upon picking up the receiver, he heard the faint crying in the background of his newly born son.
Ecstatic with joy, Hutchison sat up for as long as he could, talking to Sarah and their parents, who filmed the birth. Knowing that everything was fine and everyone was healthy, he reluctantly hung up the phone.
“It gave us both a piece of mind to know that I would be able to see the birth shortly after the real thing instead of having to wait a few weeks for the digital video disk to arrive in the mail,” the 1998 Arch Bishop Hoban High School graduate stated.
“We were honored to be able to provide this service to Sarah and Matthew,” Holm said. “And now that we have a process in place we will be able to do the same for others serving overseas.”
-30-
# 1 -CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Hutchison, Combat Cameraman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, talks to his wife Sarah, shortly after the birth of their first son, Benjamin. Hutchison was given the opportunity to see his son’s birth via a website the hospital made for him.
Photo by: Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
# 2 -CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq -- Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Hutchison, Combat Cameraman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, accesses his email account to watch the birth of first child, Benjamin, being. Hutchison coordinated with the hospital while on leave a few months prior and the hospital was willing to assist him in seeing his son’s birth.
Photo by: Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sunday, 6-Nov-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
MAP Black - Camp India with IA 1-4! 10/27/05
|
|
http://www.defendamerica.mil/photoessays/nov2005/p110305a1.html
# 1 - Iraqi army soldiers with 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, wait for U.S. Marines to distribute ammunition at Camp India, Iraq, Oct. 27, 2005. The Marines are assigned to Mobile Assault Platoon Black, Mobile Assault Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Hutchison
# 2 - U.S. Marines assigned to Mobile Assault Platoon Black, Mobile Assault Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, lubricate the rifles of Iraqi soldiers at Camp India, Iraq, Oct. 27, 2005. The Iraqi troops are with 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Hutchison
# 3 - Iraqi army soldiers with 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade listen to instructions on proper shooting positions by U.S. Marines assigned to Mobile Assault Platoon Black, Mobile Assault Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, at Camp India, Iraq, Oct. 27, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Hutchison
# 4 - An Iraqi soldier with 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, listens to instructions on corrections to his shooting position given by U.S. Marines with Mobile Assault Platoon Black, Mobile Assault Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, at Camp India, Iraq, Oct. 27, 2005. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Hutchison
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Thursday, 3-Nov-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
Sgt. Michael Paul Hodshire
|
|
http://www.hillsdale.net/stories/111105/news_hodshire001.shtml
Michael Hodshire laid to rest with military honors
Art Bukowski, Staff Writer
Nikki Sattler-Case, Staff Writer
In a gymnasium packed with hundreds of friends, relatives and servicemen, Hillsdale County Undersheriff Jeremiah Hodshire remembered his nephew.
“Michael was a rugged young man, full of enthusiasm...and guided by the golden rule,” he said, speaking of Marine Sgt. Michael Hodshire, who died in Iraq Oct. 30. “He could put a smile on the sternest faces.”
Hodshire, 25, was Hillsdale County’s first serviceman killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. At his funeral Thursday in the gym of North Adams–Jerome High School, every full–time staffer of the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Depart–ment as well as representatives from the Michigan State Police and other law enforcement agencies were present.
When state Rep. Bruce Caswell spoke of Hodshire, his speech shared a common thread with the ministers, former teachers and others that spoke of him — his sacrifice was for each of us.
“The words I speak cannot compare to the sacrifice of Michael,” he said, in a talk that implored others to serve their community and country. “I submit to you today that as Michael Hodshire has died for our freedom, it is incumbent upon us to live to make men free...we must honor Michael by living the words duty, honor and country every day.”
Thursday was the 230th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, and as Ken Kurtz of Kurtz Funeral Homes pointed out, it seemed appropriate.
“It is fitting to say that Sgt. Hodshire was a proud Marine,” he said.
During the funeral procession to Northlawn Cemetery, about 100 people of all ages lined the streets bearing American flags.
Toddlers waved flags, women wiped away tears and men held their hats over their hearts as a procession of police, family and friends escorted a hearse carrying Hodshire to his final rest. A boy leaned out of one limo carrying the family, an American flag gripped tightly in his hand. Others in the procession acknowledged those gathered with solemn nods and raised hands.
North Adams resident Sharon Titus wiped away tears as the procession rolled by. She said she came out “just to be patriotic I guess. We’re just very thankful that there are soldiers willing to die for our freedom.”
Earl Rockey of Jonesville was also on hand. “I read about this in the paper and made the decision that I’d be here for it,” Rockey said.
Hodshire received full military honors at Northlawn.
Those interested in contributing in his memory can make donations to the Sgt. Michael P. Hodshire Memorial Education Fund at the Hillsdale County Community Foundation
Pete Mowry / DAILY NEWS Marines salute the memory of Michael Hodshire with rifles during Thursday's service in North Adams. #1
Pete Mowry / DAILY NEWS Marines carry the casket of Michael Hodshire through the graveyard on Thursday afternoon. The service drew a large number of family, friends, and community members. #2
Pete Mowry / DAILY NEWS Marines escort the casket of Michael Hodshire from the gymnasium at the end of Thursday's memorial service at North Adams-Jerome School. #3
Pete Mowry / DAILY NEWS J.J. Hodshire says some words about his nephew and religion as he speaks during Thursday afternoon's service for Michael Hodshire. #4
Pete Mowry / DAILY NEWS The gymnasium of North Adams-Jerome School is packed on Thursday afternoon, to honor the memory of Michael Hodshire. #5
Pete Mowry / DAILY NEWS The Rev. Clyde Wonders says a brief prayer as he honors the memory of Michael Hodshire during Thursday's service at North Adams-Jerome School. #6
Mark Rogers/DAILY NEWS Residents of North Adams, and people from all around Hillsdale Countyshow their respects to Sgt. Michael P. Hodshire as his funeral procession passes on the way to Northlawn Cemetery. #7
http://www.freep.com/news/mich/soldier31e_20051031.htm
Michigan Marine, 25, killed in Iraq
Second soldier dies of noncombat cause
October 31, 2005
BY DAN CORTEZ and AMBER HUNT MARTIN
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
Marine Sgt. Michael Paul Hodshire, 25, of North Adams always dreamed of joining the Marine Corps.
Army Staff Sgt. Lewis J. Gentry, 48, was a career soldier from Detroit.
Both men died while serving in Iraq within the last five days. They are the 65th and 66th members of the U.S. armed forces with known Michigan ties to die in Iraq.
News of Hodshire's death came Sunday, devastating the small town in Hillsdale County.
"We're a small, rural community here," said Kenneth Kurtz, a family friend. "He had a lot of friends here."
Hodshire, a father of two, was three months into his second tour of duty in Iraq with the 2nd Marine Division when he was killed Sunday morning by indirect gunfire near Fallujah, Kurtz said.
Serving in the Marines fulfilled a lifelong dream for Hodshire, he said.
"That's been a passion of his from his school days," he said. "He wanted to be a Marine."
Four days after Hodshire graduated from North Adams-Jerome High School in 1999, he went to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego for basic training. He spent the next six years on active duty.
Carl Christenson, principal of the North Adams-Jerome Public Schools' junior and senior high schools, said Sunday night that students will be upset by the news.
"It's a small district. Obviously, it will have an impact," said Christenson. The district includes a total of 550 students.
Christenson said he met Hodshire last summer during a Little League baseball game. Christenson's 11-year-old son and Hodshire's younger brother play on a local team together, he said.
A man who answered the phone at the Hodshire residence in North Adams on Sunday night declined to comment.
A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense could not confirm on Sunday that Hodshire had been killed.
The Defense Department announced Sunday that Gentry had died Wednesday in Mosul from a noncombat-related cause.
Gentry had been assigned to the Army's 94th Engineer Battalion in Vilseck, Germany.
Vianne Gentry, 64, remembers the day when her little brother enlisted in the Army. It was Nov. 26, 1986.
"He was my baby brother, that's why I remember the date," she said Sunday night from her Detroit home. "He was a really good guy."
Vianne Gentry's son, VonEric Gentry, had already enlisted in the military. He encouraged his uncle to join.
"He really wasn't doing that much at the time," said VonEric Gentry, 45, of Detroit. "I wanted him to go into the military. I told him it would give him a good start. Get a career and training."
Lewis Gentry enlisted and served in a transportation unit. That took him to the Middle East during the Persian Gulf War and into Somalia. He was assigned to a transportation unit in Germany most recently, but VonEric Gentry wasn't sure what his uncle was doing in Mosul last week.
Lewis Gentry hadn't been back to Detroit since Christmas. He leaves behind a wife and several children.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete Sunday night for both men. A memorial fund is being established to benefit Hodshire's children. He is also survived by his parents, a brother and three sisters.
Contact DAN CORTEZ at 586-469-1827 or cortez@freepress.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Wednesday, 2-Nov-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
Commander's Update!
|
|
1 November 2005
Warlord Family and Friends,
Following a successful constitutional referendum, 2/2 continued to aggressively pursue the enemy throughout the area of operations. Data received indicates that a significant increase in the percentage of Sunnis voted in comparison to the January 2004 interim government election. Now that the people have accepted the constitution, another election in mid-December will be to elect a new government to serve for the next five years. Whatever final form the government takes, the important point is that the Iraqis are exercising democratic rights.
A big part of counterinsurgency is separating the people from the insurgent, causing them to lose popular support. Our Civil Affairs effort is working to support that goal by identifying needs within each given area, coordinating with the Marine Company Commander and local Iraqi civil leaders and Sheikhs. The ultimate goal is to assist the Iraqis in developing their economy. Long-term employment will improve the lives of the populace and provide hope and reason to pursue peace for all.
Our Iraq counterparts in the Iraqi Army continue to do an outstanding job in their assigned area of operations. Their competency and skill continues to improve and with their ability to conduct operations with minimal or no Marine support has furthered our ability to influence a much wider area. They are a major part of the future success of this country. As well, Iraqi Police forces are developing and will begin to provide the enforcement of laws as the new government develops. The rule of law is vital to achieving peace and security. With Iraqi Security Forces providing security, the people can feel safe to live their lives, educate their children, go the mosque, and work to improve the economy.
Amidst our success, the Warlords suffered very painful losses. From Mobile Assault Platoon White, Weapons Company, SSgt Pummill, LCpl Russoli and LCpl Szwydek were killed in action. Easy Company lost Capt Swisher their company commander, Sgt Hodshire, Cpl Cockerham, HM3 Thompson, and LCpl Butler. We will miss them deeply and will continue to pray for their families that they may find peace and strength. The Warlords will continue the fight against insurgents while improving the daily lives of Iraqi citizens. By continuing to do so, we honor our fallen Marines.
After such sobering and tragic losses the news of newborn Warlords help us recover and find hope in troubling times. I’m pleased to announce the additions to two families in Golf Company.
Captain Joel and Lisa Schmidt Alexander Golf
Corporal Michael and Nichole Donnelly Dylan Golf
More great news for the Donnelly family. Corporal Michael Donnelly (Co G) was selected for meritorious promotion to Sergeant Nov 2nd. He was competing against a very competitive field from several other battalions and independent commands. We are extremely proud of him and happy for his family.
The following Marines were promoted and I want to offer my congratulations to them.
Maj Brandon Conway Weapons Company 1 October
GySgt Keith Harris Golf Company 1 October
Capt Stephen Musick H&S Company, Supply 1 November
SSgt Michael Skinta H&S Company, Sniper Platoon 1 November
GySgt Mike Smith (frocked) H&S Company 1 November
In closing, I would like to express my continued THANKS for the great support our Men are getting from those of you back home. You are truly “force multipliers” as you pump-up the morale with care packages, letters and emails. Special thanks to our Key Volunteer Network, led by Jayme Alexander and her terrific team of coordinators. During these trying times as we deal with our casualties they have been superb. We are half way to the end of our deployment. We remain focused on the mission and each other and will not get distracted by approaching “Homecomings”. We have too much to accomplish. To be sure, we all cherish the day we are home with our loved ones.
I remain Semper Fidelis,
James J Minick
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Tuesday, 1-Nov-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
Easy 3rd Plt 2nd Squad in action - A tribute to Sgt Hodshire!
|
 |
|
Photo # 1 - after effects!
|
|
 |
|
Photo # 2 - Easy 3rd
|
|
|
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/0/1F6BBE95956AC8AC852570A10050B4CD?opendocument
Company E turns tide of enemy attack
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Pfc. Chistopher J. Ohmen
Story Identification #: 20051021104131
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq(Oct. 2, 2005) -- October 2 began as another hot and dusty day in Iraq. By day’s end, however, the Marines of 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines defeated local insurgents in a decisive small-arms battle.
The As Sadah Firefight, as the engagement is now known, was a decisive blow to the local insurgency cells and a push in the direction of a free Iraq.
“All the Marines did exactly what they were supposed to do,” said Sgt. Michael P. Hodshire, 2nd Squad Leader for 3rd Platoon. “We gave our initial orders and the Marines followed their training to take the fight to the enemy.”
The Marines of 3rd Platoon were conducting patrols out of a forward operating base when mortar rounds impacted 400 meters away. Their adrenaline pumping, the Marines in the building put on their gear and prepared themselves for whatever might happen next.
As soon as the first enemy rounds hit, a call went out for air support to try and find the point of origin for the enemy’s mortar position.
The impacts kept getting closer until eventually the Marines heard them land only 100 meters away. Each enemy round fired continued to encroach upon the FOB until they were within 30 meters of the Marines’ position.
Using a 60 mm mortar, Lance Cpl. Armand J. Anderson, a mortar man with the unit, fired rounds by hand, without a bipod, back at the enemy positions, while Lance Cpl. Gary W. Bell and his machine gunners laid down heavy suppressive fire on the enemy position from the rooftop of their FOB with two M2 .50 caliber heavy machine guns and one 240G medium machine gun. Anderson fired with such precision that the enemy mortars ceased firing.
“Without the well-laid fire from our mortars and machineguns, the enemy mortars may have hit even closer than they did,” said Sgt. Sean H. Miles, 1st Squad Leader for 3rd Platoon.
Shortly after the enemy mortar attack on the base, small arms fire started coming from a house to the east. In response, 2nd Squad pushed out in that direction to seek out and destroy the enemy.
When 2nd Squad was approximately 200 meters from the suspected insurgent house, a loud yell in Arabic was heard. Suddenly, the insurgents opened up on the Marines with rifle and machinegun fire. Rocket Propelled Grenades were also fired at the Marines from a dirt mound in proximity of the insurgent house.
Already 30 min had passed since the first mortar landed near the Easy Company Marines of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. By this time, air support was being re-routed to the battalion in order to provide close air support for this platoon-sized firefight. Third Platoon received an abundance of air power: a section of Cobra/Huey helicopters for close air support; a section of Air Force F-16’s looking for enemy indirect fire positions; and an Un-manned Arial Vehicle that was watching enemy movements on the ground.
With support from the Battalion Combat Operations Center, the Marines in the fight were able to paint an accurate picture that enabled the pilots to put ordnance squarely on the enemy position.
During this particular fight, the Marines on the ground were unable to establish direct communication with the pilots. Instead it had to be routed through other channels. With a chain of five Marines passing information, the pilots were able to communicate with ground forces.
“Upon the positive confirmation of friendly and enemy positions, air elements were extremely successful at suppressing the enemy attacking Easy Company,” said Capt. Matt L. “Runt” Walker, Battalion Air Officer.
“Despite the communication problems, the Marines on the ground, while in duress and taking enemy fire, were able to accurately convey the enemy’s position for the inbound air support,” said Capt. Brian P. Mclaughlin, the Assistant Operations Officer and Battalion Watch Officer on duty at the time of the firefight.
The Marines of a Mobile Assault Platoon with Weapons Company were the closest reinforcement assets to the engagement and were called upon to provide support and reinforcement for the foot-mobile unit.
The enemy, having wired the main canal bridge with several improvised explosive devices, forced MAP to find an alternate route to 3rd Platoon, Company E’s position. The Marines still needed the MAP’s support, so 1st Lt. James E. Martin Jr., the MAP’s Platoon Commander, pulled out his map of the area of operation and smartly located a secondary route to 3rd Platoon.
The MAP joined 3rd Platoon in the fight approximately 15 minutes later. They supported the platoon by providing communications gear, mobile firepower, and additional security at the FOB.
Throughout the firefight, the Corpsmen of 3rd Platoon, Company E, attended to the wounded in action. During the initial exchange of small arms fire a Lance Cpl. from 2nd squad sustained a gunshot wound to the leg from small-arms fire. With a cool head, Seaman Apprentice Kevin L. Smith, a corpsman with the platoon, pulled the Marine from the line of fire. Smith calmed him down and splinted McGraw’s broken leg with a stick and a stretchable support wrap.
After they were able to move injured the Marine to the casualty collection point on a stretcher, Hospitalman Clarence T. Lovelace Jr., another Corpsman with the platoon, checked the Marine for other wounds finding none. He applied a second bandage to the wound and splinted both his legs together for better support.
A field to the side of the FOB was quickly cleared so the casualty could be evacuated by helicopter to Fallujah Surgical on Camp Fallujah for further treatment.
Now nearly two hours into the fight, 3rd Platoon was running low on ammunition and water. Back at the battalion COC, available assets were quickly assessed and, in short order, a plan of action was developed to conduct a re-supply.
At a feverish but calculated pace, Capt. Roger S. Hill, the Battalion Logistics Officer, and Staff Sgt. James I. Dale, the Combat Train Platoon Commander, worked the problem at hand. In less than 30 minutes the vehicles were loaded with supplies, combat checks were conducted and the re-supply operation order was briefed to the Marines heading to 3rd Platoon’s position. They conducted a successful re-supply run in a safe and efficient manner enabling 3rd Platoon to receive the ammunition and water to stay in the fight.
Supply convoy; mobile support; air firepower – the As Sadah Firefight had required the Marines to use all the elements of combined arms. A perfect example of team effort and the Corps’ motto, “Semper Fidelis”, were manifested in the Marine’s actions that day.
And after three hours of fierce combat in the hot, dry climate, the Marines of 3rd Platoon, sweat dripping from their brows, secured the surrounding area and assessed the situation. Once the Marines were able to take a breath and look around, they saw the thousands of spent rounds they had fired to stay alive and destroy insurgent activity in the immediate area.
The house the insurgents used as a base had collapsed in on itself after being repeatedly hit with Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missiles from the MAP and Hellfire missiles from the Cobras. It was also peppered with numerous small arms rounds from the two squads. Only one wall of the house still stood as the rest of the building continued to smolder. The Marines inspected the house for whatever was left. A squad of enemy insurgents was killed and wounded, dealing a severe blow to insurgent cells.
“We found the ground littered with small-arms rounds that had exploded from the missile attacks,” Hodshire stated.
It was over.
The heat of mid-day subsided and the dust settled on another day in Iraq. The 1st squad leader reflected: “All the Marines did everything they were supposed to, down to the most junior Marine in the platoon,” Miles stated. “I couldn’t have asked any more of them.”
# 1 - 051002 AL ANBAR PROVIENCE, Iraq – This is what remains following a three-hour firefight between the Marines of 3rd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, an a cell of insurgents on Oct. 2. The Marines killed and wounded most of the insurgents in the house severely hurting the insurgents cells in the area. Photo by: Courtesy of the Marines of 3rd Platoon, Easy Company, 2/2
# 2 - CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – The Marines of 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, stand triumphant at Camp Fallujah after a few days rest following a three-hour firefight with insurgents on Oct. 2. The Marines are about to leave back out into the Area of Operation for more operations. Photo by: Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Monday, 31-Oct-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
Photos from LCpl "Drew" 2/2 Easy Co.
|
|
Papa Paul sends along some pics his son, LCpl Drew sent him recently. Good stuff! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Sunday, 30-Oct-2005 00:00 |
Email | Share | | Bookmark |
|
DoD Photo 2/2 Golf on patrol + Operation Free Market 8-7-05
|
|
Operation Free Market was 2/2's first OP upon going in-country. They have also participated in Operation Western Divide and acquitted themselves admirably! OORAH!
On site related matters, I went back in and added a post on 9/10/05 and 9/17/05. I also added more pics to the Map Red post dated 9/27/05. HEY! I blame it all on senility! - JHD 
#1 - U.S. Marines of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, fall into a tactical column as they maneuver through a palm grove to conduct a security patrol in Fallujah, Iraq, on Oct. 22, 2005. DoD photo by Sgt. Paul S. Mancuso, U.S. Marine Corps. (Released)
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/20059257812
Operation Free Market disrupts insurgent activity
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 20059257812
Story by Pfc. Chistopher J. Ohmen
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Sept. 7, 2005) -- Iraqi Security Forces and Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment conducted a sweep of the Karma Market during Operation Free Market, Sept. 7.
The operation was conducted after numerous improvised explosive device attacks in that area. The search included businesses and residences in the market area.
“The battalion has been hit with IED’s about 100 meters north of the mosque in the market, and we are trying to find out if anyone knows who is doing it,” said 2nd Lt. Gabriel A. Ives, platoon commander for 2nd Platoon, Company G.
Around 10:00 a.m., Marines from the battalion cordoned off the streets around the market ensuring no one left the area and no hostile force outside the market could attack the combined force as they searched. Once the cordon was set, the rest of the troops moved in to secure the rest of the area and started talking to the locals.
Groups of Marines and Iraqi soldiers searched each side of the market and talked to the owners of the shops to let them know they were searching the premises for any weapons or materials for making IED’s. Each group included interpreters to communicate easier and a military working dog and handler team that could pick up the scent of explosives.
Two and one-half hours after searching in, around and on top of the buildings produced a few illegal items.
The Marines and Iraqi soldiers concluded their search, loaded up their vehicles and headed back to Camp Fallujah. The information they gathered will be analyzed and used in future operations.
“The mission achieved what we wanted. We demonstrated through Marine and Iraqi Army patrols that we are concerned about the area and the people living and working there,” said Maj. Christopher Dixon, the executive officer for 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines. “Our continued presence and interaction with these people will eventually develop a closer bond and work towards providing greater security. With increased security, the people and local economy will grow, driving insurgents from their midst.”
#2 - KARMA, Iraq -- Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, unload from an armored 7-ton truck to start their sweeps of the Karma Market during Operation Free Market, Sept. 7. Approximately one-third of the battalion and numerous Iraqi soldiers were involved in this operation to try and retrieve information and IED materials from the market.
Photo by: Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
#3 - KARMA, Iraq -- Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Iraqi Army soldiers search the shops in Karma Market for anything that shouldn't be there during Operation Free Market, Sept. 7. Approximately one-third of the battalion and numerous Iraqi soldiers were involved in this operation to try and retrieve information and IED materials from the market.
Photo by: Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
#4 - KARMA, Iraq -- Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, arrive at the Karma market on Sept. 7, for Operation Free Market because of numerous Improvised Explosive Devices being detonated a 100 meters north of that market. Approximately one-third of the battalion and numerous Iraqi soldiers were involved in this operation to try and retrieve information and IED materials from the market.
Photo by: Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
#5 - KARMA, Iraq -- Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, watch a group of Iraqi locals and provide security during Operation Free Market, Sept. 7. Approximately one-third of the battalion and numerous Iraqi soldiers were involved in this operation to try and retrieve information and IED materials from the market.
Photo by: Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
#6 - KARMA, Iraq -- An Iraqi Army soldier searches one of the many shops for Improvised Explosive Device materials and anti-coalition forces propaganda in the Karma Market during Operation Free Market, Sept. 7. Approximately one-third of the battalion and numerous Iraqi soldiers were involved in this operation to try and retrieve information and IED materials from the market.
Photo by: Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen
|
|
|
|
|
