Happy Anniversary, 1st MLG

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1 July 7, 2010 Issue 59 Happy Anniversary, 1st MLG Lance Cpl. Khoa Pelczar Forward Staff Photo by Lance Cpl. Khoa Pelczar The 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) color guard lowers the 1st MLG battle colors as the National Anthem is played at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, during the 1st MLG 63rd Anniversary ceremony, July 1. For more photos, see page 3. Click here to watch video of the ceremony. CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) celebrated the 63rd Anniversary of 1st MLG in a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 1. Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway wished a happy 63rd Anniversary to 1st MLG in All-Marine message 022/10. You have unfailingly provided exceptional combat service support for Marines in the most hazardous locations, wrote Conway, 62, from Walnut Ridge, Ark. Your commitment to warfighting excellence was amply demonstrated during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and most recently in Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The commanding general of 1st MLG (FWD), BGen Charles L. Hudson, noted that official recognition from the Commandant to a logistics group was previously unprecedented. This is the first time that the Commandant of the Marine Corps has officially recognized not only the anniversary of the 1st Marine Logistics Group, but the other Marine logistics groups as well, said Hudson, 51, from Zirconia, N.C. During the ceremony, Hudson and the sergeant major of 1st MLG (FWD), Sgt. Maj. Antonio N. Vizcarrondo Jr., 46, from Boston, attached the Afghanistan campaign battle streamer onto the 1st MLG battle colors, adding another milestone to the lineage of 1st MLG. The Marines of 1st MLG conduct resupply missions to units throughout Helmand Province, providing food, water, ammunition and fuel to forward deployed troops. The Marines also spearhead engineering projects such as road improvements near local villages. The unit s corpsmen provide medical care to all military personnel, as well as some local nationals. We have forces not only from the 1st Marine Logistics Group, but also forces from the 2nd [MLG], the 3rd [MLG], and the 4th Marine Logistics Group working together, Hudson said. The fact that we re able to bring these four different organizations together into one unit here in Afghanistan to support Marine coalition forces, that is something to be very proud of. Established on July 1, 1947 as the 1st Combat Service Group, Marines and sailors of 1st MLG have conducted humanitarian relief operations around the world and engaged in combat operations to provide combat service support to Marines in some of the most dangerous locations. We have been left a powerful legacy by those who have served in this organization before us, said Hudson. The intent is to provide a little bit of history, especially to our younger Marines and sailors so that they understand that the organization Page 1 they belong to has a tremendous history. We continue to make history each day, added Hudson, and I m confident that when our respective tours are complete within 1st Marine Logistics Group, we too will have added to the storied lineage of this illustrious organization. Members of 1st MLG have provided support and services to many operations conducted by the Marine Corps over the years, Hudson explained. Since its establishment, 1st MLG has undergone four reorganizations and redesignations, but regardless of the name, 1st MLG s tradition, mission and core competency stay the same. As you celebrate your proud heritage, wrote Conway in his letter to 1st MLG, know that you have earned the highest admiration of your fellow Marines and the American people. Happy Anniversary and Semper Fidelis! khoa.pelczar@afg.usmc.mil

2 Marines, sailors celebrate anniversary For more photos, click here Photo by Cpl. Robert C. Medina Col. John M. Schultz, chief of staff, 1st Marine Logistics Group, attaches streamers to 1st MLG s colors during the 63rd birthday ceremony at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 1. Marines know that we can always count on 1st MLG to ensure our warfighters are supplied and equipped to complete any mission - General James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Rebecca Burgess Pendleton Staff MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PEND- LETON, Calif. The 50 state flags waved proudly in the warm California breeze as Marines and sailors gathered for a ceremony to commemorate the 63rd Anniversary of 1st Marine Logistics Group here, July 1. As colors were presented, many service members thought about their brothers and sisters forward deployed. Just like any other Marine, I wish I could be out there with them, said Lt. Col. Steven Weintraub, G-3, 1st Marine Logistics Group. Although the entire 1st MLG family was not physically together to celebrate, they were permanently united in a deeper sense: through their history. As we look forward, it is also important to look back to where we came from, not just as the Marine Corps overall, but as 1st MLG, said Weintraub. Fourteen Marines walked across the lawn with streamers to dress their unit flag with well-deserved awards. Just like the ribbons that salty, old-corps Marines display proudly on their uniforms to tell their own personal Marine Corps story, the battle streamers tell the 1st MLG story. Each streamer the Marines rededicated came with a story, from places like Korea, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, Somalia and Iraq, where Marines and sailors from 1st MLG were called upon to complete a mission. The presentation of battle colors gave the gatherers exceptional insight into exactly where they come from. For many of the younger Marines, it was all very new. Until today, I was unaware of all the battles 1st MLG has participated in, said Cpl. Keenan J. Kumanchik, heavy equipment mechanic, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st MLG. After the last streamer was hung from the guidon at the top of the 1st MLG flag, their journey to the present was perfectly clear. At 8 a.m. on July 1 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, BGen Charles Hudson officially dedicated the Afghanistan campaign streamer. This is a reminder that 1st MLG continues to write history. In the audience and standing before Page 2 you is a representative slice of those that have gone before, as well as the present and future of our Corps, said Col. John Schultz, chief of staff, 1st MLG, in his remarks. All have so selflessly contributed so much to the exemplary performance of this unit. I commend you, along with our families, for your sacrifices. Sacrifice is something else shared among those in 1st MLG to help accomplish the mission and grow as a unit. Without dedicated, hardworking Marines and sailors 1st MLG s history would probably be written quite differently. Schultz made sure to mention the reason the Marines and sailors could be a part of something so spectacular. More importantly, said Schultz, it s about the individual Marines and sailors that make up the organization. It s their hard work and sacrifice that makes [1st MLG] successful. As Marines, sailors and guests listened to the messages written by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Conway, and 1st Marine Logistics Group Commanding General BGen Charles L. Hudson, it was apparent how highly respected 1st MLG is. Marines know that we can always count on 1st MLG to ensure our warfighters are supplied and equipped to complete any mission, wrote Conway to the Marines and sailors of 1st MLG in All-Marine Message 022/10. One of the Marines in attendance noted 1st MLG s transformation since he began his career with the unit in 1992 back then it was known as 1st Force Service Support Group. A lot of the changes have been for the better to make us more proficient in our support, said 1stSgt Trey Belle, company first sergeant, India Co., Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry West. Activated in 1947 at Pearl Harbor as the 1st Combat Service Group, the unit went through four name changes before becoming the 1st MLG. However, despite all the name changes, one thing remains the same: the dedication to providing exemplary combat service support to Marines and sailors forward deployed and in garrison. rebecca.burgess@usmc.mil

3 63 years of excellence Photos by Lance Cpl. Khoa Pelczar BGen Charles L. Hudson, 51, from Zirconia, N.C., commanding general of 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), and Sgt. Maj. Antonio N. Vizcarrondo Jr., 46, from Boston, sergeant major of 1st MLG (FWD), salute the battle colors during a ceremony celebrating the 63rd Anniversary of 1st MLG at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 1. Cpl. Kenia Suarez, 21, from Santa Ana, Calif., administrative clerk with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), raises the American flag for morning colors during a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, celebrating the 63rd Anniversary of 1st MLG, July 1. We continue to make history each day, and I m confident that when our respective tours are complete within 1st Marine Logistics Group, we too will have added to the storied lineage of this illustrious organization. -BGen Charles Hudson, Commanding General Page 3

4 Air delivery Marines get the DROP on new parachute system Air delivery specialists with 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) recover Low Cost Low Altitude parachute systems during a training operation near Forward Operating Base Dwyer July 1. Air delivery specialists with 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), brace themselves for the fast approaching rotor wash of a CH-53 Super Stallion helicopter during a training operation near Forward Operating Base Dwyer July 1. Photos by Sgt. Justin Shemanski Lance Cpl. Cory J. Bandouveres, an air delivery specialist with 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), from Billerica, Mass., secures a Low Cost Low Altitude parachute canopy upon its landing during a training operation near Forward Operating Base Dwyer July 1. The Marines made several small drops of packaged water bottles at altitudes ranging from 150 to 900 ft. in order to test the capabilities of these new and cost effective canopies. Unlike previous parachutes used, these are considered one-time use and will be used to supply ground troops with critical items such as food and water. Click here to watch video. Page 4 Lance Cpl. Jordan Shemanski (left), air delivery specialist with 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), documents the condition of a bundle of bottled water while Lance Cpl. Cory J. Bandouveres, air delivery specialist with 1st MLG (FWD), recovers a Low Cost Low Altitude parachute canopy during a training operation conducted near Forward Operating Base Dwyer July 1.

5 Independence Day Beach Bash Service members and their families enjoy food and fun at 4th of July extravaganza Photos by Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank (Top left) Samantha A. Brooks watches as her son Zachary M. Brooks plays in the sand at the July 4th Ken Grody Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach, Camp Pendleton, Calif. (Above) Mia D. Tate, 3, from Oceanside, Calif., enjoys a variety of food. (Below) Beach enthusiasts prepare to tackle the waves. Hundreds of service members, families and Department of Defense employees enjoyed live entertainment, a variety of food, water activities and a fireworks show during the celebration of America s Independence Day. Page 5