Volume 2, Issue 5 Moving Forward February 18, 2011 Headin Out Photo by Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski 2nd MLG(FWD) departs for Afghanistan Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) take the first steps of their deployment by boarding chartered buses at the French Creek Reception Center aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 15. Members of 2nd MLG (FWD) will embark on a year-long deployment to Afghanistan s Helmand province in support of International Security Assistance Force operations. See Pages 4 and 5 for more photos 8th ESB Purple Heart recipient eyes return to full duty... Page 3 Also: 2nd Maint. NCO PME... Page 2 Blotter... Page 2 Warrior of the Week... Page 3 Follow us on
Page 2 What NCOs should be Marines of the Pacific inspire 2nd Maint. Bn. leaders 2nd MLG Public Affairs CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. From their exploits in places like Belleau Woods and Tarawa, the Marines of old and their heroic feats are embedded in our warrior culture and often used as examples for younger Marines. The manner in which they fought these battles serves as snapshots of courage and leadership, and in true cliché fashion, the past is being used to learn for the future. Noncommissioned officers with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, came together to watch their predecessors on the big screen as they stormed the beaches of The Pacific during a period of military education at the Base Movie Theater aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 9. The 10-part television series depicts the 1st Marine Division s push through the Pacific and some of the toughest battles in our nation s history, such as Guadalcanal. During the event, the battalion s leadership prompted guided discussions among their sergeants and corporals to discuss how the past was both different and similar for today s Marines. Among the topics were leadership, patience and the ways wars were fought back then in comparison with today s engagements. When I watched this show for the first time I thought it was a great portrayal of Marine Corps NCOs, said Capt. Ania Driscoll, company commander for Motor Transportation Maintenance Company, 2nd Maint. Bn. I feel like we ve gotten away from some of the things you see in this show. Taking a step back and watching what some Marines went through, compared with serving in today s Corps, was the intent, continued Driscoll. Those in attendance felt immense pride in wearing the same uniform as men like John Basilone, Eugene Sledge and Robert Leckie, whom were portrayed in the film. Who can t learn from those men? said Sgt. William A. Berger, a diesel mechanic with the battalion. They never complained, they did what was asked of them and did it to the best of their abilities every time. Berger also shed light on how his Marines could learn from the show and gain a better appreciation for the Corps current conditions. I think Marines need to take a look at this and realize they don t have it as bad as they think, said Berger. It can always get worse and those men that fought during that time didn t have it easy. As a newly promoted corporal, Argustor Campbell, a Chicago native, mentioned how it would help junior Marines who are aspiring to be NCOs. Everyone who wants to be in a leadership role should watch this show, said Campbell, a motor transportation mechanic with Maint. Bn. Not because it s about Marines, but because they are what NCOs should be, no matter the branch of service. See PME, Page 5 15 Feb. 2011 - A sailor with 2nd Dental Battalion was observed as he placed a unit patch into his pocket and then exited the store without rendering payment. The sailor admitted culpability, was apprehended, processed and released to his unit OOD. 08 Feb. 2011 - A Marine reported that a member of Combat Logistics Regiment 25 had informed him that he had placed ammunition in his vehicle. A permissive search resulted in the discovery of (4) training grenades and an incendiary round. The Marine confessed, was apprehended, processed and released to his unit OOD.
Page 3 Photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Steele (Left), receives the Purple Heart medal from Brig. Gen. Michael Dana, commanding general, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, in a ceremony at 2nd MLG Headquarters Bldg. 2, Feb. 15. Steele was wounded in Marjah, Afghanistan, earlier this year. On the road to recovery Purple Heart recipient eyes return to full duty 2nd MLG Public Affairs CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. Marjah, Afghanistan, was the site of countless casualties and deaths, while Marines and coalition forces seized the city early last year in an attempt to rid it of Taliban forces. Fallen service members were given the proper respect and wounded Marines were decorated with the honors they deserved, but even one year after the initial assault, the urban center remains a dangerous region of Helmand province. Lance Cpl. Brian K. Steele, a native of Paris, Ill., can testify to the danger that still lies around Forward Operating Base Hansen, one of the many coalition outposts that now dot the city. On Jan. 22, Steele, who was the vehicle commander in the sixth vehicle of a 17vehicle convoy, was near FOB Hansen per- forming a logistics vehicle system replacement, and then it happened - his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. Although he was wearing all of his personal protective equipment, the blast left him in serious condition. Steele, a combat engineer with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), suffered injuries to his cheek bone and hip joint area, among other fractures. The experience is something he says he will never forget. Getting blown up will stay with me for the rest of my life, said Steele. It s a life changing experience, obviously, but I m fine and that s what s important. After being hit by the IED, Steele was medically evacuated to Camp Bastion, where he was diagnosed with the aforementioned injuries. Soon thereafter, Steele was admitted to the See RECOVERY, Page 5 Lance Corporal Brian K. Steele Job: Combat Engineer Hometown: Paris, Ill. Q: If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one piece of issued gear you would want with you? A: Pioneer kit. It s got all the tools you pretty much need. Q: What is your favorite MRE? A: Chili with Beans. Q: Why did you join the Marine Corps? A: To get out of my hometown. Q: What sports team do you root for? A: Colts, they got me pretty mad this year.
Page 4 2nd MLG Moves Photos by Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski (Top) A Marine with 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) briefs fellow Leathernecks and sailors on the morning s schedule prior to their departure at the French Creek Reception Center aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 15. (Above) Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) load their deployment bags onto a Marine Corps 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement at the French Creek Reception Center aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 15. The unit is slated for a year-long deployment to Afghanistan s Helmand province in support of International Security Assistance Force operations. Though elements of the 2nd MLG have deployed to Afghanistan on several occasions over the last decade, this marks the first for the command element. The unit also provided combat service support throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom. (FWD)
Page 5 PME, continued from Page 2 Marines, but because they are what NCOs should be, no matter the branch of service. Although it was only the first PME using the television program, leaders in the company have already made plans to make this a monthly gathering amongst NCOs in the unit. Driscoll said she wanted to get away from the standard briefing method of PowerPoint presentations, and give the Marines something to look forward to each month. The live action representations of Marine Corps ethos, coupled with guided discussion, seem like a perfect fit for the company s young leaders. I hope they continue holding these PMEs, said Campbell. Everyone can always learn new things, especially when you get a bunch of NCOs together to watch a show like The Pacific. I would recommend a lot more people to come out. There s a lot to learn when you are in a room of your peers. RECOVERY, continued from Page 3 (Above) A Marine with 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) embraces a young family member prior to departing the French Creek Reception Center aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 15. The unit is slated for a year-long deployment to Afghanistan s Helmand province in support of International Security Assistance Force operations. (Left, Top) Marines with 2nd MLG (FWD) load their deployment bags onto a Marine Corps 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement at the French Creek Reception Center aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 15. (Left, Bottom) Friends and family wave goodbye to the Marines and sailors attached to 2nd MLG (FWD) as they depart the French Creek Reception Center aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 15. Commanding General Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana Public Affairs Officers 1st Lt.. Michele Perez 2nd Lt. Joshua Smith (FWD) Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. William T. Stables Combat Correspondents Command Master Chief CMDMC Russell W. Folley Cpl. Rachael Moore (FWD) Cpl. Melissa Latty LCpl. Bruno J. Bego (FWD) Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and was subsequently admitted to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He s currently on convalescent leave and taking the rest of his life one step at a time as he continues to recover from his injuries. Beside the fact that he fell victim to an IED strike, his morale has not been shaken. The self-proclaimed trail blazer, who was awarded the Purple Heart medal Feb. 15, has a plan and is not going to let something like a combat wound keep him down for long. He s hoping to make a full recovery and return to duty. I like following my own path, I make my own decisions, said Steele, who proved this when he made the decision to join the Marine Corps just for a chance at a fresh start away from his hometown. Even growing up I liked to do my own thing. Steele continues his road to recovery, with his wife at his side, with a positive outlook on what was a bad situation that could have been worse. Public Affairs Chief Staff Sgt. Theresa E. Seng (FWD) Press Chief Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski Follow us on facebook