Indiana Marine Killed In Action June 19th ~ Afghanistan

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 521-08 June 20, 2008

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Capt. Eric Daniel Terhune, 34, of Lexington, Ky.

Lance Cpl. Andrew Francis Whitacre, 21, of Bryant, Ind.

Both Marines died June 19 while conducting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

For more information about these Marines may contact the 1st Marine Division public affairs office at (760) 763-5397.

Final Formation for LCpl Layton B. Crass ~ Richmond

Lance Cpl. Layton Bradly Crass, 22, of Richmond, In. died June 14 while supporting combat operations in Farah Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Arrangements have been made and the Patriot Guard has escorted the Marine home. Marines lets turn out to support this Marine Family at their time of need.

For details of the arrangements see: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddrkpc38_4797gcfpcd7

Thanks to Patriot Guard for the Itinerary.

Richmond, IN Marine Dies in Afgahnistan

A 22-year-old Marine from Richmond was among four from a unit based at Twentynine Palms who died Saturday in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan.

Lcpl. Layton Bradly Crass, 22, a 2005 Richmond High School graduate, died Saturday, Sgt. Brad Covert confirmed today. Sgt. Covert is Family Readiness Officer for the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.

Services are pending at Doan & Mills Funeral home in Richmond. Tentatively the services will be held at Richmond High School 380 Hub Etchison Pky. Richmond IN. Marines lets get to Richmond to support this family. The Indiana Patriot Guard has also been requested to participate by the family.

Additional information will be posted as it is known.

REMINDER: 26th MEU Community Outreach Day

ALL MARINES WELCOME!! PASS THE WORD

The 26th MEU has not only been doing their training but lending assistance to the flood victims of Indiana. The 26th MEU is assisting Indiana using CH-46Es for search and rescue and Marines on the ground helping with sandbags to repel more flooding. Marines and Indiana National Guard are working hard to help our citizens! Let us turn out to show our appreciation!

Thursday 12 June Location: Indiana State Fair Grounds Time: 10:00 a.m.

Summary: This event will feature some of the best the Corps has to offer. We will stage an 8-wheeled Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) and two Humvees, while four Marine helicopters (a CH-53E, a CH-46E, a UH-IN, and an AH-1W) land on the fair grounds parking lot. Marines will debark and be available to meet with the public. Specifically, we will have an infantry squad, a Marine sniper in a ghillie suit, various weapon systems and a Marine Corps Martial Arts Demonstration.

26th MEU Community Outreach Day - Indy!

Thursday 12 June
Location: Indiana State Fair Grounds
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Summary: This event will feature some of the best the Corps has to offer. We will stage an 8-wheeled Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) and two Humvees, while four Marine helicopters (a CH-53E, a CH-46E, a UH-IN, and an AH-1W) land on the fair grounds parking lot. Marines will debark and be available to meet with the public. Specifically, we will have an infantry squad, a Marine sniper in a ghillie suit, various weapon systems and a Marine Corps Martial Arts Demonstration.

For more information on the mission, organization, history and current status of the 26th MEU, visit the unit’s website at http://www.26meu.usmc.mil/.

The Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Central Indiana is in contact with the PAO and will advise shortly on how to attend. Check back here for details.

Operation Care Package 24/7

For those of you who want to send care packages & have good intentions, but time slips away. Marine Sgt. Klay South has established OPERATION CARE PACKAGE 24/7 http://www,ocp247.com which is a web based commerce site to ship packages from. Many changes have been implemented to make the process quick and easy…a first time user should be able to spend less than 5 minutes from logging on the site to end of purchase. If you know the service member you are shipping to click I KNOW MY HERO and follow the prompts. Before checking out, you will be required to register as a user. If you have any problems, or would like a process changed, please email OCP247 and put your comments…the goal is to make it very easy!

This is a great way to send care packages because OCP247 is the primary corporate sponsor for VETERANS OF VALOR http://www.veteransofvalor.org (not for profit 501 3 C) which provides backpacks with and IPOD and/or PSP, break away clothing for wounds, athletic wear, Bible, etc. for combat wounded who have six months or more of recovery. Group trips to Dave & Busters for meals and games are a favorite. Transportation is provided as well.

It is a win-win. Each dollar does double duty as it supports our troops with great stuff…it also helps those who are wounded. This is the ONLY care package site established and operated by a wounded vet.

Last original Iwo Jima flag-raiser dies at 82

The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Feb 5, 2008 16:17:26 EST

REDDING, Calif. — Raymond Jacobs, believed to be the last surviving member of the group of Marines photographed during the original U.S. flag-raising on Iwo Jima during World War II, has died at age 82.

Jacobs died Jan. 29 of natural causes at a Redding hospital, his daughter, Nancy Jacobs, told The Associated Press.

For the full story click on the title above.

Berkeley council tells Marines to leave

By Doug Oakley
STAFF WRITER
ContraCostaTimes.com

Article Launched: 01/30/2008 01:48:16 PM PST

Hey-hey, ho-ho, the Marines in Berkeley have got to go.
That's the message from the Berkeley City Council, which voted 6-3 Tuesday night to tell the U.S. Marines that its Shattuck Avenue recruiting station "is not welcome in the city, and if recruiters choose to stay, they do so as uninvited and unwelcome intruders."

In addition, the council voted to explore enforcing its law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation against the Marines because of the military's don't ask, don't tell policy. And it officially encouraged the women's peace group Code Pink to impede the work of the Marines in the city by protesting in front of the station.

Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates offered Friday to help the U.S. Marines leave town by negotiating an end to the lease for their recruiting station.

For the complete story click on title above




WELL MARINES....HAVE A COMMENT FOR MAYOR TOM BATES?

Mayor Tom Bates
2180 Milvia Street, Berkeley, CA 94704
TEL: (510) 981-7100, FAX: (510) 981-7199, TDD: (510) 981-6903
Email: mayor@ci.berkeley.ca.us

Chronic Marine Syndrome (CMS)

This condition affects men and women of all ages. Symptoms to look for are:
1. Pride in oneself and the organization they represent.
2. A strong willingness to put in extra attention to detail to get the job done.
3. May wear articles of Marine clothing; T-shirts, jackets, watches, well into their 80's.
4. Will not hesitate to stand up or put their hand over their heart, or even salute when the National Anthem is played.
5. Does not succumb easily to political correctness.
6. Is sure of who they are.
7. Is often either respected or hated by others, due to their abilities and talents.
8. Will donate toys to needy kids at Christmas.
9. Some have been known to wear their hair in a high and tight well into their 90's.
10. Will look you in the eye when talking to you.
11. Will give you a firm handshake.
12. Knows what honor, courage and commitment mean.
13. Can usually be found in some type of leadership position in whatever organization they work for.
14. Will often regard their drill instructors with the same respect as their parents.
15. Often found in either law enforcement or various professions.
16. Is extremely thorough at what they do.
17. Does not wear a bunch of patches to adorn their uniform. Their title of Marine is often sufficient.
18. Often arrives at work earlier than expected. If they wear a shirt and tie in their job, you might see the tie clip between the third and fourth button centered.
19. Had spent time training at one of two places; Parris Island or San Diego.
20. May be able to field strip their rifle, up to 60 years after leaving active duty.
21. Can recite the nomenclature of the M1, M14 or M16.
22. May often have his pencils sharpened to a perfect precision point.
23. Will not back down from a fight.

Other symptoms include willingness to take on a challenge and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

Yes, CMS is real, and very hard to treat. The person with this condition often utters phrases such as Once a Marine always a Marine, or OooooRah. Some may even say Semper Fi on many occasions. It is best if you know someone with this condition to just leave them be. These people tend to be fiercely loyal to the Marine Corps.

Folks, this condition, although not curable can be treated. Some successful treatments have included;
1. Frequent visits to the base where the last served or looking at their Marine memorabilia
2. Get them around other Marines to help them flourish. They need other Marines who have shared the same experiences
3. Have them get memberships in organizations such as the Marine Corps League, The Marine Corps Association, Together We Served or have them join Leatherneck.com.
4. Some may require extra special attention such as buying items from www.eMarinePX.com or watching movies about the Marine Corps, this is only natural and nothing to be afraid of.

Whatever you do, remember that Chronic Marine Syndrome must be managed carefully. For example: In Michigan, a young man attempted to mug a Marine Korean War veteran who had advanced stages of chronic Marine Syndrome. It wasn't pretty! The mugger was severely beaten and required multiple stitches.

Remember folks, Chronic Marine Syndrome is real, while there may not be a cure, we can live with it.

Any questions, please see your local Marine. or go to 1-800-IMA-Marine for more information.

Thank you for your time.

Warning: Risks of Chronic Marine Syndrome may include a severe ass whippin' to those who attempt to start a fight with Marines. Remember not everyone gets this condition; onset often occurs after being given the title Marine, since a select few earn this title, not everyone will develop CMS.

Indianapolis Marine Convicted of Negligent Homicide of an Iraqi

Marine Lance Cpl. Delano Holmes has been convicted of negligent homicide in the death of an Iraqi soldier, but they gave him no prison time when he was sentenced Friday, December 14th. At first hearing about this I was irritated that a Marine in a war zone was being brought up on charges for doing what he was trained to do! Delano Holmes is a 2003 Ben Davis Graduate, the same High School that my children have graduated from. So, I placed myself in his shoes when the Iraqi illuminated their dark position by using his cell phone and then lighting a cigarette. My god there are snipers in the area what was the Iraqi thinking!! I would have at least kicked his ass!! Then as I started reading the various news articles about his case and I lighted up a bit. An ass kicking would have been appropriate in my mind, but an autopsy showed that Hassin had 17 stab wounds and that his nose had been nearly sliced off of his face. Those who know me understand that I am always on the Marine's side and in this case I want to give the Marine by backing. But, since I was not there and do not have all the details, I will have to trust that the Marine Corps has fairly dealt with this matter. Please draw your own conclusions!

For Delano Holmes and his family, I hope your appeals bring a good closure, you are in my prayers.

Family to Receive K-9 of Fallen Marine

December 13th, Fox news reported that the family of Marine Corporal Dustin J. Lee will receive his K-9 partner on December 21, 2007. Corporal Lee was killed defending our freedom on March 21, 2007 in Fallujah Iraq and his K-9 partner was wounded.

The family of the 20-year-old Marine finally won their petition to receive his dog Lex from the Marine Corps. The injuries Lex sustained were not life-threatening and he was returned to active duty. I am glad the Marine Corps came to an agreement with this family who have sacrificed so much. Hopefully Lex lives a long life and provides some comfort to the family of a fallen Marine.

Marine Corporal Dustin J. Lee (http://www.remembercpldustinlee.blogspot.com/)

Toys For Tots Saturday, December 8

Toys for Tots Saturday, December 8, 2007 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Here's your opportunity to help out Central Indiana's needy children at Christmas! You and your family can be a part of the Toys For Tots Annual Toy Drive! This event will be held at the administrative offices at Crown Hill Cemetery located at 38th and Clarendon Rd, just 1 block east of 38th and Michigan. It's so easy to help out: Just bring a new, unopened, and unwrapped toy by between the hours of noon-5pm and drop it off! The Marines will be on hand to assist with collecting the toys. All toys will go to local children in need this Christmas. Steve Stuart will stop by in the WFMS Friends and Neighbors van from 12-1pm. Hope to see you there!

ALMAR 020/07

Date signed: 04/11/2007 MARADMIN Number: 020/07
Posted : Thursday Apr 12, 2007 17:27:26 EDT

Subject: TO THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE
UNCLAS 111320Z APR 07
CMC WASHINGTON DC(UC)
TO AL ALMAR(UC
ALMAR 020/07
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CMC//
SUBJ/TO THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. TO BE A MARINE IS TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING THAT REPRESENTS THE BEST OF OUR NATION. IT IS TO ACCEPT A WAY OF LIFE THAT EMBODIES SELFLESS SERVICE - TO DEFEND THOSE WHO CANNOT DEFEND THEMSELVES, TO THRIVE IN THE HARDSHIP AND SACRIFICE EXPECTED OF AN ELITE WARRIOR CLASS, TO MARCH TO THE SOUND OF THE GUNS, AND TO ABLY SHOULDER THE HERITAGE CREATED BY THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US.
2. ONLY A FEW AMERICANS CHOOSE THE DANGEROUS AND NECESSARY WORK OF FIGHTING OUR NATIONS ENEMIES. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THAT CHOICE, SOME HAVE PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE, JOINING THE HONOR ROLL OF HEROES WHO BUILT THE NOBLE LEGACY OF OUR CORPS. FOR THOSE OF US WHO CARRY ON THAT LEGACY, IT IS OUR OBLIGATION TO HONOR THOSE FALLEN MARINES.
AS MARINES GATHER IN CELEBRATION OF OUR HISTORY, WE GATHER IN THE SHADOWS OF GREATNESS - THOUGH OUR FALLEN CAN NO LONGER PARTICIPATE IN OUR TRADITIONS, THEY WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF US AND WHO WE ARE.
3. THEREFORE, I AM DIRECTING THAT ALL UNIT MESS NIGHTS AND MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY BALL CELEBRATIONS INCLUDE WORTHY AND APPROPRIATE TRIBUTES TO OUR FALLEN COMRADES. SUBSEQUENT CHANGES TO THE DRILL AND CEREMONIES MANUAL WILL REFLECT THIS REQUIREMENT. THROUGH MEANINGFUL REMEMBRANCE, THE SACRIFICES OF "THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE" WILL NOT BECOME DISTANT MEMORIES, BUT WILL LIVE ALWAYS IN OUR WARRIOR CULTURE.
4. SEMPER FIDELIS, JAMES T. CONWAY, GENERAL, U.S. MARINE CORPS,
COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS//

1/9 "Walking Dead" to Stand Up This Week!

By Trista Talton - Marine Times Staff writer

Posted : Monday Apr 16, 2007 6:32:01 EDT

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — The Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, will officially stand up Wednesday.
The battalion, the legendary “Walking Dead” of Vietnam fame, was originally supposed to be activated Oct. 26, 2005. But the date was delayed while Marine Corps headquarters dealt with manpower and equipment issues, said Lt. Col. Brad Vickers, the battalion’s commanding officer.
That hasn’t kept the grunts with 1/9 twiddling their thumbs. The battalion deployed a reinforced rifle company to Iraq for a security mission and was the lead unit in Marine Corps System Command’s testing of the Modular Tactical Vest.
He said the battalion has received the majority of its assigned personnel, though some critical officer, staff noncommissioned officer and NCO billets remain open.
Wednesday’s ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at the 10th Marines Landing Zone on Julian C. Smith Road. All former 1/9 Marines and corpsmen are welcome to attend.

Navy Cross Awarded to LCpl. Christopher S. Adlesperger

For his actions on Nov. 10, 2004, LCpl Adlesperger will be posthumously awarded the Navy Cross on April 13, 2007.

“By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of enemy fire and utmost devotion to duty, ... Adlesperger reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service," read the citation letter that made the award official. The letter is signed by Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter. FSM is so proud of all of you! Thank you for keeping America safe and God BlessYou!

For the complete story Click on the title above.

Call to Service from the Commandant of the Marine Corps

End Strength Increase Information

By: Gen. James Conway, USMC

Our Nation is at war - our Corps is at war - fighting a determined enemy bent on terror and domination. Make no mistake, it is a war we must win! Success by the enemy will dramatically change the world as we know it, leaving a harsh environment for our children and grandchildren to endure.I don't need to tell you that over five years of deployments to the fight have put a strain on our Corps. Acknowledging that, and the necessity to win this struggle, the President has recently authorized the Marine Corps to grow. In a larger Marine Corps, we will need the leadership, savvy, and determination that experienced Marines like you provide. Now, more than ever, your Marine Corps needs you.Many of you have already sacrificed a great deal - and have already served your country in a courageous and honorable manner. However, in this hour of national crisis, I encourage every Marine who is considering closing the chapter on his or her Marine Corps service to reconsider. You are elite among the Nation's warriors. America and your Corps need you now, and I ask you to re-enlist - or to extend your commitment - to help us defeat this enemy and see us through the crisis. Think about the experience you have to offer and what it could mean to your fellow Marines still engaged in the fight. I know that any decision to stay in the Corps is both very important and very personal - one that has far reaching effects on both you and your family. In light of this, I have authorized new incentives for your extension / re-enlistment in recognition of your experience and honorable service.

Contact your Commanding Officer, First Sergeant or Career Retention Specialist for more information.

You are part of a new generation of Marines - carrying the battle-tested colors of our Corps. You have carried them with pride and with honor; I ask you to carry them with me for just a while longer.

Semper Fidelis,

James T. Conway

General, U.S. Marine Corps

Commandant of the Marine Corps

Resource: www.usmc.mil for story CLICK title above.

"*@#damn Marines"

TWS Reported Source: Written by Lt. Col. David W. Szelowski USMCR (ret.) - Wednesday August 17, 2005
"I wonder how many times during Operation Iraqi Freedom that the phrase "*@#damn Marines" was uttered? Even in the best of times, Army and Air Force officers have been heard muttering some epithet about Marines, invoking either heaven or hell. Interestingly enough, we Marines find it all rather reassuring and, at times, amusing.
Most of the time, Marines do not go out of our way to be obnoxious; we are just doing what Marines have done for over 200 years. A good example is the fact that Marines always raise the American flag over mountains or cities they have conquered. From Mt. Suribachi to the City of Hue, to Kuwait City to Baghdad, U.S. Marines have raised the Stars and Stripes-in the latter examples, much to the chagrin of higher headquarters. You don't get these kinds of problems with the Army. So what is it about the U.S. Marines that they stick U.S. flags on everything and do more with less, a less that is either old or an army hand-me-down? ! ! We call it Esprit de Corps, but it goes deeper than that.

For the complete story Click on the title above to take you to the TWS link.

Copyright (C) 2003-2007 TogetherWeServed All Rights Reserved.

Marine to serve 8 years for killing in Iraq! What is he there for?

CNN is reporting that Marine LCpl Pennington will serve 8 years. How can we maintain moral in a war zone if you are trying our troops for murder in a combat zone? Will it cause our Marines to delay in taking action while they think what is white or black? Will that moment of pause to think cost them their lives? I realize that I am over simplfying the situation, but a Marine in a combat zone must make life or death decisions in split seconds and we do not need to pause while the JAG or the news media renders an opinion.

CAMP PENDLETON, California (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine will serve no more than eight years in prison in connection with the killing of an Iraqi civilian, a Marine Corps spokesman said Saturday.
Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Pennington was sentenced to 14 years' confinement but will serve no more than eight under a plea agreement, Marine spokesman Sean Gibson told CNN.
Pennington pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges regarding the death of Hashim Ibrahim Awad, 52, in Hamdaniya, west of Baghdad.
Pennington was among a group of seven Marines and a Navy medic charged in Awad's death. He and two other Marines were ordered to stand trial in October.
Pennington agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit premeditated murder and kidnapping, and to a kidnapping charge. Other charges he faced were dismissed at sentencing.
He was given credit for the 340 days he served in pretrial confinement, Gibson said.
For full story: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/08/marines.hamdaniya.ap/index.html

Center for the Intrepid

The Center for the Intrepid represents at the most basic level is pure love for our US Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who gave a piece of themselves in a war far from home. Over 20,000 warriors are using the new rehabilitation facilities, for a view of the Center see: http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2007/intrepid_center2/

Marine Honor

Marine Sgt. Andrew M. Janovicz carries the U.S. flag through St. Boniface Catholic Church November 2006 during a funeral service for Sgt. Brock Babb in Evansville, Ind.

This photo of Marine Sgt Andrew Janovicz has been seen in USA Today, Evansville Courier Press, Denver Post, and Albuquerque Tribune. Sgt Janovicz is the son of Former Marine Mike Janovicz, Indianapolis.

Andy is a member Kilo Company, 3rd Bn, 24th Marines, Marine Reserve and Marine Corps League, James P. Farber Detachment 1183, Brownsburg, IN.