april20 the convoy final
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April 20, 2010
Issue 49
Page 1
Postal Marines keep morale high
Col. Bruce E. Nickle, 44, from Vienna, Va., assumes the responsibility of leading Combat Logistics Regi-
ment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, from Col. Joseph P. Granata, 48, from Fredonia, N.Y., during a change
of command ceremony held at the 22 Area parade deck here, April 14.
Story and Photos by
Cpl. Jacob Singsank
The Convoy Staff
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP
PENDLETON, Calif. Col. Bruce E
Nickle assumed the responsibility o
leading Combat Logistics Regimen
15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, along
with his current unit from Col. Joseph
P. Granata during a change of com
mand ceremony held at the 22 Area
parade deck here, April 14.Along with assuming command o
CLR-15, Nickle, 44, from Vienna, Va.
serves as the commanding officer o
Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1s
MLG.
I feel honored that Brig. Gen. Hud
son has the confidence in me to take
on this challenge, said Nickle. A
the same time, I feel a tremendous
amount of responsibility since I have
to ensure Marines and sailors in both
regiments are ready for Operation
Enduring Freedom 10.2 deploy
ments, and that we continue to sup
port training and deployments in and
from Camp Pendleton.Nickles previous commands gave
him the qualification and experience
needed to lead both regiments simul
taneously.
I was selected because I have a
background in both supply and main
See COC Page 2
CLR-15 and CLR-17 share commanding officer
Story and Photos by
Lance Cpl. Jerrick J. Griffin
Forward Staff
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Aghani-stan -- The Marines at the postal
warehouse persevere through
extreme heat and vicious sand
storms to ensure they complete
their mission of delivering mail
to the Marines and sailors of Re-
gional Command South.
The process starts at the flight
line, where a Marine signs and ac-
counts for all the mail that arrives.
After the mail is retrieved from the
flight line it is then brought back
to the warehouse where the Ma-
rines sort through truckloads of
packages and thousands of let-
ters. To ensure safety of Marines
and sailors, some packages are
sent through x-ray machines and
some are hand inspected for anyprohibited items like drugs and
alcohol.
The process of receiving mail
from the states can take up to 10days, but there is a quicker alter-
native called Moto Mail. A family
member or friend can setup an
account at MotoMail.us and enter
a Marines information and mail-
(Left) Lance Cpl. Tiffany Webster,
a postal clerk with Headquarters
and Service Company, 1st Ma-
rine Logistics Group (Forward)
sorts through mail at the postal
warehouse, April 12 at Camp
Leatherneck, Afghanistan.
See POSTAL Page 2
Pocket-sized piecesof mind
See Page 3
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April 20, 2010, Issue 49
Page 2
COC_____Continued from Page 1
Story by
Staff Sgt. Jennifer Brofer
Forward Staff
CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan Com-
bat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine
Logistics Group (Forward), transferred
authority to Combat Logistics Battalion
5 in a ceremony here, April 16.
CLB-1 Commanding Officer Lt. Col.
Michael Rohlfs and Battalion Sergeant
Major Sgt. Maj. Richard Charron cased
the CLB-1 colors, completing their sev-
en-month tour in Afghanistan.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Jarosz, CLB-5 com-manding officer, and Sgt. Maj. Brian
Cullins, CLB-5 sergeant major, un-
cased the CLB-5 colors, signifying the
start of their mission in Afghanistan.
Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, com-
manding general of 1st MLG (FWD),
spoke of the accomplishments of
CLB-1 Marines over the past seven
months. CLB-1 provided tactical lo-
gistics support to Regimental Combat
Team 7 during Operation Moshtarak
in February, where Marines fought to
secure the former Taliban stronghold
of Marjah, a pivotal move in the war in
Afghanistan.
That will go down in Marine Corpshistory, said Hudson to a crowd of Ma-
rines and sailors after the ceremony.
As we celebrate the Marine Corps
birthday for years to come, when we
think about the first and second Battle
of Fallujah, when we think about Leba-
non ... Khe Sahn and Hue City ... Mar-
jah will undoubtedly flow into the con-
versation as well.
CLB-1 Marines and Sailors also con-
ducted more than 275 combat logistics
patrols, noted Hudson.
I couldnt be prouder of the per-
formance of my Marines over the last
seven months, said Rohlfs of the [email protected]
_________Continued from Page 1
POSTAL
tenance battalions, said Nickle.
With the deployments to OEF, some
gaps in leadership were created.
Nickle was available and qualified
to fill the leadership role required by
CLR-15.
Nickle relieved Granata, 48, fromFredonia, N.Y., who will continue his
service as the logistics officer at Ma
rine Corps Air Ground Combat Cen
ter, 29 Palms, Calif.
The change of command ceremony
included the passing of the colors
incoming and outgoing remarks from
the commanding officers and a per
formance by the 1st Marine Division
Band.
During the ceremony, Granata spo
ke highly of his time commanding the
regiment. He also thanked his fam
ily and fellow Marines and sailors fo
their hard work and dedication during
his tour with CLR-15.This is not just a change of com
mand for me, but the end of an era,
said Granata.
Nearing the end of the ceremony
Granata passed the CLR-15 colors
to Nickle, intrusting him to lead the
Marines and sailors of the unit. Afte
receiving the colors, Nickle spoke
about CLR-15s mission and future
deployments to Afghanistan.
I understand what CLR-15 does,
said Nickle. Right now it is my num
ber one goal to make sure [CLR-15
is ready to go.
Nickle will lead CLR-15 until a new
commander is available to take thereigns.
Col. Bruce E. Nickle, assumes theresponsibility of leading CombaLogistics Regiment 15, 1st MarineLogistics Group, from Col. JosephP. Granata, during a change of command ceremony held at the 22 Area
parade deck here, April 14.
ing address, type the letter and
click send. The letter is then sent
to postal Marines at the forward
operating base to print and be de-
livered.
[Moto Mail] is a quick and
easy way for [friends and family]to get messages to the Marines
out here, said Lance Cpl. Tif-
fany Webster, a postal clerk with
Headquarters and Service Com-
pany, 1st Marine Logistics Group
(Forward).
The postal Marines never give
up on their mission of ensuring
each letter and package gets to
the intended recipient.Lance Cpl. Matthew Cramer, a postal clerk with Headquarters and Ser-vice Company, 1st Marines Logistics Group (Forward) reseals a pack-age at the postal warehouse at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, [email protected]
Combat Logistics Battalion 1 Marines, sailors
will go down in Marine Corps history, general says
CLB-1 Marines. They endured a lot.
From the nights they worked 24 hours
continuously in the cold, or whether
it was out on a recovery mission, or
working to get vehicles up for the fol-lowing days missions, I couldnt ask for
more of them. Many a times I asked a
lot, and they always came through.
Jarosz looks forward to building on
the success of CLB-1 during their tour.
CLB-1s dedication, their profession-
alism, their endurance, fighting through
all the unique challenges they had ... I
expect well perform in the same way
CLB-1 did to meet the expectation of
the supporting units, RCT-7 and the
other [I Marine Expeditionary Force
Forward] units that are out here, said
Jarosz.
Jarosz said CLB-5s main tasks
throughout the deployment will be the
transportation of supplies to ground
units through combat logistics patrols,
air delivery and helicopter support
teams; improving roads and traffic-ability for units moving throughout
Helmand Province; and maintaining
vehicles and equipment that constant-
ly take a beating in the dust-covered
rocky Afghanistan terrain.
As challenging as it may be, the
CLB-5 Marines are up to the task, said
Jarosz.
These Marines have trained hard,
he said. I think theyre confident going
into their mission, now we just have to
live up to the expectations.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Jarosz, commanding officer of Combat LogisticsBattalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), and Sgt. Maj.Brian Cullins, CLB-5 sergeant major, uncase the CLB-5 colors dur-ing a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan,
April 16. Combat Logistics Battalion 1 completed a 7-month tourin Afghanistan providing logistical support to Regimental CombatTeam 7 and other I Marine Expeditionary Force units.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Paul Fajardo
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April 20, 2010, Issue 49
Page 3
Forward Staff
Public Affairs Officer.....2nd Lt. Jeremy D. McLean
Press Chief.....................Staff Sgt. Jennifer D. Brofer
Reporter.........................Lance Cpl. Jerrick J. Griffin
Reporter.........................Lance Cpl. Khoa N. Pelczar
Non-Deployed Element
Public Affairs Officer..2nd Lt. Rebecca A. Burgess
NCOIC..........................Sgt. Whitney N. Frasier
Editor.................................Cpl. Robert C. Medina
Reporter......................Cpl. Shannon E. McMillan
Reporter...........................Cpl. Jacob A. Singsank
Reporter.....................Lance Cpl. Kenneth C. Jasik
For more information or ideas that you want to see in this publication, please contact the
1st MLG Public Affairs Office at (760) 763-7795.
Visit the 1st Marine Logistics GroupThe Convoy Staff
Happenings
Blood DriveMarine Corps Family TeamBuilding Blood Drive isscheduled to be held at theMarine Corps Family TeamBuilding and Family Read-iness Center here, April20. For more information,contact Randy Johnsonat (760) 763-7422 or visit
www.militarydonor.com.
Del Mar Beach ProjectSupport the Go Greeninitiative by helping toclean up Del Mar Beach.All are welcomed for Funin the Sun April 24 from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick upa registration form at anyMarine Corps Exchangeaboard Camp Pendleton.For more information, call(760) 725-6233.
Military Spouse Essay ContestEnter for a chance to wina special day for two withfree childcare included.The essay has to explainhow you, as a militarymember, appreciate yourspouse. For more in-formation contact CheriMeredith-Evans at (760)725-2335.
The Base Theater
Mon-Tues - CLOSED
Wednesday -Shutter Island
(R) 6:30 p.m.
Thursday - Alice in Wonder-land (PG) 6:30 p.m.
Friday - Alice in Wonderland
(PG) 6:15 p.m.
Our Family Wedding (PG-13)
9 p.m.
Saturday - Alice in Wonder-
land (PG) 6:15 p.m.
Green Zone (R) 6 p.m.
Shutter Island (R) 8:40 p.m.
Sunday - !!Free Movies!!
The Blind Side (PG-13) 1 p.m.
Alvin and the Chipmunks:The
Squeakquel (PG) 4 p.m.
Its Complicated (R) 6:30 p.m.
For more information visitwww.mccscp.com
To see photos of you and your unit, become
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Group name 1st Marine Logistics Group
Pocket-Sized Pieces of Mind:Deployed Marines keep reminders of home, luck
and faith close to their heartsStory by
Sgt. Justin Shemanski
Combat Logistics Battalion 6
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan
- The young Marine checked his gearfor the last time just a few hours be-
fore he was to depart friendly lines.
The plan was to leave under the cloak
of darkness, bound for yet another re-
mote outpost in need of resupply deep
in the heart of Helmand province. Re-
gardless of the somewhat safer guise
of night, the Marine knew the enemy
would be watching ... waiting for the
perfect opportunity to strike, as they
had so many other times during his
last few combat logistics patrols.
He wasnt nervous though.
In addition to the hundreds of other
well-trained Marines equipped with an
arsenal of some of the worlds mostadvanced weapons systems, he had
a couple more personal items to in-
clude. Perhaps even more powerful
than any rifle or rocket, he made cer-
tain these items accompanied him on
every mission outside the wire re-
minders of home.
Wrapping a brown leather-strapped
watch around his wrist and stuffing
a tattered letter into the right cargo
pocket of his desert Marine Pattern
Utility Uniform both gifts from a
loved one back home were always
the final actions the Marine performed
before heading out. As far as he was
concerned, these simple reminders oflife beyond the combat zones of the
Middle East were all he needed to
keep mission accomplishment in his
sights. Upon a closer look, it appeared
he was not the only one who carried
such items so close to the heart.
Warriors have carried personal tok-
ens into battle since wars have been
waged, and the practice continues
among the Marines deployed in sup-
port of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Dangling from a piece of lightly mo-
ondusted trim within a Mine Resistant
Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle,
a set of dog tags accompanied by a
small silver and green cross and aphotographic metal tag with an in-
scription that reads Semper Fidelis
I will always love you is found.
The items belong to Lance Cpl. Zech
Stimson, a motor transportation oper-
ator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6,
1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward),who figures it never hurts to have a
piece of home around for good luck.
My wife got it made for me right
before I left, said the 19-year-old na-
tive of Lapeer, Mich. I told her I would
keep it with me at all times and so far
it hasnt left my sight. I also keep a
photo of her with me too.
When asked why troops carry such
things with them, Stimson noted
memories of friends and family as a
strong motivation to press through the
hardships common throughout com-
bat tours.
I think its a comfort thing, he said.
When things get hard, or you get alittle scared, its good to have some-
thing familiar with you to put things
into perspective; reminders of good
times.
Fellow CLB-6, 1st MLG (FWD) Ma-
rine Lance Cpl. Nicholas Randolph,
a logistics vehicle system operator,
wears a pendant given to him by his
mother for good luck.
When I was home on pre-deploy-
ment leave, my mom noticed that I
had two dog tags on the same chain
and she asked why, said the 21-year-
old native of Wayne, W. Va.
Randolph proceeded to spin the
somewhat prolific yarn to her, whichdetails how the first tag is left attached
to the primary chain around the neck,
and the second bag tag is placed
within a fallen troops jaw for recovery
at a later point in time. Naturally, his
mother wasnt too thrilled to hear this,
so she made him a deal.
She offered to trade a pendant that
she had always kept for good luck for
my second dog tag, and when I get
home, if all goes well, we will trade
back, said Randolph. I havent taken
it off since. Weve always been re-
ally close and by keeping it with me,
it feels like she is watching over me
in some way. It makes me feel moresecure out here doing what we need
to do.
In addition to luck, some Marines,
like Lance Cpl. James Vanvalken-
burg, a motor transportation opera-
tor with Bravo Company, CLB-6, 1st
MLG (FWD), look no further than theirown faith to safely guide them through
the valley of the shadow of death.
Two religious challenge coins, which
he received during pre-deployment
training at Marine Corps Air Ground
Combat Center Twentynine Palms,
Calif., have accompanied him on
each of the dozen missions he has
participated in since touching down in
country in late January.
Ive always been pretty religious. I
attend church often back home, and
as often as I am able to out here
depending on operational require-
ments, said the 28-year-old native of
Athens, Ga. This is an easy way forme to always carry the Lords blessing
with me.
Its easy to lose touch with your faith
out here and this is a durable, tangible
reminder for me.
To Lance Cpl. Mark Malarkey, a
heavy equipment mechanic with Alpha
Company, CLB-6, 1st MLG (FWD),
trusty pieces of gear in the form of
haggard boots and recruit training-is-
sued dog tags provide him with more
peace of mind than any higher power
or gift of good luck.
I wore these boots during a deploy-
ment to Iraq last year, which included
being mortared [several] times in onemonth, so I make sure I wear them
every time I head out here, said the
native of Brooklyn Park, Minn., as he
kicked his visibly worn boots against
his truck. So far, so good...
The variations of these precious
items found here are endless, but
they all seem to represent one com-
mon theme. Whether its a symbol
of a higher power from the Heavens
or something a little more worldly in
the form of well-worn combat boots,
it appears nothing is ruled out when
it comes to a safe passage through
Helmand province and beyond.
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Photos from the 1st Marine Logistics GroupApril 20, 2010, Issue 49
CLB-13 toughens up for deploymentStory by
Cpl. Shannon E. McMillan
Lance Cpl. Kenneth C. Jasik
The Convoy Staff
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND
COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE
PALMS, Calif.-Marines and sailors
with Combat Logistics Battalion 13
have a chance to sharpen and ad-
vance their skills as they prepare to
deploy with the 13th Marine Expedi-
tionary Unit.
Not knowing what is in store for
them when they deploy, CLB-13 has
been conducting different scenarios
during their training exercise here.
Training for the service members
began at Camp Wilson. Since the
morning of March 18, they have
completed several training missions,which include convoy operations, he-
licopter support and mass casualty
exercises.
The training operations are to help
CLB-13 be ready for any obstacles
they may see as a Marine Logistics
Group unit that sustains combat units
with supplies on the front lines.
[In Afghanstan] we focus on doing
what we can to support the battalions
out there, said First Sgt. Dennis J.
Collins, battalion sergeant major,
CLB-13.
The Marines and sailors are gaining
and reiterating essential information
and skills to assist them in any num-ber of the infinite situations they may
face while on deployment.
This training has covered every-
thing we could face in Afghanistan,
whether its improvised explosive de-
vices, indirect fire or small arms fire,
said Cpl. Brenton F. Sangster, com-
munications calibrator, maintenance,
Combat Logistics Group 13.
The purpose of the field training
operation is to give the Marines and
sailors the opportunity to gain experi-
ence outside of their daily routine.
Service members were given an
opportunity to throw live grenades.
For some, it was the first time they
have thrown explosive ordnance
since Marine Combat Training.
Its good training, you learn some-
thing new everyday in your job and
much more, said Seaman Anthony
Weber, corpsman, motor transport,
health service detachment, CLB-13.
During the exercise, service mem-
be-rs not only improved their job skills
A Marine from Combat LogisticsBattalion 13 holds a live grenade ashe waits to throw it while at MarineCorps Air Ground Combat Center,Twentynine Palms, April 14.
Lance Cpl. Eduardo L. Naranjo, Combat logistics Battalion 13, Communications Detachment, sights in on a possible threat while acting as guardianangel for the forward operating base at Marine Corps Air Ground CombatCenter, Twentynine Palms, April 14.
(Right) A Marine from CLB-13 throwsa live grenade at Marine Corps AirGround Combat Center, TwentyninePalms, April 14.
but in addition to that, they provided
support in building the forward op-
erating base. Individuals took part
in maintaining the security positions
around the FOB.Marines and sailors gained crucial
experience and knowledge that will
further assist them, not only for the up
coming deployments, but for future
operations as well.
During the exercise, service mem-
bers not only improved their job skills,
but also provided support in building
the forward operating base. Individu-
als also took part in maintaining the
security positions around the FOB.
Marines and sailors gained crucial
experience and knowledge that will
further assist them, not only for the
up coming deployments but for future
operations as well.I look forward to deploying with
this unit, this battalion is going to be
strongly successful, said Collins.
Im proud to be a part of this unit.
A Marine from CLB 13 throws a live grenade at Marine Corps Air GroundCombat Center, Twentynine Palms, April 14.
Photo by Cpl. Shannon E. McMillan
Photo by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Photo by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik
Photo by Cpl. Shannon E. McMillan