Saturday, November 29, 2008

SPMAGTF-A commander meets with RC-West, Afghan National Army commanders

Story by: Lance Cpl. Monty Burton

HERAT PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Colonel Duffy W. White, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan commander, and his staff met with commanders from Regional Command-West and the Afghan National Army’s 207th Corps Nov. 25 in the Herat Province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

This marked the first time the commanders have met since White assumed command of SPMAGTF-A Nov. 14.

The purpose of the meetings was to discuss how SPMAGTF-A can work effectively with its International Security Assistance Force and ANA counterparts to accomplish its mission of countering the insurgency in Afghanistan, while effectively training and mentoring the Afghan National Police and ANA.

“This was basically an introductory meeting to establish relationships and make sure everybody understands what our mission is,” White said. “Everybody understands that we have to work together to get the overall mission accomplished.”

White met with RC-West Commander Brig. Gen. Paolo Serra, of the Italian Army, and discussed SPMAGTF-A’s new area of operations and measures to de-conflict and coordinate operations. Since SPMAGTF-A operates in areas of both RC- South and RC-West, coordination between the three elements is vital for each of the commands’ overall mission success in Afghanistan.

“Everybody has a role to play and a mission to accomplish,” White said. “This meeting sets the groundwork for us to operate effectively in our areas of operations.”

White also got the opportunity to meet ANA 207th Corps commander Brig. Gen. Fazil Ahmad Sayer. Sayer welcomed the SPMAGTF-A staff graciously, offering his Afghan hospitality.

“My first impression was very favorable,” White said of his meeting with Sayer.

White’s SPMAGTF-A will be assisting Sayer’s 207th Corps in counterinsurgency operations and will be training and mentoring Afghan troops in basic and advanced combat operations.

Sayer said he is looking forward to working with the Marines and is willing to accept any assistance they can provide.

White said the meetings were a success and looks forward to conducting operations with his ISAF and ANA counterparts in the future.
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CLB-3 puts rounds on target in Afghanistan

Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer


TARNAK FARM RANGE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 3 conducted suppressive fire drills and maneuvers with crew-served weapons at Tarnak Farm Range, Afghanistan, Nov. 25.

The mission essential training is important in ensuring CLB-3 meets its requirements in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan’s mission of conducting counterinsurgency operations, and training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.

The Marines familiarized themselves with vehicle-mounted weapon systems, such as the MK-19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, M2 .50 caliber heavy machinegun and the M240B 7.62 mm medium machinegun, according to Gunnery Sgt. Isaac T. Hart, a sweep team leader with Motor Transportation Company, CLB-3.
The training focused on a method referred to as “talking guns,” a technique used to maintain a constant stream of fire against enemy forces. In addition, the Marines learned about fire discipline and economy of ammunition.

“[The training] also heightens their awareness and (initiates) accurate suppressive fire,” Hart said.

Hart also said the talking guns method keeps constant fire directed at the enemy, and it teaches Marines to conserve their ammunition.

During the training, the Marines fired their weapons from their vehicles and finished with a training scenario in which they delivered volumes of deadly accurate fire at simulated targets from ranges of several hundred meters.

According to Cpl. Troy Hoggard, a sweep team member with Motor-T Co., the training gave the unit’s less experienced Marines an opportunity to further sharpen their skills to accomplish their mission effectively.

He said sitting behind the .50 cal. heavy machinegun and firing rounds that hit and devastate their target within milliseconds was an exciting experience.

“Let alone the fact that these weapons can go through walls or make new holes in them, the strength and power of the .50 cal. and MK-19 are essential because they simply scare (the pants off) of people,” Hoggard said.

Overall, the training proved to be invaluable for the Marines.

“It makes me feel confident with the Marines and their abilities to destroy an enemy threat,” Hart said. “Marksmanship is my main concern, and I know the Marines walked away, feeling better educated.”
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KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Lance Cpls Lewis McNairy (left) and Omar Urla, satellite communications operators with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Afghanistan, look for souvenirs at an Afghan vendor's booth during a weekly bazaar on Kandahar Air Field Nov. 22. The bazaar stimulates the local economy while giving service members a chance to purchase unique Afghan and Pakistani goods.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Sgt. Rance Hill, vehicle coordinator for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Afghanistan, discusses a purchase with an Afghan vendor at the Kandahar Bazaar Nov. 22. The Bazaar is a weekly event, which gives service members an opportunity to buy Afghan and Pakistani wares while stimulating the local economy.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Juan D. Alfonso)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Sgt. Maj. Danny D. Duvall, Combat Logistics Battalion-3 sergeant major, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Afghanistan, discusses a potential purchase with a local vendor at a bazaar on Kandahar Air Field in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Nov. 22.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)(released)
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CLB-3 provides convoy security, care to Afghan women’s clinic

Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer


CAMP HERO, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion-3 conducted their first convoy, providing security during a medical support mission to Camp Hero, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Nov.19.

A Navy medical team with CLB-3, and a medical officer with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron – 466, both assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force -Afghanistan, traveled with a CLB-3 security convoy to an Afghan regional military hospital to provide health care to Afghan woman.

Upon arrival, the medical team conducted check-ups, physicals and prescribed medication to more than 20 Afghan women.

“I think it’s important to show them we can provide other services than war fighting and that we’re here to provide medical care,” said Navy Lt. Evy Potochny, the medical officer for CLB-3. “Health care is universal and everyone can use it.”

Prior to departure, the convoy took all precautionary measures before exiting the gate.

“You never know what you’re going to encounter, but the platoon conducts rehearsals, mission plans and obtains intelligence on the route
the convoy will be taking,” said Staff Sgt. Stephen Girouard, platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Motor Transportation Co.

Once the mission was complete, the Marines and sailors convoyed home.

“It went well,” Girouard said. “Despite the dangers, the mission was a great success for the convoy and medical personnel. The Marines are anxious to go on their next mission and won’t let anything stand in their way to help the Afghan people.”


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General officer meritoriously promotes Marine on the spot

Story by: Lance Cpl. Monty Burton



KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic Of Afghanistan – November 16 was supposed to be a regular day for Sgt. Jose Garza. Garza, a corporal at the time, went to work early to fix an aircraft, but little did he know that was possibly the best decision he could have made.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the 1st Marine Division commanding general, meritoriously promoted Garza, an aviation electrician with the Air Combat Element of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan, on the spot after he repaired Waldhauser’s aircraft at Kandahar Air Field in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Waldhauser arrived on a KC-130J provided by the Air Force but electrical problems delayed their departure and left the aircraft grounded for more than an hour while Air Force mechanics tried to correct the malfunction. Garza said he fixed the problem in about 30 minutes.

“I was finishing up some work on another aircraft when my gunny came to me and asked me if I could help out with the other plane,” said Garza, an aviation electrician. “I never thought it would earn me a promotion.”

Gunnery Sgt. Carlisle L. Wallace, aviation maintenance chief and Garza’s staff noncommissioned officer in charge, said after he talked to the crew and found out they needed an electrician he knew Garza was the Marine for the job.

He described Garza as the go-to-guy in the shop.

“He runs things back at our home camp, and he is running things here. I’m just glad the time and circumstances came together like they did and the general was able to do it,” he said.

Wallace said he is very confident in Garza’s ability to be an efficient sergeant.

“I can ask him to do just about anything and he will get it done with no extra supervision,” he said. “And he knows how to lead.”

Garza said after Wallace informed him of the promotion at first he was very nervous.

“As soon as I told my gunny I had finished, he told me run inside and grab my blouse because I was getting promoted,” he said. “I was shocked, but I just ran as fast as I could to grab my blouse and prepare for the promotion. My legs were shaking, but I really honored,” he said.

Waldhauser asked the 21-year-old if he had anything to say after the promotion, but he was still in shock.

“All I could say was thank you, and I was very honored to be promoted by him,” he said. “He told me to keep up the good work.”

Ironically, Waldhauser didn’t depart on the aircraft that yielded Garza the promotion.

“He flew out on a different plane that I had just fixed,” he said.

Garza, who is entering his fourth year in the Marine Corps, said his peers were very excited that he was promoted. Following his promotion, Garza was appointed the billet of Avionics noncommissioned officer in charge.

Although he had just received a very prestigious promotion, Garza was still focused on accomplishing his mission

“As soon as the promotion was done, I went straight back to work,” he said.

Garza said he will continue to learn more about his job while he trains the Marines appointed below him.
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Marines interact at local Afghan Bazaar

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan —Pfc. Luis Buzani, 20, looks over a potential purchase at a bazaar near Kandahar Air Field. Buzani, a Camp Verde, Arizona native, is a field radio operator with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan —A local Afghan vendor stands in front of his merchandise at a bazaar near Kandahar Air Field Nov. 15. The bazaar stimulated the local economy while giving service members a chance to purchase unique Afghan and Pakistani goods. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)(released)
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CLB-3 Marines train for IED search

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Combat Logistics Battalion-3 Marines review routine convoy countermeasures during improvised explosive device lane training at Kandahar Air Field Nov. 16. The Marines are assigned to SPMAGTF-Afghanistan whose mission is to train and mentor the Afghan National Police and conduct counterinsurgency operations against enemy insurgents.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Combat Logistics Battalion-3 Marines, with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan, perform a ground sweep during improvised explosive device lane training at Kandahar Air Field Nov. 16. The SPMAGTF-A mission is to train and mentor the Afghan National Police and conduct counterinsurgency operations against enemy insurgents.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Combat Logistics Battalion-3 Marines check for hidden mines during improvised explosive device lane training at Kandahar Air Field Nov. 16. The Marines are assigned to SPMAGTF-Afghanistan whose mission is to train and mentor the Afghan National Police and conduct counterinsurgency operations against enemy insurgents.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Combat Logistics Battalion-3 Marines, with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan, exit their Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle during improvised explosive device lane training at Kandahar Air Field Nov. 16. The SPMAGTF-A mission is to train and mentor the Afghan National Police and conduct counterinsurgency operations against enemy insurgents.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
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CLB-3 sets its sights

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Lance Cpl. Ryan D. Smith, marksmanship coach with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Battalion-3, explains the proper sight alignment on a target during battle-sight zeroing at Kandahar Air Field Nov. 14. CLB-3 is part of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan whose mission is to train and mentor the Afghan National Police and conduct counterinsurgency operations against enemy insurgents.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Lance Cpl. Ryan D. Smith, marksmanship coach with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Battalion-3, gives a rifle combat optics adjustment class during battle-sight zeroing at Kandahar Air Field Nov. 14. CLB-3 is part of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan whose mission is to train and mentor the Afghan National Police and conduct counterinsurgency operations against enemy insurgents.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Staff Sgt. Todd Erler, training chief for Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Battalion-3, coaches shooters on the firing line during battle-sight zeroing at Kandahar Air Field Nov. 14. CLB-3 is part of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan whose mission is to train and mentor the Afghan National Police and conduct counterinsurgency operations against enemy insurgents.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Cpl. Dustin K. McGowan, food service specialist with Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Battalion-3, shows his cleared weapon after firing his rounds during battle-sight zeroing at Kandahar Air Field Nov. 14. CLB-3 is part of the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan whose mission is to train and mentor the Afghan National Police and conduct counterinsurgency operations against enemy insurgents.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)(released)
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24th MEU transfers authority to 3rd Marine Regiment in Afghanistan

Story by: Cpl. Juan D. Alfonso


KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Colonel Duffy W. White, 3rd Marine Regiment commander, assumed command of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Afghanistan from Col. Peter Petronzio, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit commander, during a transfer of authority ceremony here Nov. 14.

The Department of Defense authorized the creation of the approximately 2,000-man unit Sept. 15 to increase the force levels and military capability of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – International Security Assistance Force.

“My Marines and sailors are delighted at the opportunity to serve in Afghanistan and affect the progress of the Islamic Government of Afghanistan,” White said. “We are well trained and anxious to begin our mission of training and mentoring the Afghan National Police while conducting counterinsurgency operations.”

The command element of SPMAGTF-A, 3rd Marine Regiment, is based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. The ground element, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. The support element, Combat Logistics Battalion-3 is based out of MCB Hawaii. The aviation element, headquartered by Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron-466, is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

The outgoing commander felt 3rd Marines is ready for the coming months and weeks and had a few parting words to pass to the troops.

“3rd Marines is well prepared for the challenges ahead of them,” Petronzio said. “They mobilized their training to prepare to come here and are more than capable. There is nothing we did that (3rd Marines) can’t. Be safe, train hard, row well and live.”

CLB-3 keeps faith with first religious service of deployment

Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Navy Lt. Karen Rector, chaplain for Combat Logistics Battalion-3, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan, conducts the battalion’s first religious service at Kandahar Air Field, while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Nov. 9.

Despite hours of training, Marines and sailors are given the opportunity to take a break from the rigors of forward deployment and enjoy Sunday service to accommodate their religious beliefs.

“It’s good for morale. There’s a lot of home sickness, and being with a group tends to help,” Rector said. “The services are also a place to relax and worship.”

Pfc. Jennifer Hays, a radio operator with Headquarters Company, CLB-3, said the sermons give people hope for a better day and can keep pushing them forward.

“Every time I’m with a group of people who are religious, it makes me feel supported,” Hays said.

Hays said she was moved by the service and how Christ was like her body armor.

“The service went very well, and soon there will be a set service time,” Rector said. “There should always be a Sunday service and, if there’s time, we might arrange a bible study.”

The U.S. Navy’s Chaplain Corps provides religious services for all denominations to Navy and Marine Corps personnel in garrison, on ship and while forward deployed.


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Marines celebrate 233rd Marine Corps Birthday in Afghanistan

Story by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton


KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 3rd Marine Regiment and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit celebrated the 233rd Marine Corps birthday at Kandahar Air Field in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Nov. 10.

The Marines, hundreds of which deployed to the region Nov. 5, are part of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan.

Although the Marines were located in a combat zone and couldn’t attend the Marine Corps birthday ball, the birthday traditions here remained the same.

On the dry, dusty air field, the ceremony began with a troop formation and reading of the birthday message of the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James T. Conway.

“Your actions, in Iraq and Afghanistan and across the globe, are the core of why America loves her Marines,” the message read.

Conway’s message was followed by that of the 13th Commandant, Gen. John A. Lejeune, which is customary at Marine Corps Birthday celebrations.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional cake cutting and recognition of the oldest and youngest Marines present.
Colonel Gary P. Shaw, 52, the oldest Marine, and Lance Cpl. Francisco Martinez, 19, the youngest Marine, were presented the first pieces of the birthday cake.

Shaw, a liaison officer to the KAF Command, said it was an honor to be recognized as the oldest Marine and celebrate the birthday while deployed.

“I liked it. It was definitely the most memorable birthday I have celebrated,” he said. “I’ve spent birthdays deployed but never to a combat zone, so it was definitely memorable.”

Lance Corporal Jerick Austria, an administrative clerk with SPMAGTF-A, said he wouldn’t want to celebrate the birthday anywhere else.

“I would much rather be here than at the ball,” he said. “Marines are trained to be deployed, so us celebrating the birthday here is very meaningful.”
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Youngest Batalion Celebrates B-day from afar

Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Through the dust and roar of jet engines, Combat Logistics Battalion-3, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Afghanistan, upheld the tradition of celebrating the Marine Corps birthday at Kandahar Air Field, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom Nov. 10.

The current unit, which recently transitioned from Combat Service Support Group-3 to CLB-3, stood in formation amongst the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, its aviation combat element and the headquarters element for SPMAGTF-A.

It was a special day for CLB-3, the Corps newest battalion, as one of its own was recognized as the youngest Marine in formation.

Filling the shoes of the youngest Marine, Lance Cpl. Francisco J. Martinez, 19, a sweep team member with Motor Transportation Company, took his place in the ceremony.

“When I found out, I was happy knowing that I would be one of the few given the opportunity, Martinez said. “I was in boot camp for my first ball and got to experience the cake cutting ceremony, but I never thought I would be the one receiving the cake as the youngest Marine.”

Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Southern California and watching his peers join gangs or start families at too young an age, he took it upon himself to make a life-changing decision.

“My step-dad inspired me because he wanted something better for me and knew college wasn’t for me,” Martinez said. “He thought the Marine Corps would be better, and I agreed. I didn’t want to be like everybody else I grew up with.”

With the support of his parents, Martinez became the first in his family to join the military, entering boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif., Oct.14, 2007.

“Even with the war going on, I knew what I was getting into when I joined,” Martinez said. “I knew Marines were the best, and I wanted to be part of a bigger picture.”

After boot camp and formal MOS training, Martinez joined the newly formed CLB-3, where he’s making his mark in history with the Marines and sailors of CLB-3.

“Logistics have become more important than ever, and [the Marine Corps] has set up logistics into groups now,” said Sgt. Maj. Danny D. Duvall, CLB-3 sergeant major. “It was a challenge because CSSG-3 was a supporting unit on base and not deploying.”

The new Combat Logistics Battalion-3 was designated June 27, and within 100 days, the unit received deployment orders to Afghanistan.

“We were literally given six to eight weeks and ran 24-hour training,” Duvall said. “I personally believe our efforts were incorporated through noncommissioned officer development.”

Through a leadership program developed by Duvall, based upon young NCOs, his Marines are carrying the unit through the rigorous package to get ready for deployment.

“Our NCOs are carrying this unit and are some of the best I’ve served with,” Duvall said. “They are empowered that way because I have seasoned staff NCOs who know the value of NCOs running the show.”

He said the unit’s motto is “O Ka Hana, ‘A’ole Ka ‘Olelo,” Hawaiian for “actions, not words.”

Duvall said Afghanistan isn’t Iraq and considering how quick this deployment came, there was no time for words, only actions and the actions of leaders at every level.

“My Marines are as committed today as the first Marines were in our Corps’ first amphibious assault at New Providence Island in the Bahamas.”
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The price of deployment

Story by: Lance Cpl. Monty Burton

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Most young lance corporals live their lives day-by-day, just waiting to see what tomorrow may bring. Most take orders as directed while waiting for the weekend. Being a young lance corporal stationed in Okinawa, Japan, I was the exact same way until I received a knock at my barrack’s room door on the morning of Friday, Oct. 24.

It was my day off and, as I opened the door, the noncommissioned officer on barracks duty told me I had a phone call. I thought it might be a call from one of my friends. But as I picked up the phone, I heard my master sergeant tell me something I will never forget.

“Pack your trash, you’re going to war.”

I didn’t know what to feel. I didn’t know if I was happy, sad or angry.

I knew how dangerous it was in Afghanistan and there was a chance of me not making it back home alive. I knew my job would most likely take me outside the safety of the compound and directly in the line of danger. I knew I might see things that most Americans can only read about in the newspaper or see on television. But I had to regain my composure quickly because I was going to be on a plane to Hawaii four days later to link-up with my new unit for the deployment.

A lot of Marines have been to combat and have felt the joy, excitement and nervousness of deploying, but I knew that in less than two weeks I would be in a combat zone, so I didn’t have time for feelings. I had no choice but to be ready.

It was hard telling my family and friends that I would be going to war, so I just told them not to look at it as a deployment but more like a seven-month camping trip in the mountains.

As I touched down in Hawaii on Tuesday, Oct. 28, I was more anxious than I had ever been in my life. I was very confused, but I was lucky enough to be deploying with a great master sergeant and second lieutenant, so I knew I was in good hands.

While at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, I was in a mad rush to ensure my gear was ready and I had everything I needed to get me through the next seven months.

We were scheduled to leave Hawaii exactly one week and five days after I found out I was deploying.

The day we departed on our 30-hour trek around the world I was calmer than I had ever been, but my training and determination overcame my fear.

Now, I am at Kandahar Air Base in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. I have survived my first rocket attack and have finally become accustomed to the dry, barren, dusty terrain. I can finally look into the mountains and see their true beauty. But more important than the terrain and surviving insurgent attacks, I can finally see the true price for a Marine deploying to a combat operation:

Size 13 combat boots - $70-$250.

100 pounds of Operation Enduring Freedom field gear – issued.

Pre deployment gear checks - countless.

The chance to fight for such a great country with the best service members the world has to offer – priceless.