Lava Dog Update November 2005

Issue 02 | Volume 01 | Nov 2005

Lava Dog

Update

1/3 Marines are nicknamed "Lava Dogs" after the sharp, jagged, and often hidden pumice stone found in the Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) on the big island of Hawaii. Many 1/3 Marines have had combat boots and bodies chewed up by these thin, hard, and dangerous rocks.

Visit our Battalion website at:
www.mcbh.usmc.mil/3mar/1dbn/1-3%20INDEX.htm

Marines.

From the
Battalion
Commander

Mountains.

Greetings from Oahu.

It’s good to have the opportunity to send out another Lava Dog Update. This writing finds the men of 1/3 in the final stages of preparation for the upcoming deployment to eastern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As always, the excitement the Marines feel about meeting the challenges ahead is tempered by the reality of long separations from loved ones and friends at home.

1/3 is ready. A summer of hard work and training culminated in September and October with the Battalion’s successful deployment to California for the PTP (Pre-deployment Training Package). This challenging and highly realistic training period, which occurred at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California and at the Combined Arms Training Center in 29 Palms, California, is detailed in these pages. We arrived back in time to celebrate the 230th Marine Corps birthday on 10 November at the Illikai Hotel in Waikiki.

There is still a great deal of work to be done in the remaining time until our departure in early January. Each long day is filled with the final preparations of men and equipment, embarkation, and detailed inspections. We continue to take every opportunity to train in the conduct of critical skills and to hike far and often.

One of the motivating factors for all of us during these final, busy days is the approaching leave period that begins on 9 December (leave began on 18 November for personnel assigned to the Advanced Party). This will be a particularly special and meaningful break, as many of the Marines and Sailors in the Battalion were in combat in either Iraq or Afghanistan during the holidays last year.

We remain very proud of our 1/3 families. Many of you have made great sacrifices to support the Battalion during our preparations to return to combat. In particular, the attitude and enthusiasm of our Key Volunteers continues to play an important role in our successes to date. Thanks to all of you. You are making a difference.

In closing, please be safe over the holidays and enjoy the time with your Lava Dog. You should feel great pride in the accomplishments of these extraordinary young men. Semper Fi. LtCol Chip Bierman

Aloha 1/3 Families!

It was great seeing so many of you at the Marine Corps Ball. Thank you to all of the people who worked so hard to ensure the evening was a success. Your efforts paid off!

As our Lava Dogs approach their deployment time, the 1/3 Key Volunteers are busy making plans for events to be held during the deployment. We are hoping to meet once a month for fun events like a movie night, Valentine’s Day Party, and Easter egg hunt. These events are the perfect chance to meet other 1/3 spouses. Your KV will contact you regarding all the details.

It was wonderful to hear from so many families after the first newsletter. Your positive responses were greatly appreciated.

Remember that you are not in this deployment alone. You are part of the 1/3 family. Have a blessed holiday season! ~ KVA

1/3 Returns Home by Sgt. Joe Lindsay

The main body of 900-plus Lava Dogs from 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment returned to their home duty station of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay Oct. 25 -- 28. They completed a six-week pre-deployment training evolution at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, Calif., in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

More than 100 Marines training with and alongside the Distributed Operations platoon since July 8 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Jolon, Calif., also returned to Kaneohe Bay on Oct. 27.

"I am very proud of the Marines from this Battalion," said 1/3 Commanding Officer Lt. Col. James Bierman. "These Marines have worked hard throughout this challenging training evolution. They’re dirty; they’ve been either cold or hot the entire time, they’re tired, and they’ve been living off MRE’s [meals ready to eat], but the motivation and enthusiasm have been tremendous."

According to Master Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Craig, 1/3 operations chief and Buffalo, N.Y. native, the training the past six weeks was some of the most rigorous he has ever seen in his 26-year career as well as some of the most advanced. "Usually Battalions are known for making history in combat, like 1/3 did when we took Fallujah," said Craig, describing the fight for the Iraqi city that has become, arguably, the most famous Marine Corps battle since Hue City during the Vietnam War. "But 1/3 also made history during this training deployment. Our Distributed Operations platoon is going to be the first such platoon sent into combat when we deploy to Afghanistan, and 1/3’s Marines were also the first to take part in Mojave Viper."

1/3 began their pre-deployment training on Sept. 13 in Bridgeport, located in the shadows of Yosemite National Park and in the heart of Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Marines endured harsh mountainous terrain, high altitudes (6,700 feet at base camp and 11,000 feet at the highest training area), and freezing temperatures. (Cont. on next page)

Sgt Joe Lindsay.

Sgt. Joe Lindsay

This article is a combination of several articles published in the Hawaii Marine, the base paper, during the Battalion pre-deployment training period. Sergeant Joe Lindsay, a combat correspondent, will deploy to Afghanistan with 1/3. Prior to and during 1/3’s deployment, family members are encouraged to visit http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/news/ news.htm to read the latest news and reports on 1/3.

Marines in defensive position at Bridgeport, California.

Lava Dogs patrol through the mountains.

A Huey departs with a cherrypicker (simulated casualty) at 29 Palms, California.

Top (clockwise): In the defense at Bridgeport, California; a Huey departs with a cherrypicker (simulated casualty) at 29 Palms, California; Lava Dogs patrol through the mountains.

Describing the training in Bridgeport, Craig said, "Your fingers get so cold you can barely load your ammo. You want to cough, sneeze, and sniffle, but you can’t because you have to maintain noise discipline. This is by far the toughest training I’ve seen in my 26-years in the Marine Corps."

That may have been true, but things didn’t seem to get any easier for the Marines when they arrived at Twentynine Palms. They faced 100-degree temperatures in the desert while going through the month long combined arms exercise dubbed Mojave Viper. As part of that training, the Marines secured a replicated Middle Eastern city, complete with hundreds of actual role players from the Middle East who spoke nothing but Arabic.

"The simple goal of the PTP training was to ensure that the Marines in 1/3 would not encounter any situation in Afghanistan that they haven’t had a chance to work through and train for," said Bierman.

"Like the saying goes, ‘No better friend, no worse enemy,’ " added Sgt. Maj. Michael Berg, a native of Plymouth, N.H. "I think the Marines -- out of all the services -- are the best adapted for that, where we can show our kindheartedness to the locals. That’s the way Marines are. We have two sides. We have a soft side and we’ve got an extremely hard, serious side that you don’t want to mess with."

Despite all the rigorous training during the past six weeks, the one constant that kept the Marines going was the support of family and friends back home. "The real heroes of the War on Terror are the family members of those serving in the name of freedom," said Bierman.

1st Sgt. Gerald Calvin, 1/3 Charlie Company first sergeant and a native of Richmond, Va., said he couldn’t agree more. "I can’t stress how important the support of our families back home is to morale," said Calvin. "It’s what keeps us going."

A Marine patrols outside a simulated Middle Eastern city.

Above: A Marine patrols outside a simulated Middle Eastern city.

Below: Forward BAS at live firing
ranges in Bridgeport, California.

Forward BAS at live firing ranges in Bridgeport, California.

Bronze Star with Valor (BV) Recipients

Left to Right: Capt J.J. Garcia, SSgt R.E. Scott, Sgt M.G. Chambers, and CPL A.D. Ayala receive their Bronze Star with Valor in Battalion formation.

All the Marines of the Battalion are proud to stand in the ranks with Capt Garcia, SSgt Scott, Sgt Chambers, and Cpl Ayala. These four Marines were awarded their Bronze Star medals with combat "V" on November 21, 2005.

Each of these Marines was decorated for their courage and selfless devotion to their fellow Marines while fighting against a tenacious enemy in the city of Al Fullujah during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Left to Right: Capt J.J. Garcia, SSgt R.E. Scott, Sgt M.G. Chambers, and CPL A.D. Ayala receive their Bronze Star with Valor in Battalion formation.

H&S Comm Platoon sets up Ant. Farm in 29 Palms, CA.

Recent Medal Recipients:

Capt Garcia, J.J. -- BV
SSgt Scott, R. E. -- BV
1st LT Kralovec, M.T. -- NC
1st LT Godfrey, J.A. -- CV
CWO2 Botts, A.K. -- NV
SgtMaj Berg, M.B. -- CV
SSgt Brewer, J.L. -- CV
LCpl Enriguez, R.A. -- NV

H&S Company

Throughout the seven weeks that our battalion conducted its pre-deployment training in California, Headquarters and Service Company (H&S) literally led the way, forming the majority of the Advance Party.

This training was the most aggressive an ambitious that I have participated in through-out my career. It placed support requirements upon the company that none of us had ever witnessed.

Every Marine and Sailor in H&S demonstrated how well they understand that the rest of the battalion depends on them. The battalion could not take a step in any direction without H&S first making it possible. The lengths our company went in order to accomplish their support missions were nothing less than heroic. In addition to providing support for the battalion, H&S accomplished a great deal of training.

Now that the training deployment is behind us, we are confident in our abilities to deal with the challenges that await us on our upcoming deployment. I have never been so proud to have the opportunity to serve as I am now among this company of heroes.

Semper Fi!
Capt Ty Barger

Alpha Company

"War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it; and those who brought war into our country deserve all the curses and maledictions a people can pour out."
- William T. Sherman

Recent Medal Recipients:

CPL Hubbard, E.L. -- BV
GySgt McDaniel, J.S. -- CV
SSgt Murdock, J.M. -- CV
CPL Holland, N.H. -- CV
Sgt Lott, C.D. -- CV

Alpha Company on Lost Cannon Peak in Bridgeport, CA at 11,000 feet.

Alpha Company completed some hard and demanding training in Bridgeport and 29 Palms, California. The training was the best opportunity for the Marines to hone their skills prior to our deployment. Their performance was outstanding, and they proved the company can accomplish any task or mission given to them.

Being away from home for six weeks and only a couple of months prior to a six-month combat deployment has been hard for both Marines and families. Yet both understand that the training was needed.

The Marines are ready for Afghanistan, ensuring better mission success. Even with our successful training, we will be refining our skills in November and December, with a sharp focus on the upcoming deployment. We will remain busy, but not necessarily at the same pace.

Lance Corporal Eric L. Hubbard was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for his heroic actions in Al Fallujah, Iraq, as he skillfully applied his lethal talent of eliminating enemy insurgent forces.

Semper Fidelis!
Capt Kisch
"General Lee 6"

Bravo Company practices urban combat at 29 Palms, CA.

Recent Medal Recipients:

CPL Ayala, A.D. -- BV
1st LT Reinink, B.J. -- CV
HM3 Ivy, J.K. -- NV
CPL Murphy, T.A. -- CV

Bravo Company

Family and friends of Bravo Company,

It has been a busy two months since the last newsletter. The company completed a rigorous 45 day, pre-deployment training at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California.

We learned how to fight in the mountains at altitudes that in some places reached nearly 10,000 feet. As one Marine told me, "before I came [to Bridgeport], I never thought that I would be able to hike as far and with as heavy a pack as I have here."

At 29 Palms, California, the company conducted a variety of trainings: live-fire squad, platoon, and company attacks; convoy training; and Forward Operating Base operations in an urban environment. This training tested the company physically and mentally, making us more capable and ready for the upcoming deployment.

After three months of demanding training, First Platoon returned to the company in late October. First Platoon is an important part of Bravo Company. Their presence was sorely missed and we are glad to have them back.

The rigorous training has been excellent for the Marines in other ways. We have developed a sense of camaraderie within our platoons. I look forward to deploying with this outstanding and dedicated group of men.

Semper Fi,
Capt Battista

Charlie Company

Aloha to all the friends and family of Charlie Company!

Your Marines and Sailors have been hard at work over the past several months preparing for Operation Enduring Freedom. Our time in Bridgeport and 29 Palms, CA was well spent, fine-tuning our collective war fighting capabilities and building upon our individual skills.

Recent Medal Recipients:

1st LT Greco, J.C. -- NV
Sgt Chambers, M.G.--BV
Sgt Komin, S.C. -- NV
Sgt Willis, D.M. -- CV
CPL Darlington, K.J.--NV
CPL Hill, J.A. -- NV
CPL Ullom, S.K. -- NV
CPL Turner, M.A. -- NV
LCpl Jiminez, L.E. -- NV
LCpl Kossey, N.E. -- CV

Marines move up a hillside at Hawthorne, California.

I can say confidently that our training allowed our Company to become much tighter as brothers-in-arms, and ultimately more lethal to any future enemies.

Over the next few months, our efforts will continue to focus on our upcoming operational deployment. I know Charlie Company will continue to perform at an exemplary standard and approach the long training weeks with enthusiasm and camaraderie. Their dedication to each other, their mission, and their country is a result of the love and support they receive from their families and loved ones.

Thank you to all of our extended families, friends, sponsors, and supporters for your continued efforts to help us accomplish our mission and maintain our focus. I encourage all of our family members to feel free to contact the Charlie Company leadership with any concerns you might have on our upcoming deployment.

Mahalo and
Semper Fidelis!
Captain Jared Spurlock

CAAT provides security for MedEvac.

Recent Medal Recipients:

1st Lt Stansberry -- CV
Sgt Johnston -- NV
CPL Ancipink -- CV
CPL Seely -- NV

Weapons Company

Greetings!

Weapons Company conducted Hip-Shoots, the Machine Gunners shot at moving targets, and the T.O.W. Gunners crushed tanks with live T.O.W. missiles.

Meanwhile, Scout Snipers were training in Hawaii and attending Scout Sniper’s course. Congratulations to all who graduated on November 8.

In the weeks leading up to our January deployment, the Company will be training, preparing, and relaxing. We will be going to the field to refine our skills in November. At the same time, in preparation for the deployment, Marines will be completing legal paperwork, packing up all of their gear, and attending the Battalion’s Family Readiness Brief.

Prior to our departure, the Marines have the opportunity to spend time with family. In November, there are three 4-day weekends, and the second half of December is designated for leave.
I wish all of the families a happy Holiday Season. You should be extremely proud of your Marine in Weapons Company--for all he has accomplished, and all he will accomplish.

Semper Fidelis,
Capt Thompson

Chaplain's Corner

Greetings Families and Friends of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines,

Forty-six days of arduous training in the Sierra Mountains and the desert in 29 Palms challenged and tested our Marines and Sailors. The mountains and desert are brutal climates to endure.

Chaplain Brian Shearer conducts a field service.

Surviving in this unforgiving environment requires both specialized knowledge and the discipline to apply this expertise. Yet, no amount of skill and discipline will guarantee survival. Survival requires that people help each other. Our training successfully morphed our unit into an elite, cohesive band of brothers, ready to go to war.
Metaphorically speaking, the desert is a common experience in the spiritual life. This occurs when we face circumstances and situations that test and challenge our faith.

Life will sometimes throw us adversity and hardship that we do not understand, such as a broken relationship, injury or sickness, death of a loved one, moral failure, job failure, financial crisis, feeling of loneliness, or a seeming coldness from God or people who care about us.

When we are going through this kind of experience, it is difficult and we often do not understand. We may feel that everyone, including God, has abandoned us. Yet, during these wearisome times, we experience a growth in character and strengthening of our spirituality. In a similar situation, the psalmist penned, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

When experiencing one of these situations, continue to walk through it, trusting God and not surrendering. After we cross over the mountain or come out of the desert, we realize the depth of our growth because of these circumstances. Have faith, knowing that you are not alone and God is with you.

In God’s Grip, Chaps

Key Volunteer Coordinator

Aloha Families of 1/3!

The Key Volunteer Network is up, running, and continuously looking for opportunities to serve you. We have some fun upcoming events, particularly the Battalion Christmas Party. Please look out for additional information regarding future events.

I would like to thank all of the Key Volunteers who are serving for the Battalion! These ladies are AWESOME and doing their best to keep everyone In-Touch, Informed and Involved.

As always, it is never too late to become a KV. If you are interested please inform your KV and she will get you all of the necessary information.

As the deployment draws near, I encourage each of you to be sure that your contact information is up-to-date and that the most current information is on file with the battalion. This will ensure that you are contacted and kept informed by a KV throughout the deployment.

Also plan now to attend the Pre-Deployment brief to be held during the first week of December. This brief will provide you with pertinent information regarding the deployment and discuss services and programs available to you during this time. The brief will also be a great time for you to meet your KV face to face.

As always if there are any additional ways in which we can serve you, please let us know. You may either contact your KV or me.

Have a wonderful month,

KV Coordinator

Recent Promotions

HEADQUARTER & SERVICE Company
SSgt Domangue, W. F.
SSgt Dyche, D. C.
HM1 Gorman, T. M.
Sgt Fry, C. F.
Sgt Green, C. R.
Sgt Quintin, B. L.
HM2 Trottman, R. C.
CPL Cuellar, J. C.
CPL Davis, B. D.
CPL Delgado, J.
CPL Nelson, M. R.
CPL Perlewitz, M. S.
CPL Pieprzyca, N. R.
CPL Tank, S. E.
CPL Thome, T. V.
CPL Dominguez, E. A.
CPL Donahue, P. A.
CPL Enriquez, R. M.
CPL House, K. M.
CPL Mixon, P. M.
CPL Mohundro, B. S.
CPL Morgan, C. G.
CPL Mundo, R. J.
CPL Purifoy, J. O.
CPL Seigel, C.
CPL Sepulveda, J.
CPL Zacatelco, E. P.
Lcpl Casiano, M
Lcpl Culpepper, K. D.

Lcpl Delbarone, M. J.
Lcpl Donohue, M. T.
Lcpl Espinoza Jr., E. E.
Lcpl Odell, N.
Lcpl Valdez, B.
Lcpl Barnes, J. D.
Lcpl Colon, J. A.
Lcpl Gallegos, J. E.
Lcpl Hensley, S. T.
Lcpl Jennings, S. T.
Lcpl magruder, V. A.
Lcpl Mills, J. W.
Lcpl Perruzza, D. L.
Lcpl Robida, A. F.
Lcpl Slaasted, J. T.
Lcpl Tucker, M. J.
Lcpl Watson, J. K.
Lcpl Wolfe, T. J.
PFC Atesianolemus, N.
PFC Cheatham, W. J.
PFC Green, J. A.
PFC Herrmann, M. U.
PFC Jones, J. A.

ALPHA Company
SSgt Hadzic, E.
SSgt Tollett, D. M.
SSgt Will, C. D.
Sgt Buquoi, T. M.
Sgt Decker, D. R.

CPL Bader, T. E.
CPL Seiter, J. L.
CPL Aguirre JR., G.
CPL Ploetz, J. S.
Lcpl Telles, C. J
Lcpl Hernandez JR., R.
Lcpl Lacenski, T. A.
Lcpl Lynch, S. W.
LCpl, Melshenker, C. S.
LCpl, Panarello, M. G.
LCpl Persaudmata, C. A.
LCpl, Ramos, R.
LCpl, Schneider, L. J.
LCpl, Smith, W. R.
PFC McMullen, T.J.

BRAVO Company
Sgt Carpenter, J. E.
CPL Aguirre, J. J.
CPL Buis, D. J.
CPL Clarke, A. D.
CPL Bredemeier, T. A.
CPL Garcia JR., A.
CPL McDermott, E. J.
CPL Newman, J. W.
CPL Urbin, D. T.
HM3 Ivy JR., J. K.
Lcpl Combs JR., G. W.
Lcpl Dickow, R. J.
Lcpl Gunnon, J. L.

Lcpl Hernandez, J. M.
Lcpl Hromada, C. P.
Lcpl Huynh, T. M.
Lcpl Ingles, N. R.
Lcpl Jacobi, D. L.
Lcpl Jensen, M. K.
Lcpl Klann, W. A.
Lcpl Lang, J. C.
Lcpl Liatsos, C. L.
Lcpl Garciarobles, A. S.
Lcpl Hitchcock, H. R.
Lcpl Mahabub, F. A.
Lcpl Milo, C. V.
PFC Davis, A. B.

CHARLIE Company
Sgt Carter, S. M.
Sgt Turner, M. A.
Sgt Wilson, N. C.
Sgt Wright, B. M.
Cpl Figeroa, J. R.
Cpl Graves JR., W. R.
Cpl Olortegui, J. S.
Cpl McNear, J. D.
Cpl Lahr, M. E.
LCpl Cuevas, A. V.
LCpl Stokes, D. E.
LCpl Broderson, J. R.
LCpl Finer, D. M.
LCpl Krieger, K. D.

LCpl Magouirk JR., R. K.
LCpl Miller, B. C.
LCpl Perio, K. J.
LCpl Scamahorn, R. G.
LCpl Schanbeck, C. E.
PFC Hackett, J. W.

WEAPONS Company
Sgt Gokey, J. F.
Sgt Thomas, B. L.
Sgt Lecount, D. G.
CPL Algrim, S. M.
CPL Castro, J. A.
CPL Herring, B. R.
CPL Norris, D. M.
CPL Hartman, B. M.
CPL Campos, J. A.
CPL Diaz JR., E.
CPL Fields, D. L.
CPL McKillop, K. M.
CPL Peel, N. G.
Lcpl Wagner, J. W.
Lcpl Brophy, M. M.
Lcpl Sommerville, M. M.
Lcpl Spargur, N. A.
Lcpl Stalker, E. E.
Lcpl Betham, J. D.
Lcpl Garber, M. J.

Upcoming

Events

Nov 18-Dec 05
Leave Period: Advance Party

Dec 02
Christmas Party
2:30 -- 6 p.m.
At Bellows AS

Dec 08
Town Hall/Pre-Deployment Meeting
7 p.m. at Base Chapel

Dec 09-28
Leave Period: Main Body

Nine other Marines and I recently returned from a two-week site survey trip to Afghanistan. The purpose of the trip was to talk to the Marines of 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines, whom we will be replacing in January. We had a chance to visit all of the forward operating bases (FOBS) that our Marines will be occupying during our deployment. All I can say is that I am glad that we received the training that we did in Bridgeport and 29 Palms, because it is going to be put to the test the minute we step foot in the country. This is man’s country in every sense of the word--the mountains are big and rugged and the landscape is dirty and unimproved. Getting from one place to another is an adventure. The Marines will be tested, but they are up for the challenge.
SgtMaj Sends . . .