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A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
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As we celebrate our 243rd birthday, Marines remain in combat, forward-deployed throughout the world confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty, and faithfulness. Each year on this day, we renew our resolve to be the most ready when the Nation is least ready; we pay tribute to all who forged our proud legacy; we recommit ourselves to defending freedom anytime and anywhere; we stand ready to aid those devastated by natural disasters; and we honor the families and loved ones who faithfully stand beside us. This year marks a number of significant milestones. One hundred years ago this June, a determined brigade of Marines fought ferociously over the hallowed grounds of Belleau Wood. Those Marines solidified our Corps’ global reputation for being a tenacious and highly-skilled fighting force that forever etched the phrase “Teufel Hunden” into our lexicon. The same year Marines secured control of Belleau Wood, more than 300 women answered our Nation’s call, becoming the first females to enlist in our Corps. The legacy of the first Women Marine Reservists, and all trailblazing Marines, serves as a reminder that the title Marine is not restricted by gender, color, or creed — it is a warrior spirit and distinguished role earned by an elite group.
Marines lend a hand......................... 4-5 Carolina Museum of the Marine..................6 Marines in Flight..............8
This year also marks 50 years since Marines fought ferocious battles against a worthy foe in some of the most austere locations of Vietnam. The indomitable spirit and unyielding resourcefulness of Marines cutting through the mountainous triple canopy jungles and overcoming the challenges of urban combat during the “Tet Offensive” honed the warfighting prowess of our Corps. Hard lessons learned at Khe Sanh and Hue proved crucial to our successes during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom — allowing us to secure victory in the fields of Sangin and on the urban battlefields of Fallujah. It was also at Hue that now retired Sergeant Major John Canley charged enemy machine gun positions and put his own life on the line to ensure no Marine was left behind, epitomizing the true meaning of Semper Fidelis. Today, we proudly honor his faithfulness with our Nation’s highest award for valor.
Marines on the Street.............................. 10
For 243 years, Marines have fought and won whenever and wherever the Nation calls. In the harshest conditions, over the most brutal terrain, and against the most formidable enemies, Marines defend the ideals of freedom with grit and tenacity. Though battlefields change and capabilities evolve, history proves that true victory comes from the individual Marine with steeled resolve, the drive to overcome any obstacle, and the warrior spirit to fight on against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness — Semper Fidelis — to Corps, country, and each other that abounds throughout our storied legacy.
Marines always put up a fight................ 12
Happy Birthday Marines
Interview with Retired Col. John Kopka........... 10
Cover photo by Cpl. Tiana Boyd and Lance Cpl. Heather Atherton Robert B. Neller General, U.S. Marine Corps Commandant of the Marine Corps
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Marines always available to lend a hand U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brian Fagan, center, with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, helps load supplies. Photo by Lance Cpl. Melanye Martinez
By Ken Buday
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Managing Editor
The names Tarawa, Khe Sanh, Fallujah and Iwo Jima mean something to every Marine. But every Marine also means something to the victims of natural disasters. In the wake of natural disasters, the Marines are always ready to help. Places like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Houston — and even locally in Onslow County — may not be the sites of famous Marine Corps battles, but they still have a large piece in the history of the Marine Corps. When Hurricane Florence roared ashore along the southeastern coast of North Carolina on Sept. 14, Marines quickly responded, despite the damage the storm was inflicting at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Group 8
Photo by Pfc. Nello Miele
First responders of the Richlands Volunteer Fire Department offload civilians affected by Hurricane Florence from a 7-ton vehicle provided by Combat Logistics Group 8 at a local shelter in Jacksonville in September.
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at Camp Lejeune teamed with first responders from the Richlands Volunteer Fire Department to help storm victims evacuate from flooded and damaged homes to storm shelters. “We got life-saving missions with the Marines going out to help evacuate people from their flooded homes. It was tremendous,” said Norman Bryson, director of emergency services for Onslow County. And after the initial danger from the hurricane had passed, Marines helped clean up, from cutting away downed trees that blocked neighborhood streets to cleaning area schools. “This was not so much a mission, but many of the Marines went out after the storm to help residents clean up debris and tarp up roofs and that sort of thing,” Bryson said. “They helped clean up my house, and that allowed me to focus on other services in the county from the EOC (emergency operations center), knowing they were there. We do greatly appreciate everyone from the Marine Corps.” Jacksonville Mayor Sammy Phillips also appreciated the support of area Marines. “The Marines are always here to help,” he said. But that response is typical, Bryson said. “We have a community spirit,” he said. “It’s the Marine Corps, the city of Jacksonville and Onslow County, we’re all one community.” The Marines are known as the nation’s rapid response force, and that is also true for humanitarian missions. Marines spent much of the fall of 2017 in crucial relief efforts in Texas after Hurricane Harvey, in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, and in the U.S. Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Maria left Puerto Rico in ruins after making landfall on Sept. 20, 2017. Both the 26th and 24th Marine Expeditionary Units supported relief efforts in the region. This came on the heels of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, which impacted the U.S. Virgin Islands and Florida all within about a month. “We were the first ones in and quickly figured out what was going on,” Col. Farrell J. Sullivan, the commanding officer of the 26th MEU, said last year upon returning from Puerto Rico. “We are used to having an environment that is austere, but we quickly figured out what we needed to do to help those who aren’t used to surviving in such an
environment.” The ability of amphibious forces to gain access to critical areas anywhere in the world with ground, air and logistics forces enables the Navy-Marine Corps team to shape actions across the range of military operations, in this case, to conduct humanitarian assistance in environments that would otherwise be inaccessible. “The Marine Corps provided a wide variety of capabilities from air assets, boots on the ground and helping out with route clearance,” Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey A. Young, sergeant major of the 26th MEU, said last year. “They transported and delivered necessary and vital life-saving equipment and resources to help the people of Puerto Rico.” The life-saving supplies and services included nearly 1.2 million pounds of aid, and about 400 pallets of food and water. The Marines also cleared more than 70 miles of road, and assessed 46 hospitals. “As soon as we got on land, we started identifying and connecting with the key leaders,” Lt. Col. Marcus Mainz, the battalion commander of Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, said last year. “We would make the human connection with [the Federal Emergency Management Agency], with the local municipalities on the ground, and together, we would all move out and figure out what the most critical infrastructure are. One of those structures is the Federal Aviation Agency’s radar towers and communication towers around the island there on the top of a national rain forest. Getting up there was hard work with mudslides and downed trees.” Regardless of the challenging conditions, Marines and Sailors worked for several days to clear a path to the top of El Yunque National Forest for FAA towers to receive fuel to sustain flight operations into the San Juan International Airport. “This is what we, as a battalion landing team, do best,” said Mainz. “We operate from the land, we extend the ability of the MEU to project power inland, which allowed us to quickly connect with the people, find their needs, find the resources that can help them and help get them the resources that they require.” Hurricane Maria caused severe damage to infrastructure and created mudslides throughout the island, cutting off food and water to thousands, and decimated the electrical grid throughout the island.
Humanitarian missions part of Corps’ history
“My experience with Hurricane Maria was devastating, and to be honest, frightening,” Sgt. Pedro Emmanuellidejesus, a platoon sergeant with Combat Logistics Regiment 45, which is based in Puerto Rico, said last year. “Just the sound of wind, glass shattering and buildings breaking during the storm was something I never heard before. I was in my apartment and the building was shaking.” This series of destructive events served as an opportunity for the 26th MEU to test its capabilities as an expeditionary force and learn to communicate, plan and operate with other agencies to accomplish large-scale missions. “The [Defense Support of Civil Authorities] mission taught Marines of the 26th MEU that there are numerous ways to tackle big problem sets,” Maj. Ronald E. Bess, fires support officer for the 26th MEU, said last year. “Local authorities, the National Guard and federal agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, all have different methods and techniques to respond to these sorts of emergencies, and the events of this year gave us a chance to integrate with these organizations and learn a great deal about how they do business.” Cpl. Jonathan Sosner and Cpl. Juan A. Soto-Delgado from the 26th MEU contributed to this story.
Photo by Cpl. Juan A. Soto-Delgado
First Lt. Andrew Veal, an infantry officer with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks to local residents regarding a damaged road caused by flooding in Ceiba, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria last year.
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Carolina Museum of the Marine
to honor and preserve the legacy of the Marine Corps By Chris Dewitt
One of several unique Etchings by Kerr Eby.
Etched bracelet owned by a 19-year-old Marine who was wounded at the Battle of Guadalcanal.
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Lifestyle Writer
The Carolina Museum of the Marine doesn’t just celebrate the Marine Corps birthday on Nov. 10. It celebrates all year long, as the organization strives to keep the rich history of the Marine Corps alive. “The Carolina Museum of the Marine exists to honor the past, present and future of the United States Marine Corps,” said Ashley Danielson, Carolina Museum of the Marine executive director. “Nov. 10 is a special day for all Marines and those who celebrate their honor, courage and commitment to our great nation.” With the staff actively involved in birthday celebrations and acting as guest speakers at Marine Corps balls this year, the museum’s goal of educating the public on the history and mission of the Marine Corps grows even stronger. “Our mission is all about keeping the memory and the legacy of the United States Marine Corps alive,” said Danielson. “We strive to create and sustain an historical and educational complex showcasing the selfless sacrifice, extraordinary achievements and steadfast service of Carolina Marines and Sailors and their host commu-
The musem collection includes a 1942 M42 Half-track. Photos courtesy of the Carolina Museum of the Marine
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For more information on the Carolina Museum of the Marine
nities, while promoting the core values of American citizenship. We not only want to ensure that the accomplishments and character of our nation’s Marines are honored and memorialized, but that it is also an ethos that is taught to present and future generations.” According to Danielson, the museum staff participates in public speaking engagements at civic groups, churches, businesses and schools, while maintaining a network of support for keeping the legacy alive. Museum board members such as Joe Houle, a retired sergeant major, and Lisa Potts, a retired chief warrant officer 5, stay heavily involved in the community to introduce others to Marine Corps values and history as well as to maintain artifacts. “Time has a way of marching on,” said Danielson. “Each generation decides what will be remembered, honored, not forgotten by future generations. The lessons of the past, the inspirational and heroic deeds of our ancestors and our modern-day brothers and sisters hold important messages and lessons for present and future generations. The museum will continue to provide its visitors with an immersive, experiential look into their accomplishments and character.” The organization continues to raise money for the museum, which is scheduled to be constructed at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens. A Reflection and Celebration Park that features a 13-foot high Eagle, Globe and Anchor sculpture was dedicated in 2016. 910-937-0033 • info@museumofthemarine.org www.museumofthemarine.org
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s e n i r a M
t h g i l in f Aviation
plays key role in Marine Corps mission By Ken Buday
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Managing Editor
Less than 10 years after the Wright Brothers’ first flight on a beach in Kitty Hawk in 1903, aviation came to the Marine Corps. Ever since First Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham took off on the Marine Corps’ first flight in 1912, aviation has been a key component of the Marine mission, starting in World War I and in every battle since. Even the namesake of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, John A. Lejeune, then a lieutenant colonel, took a 14-minute flight with early Marine pilots in 1913, according to the book “Marine Corps Aviation, The Early Years, 19121940.” Lejeune would go on to become commandant of the Marine Corps from 1920 to 1929. Capt. Tyler Davenport serves as a pilot training officer for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 at Marine Corps Air Station New River. The MV-22 Osprey pilot said the importance of aviation to the Marine Corps can’t be understated. “Marine aviation is a key part of the MAGTF (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” Davenport said. “Looking at current and future operating environments, aviation will continue to be the vital link between Marines on the ground and either forward operating bases or naval ships. “Marines pride ourselves on bringing the fight 8 | USMC 243rd BIRTHDAY SPECIAL EDITION
Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Joe Card
An MV-22B Osprey, attached to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) from Marine Corps Air Station New River, prepares to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima during Trident Juncture 2018 on Oct. 26.
to the enemy. The combination of Marine assault support aircraft and close air support platforms allow us to maneuver rapidly and efficiently across a battlespace. Without Marine aviation, we lose significant advantages of speed and mobility from our maneuver warfare doctrine.” Rotary-wing aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey, CH-53 Stallion and AH-1 Cobra from New River often occupy the skies of Onslow County. Just about 50 miles north, the Marine Corps employs jet aircraft such as the AV-8B Harrier from Cherry Point, which is also home to a squadron of KC-130s that are used for midair refueling and transport. Even unmanned aircraft used for reconnaissance have a home in Marine aviation. And soon the Corps’ latest aircraft, the fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II, will become a more frequent site in the skies above Eastern North Carolina. Behind every aircraft is a team of mechanics, and of course, the pilots who fly them. “Military aviation has been my goal since high school, but I chose Marine aviation in college,” Davenport said. “During summer training for the Naval Academy, I had the opportunity to visit and shadow Marine pilots in both fixed wing and rotary wing squadrons. Their professionalism, pride in their institution and commitment to supporting the Marine rifleman on the ground was inspiring
and challenging.” As an Osprey pilot, Davenport said the aircraft plays a crucial role in Marine aviation, getting Marines where they need to be quickly. “The Osprey gives the Marine Corps increased flexibility, speed and range, which will continue to influence how we fight,” he said. “Our capabilities will allow us to choose more advantageous positioning whether from ground or sea-based platforms to affect our designated operating area. Our continuing ability to deploy Marine Expeditionary Units and Special Purpose MAGTFs are enhanced by the capabilities of the V-22 and allow us to respond throughout the world when our nation needs us.” Davenport said Marine aviation can be challenging, but it’s a role he and his fellow pilots willingly accept. “A Marine pilot is committed to excellence both as a professional aviator and a Marine officer,” he said. “I welcome the challenges I face to better myself mentally and physically in order to be ready if and when we are needed. Our supporting role as aviators to Marine ground elements enhances the ability of the Marine Air Ground Task Force to fight together in one battlespace, which forces every pilot to accept nothing less than perfection each time we fly.”
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Marines on the
Street
What does being a Marine mean to you?
Lance Cpl. David A. Brocatto
Pvt. Hayden Husman
Pfc. Edwin T. Trejo
Head Quarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation East
2nd Tank Battalion
Head Quarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation East
“Being a Marine means that you act respectful, caring and demonstrate loyalty to those around you. Even when someone is down, it is up to you to pick them back up. My uncle was a Marine serving in Vietnam, and when he passed away I made a promise to him that I was going to be a Marine just like him.”
“I joined the Marine Corps because I wanted to seek self-improvement and the Marine Corps has a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t get in the civilian world. To be a Marine, it means that you have a sense of honor that not a lot of people have the courage to seek out and do.”
“Celebrating the 243rd birthday of the Marine Corps means a lot to me. Being a Marine to me means having a sense of pride and purpose and behaving in a manner that inspires others.”
Cpl. Liam Doogan
Sgt Demetria L. Craig
Lance Cpl. Christian I. Green
Lance Cpl. Hunter Lemaster
3rd Battalion, 8th Marines
Head Quarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation East
Head Quarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation East
2nd Tank Battalion
“I have always been patriotic, and camaraderie in the Marine Corps goes a long way. It is like a brotherhood with my buddies in the Marine Corps, and wherever I go in life, I can call up my friends.”
“To be a Marine isn’t about taking orders, it is about being able to inspire the Marines around you. In my case, I put myself last, making sure my juniors (Marines) are taken care of. I had a scholarship to go to college for art and dancing however joining the Marine Corps was the direction I was meant to be.”
“From what I have been told, Marines are the best. Don’t put yourself first, it is about the man and women next to you. My uncle was a Marine and he talked very highly of the Marine Corps.”
“I joined the Marine Corps to meet new people by leaving my hometown. To be a Marine, it is about self-improvement. Finding things about myself that I didn’t know.” Photos by Matthew Sokol
Retired Col. John Kopka reflects on values of the Marine Corps By Chris Dewitt
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Lifestyle Writer
Enduring for 243 years is no small feat. This is the case for the United States Marine Corps, which is preparing to celebrate 243 years of protecting and serving the nation. Reflecting on service in the Marine Corps and what the birthday means, John Kopka, a retired Marine colonel, offered his perspective. Kopka, who served in the Corps for 31 years, held positions in the including drug and alcohol abuse control officer for the Fleet Marine Forces Pacific Headquarters Section G-1 and as Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune base inspector and chief of staff to Brig. Gen. Larry Livingston. He has received accolades such as the Silver Star, Purple Heart and National Defense Service Medal. He credits his lifetime of 10 | USMC 243rd BIRTHDAY SPECIAL EDITION
achievement to the Marine Corps. “Discipline, integrity, love of country and believing in your fellow Marine were the core values instilled in me by the Marines,” said Kopka. “The Marine Corps taught me the importance of staying disciplined and conducting myself with honor.” Kopka, whose father was a Retired United States Navy CWO2, raised Kopka with such virtues. The Marine Corps gave Kopka the chance to further develop them within himself and carry them in whatever position he held. “You hold a lot of titles,” said Kopka. “In the Marines, there are people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We all wear the title of U.S. Marine and that is what is important.” For Kopka, the history and legacy of the
USMC is one of strength, dedication and honor. One he wants everyone to embrace as birthday celebrations take place. “We must hold onto our traditions, memories and why we exist,” said Kopka. “We exist to neutralize the threats to our county. That objective is what makes us who we are and we have a storied history. Marines who came before us lay the foundations we stand on today. As said by Retired Gen. Al Gray, all of us have stood on the shoulders of someone else. Do not let other labels except that of Marine define you. Carry that mindset with you every day.”
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Marines
always put up a fight By Matthew Sokol
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Boxing a big part of the history of the Marine Corps
Sports writer
Marines are trained to fight — and some of the best have done it inside the ring as part of the All-Marine Boxing team. Lt. Gen. Robert F. Hedelund, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, may have said it best during April’s Marine Boxing Hall of Fame event. “At the end of the day, the things that make you successful in boxing may also make you successful in the Marine Corps,” he said. Boxing has been a big part of the Marine Corps for decades. “The All Marine Boxing Team has been a hallmark of Marine Corps history with significance of the toughness of being a Marine,” said Michael Cline, a retired sergeant major who is also chairman of the All-Marine boxing team alumni Hall of Fame. The list of Marines who have gone on to great boxing success include James Joseph “Gene” Tunney, Carmen Basilio and Ken Norton. For one former member of the All-Marine Boxing Team, joining the team created friendship and camaraderie that would eventually create a life-sustaining bond in the Marine Corps. Bill Joseph is a former boxer and retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 who has been a USA boxing referee for the last 22 years. He was inducted into the All-Marine Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016. “I was in a smoker on a ship and my gunney noticed me when I got back to Camp Lejeune,” said Joseph. “He introduced myself and retired Sgt. Maj. Michael Cline (NCOs at the time) to a staff sergeant who was on the team on and off for the past 10 years, Bill Stankowski. At the time, he was a five-time All-Marine boxer who had been on team with Leon Spinks, Ken Weaver and Ken Norton. “Stankowski not only trained us, but also about doing the right thing. It was a different time with the culture back then in the ’70s. He sheltered us (Joseph and Cline) from negative influences.” The central message that is embedded on the All-Marine boxing team parallels the themes presented in the Marine Corps. “The Marines believe we are the best. We are not necessarily the strongest or the one that finishes first, but we never quit,” said Joseph. Members on the team are boxers, but the camaraderie everyone shares starts with being a United States Marine. “As brother and sisters, we come together and there is a camaraderie and friendship like no other community when it comes to boxing,” said Cline. “Sometimes we see people on the world stage we just don’t understand. They may look mean beating each other up in the ring, but when we step out of the square office, we are great friends. Friendship is important in our community. “As Marines, we always look after one another. We never leave anyone laying down on the battlefield. We pick them up and take them.”
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Photo by Matthew Sokol
The All-Marine boxing team Hall-of-Fame inductees at the 3rd annual All-Marine Boxing Hall of Fame Induction and Banquet at the Goettge Memorial Field House on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Apr. 14.
Women to be part of cake-cutting tradition By Ken Buday
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Managing Editor
During a year in which the 100th anniversary of women in the Marine Corps is being marked, it seems only appropriate that on the 243rd birthday of the Corps that two women will participate in the traditional cake-cutting ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Tradition holds that the oldest Marine will pass a piece of the birthday cake to the youngest, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of the Marine Corps. Col. Ly Fecteau, Marine Corps Installations East, G-4, and Lance Cpl. Keana Pena will participate in that tradition this year. Fecteau, said she is proud to be part of the tradition, and proud to pass on her knowledge of the Marine Corps and its traditions to younger Marines. “Good Marines equal a great Marine Corps, meaning, every Marine must do their part to uphold our Corps’ reputation,” Fecteau said. “Our collective efforts can overcome any challenge and accomplish anything.” She offered advice for younger Marines. “Know yours and your Marines’ strengths and
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weaknesses,” Fecteau said. “Leverage strengths to help others and look for ways to seek improvement and excellence in all that you do.” The 53-year-old was born in Saigon, Vietnam, where she spent the first nine years of her life. She later lived in Dover, Del., and then joined the Marine Corps in 1988. She said the best part of being a Marine is “wearing the uniform every day knowing that you, as a Marine, along with every Marine — past and present — represent and uphold what is right and good in the world.” She did joke that because of the birthday cake tradition, everyone will now know her age. “So now I’m not just the smallest but now also the oldest,” she said. “I don’t mind being called Yoda.” Pena, 18, said she was proud to be part of a time-honored Marine Corps tradition. “When my first sergeant told me I was the youngest, I was happy,” Pena said. “Everyone always asks me when I was born, and when I tell them 2000, they are so shocked.” Pena said she joined the Marine Corps after hearing stories from her older brother LeRoy.
Photo by Ken Buday
Col. Ly Fecteau, left, Marine Corps Installations East, G-4, sits with Lance Cpl. Keana Pena, Distribution Management Office, in the MCIEAST headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
“My brother was a Marine, and I looked up to him,” Pena said. She said older Marines have told her that no rank is given, that it is earned, and that is something she likes about the Marine Corps. “I really enjoy the challenge of being the youngest and earning the rank as I go along,” Pena said. But as for her immediate plans, she is looking forward to one thing. “I’m really excited to go to the ball for the first time,” Pena said.
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