Jet Stream The
Friday, July 6, 2018 Vol. 53, No. 26 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
Mike Company Graduates
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“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”
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PROTECT WHAT YOU’VE EARNED
AUSSIES,MARINES TAKE ON AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE
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Tri-Command celebrates Independence Day
Photo by Cpl. Terry Haynes III
The Tri-Command celebrated Independence Day aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island July 4. During the celebration, Marines, Sailors and citizens of the Lowcountry were able to listen to the MCRD Parris Island Band, learn about Marine Corps history and enjoy fireworks at sunset. Story and photos by Cpl. Terry Haynes
The Tri-Command celebrated Independence Day aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island July 4. Marines, Sailors, their families and citizens of the Lowcountry celebrated the holiday with food, performances by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, a booth on Marine Corps history and ended with a fireworks display at sunset. “We have been coming to Parris Island to celebrate Independence Day every year since I’ve been stationed here,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeff Weathern, a drill instructor with Echo Company aboard Parris Island. “The food is great, the people are awesome, and they always have the most amazing fireworks.” According to the Library of Congress, On July 4, 1776 the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence announcing the colonies’ secession from the Kingdom of Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday and in 1941 the holiday was expanded to grant a paid holiday for all federal employees. “Freedom to me means having the right to speak and Photo by Cpl. Terry Haynes III think freely”, said Laura Henthorne, a local Beaufort res- Gunnery Sgt. Jeff Weathern looks inside a classic car with his son during an Independence Day celebration aboard ident “I’ve been to dozens of Fourth of July celebrations Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island July 4. Weathern is a drill instructor with Echo Company. throughout my life and this one has done a good job of see INDEPENDENCE, page 4
Bonded by Brotherhood Story by Cpl. Ashley Phillips
Despite it being six years after the death of Sgt. Joshua Ashley, his mother, Tammie Ashley, while surrounded by friends and family, stood face to face with her son’s friend and mentor Gunnery Sgt. Justin Boyer’s for his promotion aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island July 2. This was the second time Tammie had promoted Boyer since the passing of her son. This ceremony was just one reason Tammie Ashley flew across the country from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Another reason, and perhaps the strongest reason, was the bond of family and the memory of her son. “The bond of brotherhood within the military working dog community is like no other,” Tammie said. “After Josh passed away in 2012, Frank and a good percentage of the Marines in the unit who knew Josh, have always been there for me. I know that gold star moms in other branches don’t have the relationship that I have with the Marines. They are family and a lot of them call me mom.” Sgt. Joshua Ashley was killed in action in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom serving as a MWD Handler with Marine Corps Special Operations Command. His K-9 Sirius survived and was later adopted by Tammie. “For me, being able to adopt Sirius is like having a piece of Josh,” she said. “I know Josh never had any children, but I know how much Josh loved Sirius.” According to retired master sergeant, Frank Ginn, that special connection within the MWD community extends to the families and friends of those Marines, and especially to the family of a Marine who made the ultimate sacrifice. He knew he needed to ensure that Josh’s family was taken care of. “Frank was the one who started the ball rolling on getting the kennel (aboard Camp Lejeune) named Ashley Kennel and made sure we could adopt Sirius,” Tammie said. “He does a lot to make sure Josh is not forgotten. He's helped in more ways than we will ever be Photo by Sgt. Brittney Vella able to pay him back.” Tammie Ashely pins Gunnery Sgt. Justin Boyer during his promotion ceremony According to Ginn, he ensures Josh’s leg- aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island July 2. Ashley also pinned Boyer to acy lives on by sharing his story and what staff sergeant in 2014. they all learned while deployed. That is ansee BROTHERHOOD, page 4 other aspect about the MWD community, they constantly share lessons learned with