1st MLG Marines leave to join fight in Afghanistan
US Marine Corps News
9/21/2010
By Lance Cpl. Damien Gutierrez, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- A group of service members with 1st Marine Logistics Group said goodbye to their families before leaving Camp Pendleton to join the fight in Afghanistan, Sept. 17.
During the event, many farewells and words of encouragement were said between friends and loved ones. For some, it was a reminder of why they joined the Marine Corps; for others it signified what was waiting for them when they return home after the six month deployment.
“Saying goodbye to a loved is never easy, said Miranda Salinas, a spouse of a deploying Marine. “And even though my family and I have been down this path before, it never gets easier.”
This is the first deployment for a majority of the service members preparing to depart this day.
"We must remember that when we’re over there, we must act as a team and be there for the Marine to the left and right of us,” said Sgt. Maj. Derrick Christovale Sr., sergeant major of Combat Logistics Regiment 17. “I could not be more confident and proud of having this group watch my back.”
Christovale also mentioned how important it is for family members to encourage and support their loved ones that are overseas.
“If one person back home can make the Marine next to me more confident and better prepared to handle the duties that await them, I’m all for it,” said Christovale.
Once the command of “form it up,” sounded, final hugs and kisses were shared, then the deploying troops formed up and loaded bus. Tears were shed and hands waved as the bus containing Operation Enduring Freedom reinforcements faded in the distance.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
