Posted on 11/08/2005 3:52:26 PM PST by SandRat
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, Nov. 8, 2005 — The mission of postal Marines in Iraq is vital to the morale of troops serving in operations, and one Marine here is helping in the fight, one package at a time. Cpl. Marcus D. Kibble, inspecting noncommissioned officer, Postal Detachment 6, Service Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Force Service Support Group (Forward), serves as a link between Marines here, and their families at home.
The native of Columbus, Ga., became interested in the Marine Corps as an athlete in high school.
“I was interested my freshman year,” he said.
The sports enthusiast played basketball, wrestled and ran track and cross country before joining the Corps in 2003.
The idea of joining the military wasn’t foreign to Kibble; his family always had a strong link to the armed forces.
“My whole family is in the military,” he said, after assisting a fellow Marine with a package destined for the United States. “My father is stationed at Camp Honor, Iraq.”
Kibble said his father retired from the Army, and is currently working in Iraq as a civilian contractor. Kibble and his father haven’t crossed paths in Iraq so far, but they are still just a phone call away from each other.
He also has a brother and an uncle in the Air Force, and another uncle in the Army.
Kibble said his family’s military history contributed to his decision to join the Corps.
Being a competitive athlete, Kibble wanted a challenge in his career. He said the Marine Corps was exactly what he was looking for.
After basic training and military occupational specialty training, Kibble became a postal clerk and received orders to his first permanent duty station in Okinawa, Japan. After a tour in Okinawa, Kibble was assigned to Camp Lejeune, N.C., before deploying to Iraq earlier this year.
The 2003 Kendrick High School graduate stepped on the yellow footprints aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C, June 10, 2003.
Today, Kibble assists in the Camp Fallujah Post Office, monitoring packages that come through the office. There are strict guidelines on items that can be sent out of Iraq that he enforces.
“I’m the inspecting NCO,” he said. “I inspect all of the packages that come through here, and make sure there aren’t any illegal materials in them.”
Kibble is currently taking on new responsibilities in the office that come with being a leader of Marines.
“He aspires to do great in everything he does,” said Gunnery Sgt. Terrance R. Moore, postal chief, Postal Detachment 6, Service Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd FSSG (FWD). “Whatever task is given to him, he does it to the best of his ability. He is always seeking self-improvement.”
Kibble said the mission of the post office is important because it boosts the morale of the Marines serving on Camp Fallujah.
“I love it,” he said. “I treat every package like it is my own. I feel like it keeps the morale up so people can keep doing their jobs. People come in every day and say ‘thank you.’ It makes me feel good. It is a great environment.”
Some happy good news bumperooonski!
Making sure a little bit of home to Fellow Marines
A lot of people who know little of the military think everybody is a shooter. Too bad.
There are many who work long hours pushing needed equipment, food and nice stuff to the front. It takes many cogs on the wheels and thousands of wheels to keep the big green/tan machine rolling, as you well know.
My hat is off to all who keep the big green/tan machine rolling.
God Bless our Troops bump!
Ms.B
BTTT
do you keep a Marine ping list? If so, please add me.
USMC '75-79
USA (Ret) '87-'05
Not marine specific just a general Ping list. Do post a lot of stories on Marines from official Marine news web site. Want on the General Ping list?
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