Posted on 12/11/2005 1:40:12 PM PST by SandRat
Al ASAD, Iraq (Dec. 11, 2005) -- For two years, and two consecutive holiday seasons, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 has been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Wild Geese, a reserve squadron headquartered in Naval Station Norfolk, Va., were visited by Lt. Gen. John W. Bergman, the commander of the Marine Forces Reserve, who congratulated the Marines for the outstanding job they are doing and the hardships they have dealt with while deployed at Al Asad, Iraq, Dec. 7.
“As I look around here, I have no clue who’s reserve or active duty,” said Bergman as he spoke to the Wild Geese. “There is no difference. Due to our aggressive training, our level of readiness is very high and you are proving that fact every day. This will be your second Christmas in Iraq in two years, and that will make Christmas 2006 all the more special.”
The Wild Geese were activated to fill a medium lift billet for two years, and HMM-774 is serving the requirement’s second seven-month rotation.
“Nobody likes to be away from family and loved ones, especially over the holiday season,” said Maj. Jeffrey Scramstead, the flightline officer-in-charge with HMM-774 and a Middle River, Minn., native. “For a majority of the squadron, I don't think it is as much of a shock since this is the second consecutive year in a row. For some, however, it's not only their first time to Iraq, but also their first time being away for an extended period of time. In spite of those facts, the squadron is doing remarkably well.”
Scramstead said the general’s visit raised the squadron’s motivation even higher. He stressed that it's always nice to see the support, and to see their commander take the time to come and speak with the Marines.
“I think the visit showed his drive to ensure the Marines under his command are taken care of and doing well,” said Cpl. Steven M. Lyday, the intelligence chief with HMM-774, and an Acworth, Ga., native. “This is the second Christmas I have been deployed. The first one was not as difficult as this one, but that is because of some events in my family during the past year.”
“It’s nice to know that our hard work, sweat and blood get recognized and appreciated by a man of his magnitude,” said Cpl. Jason Mauro an aerial gunner and observer with HMM-774 and a Virginia Beach, Va., native.
Lyday said everyone in the squadron looks out for one another, and try to keep each others’ spirit and motivation up. He said the officers throughout the command put together events to go along with the holidays to bring as much cheer as possible.
During the meeting, the Marines were given the opportunity to ask Bergman any question they might have.
“I had heard an apparent sentiment that the reserves might not be able to spin up fast enough to embark on a mission of this scale,” said Lyday. “Most of the justification I have heard used was that the last call up was the previous Gulf War. I was curious about his view on the ability of the reserves to move into stride with active duty Marines as seamlessly as possible and asked Lt. Gen. Bergman for his thoughts.”
Bergman asked Lyday how he felt about their deployment and readiness.
“I told him that I saw us doing it very well and the time we had for training was adequate,” said Lyday. “He said that he was unable to tell who was active duty or reserve, and he liked that. He then commented on the need for Reserve Marines to perform our training again as we embark on our civilian careers after the activation is complete. I am coming up on the end of my first reserve contract, so it is kind of nice right now. I am able to experience the full aspect of the Marine Corps which I honestly felt like I might miss.”
It's not often the squadron, especially the junior Marines, is visited by a three star general, so that is something unique in itself, said Scramstead. Since HMM-774 is comprised of mostly reserve Marines, it's always nice to see the support, and for Bergman to take the time to come and speak with to the squadron, he said.
“The level of motivation is high, especially when we can see the fruits of our labor and the outcome of ongoing missions,” said Scramstead. “We all feel a tremendous sense of pride in supporting counter insurgency operations, supporting the development of the Iraqi Security Forces, and the creation of a secure environment that enables Iraqi self-reliance and self-governance. Also, there is a small glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel as we commence the 17th month of our 24-month mobilization.”
Bergman said the Wild Geese and Marine reservists throughout the Corps are doing an outstanding job adapting to every hardship they face.
“Whatever you think it is in New Orleans, it’s worse,” said Bergman, whose Marine Forces Reserves headquarters is stationed in New Orleans. “We’re not getting shot at in New Orleans, but we are conducting a real nation building mission, and we’re proving whatever challenge we face, we’re ready.”
MARINES STAY THE JOB!
“Nobody likes to be away from family and loved ones, especially over the holiday season,” said Maj. Jeffrey Scramstead, the flightline officer-in-charge with HMM-774 and a Middle River, Minn., native. “For a majority of the squadron, I don't think it is as much of a shock since this is the second consecutive year in a row. For some, however, it's not only their first time to Iraq, but also their first time being away for an extended period of time. In spite of those facts, the squadron is doing remarkably well.”
Minnesota Marine native BumP!
The best of the best are serving in our armed services. I pray for them always.
“Nobody likes to be away from family and loved ones, especially over the holiday season,” said Maj. Jeffrey Scramstead, the flightline officer-in-charge with HMM-774 and a Middle River, Minn., native. “For a majority of the squadron, I don't think it is as much of a shock since this is the second consecutive year in a row. For some, however, it's not only their first time to Iraq, but also their first time being away for an extended period of time. In spite of those facts, the squadron is doing remarkably well.”
Thanks for the ping!
BTTT
http://shw.fotopages.com/8556922/Asst-CG-of-2-MEF.html
Monday, 12-Dec-2005
"Had a flight yesterday with a BGen as my co-pilot. He joined the Army in '68 and flew in Vietnam in 70 and 71 with 1st Cav as a Huey pilot. His name is BGen Patton and later he crossed over to the Marine Corps as a Harrier pilot. He is now the Asst. Commanding General of 2 MEF."
I served with Patton's brother Greg, who everybody called George, in VMAQ-2, H&MS-14 & H&MS-12.
| Brigadier General Charles S. Patton Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Commanding General, MCAS Cherry Point |
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| Brigadier General Patton is currently assigned as the Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), Camp Fallujah, Iraq and Commanding General, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Brigadier General Patton entered the Marine Corps through the PLC program in 1976 following graduation from Southwest Missouri State. He began his military career with enlistment in the Army in 1968 and was selected for the Warrant Officer Helicopter Program in 1969. Receiving Army aviator wings in 1970, he served 13 months combat duty in Southeast Asia. Brigadier General Patton was designated a Naval Aviator in 1979 and transferred to MCAS Cherry Point, NC where he completed the AV-8A transition course and was subsequently assigned to VMA-542 for operations throughout the Mediterranean and Western Pacific. In May 1984, Captain Patton graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and was assigned to the Strike Aircraft Test Directorate. He was a member of the test team during the AV-8B Harrier high angle of attack and spin testing, the project officer/test pilot on five AV-8B sea trials, and conducted extensive Harrier weapon separation testing and envelope expansion. In February 1987, Captain Patton was transferred to VMA-331 where he served as the Squadron's operations and maintenance officer. In November 1988 he was assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of VMA-223 Detachment Bravo and served as the operations officer for HMM-264 (Rein) during their six month Mediterranean deployment with the 26th MEU (SOC). During this tour he was awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association "Bud Baker" Trophy for his contributions to Marine VSTOL flight. In April 1990, Major Patton was transferred to MAWTS-1 for duty as the AV-8B branch head. While assigned to MAWTS-1, he deployed with VMA-331 for Operation Desert Shield. Returning to the United States, Major Patton assumed command of VMA-513 on 10 October 1990. As the commanding officer of VMA-513, Major Patton was deployed from November 1990 until December 1991 to Iwakuni, Japan. Major Patton relinquished command of VMA-513 on 7 July 1992. Reassigned to Headquarters Marine Corps as an action officer in Aviation Plans and Policy, Major Patton was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in November of 1992. Selected for top-level school, Lieutenant Colonel Patton graduated from the National War College with a Masters in National Security Strategy in 1994. After graduation, Lieutenant Colonel Patton was reassigned to United States Central Command, United Arab Emirates where he completed his joint tour in August 1996. Following his tour in the Arabian Gulf, he was reassigned as the Executive Officer, Marine Aircraft Group-14. Lieutenant Colonel Patton was promoted to Colonel on 1 July 1998 and reassigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing where he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3. In July 1999, Colonel Patton transferred to I Marine Expeditionary Force where he served as the Future Operations Officer, Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3. Colonel Patton then took command of 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit on 13 January 2000, completing an Arabian Gulf deployment and a humanitarian assistance mission in East Timor. He relinquished command on 6 March 2002. Selected for Brigadier General and reassigned to HQMC, Washington, DC, Brigadier General Patton was temporarily assigned to HQ, Central Command where he served six months as the Deputy J3. Brigadier General Patton then served as Deputy Director, Warfare Integration and Assessment, Chief of Naval Operations, Pentagon, Washington, DC. Brigadier General Patton assumed command of Marine Corps Air Bases East and Commanding General, Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina on 6 August 2004, until the MCABE was consolidated within Marine Corps Installations East on 4 October 2005. Brigadier General Patton has accumulated 5,600 hours of mishap free flying in over 30 different aircraft. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal and 51 Air Medals, one with a Combat V. |
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