You're on your way. Happy hunting.
Posted on 11/20/2002 5:24:46 AM PST by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
You're on your way. Happy hunting.
What a great picture!
My dad was a marine during World War Twice in the Pacific. Whenever I would ask him what he did during the war, his reply was, invariably: "I dug foxholes! Lots of foxholes!"
Finally, one Christmas we sat him down and interviewed him on video. We had asked him several months before to please think about what he'd like to say in an interview. He told us that he was supposed to have shipped out with his buddies from Texas, but that he was held back for clerical reasons. He missed the Bataan Death March by one week. Many of his buddies didnt make it back from that March.
His work during the war was ordinance. He would take apart live Japanese grenades and mines.
He told of the time he was supposed to get on a troop carrier, and one of his buddies told him to get the next one. That troop carrier was blown up.
One of the things he did was to design a special rack that allowed the Marine airplanes the ability to hold an extra bomb. He also figured out how they could carry a container of spent oil, and when the pilots would see enemy gardens, the oil would be poured on them.
He told us how his father held vigil for him while he was overseas, and had a heart attack shortly after he returned from duty. He told us he was convinced that his dad stayed around just long enough to be sure his son, my dad was ok.
When my brother was serving in Viet Nam, he held a vigil for him. He crossed every day off the calendar and was positively ecstatic at his return. (As were we all!)
I treasure that Christmas video, for he passed on only two months later in 1997.
He loved this nation with all his heart. When my mother and I went on a trip to Europe, he had the option of going along, but his attitude was, "I've already been overseas...dont need to do it again."
Greetings and much love to all who serve in the armed forces. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
PFC Justin Kidder, TOW gunner, Weapons Platoon, 3/7, takes aim during the mechanized assault course Nov. 5 as part of CAX 2-03. Marines from 1st Tanks, 3/11 and D Co., 3rd AAVs joined 3/7 for the mechanized assault. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Brent Walker
Mech assault course hones combined-arms skills
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification Number: 20021118164512
Story by Cpl. Kristen Bennett
MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, Calif.(November 15, 2002) -- Marines from 1st Tank Battalion; 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines; and Third Battalion, 11th Marines here demonstrated their combat skills at a mechanized-assault course during Combined-Arms Exercise-2-03.
"This exercise today is designed to give us a chance to practice synchronizing and putting together all the firepower we have from ground forces, indirect-fire artillery and from aviation," said Capt. David Banning, commanding officer, A Company, 1st Tanks. "It's going on all at the same place at the same time so we can close the objective, get the infantry in there and allow them to do their job."
Short of actual combat, this exercise was the most realistic thing the Marines have had the opportunity to participate in. All the training was performed with live ammunition including bombs and artillery shells.
"All the ordnance out here is live, so there's a lot of danger just in executing the exercise without enemy forces," said Banning. "We get to practice all the planning and coordination that is necessary in wartime here to make sure everything runs safely."
Aside from extra planning and coordination during the exercise, the Marines also took part in classes weeks before the exercise that covered many protective measures taken to keep everyone safe during training.
"The whole CAX program does a very good job of making sure we're prepared to execute this safely," said Banning. "We sat through about a week of classes covering the safety perimeters as far as how close we can be to the ordnance and bombs when they explode."
The Marines trained for this exercise, starting off at a small scale with infantry squads participating in live-fire attacks and building up to platoon- and company-level attacks.
"The CAX program starts with a crawl, walk, run approach," said Banning. "This is about the midway point of the whole thing."
"The point of this exercise is to get us more efficient and ready for combat," said PFC Justin May, tank driver, 1st Tanks. "We have to be ready so when the commander tells us to do something, it's automatic. That takes a lot of training."
First Lt. Mark Smith, executive officer, A Company, 1st Tanks, agreed that the exercise was beneficial in training combat-proficient Marines.
"The whole course allows us to work on continuing actions, the things we should always be doing like maintenance on the tanks and night security," said Smith. "It brings the whole combined-arms team together, making a miniature [Marine Air Ground Task Force]."
"We have jets, helicopters and, of course, the indirect side with artillery and all the maneuver pieces," said Banning. "This is a very good representative slice of a mini MAGTF."
I like the one on the far right!!!
Gonna put thuh pedal to thuh metal and really get things going! I think we ought to move the little red fences a little bit and get some more ROOM....what do you think?
An M1A1 Tank from Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) moves out to conduct a live-fire exercise while participating in an exercise in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Alexander Whitney
An M1A1 Tank from Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) rolls across the desert during a live-fire exercise in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. Photo by: Sgt. Zachary A. Bathon
An M1A1 Tank from Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) prepares to move out after providing security around the camp perimeter while participating in an exercise in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Alexander Whitney
George Benson smiles as he receives a 320th Air Expeditionary Wing coin from Col. Suzanne Hansen, 320th Expeditionary Medical Group commander at a forward-deployed location. Benson underwent surgery at the group's hospital after his leg was amputated in an accident aboard a U.S. Merchant Marine ship. (Photo by Capt. Ernest Wearren)
One man's ordeal brings focus to mission
by By Tech. Sgt. Mitch Gettle
320th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
11/20/02 - OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (AFPN) -- An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crew evacuated a merchant mariner to a forward-deployed location for surgery after his leg was amputated in an accident while his ship was leaving port in the Arabian Gulf.
George Benson, 2nd mate on the USN Watson, was transported to the port city's hospital after a messenger line caught his ankle and amputated his right leg. After medics gave him blood and stabilized him, they brought him to a field clinic for a forward-deployed U.S. base. From there, the KC-135 crew transported Benson to the 320th Expeditionary Medical Group's hospital for immediate surgery.
"It had been more than six hours since the amputation when Mr. Benson arrived," said Maj. (Dr.) James Keeney, 320th Expeditionary Medical Squadron orthopedic surgeon. "The main goal was to stop the bleeding and clean the wound to prevent infection."
Even though the operation could not save his leg, it did aid in saving his life.
"This whole operation and the existence of such a place as this in a far off land, is the only thing that saved my life," said Benson. "One of my wishes is that someday I could bring my family here to meet the people responsible for saving my life, but I know that may not be possible under these conditions."
Benson sees everyone involved as heroes; not only those in the 320th Air Expeditionary Wing, but also the host nation, his crew mates, the crew and medics on the KC-135.
But, he mentions he almost did not make it here.
"I can tell you my first thought was I wanted to die, I told one of the crew to give me a gun so I can shoot myself," said Benson. "But this group here, with their professionalism and outstanding care has influenced me to look at my life (differently), more (positively)."
Looking back to the first moments of the ordeal, Benson still had a presence of mind.
"I was lying in my own blood. I could see it, one-half inch deep, and I knew I was dead," Benson said. "I radioed the captain to tell my wife and children that I will always love them."
Benson has two very young boys and that thought hit home with him.
"I don't know how I can support them at this time -- playing catch or teaching them how to sail," Benson said as tears welled his eyes. "But, I do know this, the people here have given me hope, told me about ways to overcome this, and I will."
Hope and the everlasting will of someone to see something through to the end, George Benson has it and has shown it to the people here.
"He really touched us all with his remarkable strength in handling this situation," said Keeney. "I think it was clear to members of our staff that there are more than uniformed members of the armed forces around the world making sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy at home."
To show their appreciation from the inspiration and courage Benson displayed, the 320th EMEDS presented Benson a U.S. flag, which was flown over Afghanistan on Sept. 11, a certificate, a 320th EMEDS T-shirt and a wing coin.
"Sometimes, we wonder why we are here and what's our purpose," said Col. Suzanne Hansen, 320th EMDG commander, as she presented Benson the gifts. "We now know. We are here for you -- you are our hero."
With a grin and as his eyes welled with tears, Benson quietly said, "Nah, I think you have that the other way around."
"The company made me a scapegoat - just like my three previous employers."
'I'm a rabid typist"
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