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Families and Friends,

The time continues to fly by and it is amazing to think how close we are to reuniting with all

of you. Although we still have much to do, we are really beginning to get excited about our return.

The newsletter next month will let all of our families and friends know what to expect as we return

so you can begin to make plans and understand how everything will work as we arrive to Camp

Pendleton.

Fortunately, the temperatures have actually started to cool down. July is the hottest month in

Afghanistan and it is unusual to say, but a 100 degree day seems cool compared to the 115 degree

days that we were experiencing. As the temperatures drop and the number of days remaining in

our deployment steadily decline, we are working hard to prepare everything for the next rotation

of Marines and Sailors. I am confident they will be quite impressed with the accomplishments of

your Marines and Sailors, I know that I am.

Albert Einstein has a quote about success that is quite relevant to CLR-15 (FWD), “try not to

become a man of success, but a man of value.” Without a doubt, the Marines and Sailors of CLR-15

(FWD) have achieved this hallmark. The VALUE of CLR-15 (FWD) to operations in Afghanistan is

undeniable and is clearly the result of their professionalism, commitment, dedication, and hard

work. Your loves ones are performing heroic actions on a daily basis and it is quite impressive to

observe.

We could not have achieved these results without your support. You have made many sacri-

fices to support us and we will forever be in your debt. As we are singularly focused on the mis-

sion at hand, you are carrying on at home, leading the way and ensuring everything is taken care

of. We all know how difficult this is and we truly appreciate your efforts.

The Marines and Sailors of CLR-15 (FWD) are the best in the 1st Marine Logistics Group For-

ward and they have set the standard across the spectrum of assigned missions. We are a diverse

group from many different units, but we are all committed to accomplishing the mission, finishing

the deployment stronger than we started, and reuniting with you.

Semper Fi,

K. J. Stewart

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Families and Friends of CLR-15(FWD),

We are one month closer to returning to California and seeing all of you after a long separa-

tion. Since our time in country is almost over it seems like the days are starting to move much

slower than they did at the beginning of our deployment. Even though we can see our days in Af-

ghanistan coming to an end we know that there is still much more to accomplish before leaving.

We are awaiting the arrival of the 10.2 Marines and Sailors next month and we are ready to

give them a great turnover. I am sure that they will be very impressed with the amount of work we

have done since taking over in March. Our Marines and Sailors have worked tirelessly for the en-

tire deployment and have been outstanding in their performance while in country. They have

been the best unit by far during this rotation and have been the go to unit for 1st Marine Logistics

Group Forward.

We have come from many units to form CLR-15(FWD) and it could have never of happened

without a total team effort, which includes our families and friends in the United States. I want to

thank you for all of your prayers, letters, and care packages that have kept the Marines and Sailors

motivated throughout this entire deployment. The Mighty 15 would never have achieved the suc-

cess we did during this deployment without all of your support from home.

You can be proud of your Marines and Sailors because of what they have accomplished in

Afghanistan and they are truly the best we have to offer. It has been my honor to have served with

all of you as the CLR-15 (FWD) Sergeant Major during this deployment.

Semper Fi,

J.S. Miller

COMPANY COMMANDER

Friends and Family of H&S Company:

Our replacements will be here within 30

days to start conducting the long antici-

pated turn over. While we are still fo-

cused on the mission at hand, we are

working hard to ensure a smooth transi-

tion back to the states. Over the next

month you can expect to see plenty of

information on the return process from

CLR-15 (FWD) and the Family Readiness

Officers. I look forward to seeing the

Marines and Sailors who have worked

so hard over the last 5 months reconnect

with their loved ones on the 22 Area Pa-

rade Deck in Camp Pendleton. In the

mean time we are going to continue to

push providing the finest support possi-

ble to the Marines and Sailors fighting

on the front lines in the Helmand Prov-

ince.

Semper Fi!

Captain Matthew Russell

COMPANY FIRST

SERGEANT

As the summer is winding down ,

and the kids are heading back to

school, just think, it‟s not much

longer until your loved ones will be

back home. I want to personally

thank all of you for your support.

Handling the daily grind of running

the household and still finding the

time to send us care packages. I

can say with confidence that our re-

placements will have to work very

hard to uphold the standards set by

the fine men and women in this

company. We are looking forward

to getting back home but we still

have some more work to do.

God Bless and Semper Fidelis,

1stSgt Richard McEvoy

SNCO/Officer Social On a nice Sunday afternoon, the SNCO‟s and Officers of CLR-15

(FWD) gathered for a day of camaraderie and team competition.

The event: Kickball. H&S, a.k.a, “Baker‟s Dozen” came out victo-

rious and swept thru the tournament in commanding fashion.

From LCDR Enriquez‟s game ending kicks to the athletic catches

the team made, the opponents had no chance as Baker‟s Dozen

was determined to spank the competition.

In the end, victorious or not, everyone enjoyed an outstanding

day of brotherhood and good eating.

Sgt Patrick Gilbert (Aug 3)

Cpl Johnaaron Manguera

(Aug 6)

GySgt Timothy Parks (Aug 6)

Cpl Alfonzo Olvera (Aug 7)

SSgt Derrick Futrell (Aug 16)

SgtMaj Jeffrey Miller (Aug 24)

1stSgt Richard McEvoy

(Aug 24)

LCpl Jennifer Rhoads

(Aug 28)

Capt Russell‟s sister in law,

Beth Russell (Aug 16)

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Birthday Shout Outs:

COMPANY COMMANDER Family and Friends of Maintenance Company,

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the love and support you‟ve shown your Marines over the course of this deployment.

Thank you for every letter, email, care package and phone call you shared with your Marine; I know they appreciate them im-

mensely. Our time here is nearing an end. Soon we will begin transferring authority to the Marines who will carry on the fight after we

are gone, but this responsibility is not to be taken lightly. Your Marines have set the standard for future maintenance operations in Af-

ghanistan. I am echoing fellow commanders throughout the MEF when I say that the Marines of Maintenance Company have made out-

standing contributions to the warfighter‟s operational readiness and the future successes of the United States Marine Corps and the peo-

ple of Afghanistan. The work hours have been grueling at times, the expectations high and the weather unforgiving, but despite the

hardships faced by the Marines of Maintenance Company, their determination did not falter.

It is with great pride and admiration that I have served as Company Commander for Maintenance Company these past seven months,

and it is my final request that you welcome home your loved ones with the same pride and admiration for their personal sacrifices and

honorable service.

Semper Fi,

Maj Copley

COMPANY FIRST SERGEANT Greeting Friends and Family,

First, I would like to thank you for all of your support throughout this deployment; by the grace of God and your steadfast devotion we

are almost home. As we prepare to head into the month of September we still have a lot of work ahead of us but the thought of coming

home makes each passing day all the more exciting. I ask that you continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe and

speedy return. God Bless you and your families.

-1stSgt Monroe

COMPANY COMMANDER Friends & Family,

As we get closer to turning over the reins to the next rotation we get more

excited to be back in the arms of loved ones. The Marines and Sailors have

been tested in an unforgiving environment and excelled. As the months

have gone by you‟ve seen a little slice of the Company in words and pic-

tures. The remaining sections are in this letter and I hope you enjoy what

they have to say. It‟s truly been an honor serving with your Marines and

Sailors and I look forward to seeing you on the parade deck.

Cheers,

Maj Doug Burke

COMPANY EXECUTIVE OFFICER Family and Friends,

We are well on the way with our redeployment planning as the sun set quickly on

our time in Afghanistan. This has been a great experience and adventure for all of us.

The challenges that we faced and overcame speak loudly about the character, work

ethic, and commitment to excellence that your Marines and Sailors have embedded

deeply within them. Although the end is near we still have some things we must ac-

complish; therefore, we continue to press. The site preparation is nearly completed

and we have begun organizing the final phase of our compound. The transition from

tents to several wooden structures has begun and will continue in the coming weeks.

The sound of building construction is continuous throughout the night as the Seabees

work tirelessly to support our effort here.

The weather is not letting up and neither are we. Critical repair parts and supplies

continue to be pushed all over Afghanistan as we continue to work long hours through-

out the day and into the night. With each passing day we face and defeat new obsta-

cles, often testing our strength and will power. In the spite of constant changes and

new developments we are accomplishing the mission. Our production continues to

keep pace with increasing demands. This team has met every challenge head on and

as a result the support they provide continues to be far reaching. They have grown

tremendously in leadership and character and their technical acumen has expanded

beyond belief. I am impressed by their work ethic and ingenuity to accomplish the

mission.

Regardless of the place or the environment Marines will find away to break the mo-

notony of hard work. I‟m not sure if you‟ve heard but we had a Michael Jackson (MJ)

sighting in Afghanistan this month. LCpl Robertson (MMDC) decided to entertain us

with his MJ “Beat It” impression. To say the least it was definitely entertaining and he

earned a laugh from everyone present. It‟s moments like these that make for lasting

deployment memories and help to endure hard work, sweat, and some days, even

tears.

We are sincerely grateful for the support that you have provided with your words of

encouragement and the care packages that you took the time to send. Of all thing

things that your Marines and Sailors received in the mail, reading your words from

letters you sent did the most for them. The emotional support was unbelievable and

did wonders for their morale. Thank You! We are excited and ready to return home to

you as the countdown has begun. I‟m sure you are counting too.

A since of pride and accomplishment is in the air. You must be just as proud of your

Marine or Sailor as I am for their service and sacrifice. We are equally thankful for

your strength and courage to endure the time apart from the ones you love and for

your continued prayers. There are many memories and experiences to share with you

upon our return, so get comfortable after dinner and prepare to hear some amazing

stories. Unless, of course, it‟s Monday Night! Are you ready for some Football!

God bless and Semper Fi!

Captain F. Glencamp

COMPANY GUNNERY SERGEANT

We are coming close to the end and we can see the

light. Here in the Company Office myself and LCpl

Hwang, Tyler handle a vast majority of the adminis-

trative requests for training, promotions, pending

awards and also handle majority of flights to other

Forward Operating Bases and Emergency Leave.

No request is too small or too big for us to handle.

It has been an honor and privilege to work with this

fine group of Marines and Sailors. We look forward

as well to getting home, and I can promise that it

will be a well deserved welcome home. I look for-

ward to meeting you all when we arrive on that pa-

rade deck.

SEMPER FIDELIS!

Gunnery Sergeant Hernandez

INITIAL ISSUE POINT During the past 90 days, while continuing to provide equipment in support of Opera-

tion Enduring Freedom, the Initial Issue Point (IIP), has undergone a few minor person-

nel changes. Some Marines working on the lot have been rotated back to their origi-

nal units allowing new faces to continue the many daily and nightly functions of the IIP.

The Marines that have come to the IIP have had an opportunity to broaden their knowl-

edge of their MOS, allowing them to be involved with property accountability, supply

support, and distribution. This also allows Marines who are constantly on the road to

avoid complacency by learning new tasks around their MOS, while providing Heavy

Equipment and Motor Transportation support throughout Camp Leatherneck.

Continuous and hard working efforts by all have allowed for smooth and reliable sup-

port for all forces within the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) (I MEF (FWD)), to

include Army and Navy commands. The Marines worked hard preparing the IIP for

the MAGTF Materiel Accountability Assessment Team (MMAAT) inspection that hap-

pened during the month of July. The MMAAT inspection consisted of inspection of

supply records, accountability of the equipment, and equipment supply and mainte-

nance records. The Marines worked diligently day and night in order to maintain the

high standard required of all Marines.

The IIP has continued to improve not only its organization, but its efficiency and sup-

portive efforts throughout Afghanistan. The Motor Transport, Heavy Equipment, and

Supply Marines worked diligently together to improve the IIP processes and to

achieve proper accountability of MEF assets. Their hard work resulted in the account

being found „Mission Capable‟. While continuing to grow and overcome obstacles

daily, the Marines have been able to learn quickly and work as a team to accomplish

all tasks and missions assigned to them. This has allowed for continuous and smooth

productivity that is expected of the IIP. With hard work and determination, the Ma-

rines continue to improve and push forward in order to accomplish the mission: sup-

plying the war fighter in the South West Area of Operations with logistical and material

support.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Dear Friends and Families,

The customer service section has been very busy since the beginning of this de-

ployment. Our main focus is to assist all the supported units with any supply is-

sues they have. We have provided assistance with everything from keeping track

of equipment to ordering pens and paper. We also help the Combat Command-

ers acquire the critical parts they need to keep their equipment up and running.

Somehow during all of this we have even been able to expand the supply support

provided to some of the more remote Operating Bases and Outposts by establish-

ing forward supply blocks. All of this work has definitely helped the time pass

and we look forward to coming home to you soon. The Marines of Customer Ser-

vice, MISCO, System Operations and the Supply and Distribution Detachment‟s

have been the best that I‟ve deployed with, you can be proud in knowing that

your Marine has had a far reaching impact on the success of operations in OEF.

Semper Fidelis,

CWO2 Aaron J. Ratz

MEDLOG DETACHMENT

The Sailors and Marines at MEDLOG have accomplished truly outstanding feats

here supporting over the Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Army Units in the Afghani-

stan Area of Responsibility with life saving medical supplies and equipment. As we

prepare for our transition back home, our personnel continue to stay focused, work

hard, and still find time for their professional development.

With almost four months of their deployment under their belts, our personnel are

starting to get rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Corporal Saldivar was

awarded the Good Conduct Medal; HM1 McGaffick, HM2 Estrada, and HN Williams

were awarded Meritorious Masts; HM2 Estrada, LS3 Brewer, HN Williams, and LSSA

Paez were awarded Letters of Appreciation; and LSSA Paez became the first person

in MEDLOG to receive the Fleet Marine Force Qualification here in country and was

followed up by LSSN Wayne and HN Williams who earned it as well. The most out-

standing award, however, was HM2 Beaster‟s Navy and Marine Corps Achievement

Medal for winning Junior Sailor of the Quarter for the whole South West Regional

Command! Outstanding work for all our Marines and Sailors!

As we work hard continuing to support the mission and preparing for 10.2‟s arrival.

The leadership has allowed our Sailors and Marines to do some morale raising

events this month. Our LS3 Brewer got the opportunity to ride along on a Combat

Logistics Patrol (CLP). She got a chance to see how the locals live in their native

setting. Our Biomedical Equipment technicians (HM1 McGaffick and HM2 Beaster)

took Corporal Saldivar on a Preventive Maintenance and Repair mission to one of

the FOBs. LCpl Carter and LSSA Paez were able to go on a morale ride for a couple

hours on a MV-22 Osprey. LSSA Paez said “It was the best thing I‟ve ever done.”

We are looking forward to seeing our families and loved ones. LT DiParisi and HM2

Rosales will have the privilege meeting their newborns for the first time. We miss

you all.

MAGTF MATERIEL DISTRIBUTION CENTER

Greetings family and friends of CLR-15. My name is Captain Gersen and

I‟m the MAGTF Materiel Distribution Center Officer in Charge of your Ma-

rines deployed here aboard Camp Leatherneck, Kandahar Airfield and

Camp Dwyer. As you are all aware we are closing in on the end of our de-

ployment here and your Marines are working very hard to make sure we

turnover our operations here better than we received them. I must say, the

Marines of this organization are some of the hardest working and most

dedicated Devil Dogs I have ever had the privilege of serving with. Since

our arrival here in Afghanistan we have faced an uphill battle of challenges

ranging from the weather, equipment failures and even a catastrophic fire,

but the Marines have never once slowed down or let any of this affect their

motivation to accomplish the mission. In the face of adversity your Marines

have shown nothing but determination and epitomized the professionalism

that Marines are known for and I am proud and honored to be associated

with the Marines of the MMDC.

Semper Fidelis and see you all on the parade deck!

COMPANY FIRST SERGEANT Hello Family and Friends!

As the temperatures finally begin to drop

so are out days remaining for our stay here

in Afghanistan. Our operational tempo re-

mains strong and our Marines continue to

serve with motivation and diligence. How-

ever, as our time shortens we are now fo-

cusing on those who will replace us. We

are planning and preparing to ensure we

set up our counterparts for success. Finally

I want to express my deepest appreciate

for your continued support of our deployed

Marines. Your consistent emails, letters and

packages have contributed to the high mo-

rale of our Marines.

Semper Fidelis,

1stSgt Miller

COMPANY COMMANDER All,

Another month come and gone, and an-

other month closer to reuniting with you

all. The men and women in this Company

continue to press forward and produce

quality results as the heat of the summer

seems to be coming to an end. Next

month‟s edition of the newsletter will focus

on the details of our return, so please stay

tuned for the specifics coming soon from

the Family Readiness Officers or Reserve

Site I&I First Sergeants. I‟ll never get tired

of saying thanks for your love and sup-

port….thanks and SEMPER FI!

Captain Hines

COMPANY COMMANDER

We are finally in the last stretch of our deployment. Although the missions have

not eased up, we are determined to finish stronger than we started and turnover

a well oiled machine to the next group coming to relive us. It has been a privi-

lege to serve alongside your Marines and Sailors. They have acquitted them-

selves with distinction and have contributed to the overall image of excellence

that has become synonymous with CLR-15 (FWD). As we begin to prepare for

our redeployment back home, I would like to remind all our family members to

keep operational security at the forefront. I know that there are all sorts of

plans that are in the works when your Marine or Sailor gets home; please mini-

mize any discussions of times and dates of arrival in public forums. These in-

clude myspace and facebook. As the saying goes “loose lips sink ships”. We

all need to do our part to make sure that all Marines and Sailors arrive back

home safely after such a successful deployment. As your Marines begin to dis-

cuss the end of the deployment, here is a list of some top-tens of what will be

missed, not missed and what they are looking forward to when they get back

home.

I would like to conclude by once again thanking you all for your great support

and patriotism. Your Marines and Sailors have made a great deal of a differ-

ence in supporting their fellow Marines, the Afghans Security Forces, and over-

all Country of Afghanistan. We look forward to seeing you all when we get

back.

Capt Carper

Top Ten things that will not be missed: 24 hour Dwyer runs –It happened.

Sand Storms—purportedly caused by Chuck Norris running across the desert.

Breathing Moon dust—its everywhere.

Port-a-jons (Port-a-saunas)-aka ―Biggest Loser Afghanistan‖

Improvised Explosive Devices-they are everywhere

The Natural Afghan aroma—patent pending for room fresheners with similar

aroma.

The Half mile walks… Everywhere!!!—Thank you NTV

115 degree weather (ALL Day)—standard operating temperature for this time of

year.

Gremlins (Afghanistan Children)—Only when they ambush convoys looking for

candy

The abundance of Large Rock that you have to navigate through to get anywhere.

Top Ten things that will be missed: Ice cream (everyday)—Fact…you can’t fight and win the GWOT without it.

Friendship—until the next deployment

Hearts and Spades games

Writings on the walls of the Port-a-Johns—Chuck Norris is prominently featured

and revered.

Two dollar movies at the Bazaar—They contain extra features not normally in

movies.

Living with 13 other people—aka ―The real world Afghanistan‖

Stinky feet—expected result of (115 degree weather + leather boots+ walking

everywhere)

Immediate Response Team/ AKA Day on stay on squad—developed great skil

(see #3)

Mongolian Night—toss-up with Seafood Wednesday (bang bang Shrimp), & Surf

N Turf Sunday

RIPIT’S!!! for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Top Ten things we are looking forward to when we get back: Taking Leave

Vegas Vacations

Reuniting with family and seeing our children

Grass (the kind you walk on) and Trees.

Weekends off

In-n-Out burger and fast food

Walking on pavement

Wearing Sneaker and sandals

Wearing shorts

Driving instead of walking

COMPANY FIRST SERGEANT

Hello again to all our families:

We have finally arrived to the month before we all start

seeing our loved ones again. We do see a light at the end

of the tunnel but we still have not lost focus of the mission at

hand. Your Marines and Sailors are as alert and sharp as

they were when we went out our first mission. Compla-

cency is an enemy which we have neutralized early on and

it will not set foot as we finish up. “We will finish stronger

than we started,” has been the tone that rings in our head.

That being said, I want to thank you all for your continued

support and prayers for us. You have demonstrated your

ability and willingness to finish stronger than you started as

well. Keep up your support in prayers and do not let up.

We all look forward to seeing you on the parade deck

when we return. Lastly, we thank you for all the care pack-

ages we received thus far; however, you may want to taper

off as we come down to the last month.

CONGRATULATIONS

We want to say congratulations to the below listed Marines.

Sgt Ortega, Leticia: Received Navy and Marine Corps

Achievement Medal for outstanding work ethic.

GySgt Fields, Shelby: Awarded Navy and Marine Corps

Achievement for outstanding work ethic.

May God Bless You All in my Prayers

GySgt, Alvin T. Dupree Jr

Security Company First Sergeant

NEW MULTIDISCIPLINARY CLINIC PREPARES FOR OPENING By LT J. Custodia

Since the inception of Operation Enduring Freedom there has been one battle-related

injury considered to be the hallmark casualty of this conflict: concussions. Also known as

mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), concussions are among the most common of injuries

sustained in combat. Concussive injuries are inflicted when troops are near blast events,

such as those caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). A person need only be in

the vicinity of the blast radius to incur lasting effects to the brain, causing lasting neuro-

motor and psychological deficit. But while it is well known what causes concussions,

there is less known about the definitive treatment of these complex injuries. Troops with

concussive injuries often present with associated musculoskeletal injuries related to the

traumatic effects of blasts, which further complicate the patient‟s treatment.

August 30th marks the day that CLR-15 (FWD), Charlie Surgical Company will unveil its

newest contribution to the fight against mTBI and musculoskeletal injuries. The tenta-

tively named Concussion Restoration Care Center at Camp Leatherneck will be the first

clinic of its kind to diagnose and definitively treat concussions and musculoskeletal

trauma in theater, thereby allowing troops the quickest path to treatment and recovery. CDR Steussi, a licensed Sports Medicine physician will

be the officer-in-charge, leading a multidisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, nurses and Corpsmen to combat the effects of these de-

bilitating injuries.

“We intend to use all of our team to treat both concussion and musculoskeletal injuries, and get these troops back in the fight as soon as possi-

ble,” stated CDR Steussi. He, along with CDR Vath, and LCDR Slater, just arrived in Camp Leatherneck and were brought to Afghanistan with

this clinic in mind. This will be the first time that the Marine Corps has sourced physicians with a physical therapy background, specifically to

treat concussions and musculoskeletal injuries in country. Prior to the development of this clinic, there was little option but to send some of the

more serious concussive injured patients back to the United States for definitive treatment. Now, there will be a cutting-edge facility that can

provide that treatment more quickly, which will hopefully lead to better clinical outcomes.

The three-building complex will house an array of tools to help the treatment team diagnose and treat concussive and musculoskeletal injuries.

Dedicated computers will allow clinicians to administer the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM), which assists in quan-

tifying the degree of defect caused by concussions. Hospital Corpsmen assigned to this facility have already been actively training in adminis-

tering the Military Acute Concussion Evaluation (MACE) exam, a physical exam that further helps to determine the degree of concussive injury.

The psychiatric aspects of mTBI will be thoroughly evaluated by staff psychiatrists who have already been actively treating the troops affected

by concussive events at Camp Leatherneck. Finally, a physical therapy section, complete with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and licensed

occupational and physical therapists, will treat the associated musculoskeletal injuries of patients.

It is anticipated that the new multidisciplinary clinic will be one of the busiest medical treatment facilities on Camp Leatherneck, and there is

great hope that new treatment protocols will be developed from this battlefield setting. But no matter the amount of patients, the clinic will seek

to give the best treatment to American and coalition forces in the place where it is needed the most: in Afghanistan.

ALL PAYNE ALL GAIN:

CHARLIE SURGICAL PERSONNEL THRIVE AT

COP PAYNE By LT J. Custodia

Charlie Surgical Co Shock Trauma Platoon at COP Payne

The blistering sun batters everyone down here in the deserts of the Hel-

mand Province. It is no different here at Combat Outpost (COP) Payne.

Yet there is a stark contrast in the landscape here when compared to other

bases. A sliver of emerald green vegetation snakes its way through the

sandy dunes, following the meandering waters of the Helmand River. It‟s

is a welcome sight to visitors and a source of inspiration for the inhabitants

of COP Payne.

COP Payne is a base of no more than 700 troops, but it looms large in the

counterinsurgency plan of American and coalition forces. Many opera-

tions have been carried out from here, focusing on stopping illegal weap-

ons trade and drug interdiction. And it is here that CLR-15 (FWD), Charlie

Surgical Company has a Shock Trauma Platoon (STP), which has provided

much needed medical support to the troops of this intrepid outpost. Char-

lie Surgical has participated in operations in support of 1st Light Armored

Reconnaissance (1st LAR) Battalion, as well as co-located British Special

Forces here in the southern reaches of Helmand Province.

But aside from the direct support that Charlie Surgical Company has provided to Marine Corps forces, it is the day-to-day support that the STP personnel have

provided the COP as a whole that means more. According to HMC Dan Covitz, Leading Chief Petty Officer for the STP at COP Payne, it is all in the spirit of

helping one another.

“We just try to help the base out wherever we can. We‟ve done everything from sick call, to psychiatric evaluations, and even insurgent detainee health

checks. We‟ve also completed Combat Lifesaver Reset Training for over 400 Marines on this base. As long as we help out, we know that when the time

comes, the other units at this base will help us.”

It is this sense of community that has kept up the spirits of the Payne STP, along with the rest of COP Payne. The positive attitude has paid dividends to the

medical facility. During this deployment alone, Charlie Surgical has made numerous improvements to the STP complex, including new hygiene and shower

facilities, new berthing tents, and an industrial-grade ice machine that was installed with the help of the local construction battalion, the Seabees. In return,

the STP has been a reliable source of medical service. During a recent attack in which 12 Marine and coalition personnel were injured by two consecutive IED

blasts, Charlie Surgical was there to provide outstanding combat trauma care. According to Independent Duty Corpsman HM1 Kelly Kendrick, it was all in a

day‟s work.

“When the casualties came in, everyone was calm and collected. Treatment ran smoothly. We train for this all the time, so it was no surprise to our guys. The

commanding officer of 1st LAR even commented on our performance and thanked us for the support.”

The personnel of the STP at COP Payne can always be called upon to bring their very best to the fight. And the rest of COP Payne loves them for it. In this par-

ticular case, it‟s all Payne, all gain.

CHARLIE SURGICAL COMES TO ITS RUBICON By LT J. Custodia

The Rubicon is a shallow, unremarkable river in northern Italy. About 30 km in length and running from east to west, it empties its muddy wa-

ters into the Adriatic. It might have never been mentioned as anything else but a river, if not for that fateful day when young Julius Caesar and

his army crossed it in 49 B.C. on the way to conquering Rome. In crossing it, he would be stepping onto city territory, which would be consid-

ered an act of war against the Roman Republic. Once he crossed it, there would be no turning back.

Since then, the term “Rubicon” has been synonymous with any time or place indicating the point of no return; the moment when it would take

longer to head back than it would be to forge ahead to the end; when the distance is shorter to go forward than back to where you came from.

We have come to our Rubicon.

As of the 10th of August, Charlie Surgical Company has spent an official count of 105 days in country. That is precisely half of the expected

maximum 210 days in deployment. We can officially start a countdown, even though many of us have already been counting the days until we

catch a bird home. It comes up often in daily con-

versation; what cities will we hit on the way back;

will we be allowed to drink a few beers on the way;

what‟s the first thing we‟ll do when we get back

home.

As we forge ahead toward the conclusion of this

deployment, we will keep our noses to the prover-

bial grinding stone. In the coming weeks there

will be many events to use as time markers along

the way. At the end of August, we‟ll say farewell to

our compatriots from Bravo Surgical Company as

they head back to the States. We will welcome new

Charlie Surgical personnel coming in from 3rd

Medical Battalion in September. And the person-

nel of CLR-15(FWD) 10.1 will be headed home in

October. We will patiently see them come and go,

waiting for our turn.

Until then, we keep our hearts and minds focused

on our loved ones. Every passing moment is a mo-

ment closer to home. And before we know it we‟ll

be back on the grinder in the 22 Area, this war a

distant memory; this Rubicon moment another foot-

mark in history.

CHAPLAIN’S

CORNER

There’s a wonderful final scene from the movie, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle,

about the life of the American poet Dorothy Parker. A group of her peers is pre-

senting the elderly Mrs. Parker a lifetime achievement award. As she walks to the

podium to accept, the audience eagerly expects what they believe will be profound

words of wisdom gained from a long and tumultuous life. Mrs. Parker receives her

award, holds it up in the air, and exclaims loudly: “Never thought I’d make it!”

And then…she walks away without another word.

When our families and friends greet us back at Camp Pendleton, or we go home on

leave and visit them in other states, perhaps some of them will be like Mrs.

Parker’s audience, expecting to hear exciting (sea) stories and other colorful de-

scriptions of deployment in Afghanistan. Perhaps some of us will be like Mrs.

Parker, feeling that it is enough to say “Never thought I’d make it!” without mak-

ing any elaboration or fuss over our experiences. Either way, it can be a set-up for

potential frustration and disappointment on both sides. The stresses of deployment

do not necessarily end when we return! If either side does not know what to expect

post-deployment, it can create problems.

We can work on making our return from deployment a successful one by educating

our families and friends on what to expect when a Marine or Sailor returns from

deployment. We can also educate ourselves on what the post-deployment experi-

ence will be like. As with all other things, we should experience moderation in our

post-deployment lives: we definitely should spend time with families and friends,

but we can also let them know that we may need some “alone time” and that it is

not meant to shut them out but just to decompress. We can relax and enjoy our-

selves, but also we need to be careful that we do not become careless when we

drive to places and have fun. We should always be mindful of each other, and know

that our families have gone through some difficult times when we were deployed

and also that we have gone through wartime experiences, and now need to re-

adjust to “normal life” back at home. We also need to get back to our regular du-

ties on Camp Pendleton, or to our civilian jobs (if Reservist).

There is nothing wrong with learning more about the post-deployment experience.

If you have never experienced deployment as a family member, ask others in the

FRG about theirs; there are many people who would be willing to help you learn

about with how to adjust when your spouse returns. Ask a chaplain or your FRO

about post-deployment issues. Above all, be prepared for anything!

“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines – but the person who can master

endurance achieves the final victory.” – Buddha, The Dhammapada.

Namaste! (Peace!)

Corporal

Brian Atrisco

Daniel Barten

Michael Boosey

Tarence Cordon

Jun Delrosario

Kaiheem Emery

James Hartley

Tyson Judkins

James Kench

Elizabeth Martinez

Andrew McCombs

Michael PIna

Samuel Soehnel

Michael Stefan

Thomas Swaenepoel

Joshua Thomas

Cynthia Valencia

Jorge Vargaslanderos

Isaiah Veo

Ryan Villareal

Captain

Matthew Russell

First Lieutenant

Jeremy Taylor

Chief Warrant Officer 2

Michael Bressler

Jacob Niemants

Gunnery Sergeant

Ruben Avila

Sergeant

Michael Braithwaite

Christiane Sanders

Lance Corporal

James Connery

Maxwell Holcomb

Karen Miranda

Maintenance Company

James

Cpl James and Tiffany Kench

Brayden

Cpl Caleb and Melissa Luikens

Lucas

LCpl Juan and Reyna RodriguezCano

Adalyn

LCpl Seth and Audra Shepard

Supply Company

Amy

PFC Omar and Devan Rios

Charlie Company

Lauren

HM1 Colin and Wendy Bowman

GSMT

Ryan

LCpl Aaron and Jalana Roys

Addison

LCpl Darren and Erika Dodge

NEW ADDITIONS

TO THE

CLR-15 (FWD) FAMILY

2010 First Lieutenant Alexandra L. Cole

CLR-15 (FWD) CRUISE BOOK

CLR-15 (FWD) is creating a cruise book to capture all of our memories

and accomplishments from the 10.1 rotation. Below is the link that will

direct you to the order form, credit cards only.

The cruise book will be 65 pages, all in color, and hard bound.

http://store.entourageyearbooks.com/product_p/clr15fwd.htm