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1st Marine Division

I Marine Expeditionary Force

Archive: May, 2004

Marine takes well-traveled flag to Iraq

Master Sgt. Christobal D. Cowan and his American flag have been traveling the world since 1989. Cowan, operations chief for 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, received the 8-feet-long-by-5-feet-wide flag during his tour as a Marine security guard at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile. "It was the first night I stood duty there," said Cowan, of

Even 'Nick the New Guy' gets nicknamed in Iraq

Chances are that kid everyone called Stinky in sixth grade eventually cleaned up. But then again, maybe he didn't and just joined the Corps. Marines have a habit of dubbing fellow warriors with off-the-wall, sometimes off-color nicknames for as many reasons as there are nicknames. The artillerymen with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment are no

Promotion reunites brothers in Iraq

Pfc. Trevor G. Thuman just wanted one thing for the day he finally pinned on his lance corporal chevrons. That was for his brother, Lance Cpl. Philip E. Thuman who lives less than ten miles across town, to pin them on for him. It only took eight vehicles laden with automatic weapons and two days of planning, but the two brothers were united for

Marines deliver the goods for Navy Seabees

Staff Sgt. Michael J. Thompson never thought he'd see anyone get so excited to see seabags and boxes until he reunited sailors with their belongings here. Thompson and the rest of 3rd Platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment made a trip from Camp Ramadi, 60 miles east of here, to deliver a seven-ton truck full of personal gear to the

Marines transition from fight to reaching out to Iraqi citizens

Marines repositioned forces in Fallujah this week, pulling back to the outskirts of the city. The move coincided with the formation of the 1st Battalion of the Fallujah Brigade, a new Iraqi force expected to be composed of former elements of the Iraqi army. The new force will be led by Iraqi Maj. Gen. Mohammed Latif, a former Iraqi army commander

Marines prepare Iraqi towns for assistance

The stout woman hurried across the hot street yanking at the arm of the little girl walking alongside her. The woman brought her free hand up to shade her tan wrinkled eyes from the harsh rays of the Middle Eastern sun as she peered up to check the time, then briskly brought it down to adjust her black flowing burqa and continued her hasty march.

Some of the Corps' newest Marines shine in Iraq

Pfc. Huy N. Troung looks as fresh-faced as any 19-year-old Marine. He still wears uniforms with boot camp markings. He's chalked up less than one year's service in the Marine Corps, but in Fallujah, he's learning that what little training he's gotten has taken him far. Troung was more than surprised when he checked into Company E, 2nd Battalion,

Marines fight to stay after wounds

1st Sgt. William S. Skiles can't say enough good things about his Marines. "You know, we've only been here two months and we've awarded the Purple Heart to one third of the company," said Skiles, of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. "They're still charging on." Skiles' Marines were among those units that pressed into Fallujah during

Frocked captain steps into commander's role

Capt. Dominique B. Neal is still getting used to wearing the captain's bars he recently pinned on. They are a bittersweet reminder of a day he led his Marines through a raging gunfight and the same day he lost his company commander. April 17 began like any normal day for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment's Company L at their forward operating

Gearing up isn't easy

The standard fighting load for Marines in Iraq is anything but "standard." Sure, there are the "must-have" items - weapon, first aid kit, helmet and flak jacket - but when it comes to the "nice-to-haves" it's every Marine for himself. "We're leaving on a patrol in five minutes! Get your gear together!" said Staff Sgt. Christian B. Amason, a

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