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thedrifter
08-12-05, 08:53 AM
Upstate N.Y. native finds home in Corps
II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)
Story by Cpl. Ruben D. Maestre

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Aug. 12, 2005) -- Quiet but alert, the Ccorporal of the guard watches his post overlooking an entrance to a chow hall here. He plays a small but important part in maintaining vigilance over an area Marines, sailors and soldiers congregate to eat.

“No matter what time of day it is or what the weather conditions are, we are always going to be standing post during the meals,” said Lance Cpl. Gabriel L. Brown, a Buffalo, N.Y., resident, of his job after standing guard in a sandstorm. “Security is the number one factor.”

Nearly five years ago, the story was far different while growing up in Rochester, N.Y. Even though he played soccer, basketball and football, he cared little for his studies and it was much easier getting into trouble than doing what was right.

“My mindset wasn’t in school,” said the 2001 graduate of John Marshall High School in Rochester. “I was just getting by in school to play sports.”

After high school, Brown moved between jobs. He eventually met and dated his future wife, Tisha, and moved to Buffalo, but Brown was unable to find the career path he wanted for his life.

His search took a different course when he met a veteran who had served in the Corps.

“One of my best friend’s father was a Marine,” said the 22-year-old. “He put that idea [being a Marine] in my mind ... so I just followed that dream.”

Following the Marine’s experience, he decided to join and by March 2004, Brown was on his way to boot camp.

“My direction was going the wrong way and I wanted a new sense of direction,” he said. “The Marine Corps is the toughest branch and I wanted to do something challenging.”

In boot camp the recruit excelled. Brown became the platoon guide, leading his fellow recruits for the second half of training and the future food service specialist was meritoriously promoted from private to private first class.

He completed boot camp with a new sense of purpose for himself and his family.

“I’ve always been known of wanting to be one of the best,” Brown said of his competitive nature. “The [Marine Corps] gave me more maturity and everyone noticed the difference back home.”

Deployed for the first time overseas to Iraq in March 2005, the Marine is assigned to Food Services section, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (Forward). He currently provides assistance with security and keeps track of the number of patrons using the chow hall he is assigned to.

“Lance Corporal Brown is a soft spoken, articulate, young devil dog,” said Master Sgt. Leonard K. Champaign, food services chief and native of Charleston, S.C. “He always keeps a smile on his face, lifting the spirits of the section.”

With his deployment scheduled to last for nearly a year, Brown views his role here as part of the commitment he made to the Corps.

“The Marine Corps sent us on a mission [here],” he said. “We do what we have to do and then we can go back to our homes and families.”

Despite the difficulties of deployment, Brown seems to have found the career path he has been looking for. The quiet man of good cheer is considering re-enlistment and the possibility of staying with the Marines for 20 years.

“Being a Marine means taking more leadership roles,” he said. “I know how to do my duty, so when it comes to getting the job done, it gets done.”

Ellie