thedrifter
06-09-06, 06:51 AM
June 8, 2006
Family Day brings Marines, families together
by Capt. Chris Devine
Dam Support Unit 3
The Marines of Bravo Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaisance Battalion, were officially mobilized for active duty May 31 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. About 105 Marines from Bravo Company reported the PFC Raymond Flair Reserve Training Center located in Area B as their first step in their journey back to Iraq.
This also marked an historic occasion for Fort Detrick's Reserve Marines, because the company officially changed its unit designation from Bravo Company to Dam Support Unit 3--reflecting their new and unique mission while in Iraq.
"We were all excited to see the posting of our new guidon," said Maj. Michael Stolzenburg, the newly promoted commander of DSU 3. "It's great to know that we'll be the only unit in Marine Corps History to bear this standard. Once we complete our mission overseas, we'll take the guidon home with us and make it apart of our history."
The Marines spent time last week finalizing much of their administrative and medical readiness issues; conducted a physical fitness test; inspecting and issuing weapons, communications equipment and personal gear and preparing their gear for embarkation to their next destination--Camp Lejeune, N.C.
On June 3, Marines and their family members participated in a Family Day hosted by Elks Lodge on Willowdale Drive. The lodge was decorated with
a variety of flags and patriotic symbols to welcome the Marines and their families.
"When we heard the Marines were looking for a place to to do this event, the Elks called the Marines to be apart of it right away," said Tommy Grunwell, Elks contributing member.
The Family Day events were well-received by Marines and their families alike, providing a forum for families to ask questions directly to unit leaders about the upcoming mission and deployment, as well as helping to establish family contact information for the unit's family readiness group.
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, representing Maryland's 6th District, Maj. Gen. Eric Schoomaker, commanding ceneral, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, Col. Gina Deutsch, commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, and Ms. Juliana Albowicz, representing Senator Barbara Mikulski, were all on hand to show their support for the deploying Marines.
Many organizations were offered literature and give-away items to provide essential family readiness information to those who may need help while their Marine is deployed. Some of the organizations included USAA Bank & while their Marine is deployed. Some of the organizations included USAA Bank &
Insurance Services, TRICARE Northeast, Fort Detrick Army Community Services, the American Red Cross, John's Hopkins Healthcare and the Fort Detrick Exchange.
Having fun and getting families to know one another was equally important.
There was plenty of food, fun and entertainment for all ages during the event, including karaoke, face painting, moonbounces, horseshoe pits and an inflatable obstacle course.
DSU 3 Marines left for Camp Lejeune June 5 to begin pre-deployment training as a provisional small craft company that will eventually patrol and help secure Iraqi waterways.
Ellie
Family Day brings Marines, families together
by Capt. Chris Devine
Dam Support Unit 3
The Marines of Bravo Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaisance Battalion, were officially mobilized for active duty May 31 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. About 105 Marines from Bravo Company reported the PFC Raymond Flair Reserve Training Center located in Area B as their first step in their journey back to Iraq.
This also marked an historic occasion for Fort Detrick's Reserve Marines, because the company officially changed its unit designation from Bravo Company to Dam Support Unit 3--reflecting their new and unique mission while in Iraq.
"We were all excited to see the posting of our new guidon," said Maj. Michael Stolzenburg, the newly promoted commander of DSU 3. "It's great to know that we'll be the only unit in Marine Corps History to bear this standard. Once we complete our mission overseas, we'll take the guidon home with us and make it apart of our history."
The Marines spent time last week finalizing much of their administrative and medical readiness issues; conducted a physical fitness test; inspecting and issuing weapons, communications equipment and personal gear and preparing their gear for embarkation to their next destination--Camp Lejeune, N.C.
On June 3, Marines and their family members participated in a Family Day hosted by Elks Lodge on Willowdale Drive. The lodge was decorated with
a variety of flags and patriotic symbols to welcome the Marines and their families.
"When we heard the Marines were looking for a place to to do this event, the Elks called the Marines to be apart of it right away," said Tommy Grunwell, Elks contributing member.
The Family Day events were well-received by Marines and their families alike, providing a forum for families to ask questions directly to unit leaders about the upcoming mission and deployment, as well as helping to establish family contact information for the unit's family readiness group.
Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, representing Maryland's 6th District, Maj. Gen. Eric Schoomaker, commanding ceneral, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, Col. Gina Deutsch, commander, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Detrick, and Ms. Juliana Albowicz, representing Senator Barbara Mikulski, were all on hand to show their support for the deploying Marines.
Many organizations were offered literature and give-away items to provide essential family readiness information to those who may need help while their Marine is deployed. Some of the organizations included USAA Bank & while their Marine is deployed. Some of the organizations included USAA Bank &
Insurance Services, TRICARE Northeast, Fort Detrick Army Community Services, the American Red Cross, John's Hopkins Healthcare and the Fort Detrick Exchange.
Having fun and getting families to know one another was equally important.
There was plenty of food, fun and entertainment for all ages during the event, including karaoke, face painting, moonbounces, horseshoe pits and an inflatable obstacle course.
DSU 3 Marines left for Camp Lejeune June 5 to begin pre-deployment training as a provisional small craft company that will eventually patrol and help secure Iraqi waterways.
Ellie