thedrifter
02-28-07, 05:01 AM
Marines receive coins to mark combat status
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
AL TAQADDUM, Iraq - The Marines of the Okinawa-based Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 celebrated the receipt of 250 challenge coins, donated by the unit's Vietnam Veterans Association, to signify the squadron's return to combat, this time in Iraq.
This is the first time the squadron, nicknamed the "Flying Tigers," has been deployed to a combat zone in more than 30 years.
During the Vietnam War, the squadron operated in Ky Ha, Marble Mountain, Quang Tri, Phu Bai and aboard the USS Tripoli. They are currently in Iraq's Al Anbar Province supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"We've deployed in support of humanitarian aid, disaster relief operations and in III (Marine Expeditionary Force) exercise operations, but this is the first time since the Vietnam War we've deployed to a combat zone," said Lt. Col. Michael Farrell, a Longmeadow native who is the commanding officer of the unit.
The squadron's past combat veterans sent the commemorative coins to remind the current "Flying Tigers" that they are being supported by their predecessors.
The words on the coin read, "From RVN (Republic of Vietnam) to Iraq, we've got your back."
"When they heard we were deploying, they volunteered to support the squadron," said Farrell. "They're collecting donations to buy items and necessities to support us."
Sgt. Maj. Leon S. Thornton, a Warrenton, N.C., native, said soon after the veterans learned their former squadron was headed to Iraq, some sent e-mails reading, "We are going back to combat."
"We have a strong bond with the former 'Tigers,' the same bond and commitment that we as a Marine Corps have," he said. "We owe them immeasurable respect for having paved the way."
The veterans association members are not the only ones looking out for the squadron's Marines, however.
"The veterans' wives take care of us too," said Lance Cpl. Lynette G. Baldodacumos, an electronics technician with the squadron.
"They asked for a list of stuff that we think we'll need. It's great to know somebody else, other than our families, has our back."
Many of the Marines enjoy the support, because some of them don't get things sent to them from home, said the Stafford, Texas, native. But with the support of their extended family, no one goes without.
Farrell said he believes keeping strong ties with the veterans is a direct link to the squadron's history.
"We as Marines draw tremendous strength from our heritage," he said. "We have to uphold the standards, success and reputation, not only of the Marine Corps, but of the squadron set during Vietnam."
Thornton said being part of history for the squadron is a rewarding experience for him.
"The nation called and we answered," said Thornton.
"We can only hope we can make our nation proud and that we can live up to the standards and expectations of the former 'Flying Tigers.' It's a great feeling having them with us here today in spirit."
Ellie
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
AL TAQADDUM, Iraq - The Marines of the Okinawa-based Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 celebrated the receipt of 250 challenge coins, donated by the unit's Vietnam Veterans Association, to signify the squadron's return to combat, this time in Iraq.
This is the first time the squadron, nicknamed the "Flying Tigers," has been deployed to a combat zone in more than 30 years.
During the Vietnam War, the squadron operated in Ky Ha, Marble Mountain, Quang Tri, Phu Bai and aboard the USS Tripoli. They are currently in Iraq's Al Anbar Province supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"We've deployed in support of humanitarian aid, disaster relief operations and in III (Marine Expeditionary Force) exercise operations, but this is the first time since the Vietnam War we've deployed to a combat zone," said Lt. Col. Michael Farrell, a Longmeadow native who is the commanding officer of the unit.
The squadron's past combat veterans sent the commemorative coins to remind the current "Flying Tigers" that they are being supported by their predecessors.
The words on the coin read, "From RVN (Republic of Vietnam) to Iraq, we've got your back."
"When they heard we were deploying, they volunteered to support the squadron," said Farrell. "They're collecting donations to buy items and necessities to support us."
Sgt. Maj. Leon S. Thornton, a Warrenton, N.C., native, said soon after the veterans learned their former squadron was headed to Iraq, some sent e-mails reading, "We are going back to combat."
"We have a strong bond with the former 'Tigers,' the same bond and commitment that we as a Marine Corps have," he said. "We owe them immeasurable respect for having paved the way."
The veterans association members are not the only ones looking out for the squadron's Marines, however.
"The veterans' wives take care of us too," said Lance Cpl. Lynette G. Baldodacumos, an electronics technician with the squadron.
"They asked for a list of stuff that we think we'll need. It's great to know somebody else, other than our families, has our back."
Many of the Marines enjoy the support, because some of them don't get things sent to them from home, said the Stafford, Texas, native. But with the support of their extended family, no one goes without.
Farrell said he believes keeping strong ties with the veterans is a direct link to the squadron's history.
"We as Marines draw tremendous strength from our heritage," he said. "We have to uphold the standards, success and reputation, not only of the Marine Corps, but of the squadron set during Vietnam."
Thornton said being part of history for the squadron is a rewarding experience for him.
"The nation called and we answered," said Thornton.
"We can only hope we can make our nation proud and that we can live up to the standards and expectations of the former 'Flying Tigers.' It's a great feeling having them with us here today in spirit."
Ellie