thedrifter
03-04-03, 08:17 PM
Ammo secure in desert, Marines remember fallen comrades
Submitted by: 2d Force Service Support Group
Story Identification Number: 200334143235
Story by Cpl. Lane Miley
CAMP CARROLL, Kuwait(Feb. 24, 2003) -- A marble clanged inside a can of white spray paint over the sounds of woodcutting inside a construction tent. Marines from Ammunitions Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, made preparations to erect a sign for the ammunition supply point here. The camp is named after Lance Cpl. Barton Carroll, one of their fellow ammunition technicians who was killed last year.
The Marines said it is very fitting to name the Marine Corps' largest ammo supply point after their fallen comrade. Many of them traveled from their home base at Camp Lejeune, N.C., to Rhode Island for his funeral. Cpl. Aaron E. Poitra recounted the turnout.
"People were showing up in droves," the St. Louis, native, recalled.
The company plans to take a photo in front of the sign and send it to Carroll's family. The sign will hang at the entrance to the operations section flanked by the American flag and the Marine Corps' flag.
"His family is going to love it," Orlando, Fla., native, Sgt. Troy A. Fronczek said confidently.
Making signs in memory of a fallen friend is a noble gesture, but much more goes into the security of such an essential locale. That responsibility rests on the shoulders of Marines from 2nd Military Police Battalion.
Gunnery Sgt. Billy D. McDowell, a battalion platoon commander, made his rounds at the ASP ensuring it was secure. He first scrubbed his roster of the posts with the sergeant of the guard to make certain the Marines had the appropriate amount of rounds. McDowell insisted accountability is a must. He then rode the line around the perimeter to check on his Marines.
"This is a little more interesting. That's for sure," Lance Cpl. John E. Hansen said, comparing his job of protecting the ammunition behind him and the Marines at nearby Camp Fox to his job in aviation ordnance. He is temporarily assigned to 2nd MP Bn. from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-26 at New River, N.C.
The St. Cloud Fla., native, said his daily view consists of camels, sheep and a few shepherds, but still realizes the importance of his role, watching over the Marines as a shepherd of sorts himself.
"Coming over here was a culture shock," said Lance Cpl. Randall M. Fletcher of his first operational deployment.
The Narrows, Va., native and ammo tech attached to 2nd MPs, said his family is proud of him and that combined with the fact he is protecting his girlfriend, Crystal, and 3-month old daughter, Madlynne, back home makes him feel even better about what he is doing.
"Gents, be on your toes," McDowell told his Marines as he drove off to check on the last of his posts where his Marines work side by side with soldiers from the British Army.
Sergeant Si Baker, a driver and skilled arms instructor from Britain's 61
Ammunition Squadron said it is cool working with the Marines.
"They seem like a bunch of good lads - friendly, helpful," Baker complimented.
It is all about working together as a team McDowell said. He said the Marines are developing good relationships with the British because of the cross training, but said he ensures his Marines understand the reality of what could happen if they do not take their jobs seriously.
"I instill in them to stand their posts as if it were their last time," the Snow Hill, N.C., native said. "They are alert, but it (security) can always be tighter, and it will be. Security is continuous."
These young Marines carry quite a weight on their shoulders, but that is imperative due to the importance of what they are guarding. 2d FSSG elements first arrived here in late-December, and will continue to support U.S. Central Command assets in Kuwait, maintaining a presence here until ordered to return home.
Sempers,
Roger
Submitted by: 2d Force Service Support Group
Story Identification Number: 200334143235
Story by Cpl. Lane Miley
CAMP CARROLL, Kuwait(Feb. 24, 2003) -- A marble clanged inside a can of white spray paint over the sounds of woodcutting inside a construction tent. Marines from Ammunitions Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2d Force Service Support Group, made preparations to erect a sign for the ammunition supply point here. The camp is named after Lance Cpl. Barton Carroll, one of their fellow ammunition technicians who was killed last year.
The Marines said it is very fitting to name the Marine Corps' largest ammo supply point after their fallen comrade. Many of them traveled from their home base at Camp Lejeune, N.C., to Rhode Island for his funeral. Cpl. Aaron E. Poitra recounted the turnout.
"People were showing up in droves," the St. Louis, native, recalled.
The company plans to take a photo in front of the sign and send it to Carroll's family. The sign will hang at the entrance to the operations section flanked by the American flag and the Marine Corps' flag.
"His family is going to love it," Orlando, Fla., native, Sgt. Troy A. Fronczek said confidently.
Making signs in memory of a fallen friend is a noble gesture, but much more goes into the security of such an essential locale. That responsibility rests on the shoulders of Marines from 2nd Military Police Battalion.
Gunnery Sgt. Billy D. McDowell, a battalion platoon commander, made his rounds at the ASP ensuring it was secure. He first scrubbed his roster of the posts with the sergeant of the guard to make certain the Marines had the appropriate amount of rounds. McDowell insisted accountability is a must. He then rode the line around the perimeter to check on his Marines.
"This is a little more interesting. That's for sure," Lance Cpl. John E. Hansen said, comparing his job of protecting the ammunition behind him and the Marines at nearby Camp Fox to his job in aviation ordnance. He is temporarily assigned to 2nd MP Bn. from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron-26 at New River, N.C.
The St. Cloud Fla., native, said his daily view consists of camels, sheep and a few shepherds, but still realizes the importance of his role, watching over the Marines as a shepherd of sorts himself.
"Coming over here was a culture shock," said Lance Cpl. Randall M. Fletcher of his first operational deployment.
The Narrows, Va., native and ammo tech attached to 2nd MPs, said his family is proud of him and that combined with the fact he is protecting his girlfriend, Crystal, and 3-month old daughter, Madlynne, back home makes him feel even better about what he is doing.
"Gents, be on your toes," McDowell told his Marines as he drove off to check on the last of his posts where his Marines work side by side with soldiers from the British Army.
Sergeant Si Baker, a driver and skilled arms instructor from Britain's 61
Ammunition Squadron said it is cool working with the Marines.
"They seem like a bunch of good lads - friendly, helpful," Baker complimented.
It is all about working together as a team McDowell said. He said the Marines are developing good relationships with the British because of the cross training, but said he ensures his Marines understand the reality of what could happen if they do not take their jobs seriously.
"I instill in them to stand their posts as if it were their last time," the Snow Hill, N.C., native said. "They are alert, but it (security) can always be tighter, and it will be. Security is continuous."
These young Marines carry quite a weight on their shoulders, but that is imperative due to the importance of what they are guarding. 2d FSSG elements first arrived here in late-December, and will continue to support U.S. Central Command assets in Kuwait, maintaining a presence here until ordered to return home.
Sempers,
Roger