thedrifter
09-28-07, 11:22 AM
Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18 celebrates milestone
Lance Cpl. David Rogers
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (September 28, 2007) -- Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18 personnel celebrated their unit's 40th birthday and remembered one of their fallen comrades during a ceremony Sept. 24 at the Camp Foster Community Center.
Lt. Col. Robert Coulombe, the squadron commander, performed a ceremonial cake cutting with a Mameluke sword and spoke of the unit's history.
The Marine Corps activated the squadron Sept. 1, 1967 in Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam as MWCS-1, Marine Wing Headquarters Group 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
"These Marines answered the call.... Some were wounded and others made the ultimate sacrifice," Coulombe said, speaking of the unit's Marines who fought in Vietnam. "Those that returned home did so after serving their country during a challenging time. Regardless, our fellow Marines accomplished the mission and did so with honor."
Although many of the junior Marines with the squadron did not know the unit's history, they understood the value of the ceremony.
"It's very important for Marines to know the history of their unit," said Cpl. Paul Woo, a multi-channel equipment repairer with the squadron. "It gives you a sense of belonging and pride."
The squadron also took time to honor Col. Keith Cieri, a former member of the squadron who died this year after a battle with cancer.
Cieri served the squadron as the executive officer, operations officer and commander of Company A during a tour with the unit from 1991-1994. Later, he returned to Okinawa to serve as 1st MAW's director of communications and information. While battling cancer, Cieri attended the Naval War College where he received a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies shortly before he died.
"I'll leave you today with what Col. Cieri said from his hospital bed after receiving his diploma," said Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Duesenberry, the chaplain for Marine Air Control Group 18. "'We love each other, no matter where we come from, no matter what our color is. Above everything else, Marines come first. We take care of each other.' Rest in peace Col. Keith Cieri."
Ellie
Lance Cpl. David Rogers
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (September 28, 2007) -- Marine Wing Communication Squadron 18 personnel celebrated their unit's 40th birthday and remembered one of their fallen comrades during a ceremony Sept. 24 at the Camp Foster Community Center.
Lt. Col. Robert Coulombe, the squadron commander, performed a ceremonial cake cutting with a Mameluke sword and spoke of the unit's history.
The Marine Corps activated the squadron Sept. 1, 1967 in Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam as MWCS-1, Marine Wing Headquarters Group 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
"These Marines answered the call.... Some were wounded and others made the ultimate sacrifice," Coulombe said, speaking of the unit's Marines who fought in Vietnam. "Those that returned home did so after serving their country during a challenging time. Regardless, our fellow Marines accomplished the mission and did so with honor."
Although many of the junior Marines with the squadron did not know the unit's history, they understood the value of the ceremony.
"It's very important for Marines to know the history of their unit," said Cpl. Paul Woo, a multi-channel equipment repairer with the squadron. "It gives you a sense of belonging and pride."
The squadron also took time to honor Col. Keith Cieri, a former member of the squadron who died this year after a battle with cancer.
Cieri served the squadron as the executive officer, operations officer and commander of Company A during a tour with the unit from 1991-1994. Later, he returned to Okinawa to serve as 1st MAW's director of communications and information. While battling cancer, Cieri attended the Naval War College where he received a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies shortly before he died.
"I'll leave you today with what Col. Cieri said from his hospital bed after receiving his diploma," said Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Duesenberry, the chaplain for Marine Air Control Group 18. "'We love each other, no matter where we come from, no matter what our color is. Above everything else, Marines come first. We take care of each other.' Rest in peace Col. Keith Cieri."
Ellie