15
F orward S entinels S entinels Serving the families of I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group CONTENTS SENTINELS FORWARD VOLUME 1, NUMBER 1 MARCH 2012 2 Commander’s Focus 3 Sgt. Maj. Notes 4 Well Being Proverbs 14:26 5 Marine on the Street What does it mean to be a Marine? 6 Birthday Tracker March birthdays 8 Promotions & Awards March promotions & awards 10 Black History Month MHG hosts celebration 11 I MHG Takes Charge Taking on the challenge 12 I am a Marine LA native makes E-9 15 Rodney Atkins Country star visits I MHG Col. Steven Hanson and Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Rocquemore uncase the colors during the transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 8 when I MHG took the reigns at Camp Leatherneck. Hanson said MHG trained hard and is ready for the mission. PHOTO BY SGT. CHRISTINE SAMPLES F orward Taking Charge Facing the Challenge!

Sentinels Forward

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

The I Marine Headquarters Group (Forward) monthly newsletter featuring the Marines and Sailors of Task Force Belleau Wood, Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Citation preview

Page 1: Sentinels Forward

ForwardSentinelsSentinelsServing the families of I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group

CONTENTSS E N T I N E L S F O R W A R D • V O L U M E 1 , N U M B E R 1 • M A R C H 2 0 1 2

2 Commander’s Focus

3 Sgt. Maj. Notes

4 Well Being Proverbs 14:26

5 Marine on the Street What does it mean to be a Marine?

6 Birthday Tracker March birthdays

8 Promotions & Awards March promotions & awards

10 Black History Month MHG hosts celebration

11 I MHG Takes Charge Taking on the challenge

12 I am a Marine LA native makes E-9

15 Rodney Atkins Country star visits I MHG

Col. Steven Hanson and Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Rocquemore uncase the colors during the transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 8 when I MHG took the reigns at Camp Leatherneck. Hanson said MHG trained hard and is ready for the mission.

Ph

ot

o b

y S

Gt

. C

hR

ISt

INE

SA

MP

LE

S

Forward

Taking Charge Facing the Challenge!

Page 2: Sentinels Forward

Birthday TrackerBirthday Tracker

Commander’s Focus Commander’s Focus

Well Being

Around the Command

Promotions & Awards

Sgt. Maj. Notes

PlanningFor Fitness

PlanningFor Fitness

Sgt. Maj. Notes

Promotions & Awards

Retaining The ForceRetaining The Force

Marine on the StreetMarine on the Street

Well Being

Around the Command

Dear Marines, Sailors, Civilians, Family Members, and Friends of I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group,

We are a month-and-a-half or so into our deployment and it seems as if we are finally settled into our rhythm after the initial churn of getting adjusted to our new responsibilities, new sleep schedules and the environs here at Camp Leatherneck. The trip through Kyrgyzstan was a frigid experience with several of our air movements landing in sub-zero temperatures. It was good to finally arrive here at Camp Leatherneck, which we will call “home” for the next year. I would be remise if I failed to mention the superb work by the I MHG rear staff, particularly the S4 Section, in getting us out of town smoothly. The embar-kation, armory, staging, and transportation to March Air Reserve Base was executed without a hitch. Our Family Readiness team also did a great job in organizing the time with the families -- often in the middle of the night -- prior to us loading the buses for our long journey. We also had a strong turnout from the many dedicated volunteers that support our unit. Thank you all for your selfless dedication.

When we arrived in January we hit the ground running. We all went through a brief refresher training program, and then after turnover with our II MHG counterparts, I MHG Marines and Sailors were hard at work performing the mission as II MHG Marines re-deployed back to Camp Lejeune. Our Marines and Sailors are performing superbly. Moral remains high, despite the 14 to 16 hour work days. There is a definite mission focus and purpose that I sense when the Sergeant Major and I tour the area talking to the fantastic men and women of I MHG. We have been making regular visits to all our I MHG sec-tions and of course to I MHG’s major subordinate elements. While each unit and section has its unique challenges, but we all share the common goal of mis-sion success enabled through team work.

Many are performing at a level that far exceeds rank and experience. Lance Corporals for example are often doing Sergeant level work, while the Sergeants are doing what we normally ask of Gunnery Sergeants. Our young Lieutenants we picked up right before the deployment are all running at 110 percent and quickly learning through doing. Our battalions -- which were on deck several weeks prior to our arrival -- are also running on all cylinders. First Intelligence

Battalion led my LtCol Alonso is re-writing Marine Corps doc-trine through many innovated solutions. First Radio Battalion Det led by Major McAllister is drawing the praise of the ground units it is supporting. Ninth Communication Battalion Det led by Major Dellos continues to flawlessly execute the mission at the same level as the prior unit, despite heavy manning reductions. First Law Enforce-ment Battalion Det (formerly MP Support Company) led by Captain McTeague is doing it all: Military Working Dog Teams finding IEDs, the Provost Mar-shall’s Office implementing new community policing techniques, and our strong team of investigators that are keeping the base safe. We also have 5th ANGLICO led by Lt. Col. Martinez from Okinawa assigned to us and they are doing incredibly successful and dangerous fire support work each and every day. Lastly, Headquarters Company led by Maj. Wald and 1st Sgt Rome-ro-Arellano has worked incredibly hard to ensure the arrival of the I MEF staff went smoothly and that billeting was effectively organized.

Each and every day I feel blessed to be part of such a special organization. I also recognize that our success would not be possible without the strong sup-port we receive from back home, whether it is from our families in Southern California or back in our hometowns. Our family support network is a critical strength of I MHG and our dedicated volunteers are the best.

Best wishes from Afghanistan and Semper Fidelis,Steven M. Hanson, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps

Commanding Off icer

Col. Steven M. Hanson

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 2

Page 3: Sentinels Forward

Birthday TrackerBirthday Tracker

Commander’s Focus Commander’s Focus

Well Being

Around the Command

Promotions & Awards

Sgt. Maj. Notes

PlanningFor Fitness

PlanningFor Fitness

Sgt. Maj. Notes

Promotions & Awards

Retaining The ForceRetaining The Force

Marine on the StreetMarine on the Street

Well Being

Around the Command

Dear families of I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group,

The first month or so of deployment has seen the unit settle into the task at hand. Under the lead-

ership of Col. Steven Hanson, I MHG has already made positive impacts on services being provided

aboard Camp Leatherneck and outlying areas.

Gunny Sgt. Steer and the Marines of the motor transportation platoon took no time in assuming

their mission and are providing superb support to our Marines, Sailors, and Coalition partners out-

side of Forward Operating Base Camp Leatherneck.

I`m sure these Marines and Sailors have been emailing you about places with funny names such

as Boldak and Lash. Our motor transportation Marines have spent numerous hours on the road

doing an outstanding job.

The Marines of the Super 6, behind the leadership of Lt. Martin-Pinto and Staff Sgt Lammerding

have been a joy to watch. Sgt. Cooper continues to keep the Marines engaged in MCMAP Training

and Sgt. Atkins takes pity on me and corrects grammar on some of my correspondence. I would also

like to mention that the S6 celebrated the birthday of Cpl. Matthews a few weeks ago.

Recently some of the I MHG Marines staged the African American History Month Observance

aboard Camp Leatherneck. Sgt. Cooper performed as Ray Charles, Sgt. Hill as Tiger Woods, Cpl.

Goetsch as Muhammad Ali, and Lance Cpl. Pacheco as Tina Turner. Funny couldn’t describe this

event. Just imagine Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, and Ray Charles having a conversation while Tina

Turner sashays by. Trust me when I say you would have had to be there to get the full effect. A very

personal thank you goes to 1st Sgt. RomeroArellano and Master Sgt. Harmon. These two outstanding

leaders orchestrated the event while juggling numerous other duties.

In closing I would like to thank all the Marines, Sailors and family members of I MHG (Fwd). With-

out the combined efforts of the team, we would not be having the success we are now experiencing.

Sgt. Maj. K Rocquemore

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 3

Page 4: Sentinels Forward

SENTINELS FORWARD

Produced for the families of

I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group

CoMMandEr

Col. Steven M. Hanson

SErGEant Major

Sgt. Maj. K. Rocquemore

350tH PublIC aFFaIrS dEtaCHMEntPublIC aFFaIrS oFFICEr

1st Lt. Chad M. Nixon

PublIC aFFaIrS nCoIC

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Duran

journalIStS

Staff Sgt. Daniel SymondsSgt. Laura Bonano

Sgt. Christine Samples

SENTINELS FORWARD is an official publication for the families of I Marine Expeditionary Force Head-quarters Group and produced to provide command information to service members and families. SEN-TINELS FORWARD is produced by the 350th Public Affairs Detachment. The editorial content of this pub-lication is the responsibility of the command’s Public Affairs Office, under the provisions of AR 360-1. Con-tents of SENTINELS FORWARD are not necessarily official views, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army/Navy or the I Marine Expeditionary Force Head-quarters Group. SENTINELS FORWARD is published monthly. Contact PAO staff at DSN 318.357.3595.

Birthday TrackerBirthday Tracker

Commander’s Focus Commander’s Focus

Well Being

Around the Command

Promotions & Awards

Sgt. Maj. Notes

PlanningFor Fitness

PlanningFor Fitness

Sgt. Maj. Notes

Promotions & Awards

Retaining The ForceRetaining The Force

Marine on the StreetMarine on the Street

Well Being

Around the CommandIn the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have

a refuge. A place of refuge is that safe location to where we can run. The best refuges are those we visit often; therefore, we know the way there.

What about the refuge inside of you?

What about your child? How is your children’s spiritual health? Just as good physical health is the result of little decisions we make every day, a child’s spiri-tual health-that inner place of refuge-is shaped by small habits and weekly rituals.

A child has a deep capacity to know God and trust in Him. A child who knows God as a loving provider has a friend to turn to in all circumstances.

Parents, you only get one chance to raise your children. You provide them

with healthy food, opportunities for exercise and make sure they do well in school. Nurture their inner life as well.

Find a worship home and attend with your children. Make it a weekly ritu-al. Check out books that teach your children the time-honored values that are important to God.

Introduce them to the God who is a refuge. Make it a daily habit to pray, not only for others such as your deployed family member, but also for the things God wants us to have: forgiveness, love, and wisdom.

In the Lord’s service from Camp Leatherneck,

– Chaplain Dave Schilling

Proverbs 14:26 Provides Guidance for the Soul

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 4

Page 5: Sentinels Forward

Birthday TrackerBirthday Tracker

Commander’s Focus Commander’s Focus

Well Being

Around the Command

Promotions & Awards

Sgt. Maj. Notes

PlanningFor Fitness

PlanningFor Fitness

Sgt. Maj. Notes

Promotions & Awards

Retaining The ForceRetaining The Force

Marine on the StreetMarine on the Street

Well Being

Around the Command

What Does It Mean to You to be a Marine?“To me, being a Marine

means that I am one of the few who are proud to serve my country, to know I’m one of the reasons why my family is safe. It is an achievement that will always be at the top of my list.”

Lance Cpl. Alexandra M. Allen1st Intel Battalion

“To me, being a Marine means being a leader, a role model, a hero. I am one of the few who doesn’t have to wonder if I made a difference in the world.”

Cpl. Johnathan R. Noack1st Radio Battalion

“What it means to be a Marine is to be proud and confident, knowing you have the opportunity to make a difference.”

Gunnery Sgt. Jesse B. HernandezI MHG

“To be a Marine means to serve. I joined to serve. I felt obligated to do my part.”

Lance Cpl. Randall L. Horn9th Comm Battalion

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 5

Page 6: Sentinels Forward

Birthday TrackerBirthday Tracker

Commander’s Focus Commander’s Focus

Well Being

Around the Command

Promotions & Awards

Sgt. Maj. Notes

PlanningFor Fitness

PlanningFor Fitness

Sgt. Maj. Notes

Promotions & Awards

Retaining The ForceRetaining The Force

Marine on the StreetMarine on the Street

Well Being

Around the Command

Gunnery Sgt. Jose

Orozcorivas celebrates

his 38th birthday with colleagues in

the S1 section Feb. 21.

P h o to S b y S G t. C h R I S t I N E S A M P L E S

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 6

RANK FIRST NAME LAST NAME UNIT NAME DATE

CPL DERRICK MAGEE 1ST LE BN Mar01

SGT THOMAS BOEHLER 1ST INTEL BN Mar02

LCPL TYLER BOURGEOIS 9TH COMM BN Mar02

LCPL THOMAS MANGIONE JR I MHG HQ Mar04

CPL COLIN ZOOK 1ST RADIO BN Mar05

LCPL DERICK PETERSON 9TH COMM BN Mar05

SSGT JHONNATAN CHINCHILLA I MHG HQ Mar05

CPL STEVEN LAHR 1ST LE BN Mar05

SGT ERIC JOSEPH 9TH COMM BN Mar07

LCPL BRIAN WILSON 9TH COMM BN Mar08

1STLT STEPHEN MARTINPINTO I MHG HQ Mar08

SGT IRMA ROSALES 1ST LE BN Mar09

SGT RICHARD JANTZ I MHG HQ Mar11

LCPL ADAM CHICK 1ST RADIO BN Mar12

SGT VICTOR PACHECO I MHG HQ Mar12

LCPL ANDREW HOFF 1ST INTEL BN Mar14

CAPT GERALD PIRK JR 9TH COMM BN Mar14

SGT CHRISTOPHE CLARK 9TH COMM BN Mar15

SGT SAMUEL NASH 1ST INTEL BN Mar16

SGT SAMUEL NASH I MHG HQ Mar16

MAJ ELIEZER SANTANA JR 1ST RADIO BN Mar17

CPL JASON HARLOW 9TH COMM BN Mar17

LCPL MICHAEL DUSHEL 1ST RADIO BN Mar18

MAJ TRUSTUN CONNOR 1ST INTEL BN Mar19

SSGT DOUGLAS MAXON 1ST LE BN Mar21

CAPT JESSICA MULDER 1ST RADIO BN Mar21

MAJ PAUL AVELLINO 1ST INTEL BN Mar23

CPL NEIL JESSUP 1ST INTEL BN Mar23

CPL JARROD KELLER 1ST LE BN Mar23

SGT REBEKAH CUPP 1ST INTEL BN Mar24

CPL MICHAEL BOOSEY 9TH COMM BN Mar24

CPL DOMINIC ZERBE 1ST RADIO BN Mar26

2NDLT JOSHUA SWEENEY I MHG HQ Mar26

SGT RYAN COLE 1ST INTEL BN Mar27

Page 7: Sentinels Forward

Birthday TrackerBirthday Tracker

Commander’s Focus Commander’s Focus

Well Being

Around the Command

Promotions & Awards

Sgt. Maj. Notes

PlanningFor Fitness

PlanningFor Fitness

Sgt. Maj. Notes

Promotions & Awards

Retaining The ForceRetaining The Force

Marine on the StreetMarine on the Street

Well Being

Around the Command

Staff Sgt. Jorge Castilla holds a cake to surprise for Maj. Mark Wald’s 22nd anniversary of serving in the Marine Corps at I Marine Headquarters Group (Forward) aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan Feb. 25. Gunnery Sgt. Alexander Ortiz, Sgt. Dolphus Hill, 1st Sgt. Christina Romeroarellano and others wait to surprise Wald as he comes out of his office.

P h o to b y S G t. L A u R A b o N A N o

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 7

RANK FIRST NAME LAST NAME UNIT NAME DATE

GYSGT STEVEN MCCADDEN JR 9TH COMM BN Mar27

PFC KIMBERLY MULLIGAN I MHG HQ Mar27

LCPL RYAN MARTIN I MHG HQ Mar27

SSGT DANNY SAMPLE IV 1ST INTEL BN Mar28

SGT JONATHAN LINGENFELTER 1ST RADIO BN Mar28

GYSGT EDWIN CRUZ 9TH COMM BN Mar28

SGT TIMOTHY LANDES 9TH COMM BN Mar28

SGT VINH DAM 9TH COMM BN Mar28

LCPL DANIEL COVARRUBIAS 9TH COMM BN Mar28

GYSGT JEREMIAH BRADYMIRE 1ST RADIO BN Mar30

CPL SAMUEL RYDZYNSKI 1ST RADIO BN Mar30

CPL PATRICK MCHAM 1ST RADIO BN Mar30

1ST LT PAUL MENDOZA 1ST INTEL BN Mar31

CPL KENNETH HALL 1ST INTEL BN Mar31

Page 8: Sentinels Forward

Four Marines get pinned in a I MHG ceremony

promoting three lance corporals and a private

first class.

The four promoted were: 1) Cpl. Brandon Pizano

2) Cpl. Valentino Nevarez 3) Lance Cpl. Sheila

Kennedy 4) Cpl. Robert Watkins III

Birthday TrackerBirthday Tracker

Commander’s Focus Commander’s Focus

Well Being

Around the Command

Promotions & Awards

Sgt. Maj. Notes

PlanningFor Fitness

PlanningFor Fitness

Sgt. Maj. Notes

Promotions & Awards

Retaining The ForceRetaining The Force

Marine on the StreetMarine on the Street

Well Being

Around the Command

1 2

3 4

Ph

ot

oS

by

SG

t.

Ch

RIS

tIN

E S

AM

PL

ES

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 8

Page 9: Sentinels Forward

Birthday TrackerBirthday Tracker

Commander’s Focus Commander’s Focus

Well Being

Around the Command

Promotions & Awards

Sgt. Maj. Notes

PlanningFor Fitness

PlanningFor Fitness

Sgt. Maj. Notes

Promotions & Awards

Retaining The ForceRetaining The Force

Marine on the StreetMarine on the Street

Well Being

Around the Command

(ABOVE) I MHG shows its appreciation to Sgt. Dolphus A. Hill of Greenville, N.C. (left) by awarding him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for an outstanding job coordinating ceremonies and barracks management March 1, Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

(RIGHT) Cpl. Bradley Bell with I MHG Supply receives a certificate of commendation at MHG’s motor pool in a ceremony recognizing his performance during the Commanding General’s Inspection.

Ph

ot

oS

by

SG

t.

Ch

RIS

tIN

E S

AM

PL

ES

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 9

Page 10: Sentinels Forward

Marines from I MHG (Forward) celebrated Black History Month with presentations and comedic skits Feb. 29 at Town Hall.

Master Sgt. Rion Harmon started the event with a brief history lesson of African American culture. He also highlighted African American women such as Marian Anderson, who was the first African American woman to sing with the Metropolitan Opera and Zora Neale Hurston, author of “Their Eyes Were Watching God.”

Attendees learned about courageous Afri-can Americans who earned the Medal of Honor for their service.

Sergeant Major of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd), Sgt. Maj. Michael F. Jones, served as the guest speaker and stressed the impor-tance of diversity and celebrating every group of people.

“Only one color would be plain drab. God’s garden is full of many flowers and colors,” said Jones.

To present a unique angle on the history of famous African Americans, a troupe of Marines performed a skit featuring: boxer Muhammad Ali, golfer Tiger Woods, singer Ray Charles and all around sensation Tina Turner.

Audience members laughed as actors: Sgt. Dolphus Hill, Sgt. Devin Coo-per III, Cpl. Matthew Gotsch and Pfc. Angela Pacheco fought over who was the greatest by comparing knockouts, chart toppers and triumphs in their careers.

Ph

ot

oS

by

SG

t.

LA

uR

A b

oN

AN

o

Black History Month Celebration

by Sgt. Laura Bonano

Sergeant Major of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd) Sgt. Maj. Michael F. Jones was the guest speaker for the Black History

Month Celebration aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan Feb. 29.

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 10

Page 11: Sentinels Forward

The II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquar-ters Group (Forward), officially handed over authority to the I Marine Expeditionary Force

Headquarters Group (Forward) during a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 8.

Col. Steven M. Hanson, the incoming commander of Task Force Belleau Wood, Afghanistan and com-manding officer I MHG (Fwd), received the reigns from outgoing commander, Col. Michael E. Cordero.

Hanson said he was happy to be in the position of commanding officer, especially since it gave him a chance to return to Camp Leatherneck. He was deployed here until March 2011 as the I MEF Regional Command Southwest director of intelli-gence. He said when he left there were feelings of unfinished business.

“I think it’s absolutely great,” said Hanson. “As crazy as it sounds, I was really happy to learn I could come back. I feel fortunate, almost blessed, that I was able to come back on the mission over here. This is where everybody wants to be.”

The ceremony began with the invocation fol-lowed by the casing of II MHG (Fwd) colors and the uncasing of I MHG (Fwd) colors to signify the trans-fer of authority. The accomplishments of II MHG (Fwd) were highlighted in a narrative, followed by remarks from Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, Command-ing General, II MEF (Fwd).

“As a commander, you’re the one that calls all the shots and there’s a lot of responsibility in that, par-ticularly when it comes to caring for and making

I MHG Receives the Reigns at Camp Leatherneck

Story by Sgt. Laura Bonano

Sgt. Dolphus Hill (far right) represents I MHG (Fwd) in the color guard during the transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 8 at Camp Leatherneck’s Town Hall.

P h o to b y S G t. C h R I S t I N E S A M P L E S

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 11

Page 12: Sentinels Forward

sure the people in your charge can operate safely,” said Toolan of the commanding officers.

Toolan spoke confidently of the incoming I MHG (Fwd) staff and applauded II MHG (Fwd)’s efforts.

“I also know the team coming in has some great credentials,” said Toolan. “They’re going to be able to take the ball and run with it.”

“To Col. Cordero, you guys did a tremendous job,” said Toolan.

Cordero gave many thanks to those who have helped him along the way.

“I can’t believe I’m still living the dream,” said Cordero. He said the

harder anyone works, the luckier they will get.

“I look forward to the day I can come back with my grandkids and show them what we’ve done here as a team and show them the potential this country has, a lot of blood, sweat and tears and hard work has gone on and will continue with I MHG,” said Cordero.

Hanson presented a positive closing statement about the future of his mission.

“We’ve trained hard, we’re ready for the mission, we have a winning culture, and we will succeed,” said Hanson. “Our nation is at war, the expecta-tions for us are high, but through dedication and teamwork, we will deliver.”

Cordero once said the biggest challenge he faced as commanding officer of Task Force Belleau Wood was threefold.

“I would say to balance the three priorities that the President has laid out for us—you have the governance and economics, that you can’t do with-out security. So here were are, providing not only security, but we’re teaching them how to do good government by mentoring their lawyers, showing them the way we do our justice system, our disci-pline,” said Cordero.

Cordero said the commander’s emergency response program has helped build wells, employ schoolteachers and rebuild stores. It also helps employ Afghans on a short-term basis as police officers. “So the security we provide plus the CERP, leads them to economics which leads them to good governance.”

As Hanson takes the lead he has very high hopes in regard to the partnership with Afghan securi-ty forces and their ability to take over. He holds a determined and confident outlook towards the next year as the commanding officer of I MHG (Fwd).

Col. Steven M. Hanson, I MHG (Fwd) commander, said at the transfer of authority ceremony, “Our nation is at war, the expectations for us are high, but through dedication and teamwork, we will deliver.”

P h o to b y S G t. C h R I S t I N E S A M P L E S

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 12

Page 13: Sentinels Forward

Growing up in Los Angeles, Calif., Alfredo J. Del Haro didn’t have big plans or aspi-rations when he joined the Marine Corps.

It was simply something he decided to do on a whim one day.

“I really don’t even know why I joined it was just one of those things where my friends and I decid-ed to go see a recruiter who just happened to be one of their uncles, and nothing was going well,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Alfredo J. Del Haro. “I didn’t like my job.” He was doing odd end jobs, construction work and temporary day positions.

He could not foresee the world he was about to enter in 1991.

“It was totally different than what I expected. I never thought that the camaraderie would be there—the pride in wearing the uniform,” said Del Haro. “Meeting people from all over the world, building new relationships, friendships, just that experience has been exciting. It’s been fun.”

Del Haro steadily climbed the ranks as he served at different duty locations. He was pro-moted from private first class through sergeant while at Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms.

In 1999, Del Haro reported to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Hansen, in Okinawa, Japan. He was promoted to gunnery sergeant in 2001 as the embarkation chief there.

Amid the work and promotions, Del Haro said he loved to travel, and being in the Marine Corps

made it possible.

“Before I joined the military, I never left the state of California,” said Del Haro.

“I look forward to that two-year mark where I know I’m gonna get orders and go someplace else. Whenever I’m assigned a new duty station to report to, I always try to do as much as I can to find out about the new location. I just take advan-tage before the time goes by, and I’m trying to do everything in the last few months.” He looks off

LA Native Promoted to Master Gunnery Sgt.

by Sgt. Laura Bonano

Alfredo J. Del Haro is promoted to Master Gunnery Sgt. Feb. 1. He is the logistical chief for I MHG (Fwd), serving aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan and a native of Los Angeles, Calif.

Ph

ot

o b

y S

tA

ff

SG

t.

DA

NIE

L S

yM

oN

DS

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 13

Page 14: Sentinels Forward

to the side, silent for a moment in thought.

“I’ve been to Iraq, Afghanistan, up to 17 different countries—20 years, all those countries, all those miles—I’ve driven across country six times. It’s been fun,” said Del Haro.

In 2006, Del Haro supported exercises in Africa, Korea, Okinawa, Australia, South America and loca-tions across the U.S. He also served as the mobility chief to Marine Forces Central Command, in Tampa, Fla.

In 2009, he supported the redeployment of cargo and personnel back stateside in support of Opera-tion Enduring Freedom. He also assisted in the global sourcing of cargo and equipment to support the deployment force into Afghanistan.

Del Haro is currently the logistical chief for I MHG (Fwd), serving aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

The biggest challenge for Del Haro has been being away from family. He has four children, and missing time with them has been hard.

“When I do see them, I notice how much they have grown. That has been the most difficult part,” said Del Haro.

To get through the tough times Del Haro has a backup plan. He says when overwhelming challeng-es hit and the work piles on there is a way through it.

“I just go to the young guys and try to get them to make me laugh, cause it’s not gonna be that bad, it’s going to go away, the work is going to continue to come, the phone calls are going to continue to come in, just try to accomplish every task as fast as pos-

sible,” said Del Haro.

He also credits his success to others he has worked with. He said the Marines he’s been in charge of take care of him, and the officers he’s had the opportu-nity to work with have allowed him to run his shop.

Earning the rank of master gunnery sergeant in February, Del Haro has reaped the knowledge and wisdom to understand what it takes to make great strides in the military. He has words of advice for service members just starting out in their military careers.

“Volunteer for as much as you can and gain all the experience you can. Make yourself well-rounded in your specialty,” said Del Haro.

“Don’t assume you’ll roll out of here if you decide not to re-enlist. Treat the first paycheck you receive as the beginning of a new career. If you begin sav-ing from the very first check, you’ll develop a habit, learn how to invest, and roll out of here a wealthy man or woman. You won’t have to get that second job.” Del Haro has a quiet demeanor but has no qualms with speaking about his time in the service.

“I never thought that I would last 20 years or make it to the rank of E-9, but I’m glad I chose master gunnery sergeant and I enjoy doing my job, I enjoy learning different things,” said Del Haro.

“I’m always caught by surprise. There’s always somebody that’s going to teach me something dif-ferent about my job, you know whether it be a “Pfc.” that just came into the game and has a better idea of handling a task or completing a mission, or that senior salty guy that’s been doing this for 20-plus years.”

Alfredo J. Del Haro was promoted to Master Gunnery Sgt. Feb. 2. He is the logistical chief for I MHG (Fwd).

Ph

ot

o b

y S

Gt

. L

Au

RA

bo

NA

No

March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D 14

Page 15: Sentinels Forward

(Top) Country singer Rodney Atkins takes a picture with Sgt. Tyler Ellenburg. (Above) Sgt. Frederick Esbrandt, Master Sgt. Eugene Holiday, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Nielsen and Pfc. Kimberly Mulligan take a picture with visiting country star Rodney Atkins at the MHG on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan.

Rodney Atkins Visits I MHGFamous Country Singer, Rodney Atkins visited I MHG (Fwd) & Camp Leather-neck as part of USO Tour, Feb. 17.

Ph

ot

oS

by

SG

t.

LA

uR

A b

oN

AN

o

15March 2012S EN T I N EL S F O RWA R D