1
Family and Friends of 1/8,
Here we are, having been home from a long deployment for
little over 2 months now. The Marines and Sailors of 1/8 not only
did a great job while in Afghanistan, they upheld the great
reputation our Battalion has…and will surely carry that into the
future. Since we’ve returned, we have reconnected with our
families, loved ones, spouses, children, friends and fellow Marines
and Sailors aboard Camp Lejeune. Some things have changed, a lot
has not. I want to personally thank all the family and friends of
those who supported us while we were deployed. You were our
foundation of strength, our backbone, and without your constant
support, we would not have been able to accomplish what we did. On
behalf of the Commanding Officer, and the entire Battalion, thank
you.
On 17 June, we will be conducting a change of command
ceremony, where LtCol Dan Canfield will relinquish command to LtCol
Kevin Trimble. We all wish LtCol Canfield and his family fair winds
and following seas as he departs Camp Lejeune for bigger and better
things. LtCol Trimble and his family are checking aboard and are
ready and eager to drive the Battalion and advance the ball forward
in our training and day to day operations.
There has been a lot of moving parts around the Battalion. Marines
and Sailors coming aboard, and departing, yet training is
continuous. We’re currently scheduled to deploy back to Afghanistan
in the early part of 2012. There are no dates set. For those of us
who have been around a while, we know these dates always change, so
please be flexible and understanding.
I’m sure LtCol Trimble will send a letter out to all families once
he’s checked aboard. Know this however, no matter who’s the
Commanding Officer, or Sergeant Major.....we are here to provide the
best training, equip all Marines and Sailors with the best gear
available, and lastly, provide sound judgment to lead all Marines
and Sailor of 1/8 forward to wherever it takes us.
We have hit the ground running once again, and I thank all of you
for your support in the past, and for the support you’ll provide in
the future.
Semper Fi & God Bless
Steve E Rice
Sergeant Major Steve Rice
Battalion Sergeant Major
Battalion Sergeant Major’s Comments
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
SgtMaj’s letter 1
“Chaps”
2
Company
Commanders
3-11
F.R. Advisors 12
FRO info
13-14
1 S T B A T T A L I O N , 8 T H
M A R I N E S , 2 D M A R I N E
D I V I S I O N
The Phoenix J U N E 2 0 1 1 N E W S L E T T E R
S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F
I N T E R E S T :
SgtMaj’s letter to
families.
Chaplain’s letter to
families
Company
Commanders
F.R. Advisors
FRO info
2
Inspiration from our Chaps! Greetings,
We have been home for a couple months now. I tried to get around and
greet each of your and even got the chance to visit briefly with some of
you while we were waiting on the busses during the welcome home event.
But this is the first opportunity to reach out to many of you since that
time.
So first I would like to say to those of you with whom I have served; it
has been a pleasure serving 1/8 as the Battalion Chaplain over this last
year. I am also looking forward to continuing in that role over the next
year. If there is anything I can do to help any of you, please let me
know.
To those new to 1/8; I would also like to welcome all of you and your
families to the Battalion and let you know I look forward to meeting you
and hope you will let me know if I can be of any help.
Hopefully, all of you are doing great, but deployments are stressful for
both those deploying and for our spouses and families at home. This is
true both for the deployment we have recently returned from and the next
one which we know is on the horizon.
These stresses affect everyone differently, and sometimes we need to
know that we are not the only person who may be encountering some
additional stress in our relationships as a result of deployment related
issues. There is no shame in asking for some help in figuring out how to
work out problems that may arise. In fact a wise person will always ask
for help when it is needed.
If my truck or motorcycle does not seem to be working quite right; I
take it to a mechanic who has the proper tools and experience to help me
get it fixed. I know a little about trucks and motorcycles, but I also
know that there are people much more qualified than myself who can help
me with this type of issue. Likewise, if something does not seem quite
right for you or a friend or loved one, while you may know a little
about what might be wrong, It may be a good idea to talk with someone
who has more experience and the proper tools to help get the issues
fixed.
It may not be a huge problem but little things can become bigger things
over time. And it is always easier and cheaper to fix a small problem
than wait for it to become a big one.
The bottom line is the door to my office is always open. You can call
and make an appointment to see me or if you are in the building you can
just stop by and say hello.
God Bless & Semper Fidelis,
Chaplain Russell
God
Bless our
Marines
and
Sailors!
3
Company Commanders
A Company
Greetings Family and Friends,
Back in the Saddle
Upon returning from a successful deployment to Afghanistan, Alpha
Company received some well deserved time off. Following leave in
April the company experienced a period of personnel changes, re-
organization, and preparing our equipment. The company is now
ready to prepare for future missions. We are getting back in the
saddle and beginning yet another deployment work-up. Training in
May included a two week Marine Corps Martial Arts Program
refresher and a week in the woods doing land navigation. The
month of June promises more training, with two Live Fire
Exercises at the end of the month. We also have nearly 100
Marines going to the rifle range during the month of June.
Hail & Farewells
As is typical after a deployment the company has experienced a
good deal of turnover. Nearly half the Marines and Sailors that
deployed with us have moved on to other units or re-joined the
civilian world. Alpha Company wishes “Fair Winds and Following
Seas” to those who have left us. In particular we wish a fond
farewell to First Lieutenants Alderman, Mohr, Williams, and Kudo
as well as First Sergeant Robertson, Gunnery Sergeant Brooks, and
Staff Sergeant Rokos. These men all made significant
contributions to the company’s success in Afghanistan and will be
missed. We’d also like to welcome First Lieutenant Claridy,
Second Lieutenant Bush, First Sergeant Ford and Staff Sergeants
Keiser and Lents to the Alpha Company family.
Until the next newsletter..
Respectfully,
Daniel O’Brien
4
Company Commanders
B Company
Dear Bravo Company family,
Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new CO
of Bravo Company. My name is Brent Jones and I am honored to
have the opportunity to command this fine group of men. Your
husbands and sons are a tremendous group of men and I am excited
to serve alongside them.
The battalion has recently experienced changes in leadership in
the various companies and we will have a new Battalion Commander
on the 17th of June. We are now in the beginning of another pre-
deployment training period. Preparing and training for our next
deployment will be our priority. As such, you can expect that
your husbands and sons will be busy with the demands of a
rigorous training schedule. My goal is to ensure that your
husbands and sons receive the best training available. I am very
well aware that they are not the only ones that put time and
energy into accomplishing this training. You, the family
members, put time and effort into our training, as well. I can’t
pretend to know exactly what it is like when your Bravo Company
Marine or Sailor is in the field for extended periods and the
disruption that it causes to family life. That said, I do make a
concerted effort to ensure that your Marine’s or Sailor’s time is
not wasted. I want to ensure that when your Marine or Sailor is
away from home, his time is spent effectively and efficiently so
that he returns better prepared for the next deployment.
This month we will have almost 100 of Bravo Company’s
Marines and Sailors conduct their annual marksmanship training at
the rifle range. For two weeks this month a select group of our
men will train, guide, and mentor different groups of Midshipmen
from the U.S. Naval Academy. At the end of the month, Bravo
Company will conduct the first of our many field training
evolutions from the 27th to the 30th of June. We will be
conducting training in land navigation and various fire team
events.
We will continue to build our training in the month of July
around the development of our fire teams, squads, and weapons
platoon teams and squads. We will be in the field at the end of
the month conducting live fire training. Of note, this training
will occur during the last weekend of the month of July. We are
currently attempting to conduct one other field training
evolution in the second week of July, but this is still
tentative.
Continued on next page..
5
Company Commanders
B Company Continued from page 4.
As we focus on our next deployment, we also take the time
to recognize the outstanding achievements of our Marines and
Sailors from this most recent deployment and those that have made
a significant impact on their fellow members of Bravo Company.
The following is a list of the Marines and Sailors that have been
awarded in the last couple of months:
Sergeant Logan Fromme – Navy and Marine Corps Achievement
Medal w/ Combat Distinguishing Device
Corporal Michael Perry - Navy and Marine Corps Achievement
Medal w/ Combat Distinguishing Device
Corporal Colby Haupfear - Navy and Marine Corps Achievement
Medal w/ Combat Distinguishing Device
Lance Corporal Andrew Gravlee - Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal w/ Combat Distinguishing Device
Corporal Andrew Czubai II – Purple Heart
Corporal Tristan Rorie – Purple Heart
The following Marines were promoted in May and June:
Corporal Matthew Jones – 1 May
Corporal Peter Keenan – 1 May
Lance Corporal Adrian Childress – 1 May
Lance Corporal Dustin Corbin – 1 June
Corporal Christopher Graham – 1 June
Corporal Clayton Self III – 1 June
Corporal Ryan Summers – 2 June (Combat Meritorious)
Corporal Zachary Waara – 2 June (Combat Meritorious)
I would also like to welcome aboard the newest members of the
Bravo Company family:
Lance Corporal Domingo and Mrs. Melinda Espinal married 7 April
Corporal James and Mrs. Ashley Lilly married 8 April
Corporal Matthew and Mrs. Chelsa Jones married 8 April
Lance Corporal Jonathan and Mrs. Sydney Manuel married 19 April
Lance Corporal Robert and Mrs. Rebekah Knox Jr. married 19 April
Lance Corporal Christopher and Mrs. Tiffany Wade married 30 May
In closing, I would once again like to express just how
fortunate I believe I am to have the opportunity to serve with
the Marines, Sailors, and families of Bravo Company
Semper Fi,
Captain Brent Jones
Commanding Officer, Company B
6
Company Commanders
C Company
Continuing Excellence
Upon returning from a successful deployment to Afghanistan, Charlie
Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines has once again been called to duty
in service to the country in a time of need. As the company returned
from post-deployment leave, many turnovers and changes of command took
place, bringing in new leadership and a refreshed state of mind ready
for training. Captain Ryan R. Gordinier took command of Charlie Company
and immediately instilled a sense of family and cohesion within the
Marines, creating an excellent environment for training. Captain
Gordinier presented the Marines with his command philosophy of “Good
people together, do great things” which set a baseline for this upcoming
work up. It shows Marines that it is pertinent that they continue to
develop their basic skills and their relationships with each other to be
successful during their next deployment.
“Brilliance in the Basics”
The concept of “brilliance in the basics” has been a key to the success
of many units. It is a concept that is simple and will drive many of the
individual skill training events that the Marines of Charlie Company will
execute. The C Company staff began pre-deployment training by refreshing
the Marines’ individual skill sets; starting with land navigation, combat
life saving, and basic marksmanship.
Building Camaraderie
One of many the aspects allowing Marines to be successful is their mutual
understanding. This camaraderie is built through training with each other
in harsh conditions and at times just spending quality time a part from
the Marine Corps. The 2nd Annual Officer and Staff Noncommissioned Officer
Golf Tournament presented an opportunity for the leadership of the
Battalion to bond and build essential communications between the staff.
This tournament took place in early May and was a great success. The
event concluded with a catered picnic, awards, and farewells from the
staff that were leaving.
Captain Gordinier speaks about safety to
Charlie Company Marines before the
Memorial Day 96.
1st Lt Kevin Mayer tees off during the 2nd
Annual Officer and Staff Noncommissioned
Officer Golf Tournament.
7
Company Commanders
C Company Continued.
Memorial Day and July 4th 96 Holidays are a time for Marines to relax, decompress, and spend
quality time with their families. For the command, however, safety
was paramount. Relentless safety briefs and safety parameters were
set in place to allow the Marines to have fun, but ensure that they
make it home to their families and back to duty. Many Marines chose
the option to leave the Camp Lejeune area and travel home for the
holiday. However some took advantage of the beautiful eastern
Carolina shores. Many went just spent time at home and took their
families to the beach. In the picture below, Sgt Louis Collins, of 2d
Platoon, took his family to Emerald Isle where his daughter played on
the beach for the first time. All Marines arrived back to duty after
the 96, which is a great measure of success for the Command.
The Outlook
Up until the battalion tests its skills at Enhanced Mojave Viper in 29
Palms, California, Charlie Company will continue to push training
efforts and stretch the boundaries of its limitations. The company staff
has a plan in place that will further develop the Marines mentally,
physically, and spiritually. The Marines will progress from individual
skill sets to platoon and company size evolutions. At each stage in the
training the Marines will be tested physically and mentally. This will
develop the Marines’ toughness and tactical knowledge that is required
during their next deployment. The outlook is very promising for the
company; there is great leadership in place and the Marines are very
eager to learn and excel at their profession. “Good people together do
great things”.
Promotions
Lcpl Kenneth L. Logan, 1st Platoon
Cpl Corbin G. Celotto, 2d Platoon
Cpl Nathan L. Crouch, 2d Platoon
Cpl Rylan A. Edwards, 1st Platoon
Cpl James D. Freeman, Headquarters
Cpl Jordan R. Finley, 1st Platoon
Cpl Corey S. McCord, Weapons Platoon
Cpl Gregory J. Sandness, 2d Platoon
Cpl Derek D. Elwart, 1st Platoon (Meritorious)
Sgt Collins, of Charlie Company 2d Platoon, and
his wife Kelly Collins take their daughter to
Emerald Isle during the Memorial Day 96.
8
Company Commanders
C Company
Newlyweds 1st Platoon: LCpl and Mrs. Wightman - April 8th, 2011 2nd Platoon: LCpl and Mrs. Mercurio - April 23rd, 2011 3rd Platoon: LCpl and Mrs. Upton - June 13th, 2011 Wpns Platoon: LCpl and Mrs. Rideout - May 28th, 2011 LCpl and Mrs. Murray June 11th, 2011
New additions to the 1/8 Family
1st Platoon SSgt Lara:
(boy)
May 2nd, 2011
Cpl Bean:
(girl)
April 27th, 2011
2nd Platoon HM3 Watson:
(girl) March 20th, 2011
Headquarters Pfc Reddickdixon
(girl) May 3rd, 2011
Semper Fidelis
Continued..
9
Company Commanders
W Company
Greetings to all Weapons Company family and friends,
I was honored to relieve Major Reynolds and assume command of
the company on 6 May. I was the Company B commander during the
last deployment and worked closely with many of your Weapons
Company Marines during that time. There is a lot of change in
the battalion as Marines depart for new duties or civilian life
and new Marines check in. The company has a core of returning,
experienced young leaders ready to take on added
responsibilities and we’ve welcomed some new senior leadership
to help guide them along.
The battalion is preparing for another deployment early next
year, so our schedule will pick up quickly over the next month
or two. The platoons will all be working on maintaining basic
proficiency and integrating new Marines as they conduct multiple
short field exercises and the company will be headed to the
field for a week near the beginning of August.
I look to maintain the discipline, motivation, proficiency and
espirit de corps that facilitated company and battalion success
during the last deployment. Weapons Company played an important
role in the battalion’s operations and will continue to do so.
We will provide your Marine with quality training and the skills
he needs to be successful while deployed and strive to eliminate
wasted time. The company will assist with family issues
whenever possible and I encourage you to become or stay involved
with our family readiness program.
Respectfully,
Capt John Campbell
New Weapons Company Members
Private First Class Kevin B. Alexander
Private First Class Yegor Andrianov
Private First Class Ryan T. Curtis
Private First Class Shaun C. Foley
Private First Class Charles A. Kristel
Private First Class Michael A. Lalli IV
Private First Class Justin A. Magerer
Private First Class James P. Mcpherson
Private First Class Benjamin J. Szilagyi
Promotions (1 June)
Scott A. Khoury JR, promoted to Corporal
Carmen J. Christiano III, promoted to Corporal
Michael C. Farley, promoted to Corporal
Kevin L. Roughton JR, promoted to Corporal
Patrick A. Thoele, promoted to Corporal
Recognitions
High PFT award:
Lance Corporal Brendan K. Winn, perfect score of 300
Lance Corporal Jordan D. Johnson, score of 285
Sergeant Steven Marcucci, score of 287
Private First Class Justin A. Magerer, score of 285
10
Company Commanders
H&S Company
Greetings family and friends,
New Command for H&S Company
Company Commander 1stLt Mikelis J. Visgauss. I recently took
command as H&S Company Commander. I am extremely proud and
excited about the opportunity to lead the company and prepare for
the upcoming deployment. I previously deployed with 1/8 with
Bravo Company.
Company 1stSgt Robert A. Christoff. 1stSgt Christoff recently
returned from Afghanistan as the Weapons Company 1stSgt. He is a
dedicated hard working senior enlisted with high morals, and is
well respected for his professionalism and mentorship.
Together we look forward to being part of the H&S Company
team.
A Fine welcome Home
H&S Company can feel proud and accomplished following a
successful deployment to Afghanistan. They operated through some
of the most spread out and logistically complicated conditions.
They rose to the occasion and preformed with outstanding
devotion. For the last few months we have been welcomed home
with warm arms starting from the initial homecoming through our
more recent shift in focus, and we owe a large gratitude to the
friends and family who support us.
“Enjoying some well earned freedom”
With recent and upcoming long weekends now is the time to
enjoy some well earned freedom with loved ones. Memorial Day and
July forth are prime time summer holidays and is an exciting time
for veterans to recognize the country’s thanks for all the hard
work.
“Blocking and Tackling”
As with every football or sports season there is a time to
teach, develop, and dial-in individual skill sets. Being in the
early stages of a new work up, now is the time to focus on the
basics before we begin to bring our talents together. The concept
every Marine a riflemen has proven true in Afghanistan and we
will train to insure all are capable of executing under any
circumstance. Upcoming events such as, land navigation courses,
the rifle range, and first aid training are just some of the
examples of additional training our Marines will be going through
in addition to their primary tasks.
H&S Company continues to grow with new Marines checking
in. Development and mentorship from experienced hard working
motivated Marines will be the key to continuing the success the
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Company Commanders
H&S Company
Continued from page 10.
company had. The small unit leadership across the company is
experienced motivated and ready to continue into our next
challenge, which will be to ensure that our company is well
prepared for our upcoming deployment.
I look forward to working with the Marines, Sailors, and
families of B Company over the next few months as we develop our
team for the future.
Respectfully,
Mikelis J. Visgauss
12
Dear Families and Friends of 1/8, Dan and I would like to thank you for all support, thoughtfulness, and generosity that you provided to the battalion during the last one and half years. It is because of your support and love that our Marines and Sailors are successful at their duty. As Dan and I leave this battalion, we will always look back upon our time in 1/8 with fondness and marvel at all the wonderful people that we have had the opportunity to get to know. You all are such a blessing! We wish each and everyone of you the very best in all your future endeavors. “May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”(Irish Blessing) Fondly, Stephanie Canfield Ladies of 1/8 kickball team, thanks it was great! Keep it going!
Family Readiness Advisors
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Greetings Family and Friends!
As we transition from one command to another, I would like to thank everyone that
was involved in anything we did for our families, Marines, Sailors and community
over the last deployment! From baking to bowling, from send off to homecoming,
every person from volunteer to “volun-told” was an important part of getting things
done. Everyone sees the finished product, but not all see the hard work and details that
go into it! So thank you goes out to all of those behind the efforts!
Fair Winds and Following Seas goes out to the Canfield family! Thank you Sir for
your guidance. Stephanie, thank you so much for all that you have done for the
families of our unit!
Welcome Aboard to the Trimble family! We look forward to the ideas and leadership
you both will bring to our family!
Reminders
11 July, 1900
at Marston
Pavilion, Meet
the Staff Night
15 July, 0900-
1200 at our
unit class
room,
Command
Team Training
11 Aug., BN
Family Day at
Hospital Point
Park
17 Oct., Pre-
deploy briefs
21 Oct., Unit
USMC Ball
3 Dec., Unit
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FRO letter continued.
Throughout the deployment we have been in touch with our wounded
brothers...here is a story that they have been involved with!
1/8 Wounded Warriors attend Forgotten Coast Wounded Warrior Weekend and
Fishing Tournament - Blue Water Outriggers Charity Classic.
June 2 - 5th located in Port St. Joe/'Panama City FL.
10 Wounded Warriors, including 2 Marine's from 1/8 were in attendance at the
event, it included a welcome parade, escorts by the Patriot Guard Riders,
dinners/a fishing tournament/boat trips and a relaxing fun filled 4 days.
The town, local business and local VFW through their support behind the event
to honor our heroes. Semper Fi Sisters also volunteer through out the event.
this is a quote that Glen left on face book under a picture - I'd maybe try to
get him or TJ to say something for article too.
Glen Silva <http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1436996746>
by far the most relaxing trip I have ever been on. We were treated like family
the entire time we were there. I would say it is safe to say id call it my
second home.
Well all, as you are hearing our Family Readiness Program is undergoing change
with our new commander’s view. We will be looking for new advisors and
volunteers for the upcoming deployment! If you are interested, please contact
you husbands Company Commander by sending in your email and phone number with
your husband, or attend the “Meet the Staff Night” on 11 July at 1900 at
Marston Pavilion! The commander will contact you to set up an interview. If
all goes well, I will set you up with the training you will need to be a part
of the team!
Until we talk again… stay safe, remember OP SEC, and keep in touch!
R,
Jim
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