Marine Corps

DALLAS – In honor of Veterans Day, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service will distribute free challenge coins to those who have served our Nation.

PXs and BXs worldwide will hand out the limited-edition coins to Veterans on Monday, Nov. 11, marking the fifth year of the Exchange’s coining celebration.

“The Exchange is honored to show its gratitude to those who have selflessly served their country,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Offering these small tokens of appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s heroes is an honor.”

The coins—featuring an eagle on one side and the six United States Armed Forces emblems on the other—are available at PXs and BXs while supplies last on Nov. 11. Veterans are encouraged to contact their Exchange or visit their local Exchange Facebook page for more information.

The Exchange, along with the Navy Exchange Service Command, Marine Corps Exchange and Coast Guard Exchange, have teamed up to distribute the special Veterans Day coins since 2020.

All honorably discharged Veterans can shop tax-free for life at ShopMyExchange.com while disabled Veterans can use their hard-earned Exchange benefit in person at PXs and BXs. Veterans can visit aafes.media/paveterans for more information on their earned lifelong Exchange benefits.

Social-media-friendly version: Honoring our Nation’s best: Veterans can pick up a special challenge coin at their Exchange this Veterans Day as @shopmyexchange celebrates those who have selflessly served their country.

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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 52nd-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In the last 10 years, your Exchange benefit has provided $3.7 billion in earnings that support the military community, including through contributions to critical military Quality-of-Life programs. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on X at https://x.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Travis Day, 214-312-3534 or [email protected].

Follow the Exchange:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange

Twitter:  https://x.com/shopmyexchange

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BOISE, IDAHO, Oct. 25, 2024 — “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the Marine Corps’ premier musical unit, captivated audiences in Utah and Idaho this week with stirring performances. In collaboration with representatives from Recruiting Station Salt Lake City, 8th Marine Corps District, the band toured Weber State University, Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Idaho State University, and concluded its tour at Capital High School in Boise, Idaho.

For community members who attended, the performance was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of patriotism and musical excellence. Under the passionate direction of Lt. Col. Ryan J. Nowlin, the band infused each performance with energy, engaging audiences who clapped, sang, and swayed to the music. The energy radiating from the stage reached every corner of the room, sparking emotional responses that stayed with attendees long after the last note faded.

At each performance’s conclusion, the band played a medley honoring each branch of the military. Veterans stood when their respective branch hymn played, receiving cheers from the audience, with the Marines’ Hymn ending the sequence, where Marine veterans appeared to stand a little taller.

One attendee in Rexburg, Idaho shared their excitement with Marines, saying, “This is huge. You have the whole community out here to see this!”

The sentiment was similar on the other side of the state Friday evening. Among the attendees at Capital High School was Gary Keith, father of Marine Corporal David Keith. For Gary, the experience was deeply nostalgic. He had first seen “The President’s Own” perform at Capital High in the 1980s as a trombonist in his school band, which sparked his lifelong interest in the Marine Corps’ music program.

“Getting to see them here again was huge,” Keith said, recalling the inspiration he felt as a young musician.

Forty years later, the unit appeared to make a similar impact on current band students. Capital High School percussionists Gavin Hawkins and Maliki Santos were in awe of the performance, captivated by the precision and talent of the band’s percussion section.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more impressed with a performance in my life! That was just mind-blowing,” said Hawkins, a sophomore. Santos, who is a junior, agreed, adding, “Seeing how good percussionists can be was really inspiring.”

The evening offered a unique opportunity for students and community members alike to connect with the Marines on a personal level, including a Capital High senior who spoke with Gunnery Sgt. Sean Salazar about his options in the Marine music program. Salazar, who helps prospective Marine musicians through the audition process, explained that candidates submit a video audition, with those who meet the criteria invited for an in-person audition.

In addition to the public performances, Marines visited local schools to discuss career paths for aspiring Marine musicians. They highlighted the distinctions within the Marine Corps’ music program, particularly between fleet Marine Corps bands and “The President’s Own.” Unlike members of other Marine bands, who attend boot camp, Marine Combat Training, and the Naval School of Music before joining one of the fleet Marine bands across the U.S., musicians who earn a place with “The President’s Own” serve exclusively in Washington, D.C. and enter with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Their unique insignia bears a musical lyre instead of the typical crossed rifles, setting them apart within the Corps.

“The fleet bands offer Marines a unique opportunity to serve musically and operationally, and Marines can later audition for premier bands like ‘The President’s Own,’” said GySgt Salazar. He encouraged anyone interested in a career in military music to reach out to their local recruiter or message an MTA on Instagram at @usmarinemusicprogram.

Through this tour, “The President’s Own” showcased not only the power of music to unite and inspire but also offered a glimpse into the Marine Corps’ commitment to excellence.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) marked the end of an era with the completion of its final AV-8B Harrier maintenance event, delivering the aircraft to Marine Attack Squadron 223 onboard Marine Air Station Cherry Point Sept. 26.

FRCE celebrated the platform’s depot maintenance finale with an informal ceremony Sept. 20 in the command’s AV-8 hangar. FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Berti and leaders from the AV-8B Weapon Systems Program Office (PMA-257) recognized members of the depot’s Harrier team, both past and present, for their efforts in supporting the legendary aircraft throughout the years.

Berti said the command’s AV-8B team has been instrumental in ensuring readiness within the Harrier community.

“It’s an honor to lead a facility with such a remarkable legacy,” said Berti. “For five decades, FRC East has been a cornerstone in supporting the Harrier program for both the Marine Corps and our nation’s international allies. Our AV-8 platform’s success is directly attributed to the hard work and dedication of multiple generations of FRC East employees. I am proud of all this team has accomplished throughout the years and I look forward to what’s next.”

FRCE has supported the Harrier since 1973, beginning with its assignment of the AV-8A Harrier and F402 engine workload. With the platform sundowning as the Marine Corps replaces it with the F-35 Lightning II, the depot’s Harrier program will continue its transition to supporting other weapons platforms, including the F-35.

Many of the depot’s AV-8 aircraft maintenance professionals have spent a significant portion of their careers working on the Harrier. Aircraft Overhaul and Repair Supervisor Mike Stewart said it’s hard to see the platform come to an end.

“I’ve been working on the AV-8 platform for the past 30 years,” said Stewart. “It’s the only platform I’ve ever known, dating back to the start of my career in the Marine Corps in 1994 to 2011, when I began working here at FRC East.

“With that, I know that every aircraft has its service life,” Stewart continued. “We must evolve by improving our technology and tactics. F-35 is that new technology; it’s how we keep up and move to the future. Although the AV-8 is a great aircraft, it has served its purpose. It’s time to move on to the newer weapons platforms with more capabilities.”

Jeff Broughton, business operations specialist, said the depot’s Harrier team has an impressive track record, often working under budget and ahead of schedule. On average, the team completed AV-8B depot-level maintenance events nearly 10% faster than originally estimated, according to Broughton.

“Our goal is to stay within our customers’ budgets and be good stewards of their funding,” Broughton said. “We have met and exceeded that goal time and time again. Many of the aircraft we have worked on have been returned to the fleet earlier than originally planned and under our original cost estimates.”

Broughton said during his 22 years on the AV-8B platform, he has witnessed many successes, with the most memorable being in 2015.

“One of our more outstanding inductions was an AV-8 that was damaged during the attack on Camp Bastion, Afghanistan,” said Broughton. “It was one of our fastest turnarounds for a special rework induction, and I think that was partially because we knew the circumstances and were highly motivated to get it back to the squadron. Not only did we return that aircraft nearly a week ahead of schedule, we also did it under the original estimate.

“We play an important role in warfighter readiness here at FRC East,” Broughton continued. “When something tragic like that happens, we come together and do whatever we can to help get the fleet back up and running.”

The AV-8 team’s reputation has set FRCE up to be the repair facility of choice for future squadrons, according to Broughton.

“For many years, we have established ourselves as being a successful and affordable option for the AV-8 community,” said Broughton. “We have established good rapport with our customers and local squadrons because they know we get the work done. They know we provide high-quality product within a good price range that is in-line with their funding.

“We continue to be good stewards of their funding and continue to provide this quality of work, so they continue to choose us,” Broughton continued. “As time goes on and platforms evolve, the way the AV-8 is transitioning to the F-35, we hope to remain their preferred depot source of repair.”

Broughton said working together has been a key factor in the team’s success.

“Our day-to-day plan is teamwork,” said Broughton. “We do everything we can to be role models to each other. Instead of just having one mentor or role model, we strive to all be a role model because a supervisor may be strong in one area, while the planner may be strong in another. We all come together as one team, one fight, all strong.”

Ike Rettenmair, head of the AV-8 and F-35 branches at FRCE, said while the change in focus from the AV-8B Harrier to F-35 Lightning II is bittersweet, it represents an important step forward in the depot’s support of the warfighter.

“I was filled with mixed emotions the day we rolled the last Harrier out,” said Rettenmair. “I’ve supported the Harrier for 30 years in some capacity, starting with my time in the Marine Corps as an airframe mechanic. Throughout my time on the platform, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many remarkable individuals who possess a warrior mentality and take great pride in their service to the fleet. Even though this transition will be a big change for many of us, we remain proud and motivated in our support of the warfighter.”

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

PACIFIC OCEAN — A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466 delivered critical U.S. Navy support equipment to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s largest ship, the Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184), off the coast of Southern California, Oct. 25, 2024. The mission underscored the operational cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces as they strengthen joint capabilities in the Pacific.

The CH-53E aircrew transported a Mobile Cleaning Recovery Recycle System, a specialized cleaning system for restoring friction on flight deck non-skid surfaces. The equipment is vital for maintaining the upper deck for embarked advanced F-35B Lightning II aircraft during ongoing developmental testing on the JS Kaga. On Oct. 20, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River), Maryland, and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (Pax ITF) landed a U.S. F-35B on the JS Kaga for the first time. A second short takeoff and vertical landing variant joined the ship Oct. 25.

With its ability to carry a 16-ton load 50 nautical miles, the CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter is uniquely suited to transporting equipment such as the 15,000 pound MCRRS.

“Operating the DoD’s only heavy-lift helicopter means missions like this are routine for HMH-466,” said Maj. Tyler Hoogervorst, a CH-53E pilot and HMH-466 operations officer. “Moving essential equipment, whether across land or sea, is a core part of our mission set. But each time we work alongside our Japanese allies, especially delivering directly to a vessel like the JS Kaga, it’s a privilege.”

The helicopter was received by JMSDF sailors, as well as U.S. Sailors and Marines from the Wasp-class amphibious assault ships USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Makin Island (LHD 8), and America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), on board the JS Kaga to support Primary Flight Control, or PriFly, and flight deck operations. Before the helicopter took off, the JS Kaga crew refueled it with approximately 5,000 pounds of aviation fuel.

This successful equipment delivery highlights the interoperability of U.S. and Japanese forces and their expanding capability to conduct mission-critical operations together, underscoring their commitment to regional security and the effectiveness of integrated naval operations.

By Shannon Collins

Armed Forces Sports U.S. Armed Forces Sports

WASHINGTON, D.C. – While more than 20,000 runners from around the world will be earning their Eagle, Globe and Anchor medals at the 49th Marine Corps Marathon this Sunday, military elite runners representing the service branches will compete in the Armed Forces Championship.

Throughout a slightly hilly terrain among the nation’s monuments, beginning at the Pentagon and ending on a hill at the Iwo Jima monument, these athletes will run 26.2 miles of the “People’s Marathon” to see who can take home the championship for their service branch.

Air Force

“This year, the Air Force teams each have some returning athletes and new faces,” said Air Force Maj. Fritz Stoppelbein, Air Force team coach. “The women’s team is looking to improve on last year’s 2nd place finish at the Armed Forces Championship while the men’s team is prepared to compete for a top 3 finish with a few new athletes on the team this year. Many athletes are coming off top finishes at the recent Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio, in September and are primed for an outstanding performance in D.C.”

Army

“We have a goal of winning the Armed Forces Championship for the Army,” said Army Maj. Ermin Mujezinovic. “We want to beat the Navy. Last year, I wasn’t happy we got second after winning the Cross Country National. I recruited a few of my running friends to come this year, so we could do our best to win the marathon for the Army.”

Mujezinovic has been running his whole life and has just run Berlin in 2 hours 32 minutes, with an average pace of 5:46 per mile. He said the championship, just like serving in the Army, is about team.

“It’s always about team,” he said. “We train together, help and pace each other during the race, pass each other water or gels just as if it were a deployment. My goal is to contribute to the team and help the team win.”

Blue Mile

On mile 12 of the Marine Corps Marathon, Wear Blue: Run to Remember honors fallen service members. Mujezinovic said he dedicated his 2017 MCM and this year’s MCM to his fallen Virginia Military Institute classmate, Capt. Shawn Hogan, who passed away during a deployment.

Navy, Marines

“The Navy men’s and women’s marathon teams are looking very strong for this year’s Armed Forces Championship,” said Derek Oskutis, All-Navy marathon head coach. “The men placed first overall, and the women placed second overall last year. Our team has many new faces this year, but we’re excited to see how we perform against our fellow service branches.”

The Marines won the Military Men’s Championship last year, and Marine Maj. Kyle King said he hopes they can repeat the win this year.

“The Marine Corps Marathon is a brutal and unforgiving race, and there are so many things that can go wrong,” he said. “The Men’s All-Marine Team has three runners all in contention for first place. Winning the team title is our biggest goal this year. I don’t have a time goal this year, since my operational work requirements took priority over running, but I hope to position myself in the first half of the race to be competitive for the individual title.”

King won the MCM in 2022 with a time of 2:19, when he trained an average of 60 to 90 minutes a day in the three months leading up to the race. He was the first active-duty member to win the race in 39 years. He said he hopes his win and continued racing with the team inspires others.

“I hope to inspire people to set goals and create tangible steps at obtaining them,” he said. “When I ran the race in 2022, I trained for an average of 60 to 90 minutes a day in the months leading up to the race. Prioritize what you want to be great at and dedicate an hour to it every day. You might surprise yourself.”

King said he loves being part of the Marine running team.

“We’re stationed across the country and abroad. It’s always special to come together and race,” he said. “The vast majority of us aren’t able to train together regularly, but we all keep tabs on each other and encourage each other. When it comes to racing, the best part of the team aspect is that it becomes bigger than yourself.”

Courtesy story by Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyree Bryant, a native of Richmond, Virginia was recently selected as Junior Sailor of the Quarter (JSOQ), third quarter, serving with U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

JSOQ is an award given to an enlisted sailor in the Navy who is in the pay grade of E-4. The award recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership, and professionalism.

“I am honored by this selection because this recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication that I strive for every day,” said Bryant. “This award serves as a reminder of the high standards expected of me and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact within our organization. I am grateful for the trust and confidence my leadership and peers have placed in me to represent my command and the Navy as the quarter four selected.”

Bryant, a 2015 graduate of Varina High School, joined the Navy six years ago.

“I was in a relationship with a girl I knew I wanted to marry,” said Bryant. “I knew I wanted to give us a better life. I went to college but didn’t take it seriously and failed. I tried local jobs that took me nowhere. I joined the Navy for my wife and now daughter, Elora. The Navy helped form me into the man I am today. One my family can feel secure with and be proud of.”

The skills and values needed to succeed are similar to those found in Richmond.

“I have constantly tried to rely on my own strength and understanding,” said Bryant. “Before I left for boot camp, I remember my pastor telling me to allow God to lead my path. This has stuck with me throughout my career. Through all the challenges I’ve faced in the Navy putting God at the forefront of that has led to my success.”

Today, Bryant serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.

“My favorite part of my job as a hospital corpsman is being able to make tangible differences in families’ lives every day,” said Bryant. “Whether that’s providing emergency care in a field setting or conducting training. The camaraderie stands out significantly, especially being attached to Marines. There is nothing that turns a team into a family like being in vigorous conditions and embracing it together.”

NMRTC focuses on three critical mission priorities: warfighter readiness, medical force generation and supporting the delivery of high-quality health care at Naval Medical Center at Guantanamo Bay.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Bryant serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Bryant has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My proudest moment in the Navy was when I was awarded my Fleet Marine Force qualification,” said Bryant. “Aside from it being an extremely challenging qualification to achieve; there is a deeper meaning, a bridge between the Marine Corps and the Navy. I get to wear a symbol of unification between two of the most decorated military branches to ever exist on my uniform every day.”

Bryant can take pride in serving America through military service.

“I am a small part of the world’s greatest Navy,” added Bryant. “I love being part of an organization that continually protects our waterways and sustains commerce around the world. During times of need the Navy is always first to the scene, I am honored to serve an organization that has created a culture to serve those who are in need.”

“I’m willing to work hours and hours if that means getting the mission done,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andi LopezRojas, an aviation operations specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, who was named the October 2024 MCAS New River Go-Getter.

LopezRojas, a New Jersey native, worked as a landscaper at a golf course where he spent long days in the sun before joining the Marine Corps in July 2022, one day before turning 18.

Now LopezRojas spends his days creating flight schedules and working with pilots on MCAS New River. His section, C-12 flight operations, depends on LopezRojas’ daily efforts in writing schedules. Throughout the day, he ensures all logbooks have updated flight hours for each pilot. Talking to pilots and hearing their stories is LopezRojas’ favorite part of the job.

“Knowing that I get to talk to them and that they get to teach me new stuff when it comes to my job – That is what motivates me to keep doing this,” said LopezRojas.

According to his leadership he was nominated for his motivation and devotion to the mission.

“Lance Corporal LopezRojas has an amazing work ethic. He consistently demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a strong commitment to our team’s success,” said Cpl. Daniel A. Gonzalez, an airfield base operations supervisor with H&HS. “His ability to tackle challenges with resilience and a positive attitude sets a great example for all Marines.”

This kind of attitude and passion came through moments of growth in LopezRojas’ career.

“I have seen him grow significantly since we started working together,” said Capt. Andrew Elliott, director of Safety and Standardization, H&HS MCAS New River. “He has faced some challenges in this billet … but he learned from mistakes and continues to strive for excellence in all that he does.”

LopezRojas’ advice to junior Marines is to socialize and talk to every Marine they meet, like he does with every pilot he meets.

“You’ll meet the people again, over and over, and if you don’t talk to them, then everybody’s going to be a stranger to you,” said LopezRojas. “So just be friends with them; that way, the next time you see them it’s not as a stranger, but as a friend.”