Resiliency

The months of March, April and May are the high-time for suicides in the Marines Corps.
There are lots of reasons why.
My job, is to help Marines through those three months and give them the tools to bounce back stronger than before.

I saw this posted on-line and is now taped to my door.

I love watching my Marines read the words and walk away, standing just a little taller.

Beating the Storm

Some days you look back and see the storm coming and wonder, "Can I outrun it?"

Some days, you can.

Other days, you get wet.

OSCAR

I am an OSCAR (Operational Stress Control and Readiness) master trainer.

I had the honor of training new instructors and watching them teach.

Here, one of my instructors is engaging Marines with the curriculum.

(He is showing them how a school circle gives OSCAR team members a chance to get eyes on their Marines to see if they are okay.)

Beirut Marine Memorial

Camp Lejeune has been around since 1940.

The town and base have a strong connection.

You can find Marine regalia sold everywhere and a proud veteran community resides here.

Near the base, is a memorial set up for not just the Marines who died at Beirut (barracks bombing, 1983) but to the Montfort Point Marines, the training site for the first African-American Marines before integration in 1942 and became fully integrated in 1960.

I bike here frequently. It is peaceful and meaningful.










And of course, there is a piece of my history here too.

"Holiday" Parties

I am under no illusion that the battalion "holiday" parties are Christmas parties.

The decoration, menu and GySgt Santa are obvious.

So, this year, I joined in the fun.

I bought an ugly Chanukkah sweater and wore it with pride.

I did not, however, win the Ugly Sweater Contest.

Somehow, I think that was a good thing?

Jumping out of Planes

Some of my Marines jump out of planes - for fun.

On a cold day in December, they took me along.

And then strapped me in the Osprey and then jumped out.


My company commander and rigger master


They jumped out of the plane







Second time around, I was in a monkey harness.


And they're off!!


Now this is a great place to do deck plate ministry!

What's a Marine Corps Ball without some Sailors?

What's a Marine Corps Ball without some corpsman and chaplains??