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Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, took off for their first combat deployment since the Vietnam War at the VMGR-152 hangar, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, May 15.
The 40 Marines deployed to Afghanistan to provide additional support to units in need. The unit will be working out of Kandahar Air Field.
"We are looking forward to putting all our training to use," said 1st Lt. Monica Meese, a KC-130J co-pilot with the squadron.
For some of the Marines, the deployment is just another event in their careers. But for one Marine and his wife, it is a whole new experience and a test of more than just the service member's commitment.
"This is the first time my wife and I will be away [from each other] for more than 24 hours," said Cpl. Michael J. Martinez, a C-130J power line mechanic for the squadron.
Not only will this be the couple's first time away from each other, but it is his first combat deployment. His wife, Randy, is also three months into her pregnancy.
"It kind of makes me feel like I want to go there and get back, even though I volunteered to go," Martinez said.
Families and friends of the now-deployed Marines of VMGR-152 stood by and spent a few last moments with their Marines. Even though their loved ones will be gone for approximately seven months, families and friends understand the Marines' duties are important.
"I'm excited for him, because I know this is what he wants," said Randy Martinez. "But it's going to be tough being away from [my] family at home, and now my husband as well."
Their hope is Martinez will return from the deployment right as their baby is due.
Everyone has hopes and different ways to deal with the time away from their loved ones. The Martinez's look forward to the challenges although they can't wait to be together again.
"It will be a good test of our commitment to each other," Randy said. "Thank you [addressing all the Marines for their service], and get home as soon as you can."
| Date Taken: | 05.29.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2009 02:23 |
| Story ID: | 34243 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 364 |
| Downloads: | 265 |
This work, VMGR-152 service members on Okinawa deploy to battlefield, loved ones test their endurance, by GySgt Jeffrey Cordero, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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