More than work on Forward Operating Base Geronimo

10.23.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Flynn 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

It's been several months since Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, first arrived to Forward Operating Base Geronimo, and even though operations continue 24 hours a day, Marines do more than just work and sleep.

The FOB may seem meager in comparison to some of the larger, more-established bases in country, but the Marines here have everything they need, said Lance Cpl. James Pursley, a guard force Marine.

The base includes a chow hall, field-expedient bathrooms, showers and even a Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent with Internet and phone access, he explained.

The chaplain also operates out of the MWR tent. Marines know they can visit the MWR/chaplain tent for personal items such as razor blades, shaving cream and soap, as well as snacks, and the MWR/chaplain tent holds movie night every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Caldera, a religious program specialist, said, "We are here to do as much for the Marines as we can."

The MWR/chaplain tent offers many different services including snacks and coffee for the Marines, Caldera said.

"The only things I could do without are the sand storms," Pursley said of the dust devils that blow through camp almost daily in summer and are common year-round.

Though deployed, Marines continue maintenance training such as Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. There is also a gym that includes free weights so physical training is more than just running and pull-ups.

"Life on Geronimo is actually pretty good," said field wireman Lance Cpl. Eric Fisher."

• Date Taken: 10.23.2009
• Date Posted: 11.01.2009 07:43
• Story ID: 40926