Marines recognized in Afghanistan for dedication, sacrifice

Photo By Sgt. Shannon Yount | Lance Cpl. Bryan Brown, heavy equipment operator, Charlie Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), holds his certificate after receiving the Purple Heart Medal during an award ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Jan. 4. Brown, a native of New Bern, N.C., was awarded the medal for injuries suffered during a combat logistics patrol, Sept. 5, 2010. The patrol was heading toward Sangin, Afghanistan, when an improvised explosive device went off and hit the vehicle that Brown was in. He suffered a grade-three concussion from the explosion.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

01.04.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Shannon Yount 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - Three Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2 were recognized for their dedication and sacrifice during an award ceremony here Jan. 4.

Staff Sgt. Derek Cheek was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device for actions that occurred Aug. 13 and 14, 2010.

Lance Cpl. Bryan Brown and Lance Cpl. Walter Achey III were each awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered during separate combat operations in September 2010.

Cheek, a native of Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded the medal for actions that occurred during a combat logistics patrol. During the patrol, the vehicle in front of his was hit by an improvised explosive device. Cheek immediately checked on the Marines and called for them to be medically evacuated from the area. The following day, his vehicle was hit by an IED and instead of thinking about himself, he again ensured the safety of his Marines.

“I only did what is expected from every Marine,” said Cheek, platoon sergeant, Bravo Company, CLB-2, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). Cheek is a Reservist who volunteered for this deployment.

Brown, a native of New Bern, N.C., was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered during a combat logistics patrol, Sept. 5. The patrol was heading toward Sangin, Afghanistan, when an IED went off and hit Brown’s vehicle. He suffered a grade-three concussion from the explosion.

“I received an award that previous Marines have received,” said Brown, heavy equipment operator, Charlie Company. “It’s an honor and emotional moment.”

Achey, a native of Allentown, Pa, was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered during a combat logistics patrol, Sept. 9. As the patrol was heading up to Sangin during a resupply mission, the vehicle Achey was in was hit by an IED. He suffered a grade-three concussion and received shrapnel wounds to his left arm during the explosion.

After the incident, Achey looked at the world differently.

“[I learned] life is short and to live it everyday to its fullest,” said Achey, combat engineer, Charlie Company.

All three Marines continue to conduct operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Brown and Achey have since fully recovered from their injuries and continue to serve alongside their fellow Marines on missions in Helmand province.

• Date Taken: 01.04.2011
• Date Posted: 01.06.2011 00:53
• Story ID: 63071
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF