First time forward

Photo By Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe | Cpl. Stephan Torres, an electro-optical ordinance technician with Regimental Combat Team 8, stands inside the armory aboard Forward Operating Base Delaram II, Afghanistan, Jan. 29. Torres has just begun his yearlong deployment with RCT-8.  

DELARAM, AFGHANISTAN

01.29.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Clayton Vonderahe 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

DELARAM, Afghanistan - Growing up in West Rutland, Vt., and graduating from West Rutland High School, Torres enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2007. In May 2008, he took the plunge and got married and is now the proud parent of a six-month old son.

Torres had been in active service for more than three years without the chance to deploy, so when the opportunity arose he didn’t hesitate.

“I was excited and nervous about this deployment,” he said. “But mostly I was excited. I’ve already been in over three years, and I did not want to do my whole enlistment without deploying.”

Like most Marines, Torres was eager to deploy, but for a man who has obligations and responsibilities to a family, it’s a bittersweet experience. With the exception of a two-week break, he will have to go the extent of a year without his wife or child.

“I wanted to spend as much time with my family as I could, but I decided to deploy while [my child] was young so he wouldn’t remember.” said Torres. “I try to talk to them every day, but it’s not always possible.”

With his family home safe in the states, Torres must now focus his attentions to his job at hand. The regiment is still transitioning itself to Delaram and that requires the extra efforts of all the Marines and sailors.

“We’re moving stuff here and there, inventorying, that kind of stuff. Not to mention we have to keep up with our [physical training] and daily routines,” Torres explained.

“We have a higher responsibility out here. Instead of supporting rifle ranges or [combat marksmanship programs], we are supporting convoys and patrols, something real.”

The deployment will be long and often difficult, but that is not to say it is without reward. Torres is planning to use the money earned from his tour to put a down payment on a house and help establish a future for his family.

“This deployment was a better career choice, so I had to do it. It is a tough decision, but I had to make it, and I think it will pay off.”

It is still very early in the regiment’s tour in Afghanistan and Torres has a long way to go. Only time will tell what the future holds for him and the regiment, but Torres can assuredly keep his focus knowing he has a loving family eagerly awaiting his safe return.

• Date Taken: 01.29.2011
• Date Posted: 02.01.2011 11:32
• Story ID: 64601
• Location: DELARAM, AF