Photo By Cpl. Khoa Pelczar | Lance Cpl. Kendall Hawkins (left), 20, from Houston, supply clerk, Headquarters...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – To medically prepare the Marines of Combat Logistics Regiment 15 for their deployment to Afghanistan early next year as 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), corpsmen with 1st MLG (FWD), conducted a unit-wide medical examination here, Nov. 4.
During the examination, Marines had their blood tested for any infection. They also received vaccinations for any possible diseases they might be exposed to on deployment, such as anthrax, influenza, small pox and typhoid.
“Our mission is to provide normal medical care to sick Marines, as well as getting more than 400 Marines medically combat ready for our upcoming deployment,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Gracia, corpsman, 1st MLG (FWD).
While training and preparing for deployment are important for Marines, their health is never to be looked at lightly, said Gracia, from Anaheim, Calif. Six corpsmen are preparing to deploy and ready to support more than 400 Marines in Afghanistan.
Besides getting vaccinated and having their blood drawn, the devil dogs also conducted Pre-Deployment Health Assessments to make sure they are physically fit, explained Seaman Anthony Rich, corpsman, 1st MLG (FWD).
“They’re doing everything they can to make sure I’m ready for this deployment,” said Lance Cpl. Kendall Hawkins, from Houston, supply clerk, Headquarters Company, CLR-15. “I feel confident that I’ll be fine knowing they have my back.”
Rich, from Castle Rock, Colo., is excited for his first deployment.
“The deployment is looking great. Our Marines are medically and physically fit, and ready to deploy,” said Rich. “I’m grateful to have the chance to work with the Marine Corps. This is what I signed up to do and I’m excited to do my part.”
As for veterans like Gracia, he knows what to expect and he’s ready to contribute.
“I’m honored to be able to support Marines on the front, providing them with medical aid,” Gracia said. “I’m excited to come back to Afghanistan and do what we corpsmen were meant to do.”
With only a few months left until they deploy to Afghanistan, the devil dogs are preparing by staying healthy, getting vaccinated and training to be fit for combat.
“I think the Marines are ready,” said Gracia. “They’re itching to attack and accomplish any mission given to them. As for us, we’re gathering our medical equipment, getting our young corpsmen trained up and making sure we’re able to provide full support to the Marines on the battlefield.”
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2011 12:23 |
| Story ID: | 80065 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 54 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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