Photo By Sgt. Isaac Ibarra | Cpl. Garry Yarborogh, from Cleveland, Ohio, assembles an M240B medium machine gun...... read more read more
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CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan — Marines with 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, came together for a noncommissioned officer warrior barbecue Sept. 19 at Camp Courtney.
The event was organized by Sgt. Maj. Paul G. McKenna, the division sergeant major, and Col. Daniel H. Wilson, the division chief of staff. The barbecue brought together NCOs from Headquarters Battalion, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and 12th Marine Regiment.
“Today the warrior barbecue was an opportunity to have the NCOs from all around the division come together, have a good time, and get some good competition in with some good food,” said Cpl. David M. Caraballodelgado, a field radio operator with HQ Bn., 3rd Marine Division.
As the day began, Marines gathered and discussed the actions of prior Medal of Honor recipients, participated in team competitions, and then shared a meal.
“We had three events,” said Caraballodelgado, from West Palm, Florida. “We did the (M240B medium machine gun) disassembly and assembly, ‘the dizzy izzy’ and the tug-of-war tournament. Three different teams won each event, and they were awarded division T-shirts.”
The NCOs were teamed up with Marines from other units and were required to overcome the unfamiliarity of their new partners to conquer each event.
“I came here thinking I was going to be in my company’s team competing against other companies,” said Sgt. Brett A. Puwalowski, an electrician with HQ Bn., 3rd Marine Division, from West Deer, Pennsylvania. “They changed it up, and we were actually competing against each other. I was working with Marines from Combat Assault Battalion, and we were able to work together.”
The barbecue built camaraderie throughout the division by bringing the NCOs closer together, according to Sgt. Clifford Linke, a telephone systems and computer repairman with CAB, 3rd Marine Division.
“I had a blast,” said Linke, from New Rochelle, New York. “It opened up a new avenue to make connections the sergeant major spoke about, strengthening relationships that can help us down the line.”
After the Marines competed and enjoyed their food, the sergeant major and the chief of staff reiterated how crucial NCOs are to the success of their units.
“This event was important because NCOs are such an important part of the Marine Corps,” said Caraballodelgado. “It’s important that we stick together because we are the backbone of the Corps.”
Overall the Marines had fun competing, meeting Marines from different units, and strengthening their relationships to improve their leadership capabilities, according to Linke.
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2014 02:29 |
| Story ID: | 143537 |
| Location: | CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, JP |
| Hometown: | NEW ROCHELLE, NY, US |
| Hometown: | WEST PALM BEACH, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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