Photo By Sgt. Mary Torres | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Roberto Tafoya, an explosive ordnance technician with Combat...... read more read more
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YUMA, Ariz.--U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Roberto Tafoya, an explosive ordnance technician (EOD), and a native of Cathedral City, Calif., with Combat Logistics Battalion 15 (CLB 15), Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assigned to Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB), was named Task Force Forge‘s Defender of the Week, for his exceptional contributions to the southern border mission in Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 25, 2025. Tafoya’s leadership selected him due to his exceptional performance as the Common Operating Picture (COP) Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), excelling in a role outside the scope of his primary mission occupational specialty.
He flawlessly adapted to the demands of his position and mastered the software tools essential for situational awareness across the Joint Operating Area. Tafoya has enhanced the Combat Operational Center’s capabilities by providing live battle tracking, real time alerts, and plotting of CLB 15’s sign emplacement and barrier reinforcement accomplishments for over 694 missions.
Tafoya was also tasked with assisting Marine Corps Air Station EOD in Surface Area Clearance operations during Weapons and Tactics Instructors course 26.1, during which he identified and disposed of 553 sensitive fused Unexploded Ordnance and 1-250 pound high-explosive bomb. His thorough reconnaissance, and steadfast execution in disposing of explosive hazards has made the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range Impact Area safer for range personnel to traverse and operate in.
In addition to working as the COP NCO and mitigating explosive hazards, Tafoya led Marines as both a Corporal’s Course Instructor for 45 Marines and as a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor for 80 Marines.
When asked about his desire to take on extra responsibilities, Tafoya said, “The versatility that is required to adapt to new challenges and learn new things helps contribute to the whole Marine concept. At the end of the day, I am only becoming a more valuable asset to my family and the Marine Corps”.
CLB 15, the command element for Task Force Forge, recognizes an outstanding Marine or Sailor each week who demonstrates exceptional performance, initiative, and excellence in support of the southern border mission, highlighting their critical role in national security efforts.
| Date Taken: | 09.26.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.16.2025 10:41 |
| Story ID: | 550154 |
| Location: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 101 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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