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SAN DIEGO - As the morning sky clouded over, hundreds of Marines gathered around small green buildings for a plate of steamy, fluffy eggs, crispy bacon and a cup of tangy orange juice.
This was all part of the “Warriors Breakfast” for approximately 250 Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Sept. 8.
The Warriors Breakfast, hosted by MWSS-373, was a send off for the Marines who would deploy to Afghanistan later that day.
“The breakfast boosted morale and let us have a nice meal with each other before we had to depart forward to Afghanistan,” said Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Gonzales, the staff non-commissioned officer in charge of the logistics department for MWSS-373. “It built camaraderie and encouraged pride of belonging.”
During the breakfast, Marines sat under a green and brown camouflaged canopy, which was surrounded by armored vehicles. As the Marines finished their meal, several guest speakers took turns inspiring the Marines for their deployment.
“I want you to think back,” said Lt. Col. Thomas M. Fahy, the commanding officer of MWSS-373, to his Marines. “When we found out we would be deploying to Afghanistan, what I saw was smiles – what I saw was excitement and enthusiasm. We’re going to be out there doing what Marines do.”
The Marines, both senior and junior enlisted, will be working together for six or seven months, so it was important to begin the deployment together, explained Gonzales. It reminded everyone that the Marines are all part of a group – even the senior enlisted.
“It was great to relax and speak with the higher ranking Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Elias Carranza, a weather forecaster with MWSS-373.
It paved the way for Marines to build trust, which will be essential while they are deployed, explained Carranza. It also got everybody at ease with leaving their homes and families, because they’re going to the same place together.
“It takes a certain type of person to join the Marine Corps,” said Fahy. “You can’t forget what is important. It is the Marine on your left and the sailor on your right, and bringing them back with you. We’re going over there together, and we’re coming back together.”
While deployed, MWSS-373 Marines will provide motor transportation utilities, Marine police units, crash fire and rescue units, casualty evacuation, security, engineering, weather and fuel operations services to ensure air and ground units are operational.
“We just put a very large rock in your rucksack, and that rock is your reputation,” said MWSG-37 commanding officer Col. David A. Ottignon, to the Marines. “You now get your chance to write your chapter in our Marine Corps’ illustrious history.”
As food disappeared and plates piled in the trash, the Marines crowded around rows of green and brown bags full of their gear and belongings, and began final preparations for the long journey to a country on the other side of the world.
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.21.2010 14:03 |
| Story ID: | 56731 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, US |
| Web Views: | 441 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, MWSS-373 gives deploying Marines ‘Warriors Breakfast’, by Cpl Alexandra Vazquez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
