March 2011 Commanding Officer 2 Sergeant Major 3 Headquarters & Service 4, 5 General Support Motor Transport 6, 7 Maintenance 8, 9 Security 10, 11 Supply 12, 13 Awards 14 Promotions 15 Flight Windows / Flight Tracking 16 Homecoming Guide 17 Schedule of Events 18 Getting on Base / Directions 19 Family Readiness Officers 20 Reenlistments 20 Good Information Numbers 20
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March 2011
Commanding Officer 2
Sergeant Major 3
Headquarters & Service 4, 5
General Support Motor Transport 6, 7
Maintenance 8, 9
Security 10, 11
Supply 12, 13
Awards 14
Promotions 15
Flight Windows / Flight Tracking 16
Homecoming Guide 17
Schedule of Events 18
Getting on Base / Directions 19
Family Readiness Officers 20
Reenlistments 20
Good Information Numbers 20
Commanding Officer
Families and Friends of CLR-15(FWD),
Well … here it is – our last and final Newsletter.
One word sums it all up – UNBELIEVEABLE !!!
It has been both an honor and privilege to serve with your Marine or Sailor. Their accomplishments cannot be put
into words. Numbers don‟t even do them justice. It just won‟t tell the whole story. Simply remarking about a 14-
day fuel mission … or an “up and back” trip to Nolay … just doesn‟t capture all of the complexities and layers be-
hind those words and experiences – such is life in Afghanistan.
We‟ve gone through A LOT of changes out here. From the day we took over and surveyed the maintenance lot
when I asked, “Seriously – you can fix this ???” … to my wanderings around the “not so nice neighborhoods” in
Storage – places nicknamed: The Zone, The Mash Pit, Thunderdome and-- my personal favorite --“UP” … we had to
take a long hard look inside and ask ourselves – “Are you scared ?”.
And that was before we even left the wire !
Traveling the “roads” around Helmand Province, where pavement is at a premium (except at Camp Leatherneck, of
course) reminded me much of “going downtown”. I grew up in Detriot – „nuff said. However, climbing in a vehicle
with RedSox and our beloved – yet often underappreciated – Boondocks Saints always made me feel that much
safer. Thank you all for what you did – both your courage and professionalism is unmatched. You truly lived up to,
and have written the next chapter in, the long, proud heritage of our Corps.
Bravo Zulu to our Sailors and medical providers – who took care of so many. You joined the Navy, expecting to
make port calls in far off lands and smell the salty sea air. Instead, they sent you to a land-locked country with
pervasive moon dust. At least we issued you FROG suits so that you could feel “amphibious” in nature. It‟s truly
been a blessing having you out here with us.
Thank you to all the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, spouses, sons, daughters and friends who “put up” with
our absence. We couldn‟t have done it with you. Your thoughts, prayers and generosity have been tremendous.
Bear with us as we “transition” back to society. Driving on roads, taking hot showers…even, watching commercials –
are all things we haven‟t done in quite a while. If you wonder why we drive directly behind the car in front of us –
we‟re simply trying to maintain track discipline!
Life in Afghanistan is not easy. It‟s been the best of times – and the worst of times. We‟ve become an incredibly
close “family” over the past few months – while missing you all back home … more than you‟ll ever know or realize.
The price of freedom isn‟t free – it requires some sacrifices. We paid for it with our blood, sweat and tears – and
even some laughter. But when it‟s all said and done, your Marine or Sailor will never have to ask if they made a dif-
ference in the world; they did each and every day over here.
In the immortal words of Jerry Reed (yes – I know. Most of the “kids” have NO idea who I‟m talkin‟ about ...)
East bound and down, loaded up and truckin‟
We‟re gonna do what some say can‟t be done
We got a long way to go and short time to get there. (Note – it was actually the complete opposite short way – LONG time !)
I‟m east bound. Just watch ol‟ Bandit run
Semper Fidelis,
Michael Murchison
Bandit 6 – Out.
Sergeant Major
Friends & Family of CLR-15 (FWD),
On the 30th of March, CLR-15 (FWD) will turn over responsibilities to 2D Maintenance
Battalion (FWD). Shortly thereafter we will begin our journey home. As I walk around and
speak with the warriors of this great regiment, they are still very focused on working and put-
ting the finishing touches on their areas of responsibility. They all have gained a great pride in
their accomplishments and are also very excited and anxious to return to the United States.
Before we depart Afghanistan, I would like to thank our civilian friends that help us
make things happen. Our interpreters, the Field Service Representatives (FSR‟s) and our sis-
ter services have all helped us achieve our goals. Thanks!!!
To our Family Readiness Officers, thank you for maintaining communication and ex-
change of information to our families. The service you provide is priceless!!! Can‟t wait to see
you all on the parade deck!
To our loved ones, it may take a few days for your service member to adjust to life as
we once knew it. Thank you for your sacrifices as well as your patience as our warriors return
home.
Never in my career have I seen such teamwork, dedication and commitment. I am ex-
tremely proud of the collective accomplishments of CLR-15 (FWD). It has been an incredible
deployment!
Semper Fidelis,
Sergeant Major C. S. Belle
Headquarters & Service Company
Company Commander Company First Sergeant
1stLt Jeff Wunder GySgt Bruce Thompson
Family and friends of H&S Company,
The day is almost here, we will be on the parade deck in a few days!! 2D Maintenance
Battalion arrived and we are turning over the reigns and preparing to return home. All
the Marines and Sailors are exited and cannot wait to return home to their loved ones.
During the last seven months we have grown as Marines/Sailors and a company. The
young Marines/Sailors now have sea stories of their own. The experienced deployers'
passed on their knowledge to the next generation. As we wrap things up, I hope the
Marines/Sailors take with them the experiences gained and the professional and per-
sonal bonds they forged.
H&S Company has finished strong and everything that has been accomplished during
the past seven months is amazing!! They have done an extraordinary job and you should
be proud of their accomplishments and service. We, their company leadership, are
proud of all that they have accomplished and the reputation they have earned CLR-15!
They are all a true group of professionals!!
This month we were able to award a few deserving personnel who stood out from the
rest. Two Marines were promoted this past month, Cpl Ninnemann and Cpl Timm. Cpl
Timm was a combat meritorious promotion. It is always a good day in the Marine Corps
when you are able to award and promote the personnel under your charge.
As my first command , Headquarters and Service Company will always have a special
place in my heart. It has been a pleasure serving with all the Marines/Sailors on this
deployment. I will treasure these memories always.
1stLt Jeff Wunder
Headquarters & Service Company
Families and Friends,
As we approach the completion of our mission, I want the Marines and Sailors of General Support Motor Transport (GSMT) Company to know
I greatly appreciate the exemplary level of honor, courage, and commitment they have displayed. Their hard work and dedication has played a
critical role in enabling our military forces to be successful in the global war on terrorism. Freedom is not free, and the Marines and Sailors
of this unit have proudly made great personal sacrifices to serve and protect our great Nation and its patriotic citizens. I commend the Ma-
rines and Sailors for outstanding perseverance, dedication, and know they will continue to follow through on their operational commitments.
The Marines and Sailors, continue to hit the ball out of the park on a daily basis. I am extremely proud of them and have been truly amazed
by their accomplishments. There are an enormous amount of Service members throughout Afghanistan that relied on this company for sup-
port and GSMT was able to accomplish the mission every time. The Marines and Sailors are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our replacements.
I know they will stay focused on the mission at hand and maintain their professionalism and dedication until we formally turn over with our
replacements.
I recognize the Marines and Sailors homecoming will be an emotional and joyful time for everyone. We greatly appreciate the support of our
families, loved ones and friends in their efforts and in keeping the home front prepared and sound.
Again, I ask for all of your continued support, not only to the Marines and Sailors returning home, but
for all our Armed Services and their families in their continued efforts of dedicated service. I ask that
you support and work with your loved ones to ensure they continue to take care of themselves, their
fellow Marines and Sailors, and their loved ones. Please be patient and know that the command is here to
support and help with the transitions that encompass re-deployment. Thank you all, for your prayers and
support throughout this deployment, they were echoed and well received. I know you are all proud of
your loved ones; as our Nation is proud of them as well, please commend them on a job well done!
SEMPER FI! Maj CollinsSEMPER FI! Maj Collins
COMPANY COMMANDER
GSMTGSMT
G S M T C o m p a n y Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 1
Families, Veterans, Friends, and Supporters of GSMT Company–
Greetings, this command and I are extremely proud of every member of our exceptional team and their accomplishments.
We are in the home stretch of this historic deployment, but rest assure that GSMT Company remains vigilant and totally committed
to working seamlessly with our Marine, Sailor, and Coalition Force brethren in maintaining a secure environment and mission accom-
plishment here in Afghanistan.
I know that you are all patiently awaiting your Warrior‟s triumphant return to the United States. I would like to provide a
little more granularity regarding our re-deployment. GSMT Company is tentatively scheduled for an early April window of return. I
ask all family members to keep in contact with our Family Readiness Officer (FRO), Mrs. Lynda Schubert, she can be reached via e-
mail at [email protected] or by phone at 760-725-6750. She will provide updated e-mails with the status of movements, re-
turn, and more detailed homecoming information for GSMT Company as time progresses and when it is known to her. Please be un-
derstanding and patient during this re-deployment period, as it is important to maintain a secured posture when relaying movement
dates and times. To all, your generosity and support in the form of mail and care packages has been well received and commended.
If your loved one is a Marine or Sailor who is with the Selective Marine Corps/Naval Reserves I would highly suggest that you do not
attend the homecoming- if traveling from a long distance away. Within 96 hours after their arrival to Camp Pendleton your Reserve
Marine or Sailor will commence his or her travels back to their Home Training Center (HTC). They will be extremely busy, and the
period of 3 to 4 days aboard Camp Pendleton will not allow them much free time. They will be fully engaged in gear turn-ins, Warrior
Transition Training, and Administrative/Medical Audits- leaving them very little free time while at Camp Pendleton.
Continuously, the Marines and Sailors of GSMT Company have distinguished themselves exceptionally well on the battlefield.
While we to look forward to our stateside re-deployment, coming home presents a new set of challenges. The adjustment from oper-
ating tactical vehicles to driving automobiles or motorcycles at dangerously high speeds and alcohol consumption all too often results
in preventable post-deployment fatalities. We have been blessed thus far with no casualties or serious injuries throughout this de-
ployment. This Command and I want to keep it that way. I respectfully request that you assist all during this adjustment period for
your Marines and Sailors and slow them down- when it‟s needed. Our desire is for this reunion to be a joyous time to be remembered
by every GSMT Family member for years to come.
To our FRO, Mrs. Lynda Schubert and Supporters of GSMT Company, my utmost appreciation is extended for your dedi-
cated service throughout this entire deployment. We are eternally grateful for your superior efforts in helping us stay “wel l con-
nected.” Your unselfish service proved instrumental to our mission accomplishment and success. Keep
up the outstanding work….we‟re almost done. Finally, I thank each and every GSMT Company family
member for your patience, dedication and extraordinary support for the past six months. We remain
ever vigilant and pledge our unwavering commitment to America and the citizens of this great nation.
2. ALLOW AT LEAST TWO (2) HOURS FOR PROCESSING AND
TRANSIT FROM RIVERSIDE TO CAMP PENDLETON.
3. IMMEDIATELY UPON ARRIVAL AT CAMP PENDLETON, ALL
MARINES AND SAILORS WILL TURN IN WEAPONS AND SERIALIZED
GEAR PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE 22 AREA PARADE DECK TO
MEET FAMILY AND FRIENDS. ALLOW ANOTHER TWO (2) HOURS.
4. ALL PERSONNEL, REGARDLESS OF PARENT COMMAND, WILL BE
TRANSPORTED TO THE 22 AREA PARADE DECK TO REUNITE WITH
FAMILIES AND FRIENDS. BEVERAGES AND SNACKS WILL BE
PROVIDED ON THE PARADE DECK.
5. BAGGAGE TRUCKS WILL DROP OFF ALL PERSONAL GEAR ON
THE 22 AREA PARADE DECK.
6. LEAVE WILL BE TAKEN THROUGH PARENT COMMANDS AND
AFTER ALL POST-DEPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS ARE
COMPLETED.
**NOTE: RESERVE MARINES WILL REMAIN ON CAMP PENDLETON
FOR THE NEXT 96 HOURS TO COMPLETE OUTPROCESSING AND
RETURN TO HOME TRAINING CENTERS.
GETTING ON BASE
FOR ENTRY ABOARD CAMP PENDLETON BE SURE TO HAVE:
-VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE/PHOTO IDENTIFCATION
-VEHICLE INSURANCE
-VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Directions to the 22 Area Parade Deck
From the Maingate at Interstate 5
Follow Vandegrift (the road that you are on when you enter the Main Gate) to the
22 Area. This is the camp across from the Air Station and is approximately 10
miles from the Maingate. Turn right onto 11th Street (at the Firestation). Follow 11th Street to the next right and locate parking. The parade deck will be in the
center of the barracks buildings to the left.
From the San Luis Rey Gate
You will enter onto Vandegrift. Proceed to 16th Street and turn left (Firestation is on the left). At the bottom of the hill, turn left onto Vandegrift. Follow to the 22
Area. Turn left at 11th Street (at the Firestation). Follow 11th Street to the next
right and locate parking. The parade deck will be in the center of the barracks
buildings to the left.
From Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station Gate
Enter Camp Pendleton and follow Ammunition Road to the Stop sign. Turn right
onto Vandegrift Blvd. Follow Vandegrift to the 22 Area. This will be the first major camp that you encounter and is located across from the Air Station. Turn left at
11th Street (at the Firestation) (5th light once on Vandegrift). Follow 11th Street to
the next right and locate parking. The parade deck will be in the center of the
barracks buildings to the left.
D Stress Hotline Information:
A confidential, 24/7 Marine friendly counseling service 1-877-476-7734 or www.dstressline.com was started 15 August,
2010.
Open to all Marines, past and present, along with family members and loved ones. The hotline is staffed by personnel
with previous military experience, counselors and clinicians trained in Marine Corps culture.
Combat Logistics Regiment-15 (Forward) is on Facebook. Search: CLR-15 FWD
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