MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Very few people realize how little they sacrifice until they become witness to others who sacrifice more.
Last August, two Camp Pendleton-based Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, were killed by enemy gunfire during combat operations in Najaf, Iraq.
To remember them, Marines from the unit hiked to the top of one of Camp Pendleton’s hillsides to pay homage to their fallen brethren.
“It’s a sacrifice for the Marines that we lost in battle,” said Staff Sgt. Simon L. Sandoval, an infantry unit leader with Co. A., 1st Battalion, 4th Marines.
The Marines fell into formation Friday before sunrise wearing woodland utilities and portable water sources for hydration.
Quickly, the unit started their trek up Camp Horno’s slopes, picking up white rocks along the way.
The rocks were to be placed on a 1st Marine Regiment memorial located at the top of the hill.
Whenever a Marine started to fall back, the unit leaders would give them an extra ‘push,’ either physically or verbally.
“Even though your legs are burning and you hearts pumping, you’ve got to get to the top!” encouraged Staff Sgt. Arthur M. Arebalo, an infantry unit leader with Co. A.
Suddenly, the Marines would get bursts of energy realizing their pain was minimal.
“When I got to the top of the hill, (my pain) seemed small compared to the Marines who gave their life,” said Lance Cpl. Roger G. Martinez, a rifleman with Co. A.
Sandoval also kept the Marines motivated by screaming the names of the unit’s deceased comrades, bouncing echoes off Camp Horno’s hills.
“Raiders! ” he called.
“Skinner! – Arredondo!” he yelled.
Then the unit trudged down the final slope to the memorial site for their fallen brethren’s memorial service.
“I think these type of deals (are) good, so they can pay their respects,” said Staff Sgt. Caleb A. Cook, an infantry unit leader with Co. A.
During the service, 1st Lt. Richard M. Zjawin, Co. A. executive officer gave words of encouragement with a quote from Greek philosopher Plato.
“Only the dead have seen the end of war,” he said to his Marines to remind them that there is more mission to come.
After the hike, the Marines left the memorial site to continue the hike.
Fatigued, the Marines wrapped up the day by conducting boxing matches upon their return to Camp Horno.
“It’s the realization of being able to get to the fight, and once you get there still have endurance,” Arebalo added.
When the boxing bouts were over, the unit ran back to camp like they hadn’t just hiked eight miles.
“Every time I go up there it’s motivating,” said Lance Cpl. Adam M. Tresidder, a rifleman with Co. A.
The hike was the second made by 1st Bn., 4th Marines. Several months ago, the entire battalion made the same hike to honor all of the unit’s fallen from last year’s deployment to Iraq.
“It was good to go, it built camaraderie and teamwork,” Arebalo said.
But before the Marines went on liberty, Zjawin reiterated to his Marines why they did the hike.
“(We’ve) got to remember our brothers who paid the (ultimate) sacrifice,” he said.