Stories

Millie Mae Strong: Marine father competes in honor of daughter’s memory - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. John Watkins, the battery commander of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and his family celebrate his finish at the 2018 Ironman 70.3 Oceanside Triathlon in Oceanside, Calif., April 7, 2018. Watkins competed in the event to honor the memory of his daughter, Amelia or "Millie," who passed away from neuroblastoma in June 2017. “Before she died, my wife and I promised her we would do big things in her name,” said Watkins. “She will never be forgotten.” (Courtesy photo)

Kimberly Lightley - On July 6, 1994, Kimberly Lightley (pictured) and nineteen of her fellow firefighters from the Oregon-based Prineville Hotshots responded to a blaze known as the South Canyon Wildfire in Colorado. By the end of the day, nine of them had lost their lives. Now a Critical Incident Specialist with the United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, Ms. Lightley tells the story of that day to organizations around the country as a reminder of the serious nature of a firefighter’s job and the training it requires. Furthermore, the experience allows her to give her audience a first-hand account of stress management while encountering extreme situations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Desiree King)

New Policy for Portable Air-Conditioner use in PPV Housing - Residents residing in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton's housing districts are now allowed to own and use portable air–conditioners based on approved permissions from the PPV property management companies. For more information call your district manager.

Intrepid Spirt Center will work together with Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton to treat traumatic brain, physical and psychological injuries. - Mr. Arnold Fisher, the honorary chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, middle right, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Intrepid Spirit Center on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 4, 2018. The Intrepid Spirt Center will work together with Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton to treat traumatic brain, physical and psychological injuries. This location is one of nine centers being opened nationwide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Golf Company Graduates MCT - U.S. Marines with Golf Company, Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT), School of Infantry–West, are recognized for being the top of the company during their graduation on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 3, 2018. Golf Co. is the first integrated male/female MCT company on the West Coast. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Silent Drill Platoon - U.S. Marines with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Battle Color Detachment, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., perform during the Battle Color Ceremony at the Paige Field house on Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 15, 2018. The ceremony featured “The Commandant’s Own," the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Pfc. Drake Nickels)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunner Gilbert H. Bolton (Ret.) - U.S. Marine Corps Gunner Gilbert H. Bolton (Ret.) was born in Portsmouth, Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1959. He served as an infantry Marine and officer until he retired in 1991 at the age of 50. During his time in the Marine Corps, Bolton rose through the ranks from private to an infantry weapons officer, also known as a Marine Gunner. A Marine Corps Gunner is a technical expert of all Marine Corps weapons systems, and their employment. (Photo courtesy of Gilbert H. Bolton)

U.S. Marines walk off the bus to start their check-in process for Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry - West on Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 6, 2018. This marks the first male-female integrated Marine Combat Training company on the West Coast. - U.S. Marines walk off the bus to start their check-in process for Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry - West on Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 6, 2018. This marks the first male-female integrated Marine Combat Training company on the West Coast.

Operation Rapid Hire 2.0 - Representatives with Base Safety speak to candidates during Operation Rapid Hire 2.0 at the Pacific Views Event Center on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 27, 2018. Operation Rapid Hire 2.0 is a hiring initiative sponsored by Marine Corps Installations West Civilian Human Resources Office and Marine Corps Community Services. For notifications about upcoming career events as well as registration information, visit www.mccscp.com/careerevents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andre Heath)

Above and beyond - U.S. Marines recognized as Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter and Marine of the Quarter pose for a picture (left to right ) with Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Lance Cpl Kyle A. Montoya, with Marine Corps Tactical System Support Activity, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Sgt. David S. Perezsosa, with Security and Emergency Services Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Cpl. Uriah A. Richards, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Cpl. Anthony B. Zawalski, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, and Sgt.Maj. Julio E. Meza, Sergeant Major, Marine Corps Installations-West, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Feb. 22, 2018. The designation was established to provide acknowledgement to enlisted Marines who have demonstrated exceptional performance both on and off duty. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl Megan Roses)