Stories

Robert Reid (right), a retired staff sergeant, reaches for a brochure during Camp Pendleton's 18th Annual Military Retiree Expo at the base's South Mesa Club, Sept. 17. The expo, which was sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services, featured various vendors who offered information to the retirees and their family members to help them throughout the course of their retirement. - Robert Reid (right), a retired staff sergeant, reaches for a brochure during Camp Pendleton's 18th Annual Military Retiree Expo at the base's South Mesa Club, Sept. 17. The expo, which was sponsored by Marine Corps Community Services, featured various vendors who offered information to the retirees and their family members to help them throughout the course of their retirement.

The Exceptional Family Member Program serves thousands of military families worldwide by providing relocation assistance and family support to service members with any member of the family who requires special medical, medically-related, or education services. - The Exceptional Family Member Program serves thousands of military families worldwide by providing relocation assistance and family support to service members with any member of the family who requires special medical, medically-related, or education services.

As of August 2011, there have been 23 reported suicides, and 125 reported attempts in the Marine Corps, according to the Marine Corps Family Program Suicide Prevention Program, compared to 52 total suspected suicides in 2009, and 37 in 2010. - As of August 2011, there have been 23 reported suicides, and 125 reported attempts in the Marine Corps, according to the Marine Corps Family Program Suicide Prevention Program, compared to 52 total suspected suicides in 2009, and 37 in 2010.

Lance Cpl. Thea Amberson, a big sister with Operation Bigs, poses with her Little Sister Kaitlynn during a session at Mary Fay Elementary School. Volunteers meet on a consistent basis with their mentees to foster quality one-on-one friendships. - Lance Cpl. Thea Amberson, a big sister with Operation Bigs, poses with her Little Sister Kaitlynn during a session at Mary Fay Elementary School. Volunteers meet on a consistent basis with their mentees to foster quality one-on-one friendships.

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ericka Hall, Provincial Reconstruction Team Khowst medic from Temecula, Calif., treats an orphan during a medical screening at a Khowst City orphanage, July 28. More than 160 orphans were seen in a two-hour span by the Afghan-led medical team. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sandra Welch, PRT Khowst Public Affairs) - KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ericka Hall, Provincial Reconstruction Team Khowst medic from Temecula, Calif., treats an orphan during a medical screening at a Khowst City orphanage, July 28. More than 160 orphans were seen in a two-hour span by the Afghan-led medical team. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sandra Welch, PRT Khowst Public Affairs)

A Marine from Wounded Warrior Battalion-West rips into a wave at Camp Pendleton’s Del Mar Beach during an Ocean Therapy program hosted by a local foundation, Aug. 30. Ocean Therapy sessions are held on base twice each month, and provide the Marines a chance to learn to surf in an encouraging atmosphere while focusing on the therapeutic benefits of the ocean. - A Marine from Wounded Warrior Battalion-West rips into a wave at Camp Pendleton’s Del Mar Beach during an Ocean Therapy program hosted by a local foundation, Aug. 30. Ocean Therapy sessions are held on base twice each month, and provide the Marines a chance to learn to surf in an encouraging atmosphere while focusing on the therapeutic benefits of the ocean.

Cpl. Jayson McElroy, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton enjoys the putting green at the 13-area Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, August 29. Newer barracks facilities across the Corps make for a smoother transition with the Basic Allowance for Housing freeze for Non-Commissioned Officers who will now reside in the BEQs rather than out in town. - Cpl. Jayson McElroy, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton enjoys the putting green at the 13-area Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, August 29. Newer barracks facilities across the Corps make for a smoother transition with the Basic Allowance for Housing freeze for Non-Commissioned Officers who will now reside in the BEQs rather than out in town.

Richie Sambora, the lead guitarist of Bon Jovi and Songwriters Hall of Famer, performs during Camp Pendleton’s first Endless Summer Night, at San Onofre Beach, Aug. 19. During the event, Attendees also participated in activities that included a comedic hypnotist, surfing lessons, rock climbing, a concert by rock ‘n’ roll band Freeze Frame and an appearance by the San Diego Chargers’ cheerleading team.::r::::n::::r::::n:: - Richie Sambora, the lead guitarist of Bon Jovi and Songwriters Hall of Famer, performs during Camp Pendleton’s first Endless Summer Night, at San Onofre Beach, Aug. 19. During the event, Attendees also participated in activities that included a comedic hypnotist, surfing lessons, rock climbing, a concert by rock ‘n’ roll band Freeze Frame and an appearance by the San Diego Chargers’ cheerleading team.::r::::n::::r::::n::

Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Barrett , Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps fires away at senior enlisted personnel during a seminar at Camp Pendleton's Staff Non-commissioned Officer Academy, Aug.18, to discuss the Corps' upcoming mandates and restrictions. During the seminar, Barrett talked about the repeal of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, Basic Allowance and Housing freeze for all single E-5’s and below, the new policy requiring sergeants to obtain the rank of staff sergeant within 10 years and what the future holds for the Marine Corps. - Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Barrett , Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps fires away at senior enlisted personnel during a seminar at Camp Pendleton's Staff Non-commissioned Officer Academy, Aug.18, to discuss the Corps' upcoming mandates and restrictions. During the seminar, Barrett talked about the repeal of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, Basic Allowance and Housing freeze for all single E-5’s and below, the new policy requiring sergeants to obtain the rank of staff sergeant within 10 years and what the future holds for the Marine Corps.

Trophies were awarded to each member of the men’s and women’s squads with the fastest combined times at the Marine Corps Community Service and Semper Fit’s Tactical Athlete Challenge at Camp Pendleton’s 11 Area football field, Aug. 17. - Trophies were awarded to each member of the men’s and women’s squads with the fastest combined times at the Marine Corps Community Service and Semper Fit’s Tactical Athlete Challenge at Camp Pendleton’s 11 Area football field, Aug. 17.

Toddlers line up at the starting line during the Marine Corps Community Services’ Diaper Derby at Camp Pendleton’s Mainside shopping center, Aug. 13. During the Diaper Derby, infants between the ages of 6 months and 1 year competed in a 10-foot race to the finish for the chance to win a free box of diapers and a Marine Corps Exchange gift card. - Toddlers line up at the starting line during the Marine Corps Community Services’ Diaper Derby at Camp Pendleton’s Mainside shopping center, Aug. 13. During the Diaper Derby, infants between the ages of 6 months and 1 year competed in a 10-foot race to the finish for the chance to win a free box of diapers and a Marine Corps Exchange gift card.