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...Taking on something new for the first time requires preparation.
For eight Marines, training for their first-ever deployment to Iraq brings an end to spending time with friends and family, and the start of a trip that many have already made.
Gunnery Sgt. John Mobley, 40, of Mooresville, N.C., an Operation Desert Storm veteran and an aerial supply specialist in 2003 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., loaded backpacks with his soon-to-be deployed crew Monday at the Marine Corps Reserve Armory on Shorter Avenue.
The other seven include: Cpl. James Pike, 26, of Stockbridge, Cpl. Jestin Keaton, 23 of Atlanta, Cpl. Jacob Strong, 26, of Hoschton, Lance Cpl. Eugene York, 22, of Atlanta, Lance Cpl. John Boynton, 21, of Covington, Lance Cpl. Tyler Skelly, 20, of LaFayette and Pfc. Heath Schoettlin, 20, of Buford.
Click here to link to our video site to see exclusive video footage with the eight Marines who will deploy. Listen to them share
(From front left) Damien Spann, Marine Staff Sgt. Cecila Spann, Amelle Spann, Masia Williams, (from back left) Barbara Oglesby, Marvin Oglesby and Janice Williams (Karissa Stewart / RN-T) |
their feelings, up close and personal, about why they are going, and hear what they plan on learning from their experiences overseas.
Before they reach Iraq they will train in the Mojave Desert in California. They are uncertain when they will actually be called overseas.
They will practice military techniques while learning how to maintain, store and issue ammunition supplies, requisition skills, inventory/housekeeping guidance, explosive safety skills and more.
From there, they will link up with an ammunition unit from Greensville, S.C., and an ammunition unit from Topeka, Kansas.
They are part of the 4th Supply Battalion Ammunition Company detachment and will be staying in Iraq for at least six months.
While away, the group of eight plans on e-mailing friends as much as possible and is taking candid photos of family and friends. Many of them have volunteered to serve, while others want to help fellow Marines, but whatever their personal reasons they will journey to new territory.
Also on Monday, Staff Sgt. Cecila Spann, 26, of Rome, a fellow Marine was among many who have made the journey, and stood proud with her family inside the armory. She was recognized for her hard work — completing service in Iraq and Japan — and honored with a promotion.
Spann is a graduate of Rome High School and native of Rome, and was promoted to staff sergeant, a title change that came after eight years of service on Monday.
“It’s basically a work promotion, and you do a lot to get it. I worked hard, so I wasn’t surprised,” she said.
Spann said her family has been her main inspiration while serving.
Her aunt Barbara Oglesby said, “It makes me feel fantastic to see her awarded, and she’s a role model to the family.”
Pictured Above: (Front row from left) Gunnery Sgt. John Mobley, Lance Cpl. Eugene York and Lance Cpl. John Boynton and (back from left) Cpl. Jestin Keaton, Cpl. Jacob Strong, Cpl. James Pike, Lance Cpl. Tyler Skelly and Pfc. Heath Schoettlin will be deployed to Iraq soon.
