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U.S. Navy Seaman Cameron Alexander, a hospitalman with 2nd Medical Battalion, conducts physical exercises before a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2016. Sailors were intentionally exhausted prior to beginning the simulation. - U.S. Navy Seaman Cameron Alexander, a hospitalman with 2nd Medical Battalion, conducts physical exercises before a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 12, 2016. Sailors were intentionally exhausted prior to beginning the simulation.

Captains Calum Ramm, left, and Daniel Cartica, right, cross a finish line during the World Marathon Challenge Jan. 23 at Union Glacier, Antarctica. The World Marathon Challenge is a seven-day event that encompasses seven marathons run on every continent. Cartica won the event with a cumulative time of 24 hours, 46 minutes and 56 seconds. - Captains Calum Ramm, left, and Daniel Cartica, right, cross a finish line during the World Marathon Challenge Jan. 23 at Union Glacier, Antarctica. The World Marathon Challenge is a seven-day event that encompasses seven marathons run on every continent. Cartica won the event with a cumulative time of 24 hours, 46 minutes and 56 seconds.

1st Lt. Nicholas Patistas, the adjutant with Black Sea Rotational Force, attempts to break the ice cold-weather training at Skoganvarre, Norway, Feb. 5, 2016. The Arctic training was conducted by the U.K. Royal Commandos and hosted by the Norwegian military to improve the U.S. Marine Corps’ capability to support their NATO Allies in extreme environments. - 1st Lt. Nicholas Patistas, the adjutant with Black Sea Rotational Force, attempts to break the ice cold-weather training at Skoganvarre, Norway, Feb. 5, 2016. The Arctic training was conducted by the U.K. Royal Commandos and hosted by the Norwegian military to improve the U.S. Marine Corps’ capability to support their NATO Allies in extreme environments.

Lance Cpl. Andrew Metler, a mortarman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, mans the turret gun of a Humvee during a patrol in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Jan. 1, 2016. U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF-CR-CC are responsible for the force protection of some Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve bases within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. - Lance Cpl. Andrew Metler, a mortarman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, mans the turret gun of a Humvee during a patrol in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Jan. 1, 2016. U.S. Marines with SPMAGTF-CR-CC are responsible for the force protection of some Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve bases within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Cpl. Robert Schmitt sews an Arctic camouflage net during cold weather training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, California, Jan. 21, 2016. The cold weather training done in the Sierra Mountains is a warm-up to Exercise Cold Response 1-16 in Norway. Nearly 80 Marines with 2nd LAAD Bn. participated in the two-weeklong exercise that taught basic mobility in snow, defensive and offensive tactics as well as basic cold weather and high altitude conditions training. - Cpl. Robert Schmitt sews an Arctic camouflage net during cold weather training at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, California, Jan. 21, 2016. The cold weather training done in the Sierra Mountains is a warm-up to Exercise Cold Response 1-16 in Norway. Nearly 80 Marines with 2nd LAAD Bn. participated in the two-weeklong exercise that taught basic mobility in snow, defensive and offensive tactics as well as basic cold weather and high altitude conditions training.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Skaggs teaches Marines how to properly lift and carry casualties during a simulated causality evacuation scenario at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 27 2016. This training was part of the newly formed combat operation medical emergency transport training. COMETT exposes the aircrew to medical emergencies and procedures they may encounter in combat and non-combat environments. Skaggs, a Pensacola native, is an aeromedical safety corpsman with Marine Aircraft Group 29. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark Skaggs teaches Marines how to properly lift and carry casualties during a simulated causality evacuation scenario at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 27 2016. This training was part of the newly formed combat operation medical emergency transport training. COMETT exposes the aircrew to medical emergencies and procedures they may encounter in combat and non-combat environments. Skaggs, a Pensacola native, is an aeromedical safety corpsman with Marine Aircraft Group 29.

Corpsmen with 2nd Medical Battalion rush role-playing patients into a medical tent at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C, Jan. 28, 2016. The training is preparing a Shock Trauma Squad to treat cold related injuries for an upcoming multinational exercise, Cold Response 16.1, in Norway. - Corpsmen with 2nd Medical Battalion rush role-playing patients into a medical tent at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C, Jan. 28, 2016. The training is preparing a Shock Trauma Squad to treat cold related injuries for an upcoming multinational exercise, Cold Response 16.1, in Norway.

Sgt. DeMonte R. Cheeley is presented the Purple Heart medal by Brig. Gen. Terry V. Williams Jan. 26, 2015, at a ceremony in Chattanooga, Tenn. Cheeley received the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during a July 16, 2015 attack in Chattanooga at the Armed Forces Career Center where he works. An investigation conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service determined the attack had been inspired by a foreign terrorist group making Cheeley eligible for the Purple Heart. Cheeley is a Recruiting Substation Chattanooga recruiter in Chattanooga, Tenn. Williams is the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region. - Sgt. DeMonte R. Cheeley is presented the Purple Heart medal by Brig. Gen. Terry V. Williams Jan. 26, 2015, at a ceremony in Chattanooga, Tenn. Cheeley received the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during a July 16, 2015 attack in Chattanooga at the Armed Forces Career Center where he works. An investigation conducted by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service determined the attack had been inspired by a foreign terrorist group making Cheeley eligible for the Purple Heart. Cheeley is a Recruiting Substation Chattanooga recruiter in Chattanooga, Tenn. Williams is the Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion prepare to dive in the pool during the Dive Supervisor Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 19, 2016. The course certifies Marines as dive supervisors whose mission is to oversee dives and ensure that operations are conducted safely and effectively. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion prepare to dive in the pool during the Dive Supervisor Course at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 19, 2016. The course certifies Marines as dive supervisors whose mission is to oversee dives and ensure that operations are conducted safely and effectively.

Cpl. Joshua Payne, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 and a Spring, Texas, native, guides the pilots of an MV-22B Osprey to an unprepared field during casualty-evacuation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 20. Casualty-evacuation training prepares the Marines to land in a combat zone, pick up injured Marines and transport them to a safe area. - Cpl. Joshua Payne, a crew chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 and a Spring, Texas, native, guides the pilots of an MV-22B Osprey to an unprepared field during casualty-evacuation training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 20. Casualty-evacuation training prepares the Marines to land in a combat zone, pick up injured Marines and transport them to a safe area.

A Marine squad leader assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provides security during a company-level assault, as part of combined arms live-fire, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin exercise, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 18, 2016. Infantry squad leaders holding the rank of corporal or sergeant can apply now for the recently updated Squad Leader Development Program, and earn the new military occupational specialty of 0365 - Infantry Squad Leader if selected from the pool of applicants. - A Marine squad leader assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, provides security during a company-level assault, as part of combined arms live-fire, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin exercise, aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center Twentynine Palms, California, Jan. 18, 2016. Infantry squad leaders holding the rank of corporal or sergeant can apply now for the recently updated Squad Leader Development Program, and earn the new military occupational specialty of 0365 - Infantry Squad Leader if selected from the pool of applicants.

Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, depart from a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 7, 2015. The purpose of the training was to teach the Marines about the dangers during Humvee rollovers and how to properly react in case they ever faced it. - Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, depart from a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 7, 2015. The purpose of the training was to teach the Marines about the dangers during Humvee rollovers and how to properly react in case they ever faced it.

U.S. Navy and Army medical personnel prepare to load a simulated casualty onto a UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter during a mass casualty exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 23, 2015. Canadian forces, U.S. Air Force and Army medical personnel, along with U.S. Marines and Navy corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, participated in the joint exercise to hone the coalition’s medical response capabilities. SPMAGTF-CR-CC is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with a mission spanning 20 nations. - U.S. Navy and Army medical personnel prepare to load a simulated casualty onto a UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopter during a mass casualty exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Dec. 23, 2015. Canadian forces, U.S. Air Force and Army medical personnel, along with U.S. Marines and Navy corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, participated in the joint exercise to hone the coalition’s medical response capabilities. SPMAGTF-CR-CC is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with a mission spanning 20 nations.

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Lynn Kinney (left), Megan McClung (center) and Amy Forsythe(right) served together during their deployment to Camp Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. They were assigned to the Camp Pendleton-based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Public Affairs Office. This photo was taken at Camp Fallujah in April 2006. McClung was killed by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2006. Kinney, now a staff sergeant, serves as the public affairs chief for I MEF at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Forsythe transferred out of the Marine Corps and now serves as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. - Lynn Kinney (left), Megan McClung (center) and Amy Forsythe(right) served together during their deployment to Camp Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. They were assigned to the Camp Pendleton-based I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Public Affairs Office. This photo was taken at Camp Fallujah in April 2006. McClung was killed by an IED in Ramadi, Iraq, Dec. 6, 2006. Kinney, now a staff sergeant, serves as the public affairs chief for I MEF at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Forsythe transferred out of the Marine Corps and now serves as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves.

Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations. - Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations.

Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations. - Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations.

A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division. - A Marine escorts an ambulatory HMMWV to a Shock Trauma Platoon during Exercise Steel Night’s mass casualty drill at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 12, 2015. The drill tested the 1st Marine Division’s ability to react to a large influx of injuries and wounds from battling the enemy. Steel Knight provides tough, realistic training for the Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Division.

Hospital corpsmen lift a simulated casualty into M997 ambulance during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 8, 2015. The casevac course is two weeks long and gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a corpsman. The corpsmen are with various units with III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Hospital corpsmen lift a simulated casualty into M997 ambulance during a casualty evacuation drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Dec. 8, 2015. The casevac course is two weeks long and gives the students a better understanding of what it means to be a corpsman. The corpsmen are with various units with III Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Navy corpsmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, and a member of the U.S. Army 772nd Forward Surgical Team, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, prepare an Iraqi soldier that sustained combat-related injuries for transport to the 115th Combat Support Hospital, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2015. Wounded Iraqi soldiers are occasionally transported from battlefields in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, to Al Taqaddum to receive medical treatment from U.S. personnel. U.S. Navy corpsmen with “Bravo” Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, are the first responders to attend to the casualties. - U.S. Navy corpsmen with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, and a member of the U.S. Army 772nd Forward Surgical Team, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, prepare an Iraqi soldier that sustained combat-related injuries for transport to the 115th Combat Support Hospital, attached to Task Force Al Taqaddum, Iraq, Nov. 28, 2015. Wounded Iraqi soldiers are occasionally transported from battlefields in Ramadi and Fallujah, Iraq, to Al Taqaddum to receive medical treatment from U.S. personnel. U.S. Navy corpsmen with “Bravo” Company, 1st Bn., 7th Marines, are the first responders to attend to the casualties.

Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va. - Sgt. Ian Rivera, an intelligence analyst with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, is responsible for the rescue of two people, including an Army captain, during a vehicular accident that occurred on Interstate 95, Nov. 25, 2015. Rivera is a native of Virginia Beach, Va.

Vietnam veteran Jim Alderman expresses thanks during his graduation from an inpatient post-traumatic stress disorder program for war veterans in the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Healthcare Center Oct. 30, 2015. DoD photo by EJ Hersom - Vietnam veteran Jim Alderman expresses thanks during his graduation from an inpatient post-traumatic stress disorder program for war veterans in the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Healthcare Center Oct. 30, 2015. DoD photo by EJ Hersom

Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. - Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit transport a simulated causality during a mass-casualty drill on the flight deck of the USS Essex (LHD 2).The Marines and Sailors honed their skills to become quicker and more efficient should a situation arise where medical attention is needed. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a long range raid on PDL Combat Town, Nov. 3, 2015, as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Marines and their Navy counter parts. - U.S. Marines with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a long range raid on PDL Combat Town, Nov. 3, 2015, as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise. COMPTUEX provides the MEU ARG the opportunity to integrate naval training while also allowing focused, mission-specific training and evaluation for the Marines and their Navy counter parts.

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Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations. - Lance Corporal John Roan, left, a squad leader with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment positively identified an improvised explosive device just before speaking with one of the instructors during Integrated Training Exercise 1-16 at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Oct. 29, 2015. Marines at ITX demonstrate core infantry mission essential tasks while conducting offensive and defensive operations.

Xxenos, a military working dog, rests during one of his combat deployments.The retired MWD passed away earlier this year at the age of 10. Xxenos had been retired three years and deployed three times during his career; twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Xxenos was a Marine specialized search dog. - Xxenos, a military working dog, rests during one of his combat deployments.The retired MWD passed away earlier this year at the age of 10. Xxenos had been retired three years and deployed three times during his career; twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. Xxenos was a Marine specialized search dog.

A Coast Guard cutter passes through San Francisco Bay during the parade of ships event as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015, Oct. 9, 2015. The parade of ships is a traditional part of Fleet Week in which service members and San Francisco natives pay respects to the ships who pass through the harbor. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities. - A Coast Guard cutter passes through San Francisco Bay during the parade of ships event as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2015, Oct. 9, 2015. The parade of ships is a traditional part of Fleet Week in which service members and San Francisco natives pay respects to the ships who pass through the harbor. SFFW 15’ is a week-long event that blends a unique training and education program, bringing together key civilian emergency responders and Naval crisis-response forces to exchange best practices on humanitarian assistance disaster relief with particular emphasis on defense support to civil authorities.

September is the month of Suicide Prevention. Suicide Prevention Month aims to spread information about suicide awareness, decrease stigmatization regarding suicide and raise awareness that suicide is preventable. - September is the month of Suicide Prevention. Suicide Prevention Month aims to spread information about suicide awareness, decrease stigmatization regarding suicide and raise awareness that suicide is preventable.

Pfc. William K. Blackwood communicates with members of his convoy during a combat convoy simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion tested their combat skills and decision making as they maneuvered through a simulated desert, mimicking the possible scenarios they could encounter while in a real-life scenario. The training simulator allowed the Marines to efficiently train in a controlled environment without sacrificing safety or accuracy. Blackwood is a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. - Pfc. William K. Blackwood communicates with members of his convoy during a combat convoy simulator at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 9, 2015. Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion tested their combat skills and decision making as they maneuvered through a simulated desert, mimicking the possible scenarios they could encounter while in a real-life scenario. The training simulator allowed the Marines to efficiently train in a controlled environment without sacrificing safety or accuracy. Blackwood is a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD based out of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct the 1,000 meter open water fin training for a pre-dive course conducted aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug. 18, 2015. During the course the Marines are critiqued on both their capabilities in a pool setting and in open water. After completion of the course, Marines who pass the final evaluation will go on to the Marine Combatant Diver Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla. - Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion conduct the 1,000 meter open water fin training for a pre-dive course conducted aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Aug. 18, 2015. During the course the Marines are critiqued on both their capabilities in a pool setting and in open water. After completion of the course, Marines who pass the final evaluation will go on to the Marine Combatant Diver Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, Fla.

Retired Staff Sgt. Jason Ross hugs his two daughters, Jackie and Stacie, during a ceremony where a new home was presented to him and his family by The Gary Sinise Foundation and their Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment program dedicated to helping wounded veterans in Fallbrook, Californa, August 21, 2015. Ross was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2011 while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal technician and lost both of his legs as a result. The new home has smart technology that will significantly reduce the difficulty of everyday tasks for Ross and allow him and his family to live more comfortably. - Retired Staff Sgt. Jason Ross hugs his two daughters, Jackie and Stacie, during a ceremony where a new home was presented to him and his family by The Gary Sinise Foundation and their Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment program dedicated to helping wounded veterans in Fallbrook, Californa, August 21, 2015. Ross was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2011 while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal technician and lost both of his legs as a result. The new home has smart technology that will significantly reduce the difficulty of everyday tasks for Ross and allow him and his family to live more comfortably.

Arthur "Art" Petty, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in his Marine museum he created from a farm house on his property in Woodbury, Tennessee, June 19, 2015. Petty enlisted into the Marine Corps March 13, 1941 and retired at the rank of sergeant major. - Arthur "Art" Petty, a Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in his Marine museum he created from a farm house on his property in Woodbury, Tennessee, June 19, 2015. Petty enlisted into the Marine Corps March 13, 1941 and retired at the rank of sergeant major.

Benjamin "Ben" Palermo holds a photo of himself when he was serving on active duty in the Marine Corps in his home in San Antonio, Texas, June 4, 2015. Palermo served with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment during Operation Starlite during August 1965 in Vietnam. - Benjamin "Ben" Palermo holds a photo of himself when he was serving on active duty in the Marine Corps in his home in San Antonio, Texas, June 4, 2015. Palermo served with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment during Operation Starlite during August 1965 in Vietnam.

Charles "Charlie" Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2, 2015 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam. - Charles "Charlie" Fink, Marine Vietnam veteran, stands in a room of his house decorated with Marine Corps memorabilia and photos June 2, 2015 at his home in Lake Butler, Florida. Fink served with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, during his deployment in Vietnam.

Navy corpsmen with the Ground Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command put Airmen and Marines through a strenuous workout before leading them into their final evaluation during a Combat Life Saver course in Southwest Asia, Aug. 12, 2015. During the final test the students work in pairs and each pair is given a different scenario where they must assess, treat and pass along a patient to a follow-on medical provider. The SPMAGTF corpsmen provide a three-day CLS course teaching combat triage and emergency trauma care to improve the survivability of the Crisis Response Company and coalition partners. - Navy corpsmen with the Ground Combat Element, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command put Airmen and Marines through a strenuous workout before leading them into their final evaluation during a Combat Life Saver course in Southwest Asia, Aug. 12, 2015. During the final test the students work in pairs and each pair is given a different scenario where they must assess, treat and pass along a patient to a follow-on medical provider. The SPMAGTF corpsmen provide a three-day CLS course teaching combat triage and emergency trauma care to improve the survivability of the Crisis Response Company and coalition partners.

Marines, veterans and civilians gathered at Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, S.C. for a Vietnam Veterans Tribute, Aug 8. The event was organized by veteran services to give Vietnam War veterans the welcome that many of them never received. - Marines, veterans and civilians gathered at Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort, S.C. for a Vietnam Veterans Tribute, Aug 8. The event was organized by veteran services to give Vietnam War veterans the welcome that many of them never received.

Petty Officer 3rd Class James Hyles (left), a Combat Lifesaver instructor with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, explains to a student how to keep the victim stable during the practical application portion of the Combat Lifesaver course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015. The three-day CLS course consisted of classroom instruction and practical application that included treating serious wounds that could occur in a combat situation. - Petty Officer 3rd Class James Hyles (left), a Combat Lifesaver instructor with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, explains to a student how to keep the victim stable during the practical application portion of the Combat Lifesaver course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6, 2015. The three-day CLS course consisted of classroom instruction and practical application that included treating serious wounds that could occur in a combat situation.

A U.S. Navy corpsman, assigned to the 1st Marine Division, conducts tactical combat casualty care training during the Combat Trauma Management Course, taught by instructors from the 1st Mar. Div. Navy Education and Training Office, at the Strategic Operations facility, San Diego, July 30, 2015. The course, held once a month for 40 students, combines simulated injuries on role players and chaotic battlefield environments to prepare corpsmen and Marine combat life savers for the stress of saving lives in a real world operations. - A U.S. Navy corpsman, assigned to the 1st Marine Division, conducts tactical combat casualty care training during the Combat Trauma Management Course, taught by instructors from the 1st Mar. Div. Navy Education and Training Office, at the Strategic Operations facility, San Diego, July 30, 2015. The course, held once a month for 40 students, combines simulated injuries on role players and chaotic battlefield environments to prepare corpsmen and Marine combat life savers for the stress of saving lives in a real world operations.

Service members, veterans and civilians hold American flags as they stand outside the First Baptist Church of Woodstock entrance, waiting for Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” Wells’ casket to arrive July 26, 2015 in Woodstock, Georgia. Wells was one of five service members killed during a shooting at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. More than a thousand people attended the funeral service to pay their respects and show support to Wells and his family. - Service members, veterans and civilians hold American flags as they stand outside the First Baptist Church of Woodstock entrance, waiting for Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” Wells’ casket to arrive July 26, 2015 in Woodstock, Georgia. Wells was one of five service members killed during a shooting at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center on July 16, 2015. More than a thousand people attended the funeral service to pay their respects and show support to Wells and his family.

Marines from the Search and Extraction Platoon carried out a civilian role player with a crushed pelvis inside a subway station where a train had derailed during the 36-hour continuous operation as part of Exercise Scarlet Response 2015 at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, July 23. The Search and Extraction Platoon is the second team to go into a building after the primary assessment team, who gathers the first wave of intelligence that will be used to define the manner in which the mission will be accomplished. They search and extract victims that can’t move or are seriously injured. - Marines from the Search and Extraction Platoon carried out a civilian role player with a crushed pelvis inside a subway station where a train had derailed during the 36-hour continuous operation as part of Exercise Scarlet Response 2015 at Guardian Centers in Perry, Georgia, July 23. The Search and Extraction Platoon is the second team to go into a building after the primary assessment team, who gathers the first wave of intelligence that will be used to define the manner in which the mission will be accomplished. They search and extract victims that can’t move or are seriously injured.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniel Valerio, left, Hospital Corpsman Mc Joe Evans Bautista, center, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Trevor A. Tisby, right, stationed with Combat Logistics Company 36 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, place Sgt. Kendrick Moore, a motor transport operator with CLC-36, onto the stretcher during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 20, 2015. Moore simulated an unexpected injury during this training scenario that allowed the corpsmen to respond as if there was a real emergency. Dragon Fire reinforces Marines’ and Sailors’ combat mindset to prepare them for the mental and physical stresses of a combat zone. - Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniel Valerio, left, Hospital Corpsman Mc Joe Evans Bautista, center, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Trevor A. Tisby, right, stationed with Combat Logistics Company 36 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, place Sgt. Kendrick Moore, a motor transport operator with CLC-36, onto the stretcher during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 20, 2015. Moore simulated an unexpected injury during this training scenario that allowed the corpsmen to respond as if there was a real emergency. Dragon Fire reinforces Marines’ and Sailors’ combat mindset to prepare them for the mental and physical stresses of a combat zone.

The Honor Guard stands at ceremonial at ease after an honors ceremony at the Home of the Commandants in Washington, D.C., July 27, 2015. During the ceremony Congressman Robert Wittman from the 1st Congressional District of Virginia, was named an Honorary Marine by Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., commandant of the Marine Corps, for his extensive support of wounded warriors and his contributions to ensuring the readiness and care of active duty Marines and their families. We wanted to recognize Congressman Wittman tonight because of what he’s done for our wounded warriors behind the scenes, said Dunford. It hasn’t been with fanfare, it’s been because of his compassionate leadership. - The Honor Guard stands at ceremonial at ease after an honors ceremony at the Home of the Commandants in Washington, D.C., July 27, 2015. During the ceremony Congressman Robert Wittman from the 1st Congressional District of Virginia, was named an Honorary Marine by Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., commandant of the Marine Corps, for his extensive support of wounded warriors and his contributions to ensuring the readiness and care of active duty Marines and their families. We wanted to recognize Congressman Wittman tonight because of what he’s done for our wounded warriors behind the scenes, said Dunford. It hasn’t been with fanfare, it’s been because of his compassionate leadership.

James Gallant, a young man diagnosed with brain cancer, poses for a photo with his family aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 25, 2015. Collaborating with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, helped James experience what being an EOD technician is like by giving him a tour through their library of ordnance and EOD tools, teaching him to operate the TALON bomb disposing robot and presenting him with his own desert utilities and EOD badge. - James Gallant, a young man diagnosed with brain cancer, poses for a photo with his family aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 25, 2015. Collaborating with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, helped James experience what being an EOD technician is like by giving him a tour through their library of ordnance and EOD tools, teaching him to operate the TALON bomb disposing robot and presenting him with his own desert utilities and EOD badge.

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Ammunition Detachment, and 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, inspect a 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle prior to loading it with ammunition during an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 22, 2015. Ammunition distribution is performed at the field ammunition supply point, which is set-up and operated by CLB-1, Ammunition Detachment. CLB-1 is currently training to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1. - Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Ammunition Detachment, and 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, inspect a 7-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle prior to loading it with ammunition during an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, July 22, 2015. Ammunition distribution is performed at the field ammunition supply point, which is set-up and operated by CLB-1, Ammunition Detachment. CLB-1 is currently training to support Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force Crisis Response Central Command 16.1.

U.S. Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, pose for a photo with a ceremonially decorated MV-22 Osprey, in Southwest Asia, July 17, 2015. The Marines of VMM – 165 celebrate the unit’s 50th anniversary while deployed with the SPMAGTF; providing long range assault support, troop transport and cargo delivery in the Central Command Area of Operations, as well as support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel. - U.S. Marines of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, pose for a photo with a ceremonially decorated MV-22 Osprey, in Southwest Asia, July 17, 2015. The Marines of VMM – 165 celebrate the unit’s 50th anniversary while deployed with the SPMAGTF; providing long range assault support, troop transport and cargo delivery in the Central Command Area of Operations, as well as support to the Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel.

Medically retired Marine Sgt. Janae Piper, looks over her air rifle as her competitors, Air Force Staff Sgt. Seth Pena and Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Waugh wait for the air rifle competition to begin at the 2015 DoD Warrior Games at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 26, 2015. Piper earned the gold medal, Waugh earned the silver medal and Pena earned the bronze medal for the event. - Medically retired Marine Sgt. Janae Piper, looks over her air rifle as her competitors, Air Force Staff Sgt. Seth Pena and Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Waugh wait for the air rifle competition to begin at the 2015 DoD Warrior Games at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 26, 2015. Piper earned the gold medal, Waugh earned the silver medal and Pena earned the bronze medal for the event.

Sgt. Maj. Robert Vanoostrom and Anthony Rios poses for a photo during the cycling awards ceremony hosted in front of Lejeune Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 21, 2015. Rios is a member of the 2015 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games All-Marine Team. The 2015 DoD Warrior Games, held at MCB Quantico June 19-28, is an adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill, and injured Service members and veterans from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Command, and the British Armed Forces. - Sgt. Maj. Robert Vanoostrom and Anthony Rios poses for a photo during the cycling awards ceremony hosted in front of Lejeune Hall at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 21, 2015. Rios is a member of the 2015 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games All-Marine Team. The 2015 DoD Warrior Games, held at MCB Quantico June 19-28, is an adaptive sports competition for wounded, ill, and injured Service members and veterans from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Command, and the British Armed Forces.

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U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Guillermo Lopez, with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides medical attention to a distressed mariner aboard the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 10, 2015. Rushmore rendered assistance to the distressed mariners in the waters between the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Once on board, evacuees were provided food and medical attention by Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Essex Amphibious Ready Group. - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Guillermo Lopez, with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides medical attention to a distressed mariner aboard the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) at sea in the Pacific Ocean, June 10, 2015. Rushmore rendered assistance to the distressed mariners in the waters between the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Once on board, evacuees were provided food and medical attention by Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Essex Amphibious Ready Group.