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The Missfits, a men’s softball team combined of active-duty and retired Marines and one Department of Defense civilian, participated in the Military World’s Softball Tournament held in Panama City, Florida, Aug. 14-18. The team played five games, placing sixth in the tournament out of 27 teams, with a 3-2 record. - The Missfits, a men’s softball team combined of active-duty and retired Marines and one Department of Defense civilian, participated in the Military World’s Softball Tournament held in Panama City, Florida, Aug. 14-18. The team played five games, placing sixth in the tournament out of 27 teams, with a 3-2 record.

Sergeant Maj. Irvin Howard (center left), the sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and Lt. Col. Corey Collier (center right), the battalion commanding officer, roll and case the battalion’s colors one final time during the unit’s deactivation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29, 2014. The colors will be stored at Headquarters Marine Corps until the battalion answer’s the Nation’s call to active service. - Sergeant Maj. Irvin Howard (center left), the sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and Lt. Col. Corey Collier (center right), the battalion commanding officer, roll and case the battalion’s colors one final time during the unit’s deactivation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 29, 2014. The colors will be stored at Headquarters Marine Corps until the battalion answer’s the Nation’s call to active service.

Career Course Seminar (CCS) Program - Career Course Seminar (CCS) Program

Jay Cutler, professional bodybuilder, autographs a fan’s dumbbell at a promotional appearance at the GNC in the Main Exchange, Aug. 28, 2014. - Jay Cutler, professional bodybuilder, autographs a fan’s dumbbell at a promotional appearance at the GNC in the Main Exchange, Aug. 28, 2014.

Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School go head-to-head for the first time during the Preseason Jamboree at Felix Field, Aug. 27, 2014. Intramural tackle football is scheduled to be hosted every Wednesday at the same field. - Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 and Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School go head-to-head for the first time during the Preseason Jamboree at Felix Field, Aug. 27, 2014. Intramural tackle football is scheduled to be hosted every Wednesday at the same field.

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The UH-1N Huey (Right) escorts a UH-1Y Venom (Left) during the final flight of the UH-1N Huey for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, Marine Aircraft Group 49, aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, Aug. 28, 2014. The escort symbolizes the stepping aside of one helicopter platform to allow for an improved version to takes its place. - The UH-1N Huey (Right) escorts a UH-1Y Venom (Left) during the final flight of the UH-1N Huey for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773, Marine Aircraft Group 49, aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans, Aug. 28, 2014. The escort symbolizes the stepping aside of one helicopter platform to allow for an improved version to takes its place.

Brigadier Gen. Joaquin F. Malavet, the commanding general of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, inspects Marines passing in review during the 1st MEB change of command ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014. Malavet was previously assigned as the principal director, South and Southeast Asia for the Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy at Washington, D.C. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carson Gramley) - Brigadier Gen. Joaquin F. Malavet, the commanding general of 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, inspects Marines passing in review during the 1st MEB change of command ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014. Malavet was previously assigned as the principal director, South and Southeast Asia for the Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy at Washington, D.C. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Carson Gramley)

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jona Moore tactically makes his way through the mountainous terrain with his squad during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014. Moore is a team leader with 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jona Moore tactically makes his way through the mountainous terrain with his squad during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 29, 2014. Moore is a team leader with 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

U.S. Marine Pfc. Ryan Iglesias, left, and Lance Cpl. Jonathan Ripoyla strategize on improving their survival shelter during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 28, 2014. Iglesias and Ripoyla are both infantry riflemen assigned to 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released) - U.S. Marine Pfc. Ryan Iglesias, left, and Lance Cpl. Jonathan Ripoyla strategize on improving their survival shelter during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 28, 2014. Iglesias and Ripoyla are both infantry riflemen assigned to 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

Sergeants Philip Kelly (Near) and Derrek Cardinale (Far), receive Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals from Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, for their work as Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar trainers after educating senior enlisted advisors in the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans auditorium, Aug. 27, 2014. The train-the-trainer course was designed to inform senior enlisted advisors on the new Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar implemented throughout the Marine Corps. The seminar was implemented to inform lance corporals of the resources available to them, as well as motivate them to succeed and strive for the next rank. - Sergeants Philip Kelly (Near) and Derrek Cardinale (Far), receive Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals from Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commander of Marine Forces Reserve, for their work as Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar trainers after educating senior enlisted advisors in the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans auditorium, Aug. 27, 2014. The train-the-trainer course was designed to inform senior enlisted advisors on the new Lance Corporal Leadership Ethics Seminar implemented throughout the Marine Corps. The seminar was implemented to inform lance corporals of the resources available to them, as well as motivate them to succeed and strive for the next rank.

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Marines and sailors are competing for a place on the All Navy and Marine Corps rugby team to represent our country in the Common Wealth Navies Rugby Cup located in New Zealand.There are currently 35 members of the All Navy and Marine Corps team, but only about 28 will be going to the rugby motherland. They claimed a 21-7 victory over the Oceanside Chiefs, a division two rugby team with three division titles and one national title, in their first local scrimmage at Paige Field House here, Aug. 30.(Photo by Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski) - Marines and sailors are competing for a place on the All Navy and Marine Corps rugby team to represent our country in the Common Wealth Navies Rugby Cup located in New Zealand.There are currently 35 members of the All Navy and Marine Corps team, but only about 28 will be going to the rugby motherland. They claimed a 21-7 victory over the Oceanside Chiefs, a division two rugby team with three division titles and one national title, in their first local scrimmage at Paige Field House here, Aug. 30.(Photo by Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski)

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A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 approaches the flight deck of the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) preparing to land, Aug. 24, 2014. Four helicopters with the squadron arrived aboard America ending the exercise Partnership of the Americas 2014. POA was based on a simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario in Chile. Multiple nations came together to plan and execute a multi-lateral exercise in response to the HA/DR scenario. Exercises like POA allow the U.S. and our partners in the region to respond to and address transnational and global challenges. America is currently transiting through the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility on her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas.” (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Donald Holbert/ Released) - A CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 approaches the flight deck of the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) preparing to land, Aug. 24, 2014. Four helicopters with the squadron arrived aboard America ending the exercise Partnership of the Americas 2014. POA was based on a simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenario in Chile. Multiple nations came together to plan and execute a multi-lateral exercise in response to the HA/DR scenario. Exercises like POA allow the U.S. and our partners in the region to respond to and address transnational and global challenges. America is currently transiting through the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility on her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas.” (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Donald Holbert/ Released)

Children from a local school try on the flight gear worn by MV-22 crew members on an MV-22 Osprey during a tour aboard the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in Valparaiso, Chile, Aug. 25, 2014. The children were given the opportunity to get hands on with several static displays hosted by Marines and Sailors showcasing the capabilities that Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South brings to the ship. SPMAGTF-South is embarked aboard America in support of her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas.” The transit demonstrates the capabilities that the Navy-Marine Corps team brings to our nation and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donald Holbert/Released) - Children from a local school try on the flight gear worn by MV-22 crew members on an MV-22 Osprey during a tour aboard the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in Valparaiso, Chile, Aug. 25, 2014. The children were given the opportunity to get hands on with several static displays hosted by Marines and Sailors showcasing the capabilities that Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South brings to the ship. SPMAGTF-South is embarked aboard America in support of her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas.” The transit demonstrates the capabilities that the Navy-Marine Corps team brings to our nation and partners. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Donald Holbert/Released)

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Marines with reserve 4th Force Reconnaissance Company conduct live-fire training during their full-mission profile as part of their annual training on and around Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, Aug. 23, 2014. Force Recon’s mission is conducting deep reconnaissance to provide intelligence to follow-on forces. - Marines with reserve 4th Force Reconnaissance Company conduct live-fire training during their full-mission profile as part of their annual training on and around Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility, Aug. 23, 2014. Force Recon’s mission is conducting deep reconnaissance to provide intelligence to follow-on forces.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Divers look upon the sunken remains of a Vietnam-era amphibious landing craft, that allegedly went under during a demonstration for the Secretary of the Navy on Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (Courtesy photo from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) - MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Divers look upon the sunken remains of a Vietnam-era amphibious landing craft, that allegedly went under during a demonstration for the Secretary of the Navy on Pyramid Rock Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. (Courtesy photo from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Last year, service members were provided with yet another facility to choose from when the 22-area mess hall was built. Now, approximately one year and five months later, the mess hall is one of the best on the west coast.The mess hall staff completed their first inspection in pursuit of the William P.T. Hill award for best garrison mess hall in the Marine Corps here, Aug. 25.(Photo by Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski) - Last year, service members were provided with yet another facility to choose from when the 22-area mess hall was built. Now, approximately one year and five months later, the mess hall is one of the best on the west coast. The mess hall staff completed their first inspection in pursuit of the William P.T. Hill award for best garrison mess hall in the Marine Corps here, Aug. 25. (Photo by Cpl. Keenan Zelazoski)

Recruits of Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, practice blood chokes during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Aug. 25. To ensure the safety of the recruits, the chokes were not applied completely, rather the recruit having the technique applied was instructed to tap their partners as soon as they felt the choke was being applied correctly. - Recruits of Company B, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, practice blood chokes during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program session at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., Aug. 25. To ensure the safety of the recruits, the chokes were not applied completely, rather the recruit having the technique applied was instructed to tap their partners as soon as they felt the choke was being applied correctly.

Pvt. Joel A. Lopez, Platoon 3263, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, performs buddy push-ups with his platoon during the Crucible at Marine Corps BaseCamp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. Lopez graduates recruit training today, and will then attend Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton. Upon completion of MCT, he willcontinue training for his military occupational specialty as a field artillery cannoneer. - Pvt. Joel A. Lopez, Platoon 3263, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, performs buddy push-ups with his platoon during the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. Lopez graduates recruit training today, and will then attend Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton. Upon completion of MCT, he will continue training for his military occupational specialty as a field artillery cannoneer.

Recruits of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, battle each other during Pugil Sticks III at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 26. While Pugil Sticks is one of the more popular events in recruit training, it also serves a purpose beyond the physical training. - Recruits of Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, battle each other during Pugil Sticks III at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 26. While Pugil Sticks is one of the more popular events in recruit training, it also serves a purpose beyond the physical training.

A mock victim lies on the floor before an active shooter exercise called “Operation Social Fury” aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 27. The exercise allowed first responders to react to the threat of an active shooter in a safe and controlled manner while observers judged their reactions. - A mock victim lies on the floor before an active shooter exercise called “Operation Social Fury” aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 27. The exercise allowed first responders to react to the threat of an active shooter in a safe and controlled manner while observers judged their reactions.

Marines, sailors with Bravo Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan - Marines, sailors with Bravo Company conduct security patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force fire the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System from a vehicle at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. The live fire showcased the versatility and shock and awe effect of the NLTLMS and how effective it can be at a vehicle checkpoint. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent. - Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force fire the Non-Lethal, Tube-Launched Munitions System from a vehicle at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 14, 2014. The live fire showcased the versatility and shock and awe effect of the NLTLMS and how effective it can be at a vehicle checkpoint. Marine Corps Systems Command Optics and Non-Lethal Systems is fielding the system that sends non-lethal munitions out as far as 500 meters and uses an audible bang to deter a crowd or a person with mal-intent.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 27, 2014) – Sailors with Beachmaster Unit 2, Naval Beach Group Two, guide Sgt. William Anderson, a motor transportation operator with Transport Support, Combat Logistics Battalion 26 onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) during a loading exercise (LOADEX) aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Aug. 27. The LOADEX was designed to simulate a Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission, in order to train the Marines and Sailors what they need to accomplish during an actual DSCA mission and identify and rectify any shortfalls before the event of a real-world mission. A DSCA mission would occur if a federal agency, on behalf of local civil authorities, made a request to the Department of Defense to fill specific gaps in their abilities to respond to a natural or man-made disaster. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Scott McAdam/Released) - VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 27, 2014) – Sailors with Beachmaster Unit 2, Naval Beach Group Two, guide Sgt. William Anderson, a motor transportation operator with Transport Support, Combat Logistics Battalion 26 onto an Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) during a loading exercise (LOADEX) aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Aug. 27. The LOADEX was designed to simulate a Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission, in order to train the Marines and Sailors what they need to accomplish during an actual DSCA mission and identify and rectify any shortfalls before the event of a real-world mission. A DSCA mission would occur if a federal agency, on behalf of local civil authorities, made a request to the Department of Defense to fill specific gaps in their abilities to respond to a natural or man-made disaster. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Scott McAdam/Released)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The families of Cpl. Johnathan T. Yale and Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter bow their heads in prayer during a dedication ceremony to rename the Wallace Creek Dining Hall in honor of the two Marines Aug. 28, 2014, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Yale and Haerter died protecting their fellow Marines in Iraq when they engaged and stopped a truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives before it reached its intended target in April 2008. Both Marines were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Mohn) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – The families of Cpl. Johnathan T. Yale and Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter bow their heads in prayer during a dedication ceremony to rename the Wallace Creek Dining Hall in honor of the two Marines Aug. 28, 2014, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Yale and Haerter died protecting their fellow Marines in Iraq when they engaged and stopped a truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives before it reached its intended target in April 2008. Both Marines were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroism. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle M. Mohn)

Manti Te’o, a San Diego Chargers’ linebacker, signs an autograph for a child during a military appreciation day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 27. The Chargers practiced with the MCAS Miramar Falcons before socializing with fans. - Manti Te’o, a San Diego Chargers’ linebacker, signs an autograph for a child during a military appreciation day aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 27. The Chargers practiced with the MCAS Miramar Falcons before socializing with fans.

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Members of the 1st Marine Division Association, Phoenix Chapter, sit with Marines with E Co., 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, during the coin presentation ceremony at Building 1707 aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 22, 2014. - Members of the 1st Marine Division Association, Phoenix Chapter, sit with Marines with E Co., 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, during the coin presentation ceremony at Building 1707 aboard the Combat Center, Aug. 22, 2014.

The 6th Annual Feds Feed Families Campaign began June 18, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The campaign, which runs through August, is a voluntary effort undertaken by federal employees to bring nonperishable food items to their offices for distribution to local food banks. The food is used to support food insecure households in the surrounding communities. Donation boxes are located at the Marine Corps Exchanges on MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay and the Station Chapel. - The 6th Annual Feds Feed Families Campaign began June 18, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The campaign, which runs through August, is a voluntary effort undertaken by federal employees to bring nonperishable food items to their offices for distribution to local food banks. The food is used to support food insecure households in the surrounding communities. Donation boxes are located at the Marine Corps Exchanges on MCAS Beaufort and Laurel Bay and the Station Chapel.

Pfc. Dalton Hubbard, freight specialist, Distribution Management Office, unloads a double pallet of coffee for chaplains and Marines to redistribute at a loading dock for Operation Coffee Giveaway with donated Keurig cups and ground coffee from Holy Joe’s Café, Aug. 21, 2014. - Pfc. Dalton Hubbard, freight specialist, Distribution Management Office, unloads a double pallet of coffee for chaplains and Marines to redistribute at a loading dock for Operation Coffee Giveaway with donated Keurig cups and ground coffee from Holy Joe’s Café, Aug. 21, 2014.

In 1986, Richard Burris took the challenge of going through the rigorous 13-week training that is Marine Corps boot camp. Nearly three decades later, Burris’ son followed in those same yellow footsteps that transform young adults into Marines.Now a master gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps, Burris is known throughout the field of correctional specialists by name and by reputation. His position as the technical advisor at the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, speaks well of his experience as a leader. Leadership that spans not only through the enlisted ranks but carries over to officers he has trained while they were junior enlisted. Naturally, his leadership transferred over to his family of five. - In 1986, Richard Burris took the challenge of going through the rigorous 13-week training that is Marine Corps boot camp. Nearly three decades later, Burris’ son followed in those same yellow footsteps that transform young adults into Marines. Now a master gunnery sergeant in the Marine Corps, Burris is known throughout the field of correctional specialists by name and by reputation. His position as the technical advisor at the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston, speaks well of his experience as a leader. Leadership that spans not only through the enlisted ranks but carries over to officers he has trained while they were junior enlisted. Naturally, his leadership transferred over to his family of five.

Jacklyn Wilson, owner, Crazy Horse Ranch, leads two horses to prepare them for saddle mounting during a volunteer event for Marines at Crazy Horse Ranch. The ranch offers trail rides, personal lessons and occasional clinics for groups, Aug. 24, 2014. - Jacklyn Wilson, owner, Crazy Horse Ranch, leads two horses to prepare them for saddle mounting during a volunteer event for Marines at Crazy Horse Ranch. The ranch offers trail rides, personal lessons and occasional clinics for groups, Aug. 24, 2014.

First Lt. Wayne Quint ran Cross Country in high school, eventually becoming the team captain with his best three-mile time being 16 minutes, eight seconds. He attended the University of California, Los Angles, and went on to earn hid degree in law. Shorty after, he decided to commission in the Marine Corps. - First Lt. Wayne Quint ran Cross Country in high school, eventually becoming the team captain with his best three-mile time being 16 minutes, eight seconds. He attended the University of California, Los Angles, and went on to earn hid degree in law. Shorty after, he decided to commission in the Marine Corps.

Lance Cpl. Nathan Nguyen fires a M-1014 combat shotgun during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2014. Nguyen is an aviation communications technician with Marine Air Support Squadron 1. - Lance Cpl. Nathan Nguyen fires a M-1014 combat shotgun during a live-fire range at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 25, 2014. Nguyen is an aviation communications technician with Marine Air Support Squadron 1.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Eric Mercado makes his way across a river while training to build and cross rope bridges during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 27, 2014. Mercado is an infantry assaultman with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. - U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Eric Mercado makes his way across a river while training to build and cross rope bridges during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 27, 2014. Mercado is an infantry assaultman with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment.

Sergeant Steven B. Waddell, with Fleet Support Division, Production Plant Barstow, receives a quilt from Quilts of Valor during Quarterly Awards breakfast, Aug., 20. Quilts of Valor volunteers make quilts for deserving service members around the world. - Sergeant Steven B. Waddell, with Fleet Support Division, Production Plant Barstow, receives a quilt from Quilts of Valor during Quarterly Awards breakfast, Aug., 20. Quilts of Valor volunteers make quilts for deserving service members around the world.

A recruit from Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, attempts to swing to a platform during Gonzalez’s Challenge at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. Gonzalez’s Challenge is one of many exercises recruits are required to perform during the Crucible, a 54-hour exercise that is the final test of recruit training. - A recruit from Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, attempts to swing to a platform during Gonzalez’s Challenge at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 20. Gonzalez’s Challenge is one of many exercises recruits are required to perform during the Crucible, a 54-hour exercise that is the final test of recruit training.

Cpl. Megan Hancock, a native of Sheridan, Ill., has been a reproductions specialist at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., since 2012, Aug. 26, 2014. As with many other Marines, Hancock said she had to adjust to the changes that come with moving to a city. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dan Hosack/Released) - Cpl. Megan Hancock, a native of Sheridan, Ill., has been a reproductions specialist at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., since 2012, Aug. 26, 2014. As with many other Marines, Hancock said she had to adjust to the changes that come with moving to a city. (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dan Hosack/Released)

Lance Cpl. Scott Wern, an assaultman with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and fellow Marines prepare to fire a volley of rockets aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 22, 2014. The Marines performed the rocket drills to sustain of the Marine’s operational abilities. - Lance Cpl. Scott Wern, an assaultman with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and fellow Marines prepare to fire a volley of rockets aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Aug. 22, 2014. The Marines performed the rocket drills to sustain of the Marine’s operational abilities.

A simulated improvised explosive device is set off as a tactical convoy travels down a simulated highway during the Autonomous Mobility Applique System Joint Capability Technology Demonstration Aug. 20, 2014, at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. The IED demonstration tested the AMAS’ capability to detect obstacles to better maneuver a convoy. - A simulated improvised explosive device is set off as a tactical convoy travels down a simulated highway during the Autonomous Mobility Applique System Joint Capability Technology Demonstration Aug. 20, 2014, at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. The IED demonstration tested the AMAS’ capability to detect obstacles to better maneuver a convoy.

Lance Cpl. Cody Goers, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion Aug. 22 at the Central Training Area. Once the aircraft crews give a predetermined signal, Marines can make their way to the helicopter. Goers is a team leader with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program. - Lance Cpl. Cody Goers, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, prepares to board a CH-53E Super Stallion Aug. 22 at the Central Training Area. Once the aircraft crews give a predetermined signal, Marines can make their way to the helicopter. Goers is a team leader with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, under the unit deployment program.

Patrons of Marine Corps Base Quantico’s 50M Pool sit on the pool’s edge before swimming laps Aug. 25. - Patrons of Marine Corps Base Quantico’s 50M Pool sit on the pool’s edge before swimming laps Aug. 25.

Luis Morales, No. 31, crouches with his daughter after completing the Quantico Tri on Marine Corps Base Quantico in 1 hour, 14 minutes, 50 seconds on Sunday. Morales was featured in the Aug. 21 editoin of the Quantico Sentry. - Luis Morales, No. 31, crouches with his daughter after completing the Quantico Tri on Marine Corps Base Quantico in 1 hour, 14 minutes, 50 seconds on Sunday. Morales was featured in the Aug. 21 editoin of the Quantico Sentry.

Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Gold Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment prepare to fire the Expeditionary Fire Support System from Marine Corps Base Quantico's Weapons Range 3 on Aug. 20. - Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Gold Company, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment prepare to fire the Expeditionary Fire Support System from Marine Corps Base Quantico's Weapons Range 3 on Aug. 20.

Col. Clifford Weinstein, commanding officer, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., left, and Col. Darren Richardson, deputy commander of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, and Col. Gerard Wynn, assistant chief of staff for operations and plans at the Marine Corps Forces Command Individual Mobilization Augmentee, engage in a discussion during the “Senior Planners Course” on Aug. 20 at Marine Corps University aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. - Col. Clifford Weinstein, commanding officer, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., left, and Col. Darren Richardson, deputy commander of the 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, and Col. Gerard Wynn, assistant chief of staff for operations and plans at the Marine Corps Forces Command Individual Mobilization Augmentee, engage in a discussion during the “Senior Planners Course” on Aug. 20 at Marine Corps University aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Carletha Windom accepts a proclamation honoring her late husband, Pfc. James Windom - an original Montford Point Marine - from Col. Don Davis, commanding officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, during a ceremony at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, here, Aug. 22. - Carletha Windom accepts a proclamation honoring her late husband, Pfc. James Windom - an original Montford Point Marine - from Col. Don Davis, commanding officer, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, during a ceremony at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, here, Aug. 22.