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Christian Fagala, 9, reads an excerpt from Ralph Baer’s display at the National Museum of American History April 13. According to the Operation Homefront website, the award recognizes military children who have demonstrated themselves as exceptional citizens while facing the challenges of military family life. Christian is the Marine Corps recipient of the award. - Christian Fagala, 9, reads an excerpt from Ralph Baer’s display at the National Museum of American History April 13. According to the Operation Homefront website, the award recognizes military children who have demonstrated themselves as exceptional citizens while facing the challenges of military family life. Christian is the Marine Corps recipient of the award.

Nathan Aldaco, a 12 year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, along with his brother and sister learn about TNT during a Make-A-Wish event supported by 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, at Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 24, 2016. Marines with 7th ESB and Explosive Ordnance Disposal helped to make Nathan’s wish of training with Marines come true by demonstrating the capabilities of their EOD robots and detonating TNT, C4, dynamite and blasting caps, while the heavy equipment operators gave him the opportunity to ride the D7 dozer and the excavator, in which he dug a pit, built a berm, and broke several large tree trunks. - Nathan Aldaco, a 12 year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, along with his brother and sister learn about TNT during a Make-A-Wish event supported by 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, at Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 24, 2016. Marines with 7th ESB and Explosive Ordnance Disposal helped to make Nathan’s wish of training with Marines come true by demonstrating the capabilities of their EOD robots and detonating TNT, C4, dynamite and blasting caps, while the heavy equipment operators gave him the opportunity to ride the D7 dozer and the excavator, in which he dug a pit, built a berm, and broke several large tree trunks.

Chief Petty Officer Jaclyn Place poses for a photo with her neighbors and their family during Place’s award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 11, 2016. Place is a lead chief petty officer with the Headquarters Regimental Aid Station, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and was awarded an impact Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her selfless and decisive actions that saved the lives of her neighbors. - Chief Petty Officer Jaclyn Place poses for a photo with her neighbors and their family during Place’s award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 11, 2016. Place is a lead chief petty officer with the Headquarters Regimental Aid Station, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and was awarded an impact Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her selfless and decisive actions that saved the lives of her neighbors.

Cpl. Joseph Currey, left, salutes Lt. Col. Jeremy Winters, right, during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, March 1, 2016. Currey was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his actions after witnessing an ambulance wreck. Currey demonstrated his devotion to serving others as he placed the well-being of the injured personnel above his own by running towards the scene of an accident and rendering aide to those need. Currey is an air support operations operator with Marine Aviation Support Squadron 1. - Cpl. Joseph Currey, left, salutes Lt. Col. Jeremy Winters, right, during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, March 1, 2016. Currey was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his actions after witnessing an ambulance wreck. Currey demonstrated his devotion to serving others as he placed the well-being of the injured personnel above his own by running towards the scene of an accident and rendering aide to those need. Currey is an air support operations operator with Marine Aviation Support Squadron 1.

Sgt. Matthew Parker (ret.) speaks to a group of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Marines during his Silver Star ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. Parker was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, where assumed control of his platoon during a firefight after several leaders had been injured. - Sgt. Matthew Parker (ret.) speaks to a group of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Marines during his Silver Star ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. Parker was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, where assumed control of his platoon during a firefight after several leaders had been injured.

Cpl. Zachary Summers, a radio operator with 3rd Radio Battalion, combat glides toward a target shooting his M9 Service Pistol during a Pacific Combat Shooting Match at the Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 16, 2016. Teams from different units used various weapons and tactics to achieve the fastest time possible on different courses of fire, while earning points for awards during the competition. Marines from the Marine Corps Combat Shooting Team instructed and gave advice to the Marines participating in the event. - Cpl. Zachary Summers, a radio operator with 3rd Radio Battalion, combat glides toward a target shooting his M9 Service Pistol during a Pacific Combat Shooting Match at the Kaneohe Bay Range Training Facility aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, March 16, 2016. Teams from different units used various weapons and tactics to achieve the fastest time possible on different courses of fire, while earning points for awards during the competition. Marines from the Marine Corps Combat Shooting Team instructed and gave advice to the Marines participating in the event.

The U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as "The Commandant's Own," performs during a Battle Color Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California March 9, 2016. The battle color ceremony features the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard. - The U.S. Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, also known as "The Commandant's Own," performs during a Battle Color Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California March 9, 2016. The battle color ceremony features the U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, the Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Color Guard.

Staff Sgt. Samuel J. Galan Jr. and Lance Cpl. Gerald J. Demontmollin III refuel a UH-1Y Venom Feb. 24, 2016, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Demontmollin and his squadron performed simulated assault and close air support training to maintain unit readiness. “We can shut the aircraft down and turn the engines off [and then fuel the aircraft]. That’s called cold refueling. What we did today was hot refueling. We can leave the aircraft running while we fuel, getting us ready to get back in the fight,” said 1st Lt. David W. Few, a UH-1Y Venom copilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing. Galan, a native of Houston, Texas, is a crew chief with HMLA-169. Demontmollin, from Grass Valley is a crew chief with HMLA-169. - Staff Sgt. Samuel J. Galan Jr. and Lance Cpl. Gerald J. Demontmollin III refuel a UH-1Y Venom Feb. 24, 2016, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Demontmollin and his squadron performed simulated assault and close air support training to maintain unit readiness. “We can shut the aircraft down and turn the engines off [and then fuel the aircraft]. That’s called cold refueling. What we did today was hot refueling. We can leave the aircraft running while we fuel, getting us ready to get back in the fight,” said 1st Lt. David W. Few, a UH-1Y Venom copilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing. Galan, a native of Houston, Texas, is a crew chief with HMLA-169. Demontmollin, from Grass Valley is a crew chief with HMLA-169.

Lt. Col. David Everly, junior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, is presented an award at the Black Engineer of the Year 11th Annual Stars and Stripes Dinner Feb. 19, 2016 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Grand Ballroom in Philadelphia by Lt. Gen. Ronald Bailey, the Deputy Commandant Plans, Polices and Operations at Headquarters Marine Corps. “If you’re looking for excellence in military hands-on experience, look no further than Lt. Col. Dave Everly,” said Bailey. “Lt. Col. Everly epitomizes our values of courage, honor and commitment as a role model and a mentor.” - Lt. Col. David Everly, junior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, is presented an award at the Black Engineer of the Year 11th Annual Stars and Stripes Dinner Feb. 19, 2016 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Grand Ballroom in Philadelphia by Lt. Gen. Ronald Bailey, the Deputy Commandant Plans, Polices and Operations at Headquarters Marine Corps. “If you’re looking for excellence in military hands-on experience, look no further than Lt. Col. Dave Everly,” said Bailey. “Lt. Col. Everly epitomizes our values of courage, honor and commitment as a role model and a mentor.”

Paul Siverson, retired sergeant major and chairman of the board of directors for the Non-Commissioned Officers Association of America, speaks at the 2016 Mack McKinney Awards Ceremony on Feb. 5 at Sywanyk’s Scarlet and Gold Traditions in Jacksonville, N.C. Since 1993, the Mack McKinney award, is given to two military members a year who have gone above and beyond serving the local community and their fellow service members whether active duty or retired. - Paul Siverson, retired sergeant major and chairman of the board of directors for the Non-Commissioned Officers Association of America, speaks at the 2016 Mack McKinney Awards Ceremony on Feb. 5 at Sywanyk’s Scarlet and Gold Traditions in Jacksonville, N.C. Since 1993, the Mack McKinney award, is given to two military members a year who have gone above and beyond serving the local community and their fellow service members whether active duty or retired.

U.S. Marines call in for Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians after discovering a possible IED during counter-IED training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Feb. 12, 2016. The Marines were testing out the pilot course of Marine Corps Engineer School, Defeat the Device branch, Counter-IED Training Class. The Marines participating in the training are with Company A, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. - U.S. Marines call in for Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians after discovering a possible IED during counter-IED training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Feb. 12, 2016. The Marines were testing out the pilot course of Marine Corps Engineer School, Defeat the Device branch, Counter-IED Training Class. The Marines participating in the training are with Company A, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

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Lieutenant Gen. Jon M. Davis, right, salutes the casket of Lt. Gen. William H. Fitch (ret.) at Quantico National Cemetery, Feb. 4, 2016, in Triangle, Virginia. Fitch died Jan. 19, 2016. He served as the Deputy Commandant for Aviation before he retired in 1984 after 32 years as a Marine Corps officer. - Lieutenant Gen. Jon M. Davis, right, salutes the casket of Lt. Gen. William H. Fitch (ret.) at Quantico National Cemetery, Feb. 4, 2016, in Triangle, Virginia. Fitch died Jan. 19, 2016. He served as the Deputy Commandant for Aviation before he retired in 1984 after 32 years as a Marine Corps officer.

Staff Sgt. Nathan A. Hervey, an instructor with the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion at the School of Infantry-East, speaks to Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 5, 2016. Hervey was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the combat distinguishing device for valor, and was recognized for extraordinary heroism for his actions on May 21, 2011, while carrying out his duties as a scout sniper section leader with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. - Staff Sgt. Nathan A. Hervey, an instructor with the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion at the School of Infantry-East, speaks to Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 5, 2016. Hervey was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with the combat distinguishing device for valor, and was recognized for extraordinary heroism for his actions on May 21, 2011, while carrying out his duties as a scout sniper section leader with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, presents Petty Officer 2nd Class Alejandro Salabarria, a corpsman with Marine Special Operations Company F, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, the Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at Stone Bay, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 5, 2016. Salabarria was awarded for his actions in Afghanistan Sept. 15, 2014. - Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, presents Petty Officer 2nd Class Alejandro Salabarria, a corpsman with Marine Special Operations Company F, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, the Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at Stone Bay, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 5, 2016. Salabarria was awarded for his actions in Afghanistan Sept. 15, 2014.

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.

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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.

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The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015. - The 26th Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Margaret G. Kibben presents the 33rd Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., center, the Church Pennant flown on the USS ESSEX as part of the 240th Anniversary of the Navy Chaplain Corps at Crawford Hall in Marine Barracks Washington, Dec. 3, 2015.

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Staff Sgt. Alexander Panos, a trombone player with the 1st Marine Division Band, rehearses alongside his fellow Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nov. 23, 2015. Panos was recognized as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year Award for 2015. - Staff Sgt. Alexander Panos, a trombone player with the 1st Marine Division Band, rehearses alongside his fellow Marines aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Nov. 23, 2015. Panos was recognized as the Marine Corps Musician of the Year Award for 2015.

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Staff Sgt. Mark W. Damm with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the John Archer Lejeune Award for Bravery during the American Hero Awards Oct. 28, 2015, in Jacksonville, N.C. Damm was awarded for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan, when he led an 84-man assault that repelled numerous enemy attacks while Afghan police realigned security checkpoints. Damm directed friendly forces during numerous engagements and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, ultimately saving friendly lives and successfully completing the mission. - Staff Sgt. Mark W. Damm with Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, receives the John Archer Lejeune Award for Bravery during the American Hero Awards Oct. 28, 2015, in Jacksonville, N.C. Damm was awarded for his actions during a mission in Afghanistan, when he led an 84-man assault that repelled numerous enemy attacks while Afghan police realigned security checkpoints. Damm directed friendly forces during numerous engagements and repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire, ultimately saving friendly lives and successfully completing the mission.

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Cynthia Gregory, a runner in the marathon, finishes the 40th Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 25 at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gregory finished the 26.2 miles in seven hours, seven minutes and 21 seconds and ranked 427th in her division. - Cynthia Gregory, a runner in the marathon, finishes the 40th Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 25 at the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Va. Gregory finished the 26.2 miles in seven hours, seven minutes and 21 seconds and ranked 427th in her division.

More than 30, 000 men and women from all over the world start the 40th Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 25. This year’s participants joined the 512,370 runners who have completed the “Peoples Marathon” since its inaugural event in 1976. - More than 30, 000 men and women from all over the world start the 40th Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 25. This year’s participants joined the 512,370 runners who have completed the “Peoples Marathon” since its inaugural event in 1976.

Christos Panagopoulos, Ambassador of Greece, and Col. Joseph M. Murray, commander, Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico, show one of the wreaths that will be presented to winners of the Marine Corps Marathon during the press conference for the 40th Marine Corps Marathon at the National Press Club in Washington, Oct. 20.The wreaths, which were made in Marathon, Greece, will be awarded to the top 3 male and female winners. - Christos Panagopoulos, Ambassador of Greece, and Col. Joseph M. Murray, commander, Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico, show one of the wreaths that will be presented to winners of the Marine Corps Marathon during the press conference for the 40th Marine Corps Marathon at the National Press Club in Washington, Oct. 20.The wreaths, which were made in Marathon, Greece, will be awarded to the top 3 male and female winners.

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Since 2005, a nominee from each of the services has received the Spirit of Hope award for reflecting the selfless spirit and dedication of Bob Hope. The award was presented to the Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association as the Marine Corps 2015 winner at the Pentagon Oct. 16th, 2015. - Since 2005, a nominee from each of the services has received the Spirit of Hope award for reflecting the selfless spirit and dedication of Bob Hope. The award was presented to the Quantico Injured Military Sportsman Association as the Marine Corps 2015 winner at the Pentagon Oct. 16th, 2015.

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military. - U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the French 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment (RIAOM) perform crunches as part of indoctrination prior to participating in a desert survival course. Elements of the 15th MEU are training with the 5th RIAOM in Djibouti in order to improve interoperability between the MEU and the French military.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Carlson, right, dismounts the rappel rope during a company competition for Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Yooghuk Dae, Munseu San Mountain, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2015. The U.S. and ROK Marines participated in a race of the fastest company to complete rappelling, rock climbing and rope climbing before a sprint to the finish line. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Carlson, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a rifleman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The ROK Marines are with 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps. - U.S. Marine Cpl. Carlson, right, dismounts the rappel rope during a company competition for Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-12 at Yooghuk Dae, Munseu San Mountain, Republic of Korea, Sept. 11, 2015. The U.S. and ROK Marines participated in a race of the fastest company to complete rappelling, rock climbing and rope climbing before a sprint to the finish line. KMEP 15-12 is a bilateral training exercise that enhances the ROK and U.S. alliance, promotes stability on the Korean Peninsula and strengthens ROK and U.S. military capabilities and interoperability. Carlson, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a rifleman with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division and attached through the Unit Deployment Program to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The ROK Marines are with 11th Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, ROK Headquarters Marine Corps.

Marines and civilian guests listen to the first panel discussion during the first day ofday of the 2015 Modern Day Marine Military Expo at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 22, 2015. The expo 2015 Modern Day Marine Military Expo is focusing on enhanced capabilities for expeditionary forces and is happening Sept. 22-24. - Marines and civilian guests listen to the first panel discussion during the first day ofday of the 2015 Modern Day Marine Military Expo at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 22, 2015. The expo 2015 Modern Day Marine Military Expo is focusing on enhanced capabilities for expeditionary forces and is happening Sept. 22-24.

Modern Day Marine Military Exposition offers vendors, manufacturers, and industry the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the Marine Corps to evaluate how to apply these goods and technologies in their duties and missions. - Modern Day Marine Military Exposition offers vendors, manufacturers, and industry the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the Marine Corps to evaluate how to apply these goods and technologies in their duties and missions.

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Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony for Company “H”, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines held at the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington, Va., Sept. 3. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the unit and those Marines and sailors, who gave their lives to accomplish their mission. - Rear Adm. Brent W. Scott, the Chaplain of the United States Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the Remembrance Ceremony for Company “H”, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines held at the Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington, Va., Sept. 3. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the unit and those Marines and sailors, who gave their lives to accomplish their mission.

Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.) the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and the first African-American Marine Corps general, died Aug. 25, 2015. Petersen served during the Korean War in 1953 and Vietnam in 1968. During his career, he flew more than 350 combat missions and more than 4,000 hours in various military aircraft. - Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen, Jr. (ret.) the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and the first African-American Marine Corps general, died Aug. 25, 2015. Petersen served during the Korean War in 1953 and Vietnam in 1968. During his career, he flew more than 350 combat missions and more than 4,000 hours in various military aircraft.

Homer "Mike" Jenkins, a Marine Vietnam veteran, holds a shadow box highlighting his service in the Marines at his home near Hughes Springs, Texas, June 5, 2015. Jenkins did two tours in Vietnam, the first as an advisor to Vietnamese troops; his second tour, he was a company commander leading Marines in combat. - Homer "Mike" Jenkins, a Marine Vietnam veteran, holds a shadow box highlighting his service in the Marines at his home near Hughes Springs, Texas, June 5, 2015. Jenkins did two tours in Vietnam, the first as an advisor to Vietnamese troops; his second tour, he was a company commander leading Marines in combat.

A graphic illustration of the new F-35B Lightning II hangar slated to be completed October 2016 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Aug. 20. The construction project includes aircraft parking near the hangars and an aircraft access apron. A three-level parking garage is being constructed adjacent to the brand new facility. - A graphic illustration of the new F-35B Lightning II hangar slated to be completed October 2016 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Aug. 20. The construction project includes aircraft parking near the hangars and an aircraft access apron. A three-level parking garage is being constructed adjacent to the brand new facility.

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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.

Honorary Marine Mark Noah meets Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, before the evening parade held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 24. History Flight, Noah’s organization, was loading the remains of 35 Marines to be brought home from Tarawa as the two spoke. - Honorary Marine Mark Noah meets Gen. Joseph Dunford, Jr., the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, before the evening parade held at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., July 24. History Flight, Noah’s organization, was loading the remains of 35 Marines to be brought home from Tarawa as the two spoke.

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shakes hands with the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization director Lieutenant General John D. Johnson before presenting the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) at the Pentagon on July 16, 2015. - Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shakes hands with the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization director Lieutenant General John D. Johnson before presenting the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (JMUA) at the Pentagon on July 16, 2015.

Corporal Russell Robertson, a squad leader assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, extends the antenna for his radio operator during the 1st Marine Division Super Squad Competition aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 30, 2015. The Marines and Sailors tested their abilities to conduct infantry operations for the title of super squad. - Corporal Russell Robertson, a squad leader assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, extends the antenna for his radio operator during the 1st Marine Division Super Squad Competition aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 30, 2015. The Marines and Sailors tested their abilities to conduct infantry operations for the title of super squad.

Soldiers with the U.S. Army Reserves fire down range during the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 29, 2015. Participants in the competition fired from distances between 200 - 1000 yards in the standing, sitting, and prone positions. This will be the last time Department of Defense competitors will face off against each other before going to the National Rifle Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio. - Soldiers with the U.S. Army Reserves fire down range during the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 29, 2015. Participants in the competition fired from distances between 200 - 1000 yards in the standing, sitting, and prone positions. This will be the last time Department of Defense competitors will face off against each other before going to the National Rifle Matches held at Camp Perry, Ohio.

Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, awards Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Anderson, a maintenance chief with Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 166, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal inside Hangar 6 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 25, 2015. A team of twenty-four Marines from VMM-166, VMM-268 and VMM-364 received awards for playing a role in returning a grounded MV-22 Osprey to operational flight status. - Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, awards Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Anderson, a maintenance chief with Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 166, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal inside Hangar 6 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 25, 2015. A team of twenty-four Marines from VMM-166, VMM-268 and VMM-364 received awards for playing a role in returning a grounded MV-22 Osprey to operational flight status.

Lieutenant Gen. Mark A. Brilakis fires the first shot with an M1 Garand during the opening ceremony of the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship matches at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 24, 2015. Service members from all branches will compete in 15 different shooting matches during the championships from June 25 – July 1. Lt. Gen. Brilakis is the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and deputy commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. - Lieutenant Gen. Mark A. Brilakis fires the first shot with an M1 Garand during the opening ceremony of the 54th Interservice Rifle Championship matches at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 24, 2015. Service members from all branches will compete in 15 different shooting matches during the championships from June 25 – July 1. Lt. Gen. Brilakis is the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, and deputy commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

A Marine guards the perimeter of his squad’s defensive position during the 2nd Marine Division Infantry Rifle Squad Competition aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 19, 2015. Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and India Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment proved their mission readiness and superior combat abilities while competing in a grueling three-day competition to foster a competitive spirit and unit cohesion and to determine the most proficient and capable rifle squad in 2nd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michelle Reif/Released) - A Marine guards the perimeter of his squad’s defensive position during the 2nd Marine Division Infantry Rifle Squad Competition aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 19, 2015. Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and India Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment proved their mission readiness and superior combat abilities while competing in a grueling three-day competition to foster a competitive spirit and unit cohesion and to determine the most proficient and capable rifle squad in 2nd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michelle Reif/Released)