Marines in Afghanistan celebrate Corps’ 229th birthday

[SR-25]

Submitted by: Headquarters Marine Corps
Story Identification #: 2004111282622
Story by - Army Staff Sgt. Bradley Rhen



FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (Nov. 10, 2004) -- With Marines fighting and dying in Fallujah, Iraq, the Marine Corps birthday celebration here Nov. 10 took on a somber mood.

Lt. Col. J.D. Alford, commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, told the Marines gathered to keep their fellow Marines in Iraq in mind as they enjoyed their special birthday meal and cake.

“You got Marines out there that aren’t going to get to eat a t-bone steak and lobster,” he said. “You got Marines in harm’s way killing the bad guys. They’re your brothers, remember that today.”

Following the reading of Gen. John A. Lejeune's birthday message, Alford cut the ceremonial cake and gave pieces to the oldest and youngest Marine present.

Master Sgt. Harry E. William, who was born on Oct. 22, 1948, was the oldest Marine present, and Lance Cpl. Travis W. Garrett, who was born on Dec. 31, 1985, was the youngest.

Cpl. Rodriquez Ray, a military policeman with Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 773, was celebrating his first Marine Corps birthday while deployed. He said the birthday has an even greater meaning in a combat zone.

“You think about your fallen brothers, and it makes you feel like you’re doing something for your country,” he said.

Headquartered here and operating throughout eastern Afghanistan, 3/6 represents the main bulk of Marines in Afghanistan. With their tour here almost finished, they will be replaced by 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines in the coming weeks and will return to Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“What we’ve done here in Afghanistan over the last six and a half months is a part of our great history also, but I wanted them to remember today that we got people fighting in Fallujah,” Alford said. “We got Marines and Soldiers that are dying today, and I wanted them to remember that as they had this great meal.”

Alford, who was celebrating his third Marine Corps birthday in a combat zone, also said it means more to celebrate the Corps’ birthday in a combat zone. He also said the battalion might do it again next year, as it will likely deploy to Iraq next summer.