Photo By Lance Cpl. Peter Sanders | Sgt. Randy T. Crotzer, left, embraces his family May 19 at Camp Kinser following a...... read more read more
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CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan – Twenty-six Marines with various units assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force returned to Camp Kinser May 19 following a six-month deployment to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. They were among more than 350 Marines working on reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
The Marines were tasked with preparing equipment for transportation to destinations outside Afghanistan, according to Maj. Terrence F. Moroney, a logistics officer with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.
While deployed, Moroney was the company commander of Retrograde Operations Company temporarily assigned to 156th Marine Regiment, Retrograde and Redeployment in support of Reset and Reconstitution Operational Group, also known as R4OG.
“Identifying and processing equipment (while at Camp Leatherneck) meant activities such as disarming (weapons), as well as cleaning and palletizing equipment,” said Moroney.
The overall mission while in Afghanistan was to continue preparing the country for minimal U.S. influence and military presence, according to an official statement made in 2013 by Lt. Gens. Richard T. Tryon, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe; and William M. Faulkner, special assistant to the deputy commandant for Installations and Logistics. The statement was addressed to the House Armed Services Committee.
The R4OG is the official title given to Marine Corps units participating in the relocation of U.S. forces and equipment out of Afghanistan, according to the statement.
It takes considerable effort to help the citizens of Afghanistan transition from wartime to peacetime conditions, according to Capt. Maria C. Ploski, the company commander of Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.
“The R4OG is a way for (Marines) to step back and let (Afghans) take over again,” said Ploski. “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s well worth it.”
Extended periods of time in an unfamiliar environment took its toll both physically and emotionally, according to Sgt. Randy T. Crotzer, a warehouse chief temporarily assigned to 156th Marines, R4OG.
“There were a number of things going through my mind while I was out there,” said Crotzer. “It was very tiring.”
The Marines recognized the mental strength gained through speaking with family members while deployed, according to Crotzer. Despite the demanding schedule, they were able to communicate with family while at Camp Leatherneck with the help of the Internet.
“We were able to stay in contact with our families,” said Crotzer. “We were able to set up and use (video chats) almost every week, like virtual dates. It helped us remember why we love each other, as well as relieve some stress by talking to family.”
The video “dates” also allowed Crotzer to watch the growth of his son, who was three months old when he left, according to Alicia R. Crotzer, the spouse of Sgt. Crotzer and mother of two.
The reception upon arrival was heartwarming, according to Alicia, whose daughter jumped into her father’s arms after seeing him for the first time in months.
“It’s absolutely fantastic to have him back,” said Alicia. “Despite our (video chat) dates, we all missed him very much.”
Emotions ranged from tears of joy between family and friends, to pride among Marines who were grateful for the opportunity to work together, according to Moroney.
“The Marines I served with (in Afghanistan) couldn’t have been a better group of warfighters,” said Moroney. “I’m so very proud of these Marines, and the hard work they put into accomplishing our mission out there. I would say our mission out there was a huge success, and I would fight next to them any day of the week.”
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2014 21:14 |
| Story ID: | 130867 |
| Location: | CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Hometown: | PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | TRENTON, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 604 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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