Photo By Lance Cpl. Cindy Alejandrez | Civilian contractors who support Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics...... read more read more
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By Lance Cpl. Cindy G. Alejandrez
1st Marine Logistics Group
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Civilian contractors who support Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group were awarded Certificates of Appreciation on Independence Day.
The nine contractors were handed their awards by CLB-1's commanding officer, Lt. Col. David Nathanson, who thanked them for their service and support to all the Marines they work with.
The contractors show their patriotism by choosing to work here along with Marines, supporting them on a daily basis, he added.
"There is not a day I don't see your assets go outside, facing the same risks as my Marines," Nathanson said.
The contractors were glad to receive the recognition and will continue to work alongside the Marines as long as it's necessary, explained Bryan M. Walsh, from Melbourne, Fla., who is a convoy commander.
Walsh added that most contractors he works with have been in Iraq for two to four years working with Marines and they enjoy doing so.
"I would like all of us to remember that we are part of something bigger," said Jeffery Lang Wilson VIII, 38, from Houston, a combat logistics specialist. "We are brothers and sisters, part of mother America and right now she needs us."
Many of the contractors who were awarded had been in the service themselves or had relatives who had also served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"I was active duty for five years," said Jason Rosenburg, a heavy truck driver from Troy, W. Va. "This, to me, is another way to support (the troops)."
Rosenburg, who was a Soldier, explained how working in Iraq is very rewarding to him, but hard for his family who rarely sees him.
In the meantime, he and the other contractors he works with have become "one big, happy family."
Rosenburg added working in Iraq is also difficult because of the conditions of some roads.
"Most roads are decent, but there are hard bypasses where the roads are just plain dirt," explained Rosenburg. The harsh conditions they put up with are worth it to serve the Marines and accomplish the mission, he added.
The contractors were grateful for their Certificate of Appreciation, and said that they will continue to work with Marines deployed as long as it's necessary.
"It's just a privilege to be working out here with all of you," Walsh said. "When the last (service member) goes home, I'll go home."
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.08.2008 06:05 |
| Story ID: | 21285 |
| Location: | FALLUJAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 245 |
| Downloads: | 194 |
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