Photo By Sgt. Clemente Garcia | U.S. Marines conduct a live-fire shoot with an M777 howitzer during a unit reunion at...... read more read more
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Marines with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division celebrated the unit’s first reunion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 24-25.
The guests at the reunion were retired field artillery cannoneers who had previously served with the unit at Camp Lejeune. The reunion gave retirees and their families an opportunity to witness new weapons systems and to interact with the current generation of field artillery Marines.
This was a chance for the unit to build camaraderie with prior artillery Marines and show them how the regiment has evolved, explained Master Gunnery Sgt. Thomas D. Veenstra, the field artillery chief for the unit.
On the first day, the regiment had its gear and weapons on static display for the guests to view and ask questions.
“The retirees were very enthusiastic about seeing the new weapons and mingling with the young Marines,” Veenstra said. “We wanted the retirees to see what’s changed since they were in the regiment.”
On day two, the regiment demonstrated a direct fire shoot with M777 howitzers. Typically, howitzers are indirect fire weapons systems and artillery operators cannot see the impact of their rounds. This demonstration however, showed the viewers that howitzers can be used as direct fire weapons, giving them an idea of the destructive power and versatility of modern Marine Corps weapons.
“Their operation tempo is crazy,” said Steven A. Adinolfi, a retired first sergeant who previously served with the unit. “These Marines are busy, smart and well-trained.”
After the live-fire display, retirees shared stories with the Marines about their time in the Corps.
This reunion was held to maintain the idea of “Once a Marine always a Marine,” explained Capt. Joseph W. Hardin, a battery commander with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment. Many of the Marines engaged in conversations with the retirees comparing these howitzers with the howitzers they once used.
The reunion was inspired by Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller’s Message to the Force: “Seize the Initiative,” released Feb 7, 2017. He told the Corps to “build and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie we share as Marines,” both past and present.
“This is part of the commandant’s initiative, but also part of sharing the legacy of 10th Marine Regiment,” said Hardin. “It is one of the oldest regiments in the Marine Corps and we take pride in that.”
| Date Taken: | 05.01.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.02.2017 08:14 |
| Story ID: | 232224 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 270 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Once a Marine always a Marine: 10th Marine Regiment reunion, by Sgt Clemente Garcia, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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