Courtesy Photo | AL ASAD, Iraq (Dec. 10, 2005) -- Lance Cpl. Aiyai Latchman stands in the motor pool...... read more read more
AL ASAD, Iraq (Dec. 11, 2005) " Many Marines on their first deployment tend to stay in the shadows of other Marines until they are comfortable to take charge on their own.
Not settling for the status of a statistic, Lance Cpl. Aiyai Latchman, a motor transportation mechanic, hit Iraqi in full stride.
Latchman, who is assigned to Maintenance Detachment, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), routinely ensures Marines within his unit have all the necessary support required to complete their mission in Iraq.
He is here on his first deployment, and since arriving here holds more positions than most Marines in his shop, according to Staff Sgt. William E. Nowosielski, intermediate maintenance chief with CLB-2.
"He's a good Marine," Nowosielski said. "He is well rounded and can always be relied upon."
Since arriving here, Latchman has worked with the Marine Corps Integrated Maintenance Management Systems, worked on Logistics Vehicle Systems and has become an expert with the barrage of tools that mechanics use while serving as the tool room noncommissioned officer.
"Whenever I get the chance I try to learn jobs other than my own," Latchman said. "So when I get back to the states, I can teach other Marines what I have learned."
Latchman not only works with Marines, but also with the civilian mechanics who bring another aspect to the Marine Corps operation.
"These guys are awesome," Latchman said. "When we first arrived there were always vehicles that needed repair. You turn your back for a minute and they would be finished with one vehicle and working on the next."
Although Iraq is a combat zone, Latchman said it is nothing that his family should worry about.
"My father never wanted me to join because he knew someday I could end up here,"
Latchman admitted. "But after calling him every week and letting him know I am safe he is proud of my decision."
Raising his right hand Oct. 16, 2003, Latchman entered the Corps" Delayed Entry Program; and in August of 2004, he stood on the infamous yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Shortly thereafter, he attended military occupational school at Camp Johnson, N.C., where he learned the basics of being a mechanic.
Months after arriving at his first duty station at Camp Lejeune, Latchman, as well as thousands of other Marines from 2nd MLG (Fwd), deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"I didn't think I would be deployed so fast," Latchman said. "But I am glad I did because I actually enjoy being here."
| Date Taken: | 12.13.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 12.13.2005 15:50 |
| Story ID: | 4062 |
| Location: | AL ASAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 209 |
| Downloads: | 37 |
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