USA Patriotism! ... "Showcasing Pride of America"USA Store! ... American / Patriotic themed gift products at USA Patriotism!

Home - Articles - USA's Birth - Great Patriots - Heroes - Honor Halls - Music - Photos
Poems - Quotes - Reference - Speeches - Stars for Troops - Stories - Student Patriots
Videos - New Content
- About - Contact - Submit - Press
- CureNow - Donate
- Privacy

Click Here To Google Search
 For USA Patriotism! Content
USA Patriotism! YouTube Channel Join / Like the USA Patriotism! Facebook pagePinterestLinkedInUSA Patriotism! Instagram ChannelUSA Patriotism! On TwitterUSA Patriotism! at Flickr

Patriotic Article
Heroes and Patriots

By USMC LCpl. Bruno J. Bego

Collectibles, apparel, and other gifts ... for Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and veterans! Checks with USA, military, and other patriotic designs Free Gifts from The Bradford Exchange Online
USA Flag

Three EOD Technicians Awarded Bronze Star
(August 15, 2010)

USA as flag

USA, military, and other patriotic themed pullover and button down Polo shirts

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (MCN - 8/12/2010) — Some people put their lives on the line to help and protect others; like police officers, who enforce the law and fight crime. Some people take it a little further and join the armed forces, swearing an oath to protect and defend the United States.

Among those, there is a select group that takes their duty beyond the ordinary, risking their own lives to protect those who protect us.
“Explosive Ordnance Disposal stands as one of the hardest jobs in the Marine Corps,” said Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group commanding general, who presented three Marines with EOD Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd MLG, the Bronze Star Medal with a Combat Distinguishing Device during an award ceremony Aug. 10 aboard Camp Lejeune for actions during their deployment to Afghanistan from May 2009 to October 2009.

Gunnery Sgt. Eric J. Gonzalez, who was also named EOD technician of the year by the Marine Corps Engineer Association, earned the medal for actions during his deployment in support to Operation Enduring Freedom from May 2009 to October 2009.

Gonzalez rendered safe 44 separate improvised explosive devices, exposing himself to direct
  Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were awarded the Bronze Star medal with a Combat Distinguishing Devices and a Meritorious Service Medal during an award ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 10, 2010. Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana, the 2nd MLG commanding general, presented the awards to the Marines.
Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, were awarded the Bronze Star medal with a Combat Distinguishing Devices and a Meritorious Service Medal during an award ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 10, 2010. Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana, the 2nd MLG commanding general, presented the awards to the Marines.
enemy fire while conducting combat operations in Nawa District, Helmand Province, during Operation Khanjar.
“I worked with first Battalion, fifth Marines, which was a great battalion,” said Gonzalez. “Initially it was difficult because one-five was taking over new areas in southern Helmand where we had very little information in regard to IEDs.”

His dedication to duty while performing his job ensured the safety of countless Marines and sailors operating in the area along with Gonzalez, Gunnery Sgt. Drew B. Jordan received the Bronze Star for actions during the same deployment.

Jordan led his team in 164 missions involving the recovery and disposal of 91 IEDs.

“I just want to save lives and try to keep every Marine I can safe,” Jordan explained. “I wanted to make sure my team, the Marines in the platoon ... and in the area of operation made it back home safe to their loved ones.”

Jordan also developed a database of IED locations and common enemy tactics that proved indispensible for units operating in Afghanistan, saving countless lives and millions of dollars worth of equipment.

“While not necessary, it is an honor to be recognized,” explained Jordan. “Receiving an award was the furthest thought from my mind, and I am just thankful I worked with an amazing group of Marines who kept me safe while I worked to keep them safe.”

Another Marine to receive the Bronze Star was Gunnery Sgt. James P. Otto, who, while exposed to enemy fire, cleared IEDs from the canal roads so support-by-fire vehicles could continue forward.

“I was with Bravo Company, one-five, which was an awesome bunch of Marines,” Otto added. “I would definitely go back, especially since the Marines around me made everything worthwhile. Those Marines were some of the finest I ever worked with.”

Recognized along with the gunnery sergeants was Capt. Gregory E. Wrubluski, who received the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service while serving as an EOD officer with the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command from May 2007 to May 2010.

The passion these Marines feel for this important, yet dangerous military occupation is a key ingredient to the success of the mission.

“I do my job the best I can because I like to help people do what they need in order to walk away from an IED,” Otto added.

"This is a team effort. I was recognized like many others, but without the help of all the Marines I worked with I would not be able to complete the mission," Otto concluded.

Article and photo by LCpl. Bruno J. Bego
2nd Marine Logistics Group
Copyright 2010

Reprinted from Marine Corps News

Comment on this article  |  Other Heroes

USA Gifts Store! ... over 1,000 American / Patriotic themed products at USA Patriotism! USA / Americana theme ... polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts, hats, caps, swimwear, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, jackets, under garments, and other apparel items American Pride: Poems Honoring America and Her Patriots! by David G. Bancroft