 |
1/11 Names Firebase, Honors Fallen Marine
(October 4, 2010) |
 |
|
|
 FIREBASE SEINZ, Afghanistan – For years, military members have been
naming bases and buildings after fallen warriors.
Marines with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine
Division (Forward), honored Sgt. Jose Saenz III, who was killed in
action, Aug. 9, by naming their newest firebase after him.
“We wanted to do something special for Sgt. Saenz,” Sgt. Maj. Gerald
Saunders told the Marines of Bravo Battery, 1/11. “When you are
working, think about the fact that this place is named after your
fellow Marine.”
Saenz, who was the motor transport maintenance chief for India
Battery, 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, attached to 1/11, was a friend to
everyone, said Capt. Richard Robinson, the commanding officer of
Bravo Battery.
“He meant a lot of things to both our battery and our battalion,”
said Robinson, a 33-year-old native of Woodway, Texas.
Robinson also said the Marines will be making a sign with Saenz'
name on it that will mark the front gate of the firebase.
“With every improvement we make, we have him in mind,” Robinson
added. “We have dedicated this base in his memory and the highest
standards that he upheld.”
Those who knew Saenz said he was a great Marine, but his devotion
was more than that.
“It's important that we remember Saenz because he was all about
sacrifice,” Robinson said. “He was the kind of Marine who always
said ‘I will do this' when no one else would.” |
Marines with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Forward), stand in front of an M777 Lightweight Howitzer cannon, Sept. 28, 2010. The Marines support nearby units with artillery fire from their firebase named in honor of their fallen comrade, Sgt. Jose Saenz III.
Photo by USMC Cpl. Ned Johnson |
|
This willingness to help manifested itself in several ways.
“He was always willing to teach or help us,” said Sgt. Alex Gibson,
motor transport chief with Bravo Battery.”
The firebase is dedicated to Saenz, but it is also helping the
Marines cope.
“When I found out about the name, it was the best news I have
received this deployment,” said Gibson, a 25-year-old native of
Ocala, Fla. “His passing hurt a lot, but it felt good to hear we are
honoring him.”
On the morning of Sept. 29, Marines with Bravo Battery raised an
American flag over the base in honor of Saenz, who was 30-years-old
from Pleasontown, Texas. The flag will be given to his family.
Firebase Saenz is home to three M777 Lightweight Howitzer cannons
that Marines fire in support of units in northern Helmand province.
The firing position may only be temporary, but the impact will last
a lifetime.
“The name means he will never be forgotten for his sacrifice,” said
Cpl. Pedro Pacheco, a good friend of Saenz and motor transport
maintenance chief with Bravo Battery. “He was a great guy, a great
sergeant and a great leader.” |
By USMC Cpl. Ned Johnson
1st Marine Division
Copyright 2010 | |
Provided
through DVIDS
Comment on this article |
|
