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Oklahoma Marine Serves As Role Model For Squad
(May 6, 2011) | 
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PATROL BASE SHARK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
(5/3/2011) – He who leads Marines into battle must be able to inspire
them to work toward a common goal or mission through the best and worst
of times. |
PATROL BASE SHARK, Helmand province, Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan – Tulsa, Okla., native Cpl. Daniel Blesi
points out the projected route for the interpreter near the base
April 27, 2011. Blesi is a squad leader with Company L, 3rd
Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. He leads his Marines through the
daily foot patrols and does his best to interact with Afghans to
build rapport. |
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Tulsa, Okla., native Cpl. Daniel Blesi, an infantry squad leader
with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, uses his
experience and knowledge to lead his squad through the unit's area
of operations and serves as a role model for his Marines.
Young Daniel was born and raised in the Northeastern part of
Oklahoma, in the heart of "Green Country." After graduating from
Union High School in 2007, he attended a local community college,
where he suddenly realized he wanted to do something important in
his life.
“It kind of just happened out of the blue,”
said Blesi. “I just thought it |
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would be something good to do. Instead of graduating high school and
doing something just for myself, I wanted something bigger than
that.” |
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Blesi said he is making his dreams a reality in the Marine Corps every
day, leading his Marines as they selflessly risk their lives for their
country.
“(These guys) know that our country and the country of
Afghanistan rely on us, and I really do feel like we're making a
difference out here,” explained Blesi.
One marine in his squad
said he believes Blesi has made a difference, not only for the country,
but for the entire squad and platoon.
“He's got a lot on his
shoulders,” said Lance Cpl. Alfred Grossklaus, a team leader in Blesi's
squad and a New York City native. “But he does a really good job of
making sure we get everything we need and always looks out for us.”
He always makes sure they have a meal to eat and water to drink,
always double-checks their gear before they go outside the base, and
asks about their morale on a daily basis. Blesi also tries to keep a
healthy relationship with every one of his Marines.
“I've known
Corporal Blesi for more than three years. We went to (the School of
Infantry) together, and this is our second deployment to Afghanistan
together,” said Grossklaus. “I recently got married when we got back
from our last deployment, and Corporal Blesi flew to New York and was
there at my wedding in his dress (blue uniform). It's something I really
appreciated, and it meant a lot.”
Blesi goes out of his way to be
there for his Marines, but he also makes sure they are doing the right
things. The hunting and outdoor enthusiast tries his best to make sure
things are done correctly.
“He doesn't cut any corners and does
things the right way,” explained Grossklaus. “He never (half-steps)
anything. He's a genuine guy and makes sure everything is done by the
book. He knows that doing things the way they're supposed to be done
will ultimately save lives.”
The “Thundering 3/4” Marines
recently arrived to Afghanistan and Blesi's number-one goal is to make
sure his Marines return the way they left the U.S.
“I think the
biggest thing is they realize that they are my main concern over
anything else. I tell them often that my number-one goal while I'm here
is to make sure everyone goes back the way they came,” said Blesi. “I
can live with not killing any bad guys, but it would be a lot harder
knowing that one of my Marines got hurt on my watch.”
Editor's
Note: The battalion is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8,
2nd Marine Division (Forward). The division serves as the ground combat
element of Regional Command (Southwest) and works in partnership with
the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations to
secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF
assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in
order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate
governance. | |
Article and photo by USMC Cpl. Marco Mancha
2nd Marine Division
Copyright 2011
Provided
through DVIDS
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