26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Administrative Specialist

Unit: Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 Reinforced, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Huntsville, Ala.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: August 2007

Cpl. Chace L. Bowman, a Huntsville, Ala., native, serves as an administrative specialist with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 Reinforced, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He is responsible for creating orders for Marines that are changing duty stations or deploying. He's also responsible for making sure Marines are getting paid properly while in garrison or deployed. He joined to serve his country and for the opportunity to travel the world. Bowman said the highlight of his career was jungle warfare training in Japan because he liked being outside and learning different survival skills. In his spare time, Bowman enjoys running and playing video games. He also likes spending his time doing volunteer work and is currently looking into becoming a Marine security guard after the deployment.

Rank: Sergeant

Job title: Flight Equipment Technician

Unit: Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 Reinforced, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Kingston, N.H.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: February, 2002

Born in Kingston, N.H., Sgt. Michael F. Spina graduated from Sanborn Regional High School, and joined the Marine Corps in 2002. Joining to build a steady foundation for his future, he works as a flight equipment technician, maintaining all of the squadron's gear to make sure it is in proper working condition. In his spare time he likes to participate in car shows and occasional softball leagues. More recently, Spina said he enjoys taking part in car shows to raise money for charities such as cancer research organizations and Toys for Tots. Since enlisting, he said his proudest moment, along with four other Marines, was when they rescued a couple from drowning after the couple got caught in a riptide current, allowing them to go home to their kids. In the future, he would like to be promoted to staff sergeant and possibly pursue another career.

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Supply Administration Clerk

Unit: S-4, Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: January 3, 2011

Coming from Fayetteville, N.C., Cpl. Hanna S. Roberson graduated from Scotland High School, and joined the Marine Corps in 2011. She joined the Marine Corps for something interesting to do and for the life experience. Working as a supply administration clerk, she manages receipts for gear received and gear ready to be scrapped. In her spare time she enjoys oil painting and running. Since enlisting, Roberson has been meritoriously promoted two times and earned the navy achievement medal. Within the next 10 years, she plans on becoming a drill instructor and then commissioning as a supply officer.

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Operations Clerk

Unit: S-3, Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: New Bern, N.C.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: 2006

Coming from New Bern, N.C., Cpl. Dylan W. Pierce graduated from New Bern High School, and joined the Marine Corps in 2006. He joined the Marine Corps because it's a family tradition to join the military. As an operations clerk, he is in charge of training statistics and tracking reinforcement movements. Pierce is a huge sports fan of all North Carolina teams. Since joining, he's most proud of the time he spent as a general officer driver in and around Capital Hill. He volunteered to deploy with the MEU. He'd like to attend college in North Carolina upon his return.

Rank: Lance Corporal

Job title: Intelligence Analyst

Unit: S-2, Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Sarasota, Fla.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: Nov. 5, 2010

Coming from Sarasota, Fla., Lance Cpl. Ian T. Dangler graduated from Cardinal Mooney High, and joined the Marine Corps Nov. 5, 2010. He joined the Marine Corps to better himself as a human being and to serve the country. As an intelligence analyst, he helps gather information to assist in the decision making process at the MEU. A physical fitness fanatic, he thoroughly enjoys working out and visiting the gym. Since joining, he’s proudest of representing the Marine Corps during the 26th MEU's trip to New Orleans and Florida for their respective fleet weeks. He looks forward to deploying and going to college back in Florida. In the future, he plans on seeing the world and living in either Florida or Washington, D.C.

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Fiscal Chief

Unit: 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Command Element

Hometown: Taneytown, Md.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: Sept. 23, 2007

Joining the Marine Corps in Sept. 23, 2007, Cpl. Eric J. Vonreichenbach enlisted because he decided that college was not for him at the time. He works as fiscal chief for the entirety of 26th MEU, where he monitors, manages, and fixes the budget for the unit. His most accomplished feeling comes from the successful tour he did in Afghanistan in a joint billet, earning a Joint Service Commendation medal in the process. In his free time, Vonreichenbach enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding, autocross, drifting, and drag racing. In the future, he plans on going on a MEU deployment, becoming a drill instructor, and hopefully, earning the rank of chief warrant officer. In ten years, he plans on being a CWO2 at one of the Marine Expeditionary Forces.

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Systems Administrator

Unit: 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Command Element

Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: July 23, 2007

Cpl. Jeremy S. Tayco is a systems administrator with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Intelligence Section. Twenty-two years old, Tayco is from Memphis, Tenn. and graduated from Cordova High School. Arriving at boot camp on July 23, 2007, Tayco joined to serve his country and to make his mother proud. His job is to drive intelligence by providing the means to produce all of their products. He also fixes and maintains all intelligence equipment and electronics. He's proud to say that he has a successful marriage and can beat every Call of Duty game on veteran mode in 36 minutes. Tayco enjoys video games, physical training, learning, and cooking. He plans to help the community as a citizen and a proud American. He hopes to have helped enough people to have made a difference in his lifetime. In ten years, he plans to be well on his way to being the great state of Tennessee's representative to the Senate.

Rank: Petty Officer 3rd Class

Job title: Hospital Corpsman

Unit: Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

Enlisted in the Navy: September 25, 2006

Petty Officer 3rd Class Katherine Rowan is a hospital corpsman for Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Her hometown is San Diego, Calif., and she has been in the Navy since September 25, 2006. After taking care of her Grandmother, she realized that the military had so much to offer. She decided she wanted to become medical for the Navy since the Marines don’t have a medical occupational specialty. Her most memorable experience was holding a retired 4 star general’s hand as he passed away. Seeing his eyes light up when she walked into the room on duty was a humbling experience. In ten years she sees herself as a nurse corps officer. Her most exciting experience was providing medical care for Egyptians who were being evacuation from Tunisia. Her hobbies include reading, watching NCIS, and taking care of her house and dog. She looks up to her father who passed away October 17, 2009. No matter how bad things got, he still made the best of every situation. He was very loving, caring and was
always there for her when she needed him. She hopes she be half the person he was.

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Squad Leader and Landing Support Specialist

Unit: Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Choctaw, Oklahoma

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: April 16, 2007

Cpl. Tra Neal is a squad leader and landing support specialist, for Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. His hometown is Choctaw, Okla., and he enlisted on April 16, 2007. Neal joined the Marine Corps in order to be part of 'the greatest fighting organization the world has ever seen.' His proudest accomplishment since joining the Marine Corps has been serving as the non-commissioned officer in charge of the flightline in Delaran, Afghanistan. In ten years he sees himself owning his own Certified Public Accounting firm. He is unable to peg one thing as his most exciting experience, as it has all been 'an awesome ride.' His hobbies include fishing and spending time with his family. Neal looks up to Sgt. Jamus Jones because he is the best Marine he knows.

Rank: Lance Corporal

Job title: Team Leader

Unit: 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: Oct. 20th, 2008

Lance Cpl. Mark Rose, a team leader with 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, grew up in Hickory, N.C. Rose enlisted in the Marine Corps to get away from home, to try other things, and see other places. His proudest accomplishment has been surviving a combat deployment. Rose enjoys making music, shopping, sports, and cooking every now and then. He says deploying to Afghanistan and seeing the different lifestyle they live has been the most exciting experience since joining.

Rank: Petty Officer 3rd Class

Job title: Hospital Corpsman

Unit: 2nd Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8

Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Enlisted in the Navy: 2007

Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Cuevas, a hospital corpsman with 2nd Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, grew up in Fayetteville, N.C. In 2007, Cuevas enlisted in the Navy because he was looking for a career in the military to jump start him for something he could peruse and enjoy after getting out. His proudest accomplishment has been picking up Petty Officer 3rd class and obtaining all the medical knowledge that has throughout his career. Cuevas enjoys being home with family and friends, playing guitar, and trying to pick up surfing and snowboarding. He says he looks up to his medical officers because of all the knowledge they have.

Rank: Lance Corporal

Job title: Machine Gunner

Unit: 2nd Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8

Hometown: Melbourne, Florida

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: November 2009

Lance Cpl. Zidan Sheabar, a machine gunner with 2nd Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, grew up in Melbourne, Fla. In November 2009, Sheabar enlisted in the Marine Corps so that he could better himself. His proudest accomplishment has been becoming a machine gunner. Butler enjoys drawing. He says he looks up to his seniors, because “they’ve taught me pretty much all I know.”

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Diesel Engine Mechanic

Unit: Headquarters Platoon, Company L, Battalion Landing Team 3/8

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: February 2007

Cpl. Preston Butler, a diesel engine mechanic with Headquarters Platoon, Company L, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, grew up in Atlanta, Ga. In February 2007, Butler enlisted in the Marine Corps so that he could get a skill set that he could bring out into the civilian sector. His proudest accomplishment has been becoming quality control and being able to teach junior Marines how to be a better mechanic. He said his most exciting experience was his deployment to Afghanistan in 2008. “That’s probably the most fun I’ve had in the Marine Corps,” Butler said. Butler enjoys making music, drawing, martial arts, skateboarding and inline skating. He says he looks up to his father, because “he came out of adversity, and he’s still going hard and won’t quit.”

Rank: Lance Corporal

Job title: Squad Automatic Weapon Gunner

Unit: Platoon, Company K, Battalion Landing Team 3/8

Hometown: St. Louis, Michigan

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: Nov. 30, 2008

Lance Cpl. Kevin Smith, a Squad Automatic Weapon gunner with 3rd Platoon, Company K, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, grew up in St. Louis, Mi. On Nov. 30, 2008, Smith enlisted in the Marine Corps because he believes that he lives in a great country where everyone should serve. When asked what his proudest accomplishment has been, Smith replied, “That’s a tough one, probably just making it as far as I have and not having any trouble.” He said his most exciting experience has been this deployment. Smith plans on graduating with a bachelor in English literature in the next 10 years. Smith enjoys music, art and all types of sports. He says he looks up to his dad. “He’s a real strong person. He’s the one that taught me everything I know and is pretty much the foundation of me growing up,” said Smith.

Rank: Lance Corporal

Job title: Infantry Squad Leader

Unit: Company I, Weapons Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 3/8

Hometown: Leesville, Louisiana

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: June 16, 2007

Lance Cpl. Lewis P. Bledsoe, a squad leader with Weapons Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, grew up in Leesville, La. On June 16, 2007, Bledsoe enlisted in the Marine Corps to give himself a better future – a stable foundation. His proudest accomplishment was watching a Marine that he trained broke the Camp Lejuene record for Battalion high shooter for the 240 Bravo Machine Gun. He said his most exciting experience was going on his first combat patrol in Afghanistan. He said it was a huge adrenaline rush and something he’ll never forget. Bledsoe enjoys lifting weights, grappling and hanging out with his friends and family. He says he looks up to Sgt. Grant, who got out of the Marine Corps not too long ago. Grant was his section leader before this deployment. Bledsoe explained that Grant taught him his job and how to lead men. He said Grant showed him a different approach to leadership and how to use machine guns more effectively.

Rank: Sergeant

Job title: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear defense NCOIC

Unit: Combat Logistics Battalion 26

Hometown: Greenfield, Indiana

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: July 21, 2005

Sergeant Emily Torrence, the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear defense noncommissioned officer-in-charge with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, was born in Fort Hood, Texas and raised in Greenfield, In. On July 21, 2005, Torrence enlisted in the Marine Corps because she said she wanted to do something with her life. She knew the military would teach her a lot and give her the sense of fulfillment she wanted. Torrence ensures all CLB Marines are trained to respond to any CBRN attack. She is also in charge of the Female Engagement Team, which involves training in searching, Combat Life Savers, patrolling, weapons, culture, defense tactics, and getting all FET Marines qualified on weapons systems they may use. Her proudest accomplishments are making it through Marine Corps boot camp and pinning on sergeant. She said her most exciting experience is being a part of the MEU. Torrence’s hobbies are working out, running, and anything that involves the water. She also enjoys traveling to new places. She looks up to her brother, John Briggs who has had to battle mental disorders and learning disabilities and was told early on he would never be able to go pass the ninth grade. However, after some trials and tribulations, and being told it would be easier to get his G.E.D., he graduated high school. He is now in college and is in excelling in his classes.. When he wants to do something, he strives to accomplish that goal.

Rank: Hospital Corpsman 1 (Fleet Marine Force)

Job title: Leading Petty Officer

Unit: Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Lorain, Ohio

Enlisted in the Navy: Nov. 17, 1997

Petty Officer 1 (Fleet Marine Force) Lisa C. Ceron, a hospital corpsman with command element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and leading MEU petty officer, was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio. She has a daughter and enlisted into the Navy Nov. 17, 1997. She said her motivation for joining the Navy was her sister, Julia. She said her sister joined the Navy five years before her and loved it so she knew she would too. As a hospital corpsman, Ceron provides medical support for Marines and sailors of 26th MEU. Her proudest accomplishment was graduating from field medical service school and serving with her first Marine unit. Her most exciting experience has been working with Marines. Some of her hobbies include shopping, going to the beach, spending time with her daughter and working out. She said she looks up to her sister Julia Ceron because she is an awesome corpsman, sister and friend. Chief Petty Officer Paris Dunomes, hospital corpsman chief for Ceron, said Ceron is one of the best first class petty officers he has had the privilege to work with and she will make a great chief one day.

Rank: Sergeant

Job title: Fire Supportman

Unit: Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: La Porte, Texas

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: June 26, 2005

Sergeant Clifford Morris, a fire supportman with Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, was born and raised in La Porte, Texas, a suburb of Houston. He joined the Marine Corps June 26, 2005. He said he joined because needed a catalyst to force change in his civilian life. As a fire supportman, Morris said he is one piece of the machine known as the Supporting Arms Coordination Center. The SACC coordinates and de-conflicts artillery, air and naval gunfire for Marines on land, Morris said. His said his proudest moments are every time he runs into a non-commissioned officer who used to be one of his junior Marines. He said he feels he impacted them in their development as Marines and leaders. In the next few years, Morris hopes to become a Joint Terminal Air Controller and attach to an infantry battalion headed to the fight. A long term goal of his is to become an artillery warrant officer. Some of his exciting experiences include deployment homecomings and the opportunity to live, work and travel all over the Western Pacific on deployment. He said he likes to work out on his time off and the person he looks up to the most is Mark Rippetoe, the famous fitness professional. Morris said everyone can learn a few things by reading his books and understanding his methods of physical training.

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Armorer

Unit: Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Fairfax, Va.

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: June 27, 2006

Corporal Richard Warren serves as the armory chief for Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. His hometown is Fairfax, Va. Corporal Warren joined the Marine Corps in June of 2006 with a strong sense of family tradition. He said his proudest accomplishment is being in a chief billet as a corporal, and that he enjoys working on all types of weapons, particularly machine guns. "I look up to my grandfather Richard Warren, Sr.," said Warren. "He was everything I have ever wanted to be growing up. He supported me all my life. He served in the Marine Corps for 30 years."

Rank: Lance Corporal

Job title: Rifleman

Unit: Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Austin, Texas

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: November 17, 2008

Lance Cpl. San Sysaleumsouk, born and raised in Austin, Texas, serves with Combat Cargo aboard USS Kearsarge. He is a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team 3/8 who enlisted in November of 2008, following in his grandfather's footsteps. His current duties include moving and stowing cargo and vehicles in the well deck and vehicle stowage spaces aboard the Kearsarge. He said his proudest moment was graduating from the School of Infantry to become an infantry rifleman, and his most exciting experience so far has been watching AV-8B Harrier aircraft take off. His plans for the future include college, where he intends to earn a degree in business management. In his free time, Sysaleumsouk enjoys hunting and rodeos.

Rank: Lance Corporal

Job title: Flightline Mechanic

Unit: Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (Rein), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Dothan, Alabama

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: Sept. 15, 2008

Lance Cpl. Nathan Harvey, a flightline mechanic with Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Rein), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, was born and raised in Dothan, Ala. He joined the Marine Corps Sept. 15, 2008, because it provided him with a steady job and to pay for college. As a flightline mechanic Harvey works on MV-22 Ospreys. He said his proudest accomplishment was becoming a Marine by graduating from bootcamp. In 5-10 years Harvey sees himself in college. He said his most exciting experience was training for deployment with 26th MEU. His hobbies outside of work are hanging out and playing video games. Harvey looks up to his father, Robert Harvey, and his uncle, Hank Walsh, as he said they have made him into the man he is today.

Rank: Corporal (photo taken in April '10)

Job title: Disbursing Agent

Unit: Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Entiat, Washington

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: Feb. 18, 2008

Corporal Jesse O. Clark, originally from Entiat, Wash., serves as a disbursing agent with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th MEU. He is responsible for distributing cash cards to embarked Marines, for cash aboard USS Kearsarge, and for ensuring Marines receive their pay and entitlements. He enlisted in February of 2008 because he said, "I wanted to opportunity to travel, gain new experiences, and see bigger places than my hometown." Clark was named CLB-26 Marine of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter, 2010, which he said is his proudest moment. His goals include quick promotion, and he hopes to be promoted meritoriously. Clark also intends to earn his college degree and travel more. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, shooting and playing video games. Clark said he looks up to his older brother, Nathan, who taught him a lot about life.

Rank: Sergeant

Job title: Senior Intelligence Analyst

Unit: Intelligence section, Command Element, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Enlisted in the Marine Corps: July 5, 2004

Sgt. Michael Mundy, senior intelligence analyst with the Intelligence section of 26th MEU's Command Element, hails from Concord, N.C., and enlisted in July of 2004. "I provide intelligence support to operations," Mundy said of his duties, "by providing the command knowledge about the enemy, weather and terrain as well as any battle space effects that may affect our mission." He said his most exciting experience was his 3-year assignment in Japan, and that he is considering reenlistment. In his spare time, Mundy enjoys working on cars, hanging out with friends and traveling. Sgt. Mundy said he looks up to his Staff Noncommissioned Officer In Charge, Gunnery Sgt. Russell Whaley. "He is a statue of motivation and someone I truly respect," said Mundy.

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Logistics and Embarkation Specialist

Unit: Supply and Logistics section, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Ellisworth, Wisc.

Service in the Marine Corps: Two years and seven months.

Cpl. Corporal Jacob J. Beebe, originally of Ellisworth, Wisc., is currently a logistics and embarkation specialist with the Supply and Logistics section of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Command Element. Most recently, he was in charge of accounting for all gear that arrived aboard USS Kearsarge during Amphibious Squadron/MEU Integration training. Cpl. Beebe said he enlisted to serve his country in the best way possible, and that his proudest moment was on promotion to corporal. In his free time, Cpl. Beebe enjoys playing acoustic guitar, writing, listening to music, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. He said he most looks up to his father, John Beebe.

Rank: Corporal

Job title: Data Systems Operator

Unit: Data Section, S-6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Hometown: Reading, Pa.

High Shool: Governor Mifflin High School

Joined the Corps: July 9, 2007

Hobbies: computers, long-board surfing

Cpl. John W. Weidenhammer continuously displays excellent leadership and superb technical competence. He assisted in building the Command Element data network infrastructure for the Ft Picket, Va. offsite training, which consisted of multiple network servers, and numerous switches and routers. He has been chosen to be the single data representative for the Forward Command Element. Cpl. Weidenhammer was also an integral part in creating and maintaining more than 100 user accounts, ensuring their successful connection and utilization of both the standard and secure domains. He successfully ran the Command Element helpdesk and network infrastructure in the absence of his senior leaders and was the night shift supervisor, ensuring the continuous support and connectivity of more than 100 users. His experience, leadership, and technical aptitude have been the stimuli to reliable and redundant data communication networks, resulting in effective and continuous command and control. Cpl. Weidenhammer’s efforts have greatly impacted mission success.