22 for 22
This past weekend, the Georgia Tech NROTC Marine Platoon gathered to honor the memory of all veterans who have suffered from and unfortunately succumbed to the invisible wounds of war. On average in the United States, twenty-two veterans take their lives each day. Now this is an average, but more important is the fact that even one life taken by an individual’s own hand is one life too many. The loss suffered by their families is unimaginable, and programs like “22 Too Many” do what they can to help treat an unhealable wound. More importantly, they strive to spread awareness and offer help to those that they still can help to prevent any more families from experiencing the loss of a loved one.
The packs carried weighed a symbolic 22 kilograms, each decorated with an image of a fallen veteran. The distance covered again was a symbolic 22 kilometers, one for each veteran. The distance and pack carried by each individual pales in comparison to the burden carried by these individuals but represents the solidarity and willingness to aid in carrying the burden of other veterans.
The words from the organizer sum these points up in a manner which helps to capture the true spirit of the event.
All: It is my sincere hope that you enjoyed the event. If that implies a slight masochistic tendency, then so be it. What you all did today, by signing up for and participating in this event, was to remind people that there are men and women still on deployment in the far reaches of the world, making sure that the general populace can go about their Saturdays unmolested. It is easy to forget about our armed forces, and even easier to forget about the hundreds of thousands who have returned to a country that has, by and large, forgotten about them. That is why we do events like this; so that the “average” American can be reminded of those whom it is so easy to forget (and often, forsake). All of this being said, thank you for coming out.
The Semper Fi Society of Atlanta offers its sincerest condolences to the families of those remembered in the cards that decorated our packs, as well as all veterans who lost their battle with the invisible wounds of war. May they rest in eternal peace.
Please follow this link for the full gallery of pictures from the event.
The packs carried weighed a symbolic 22 kilograms, each decorated with an image of a fallen veteran. The distance covered again was a symbolic 22 kilometers, one for each veteran. The distance and pack carried by each individual pales in comparison to the burden carried by these individuals but represents the solidarity and willingness to aid in carrying the burden of other veterans.
The words from the organizer sum these points up in a manner which helps to capture the true spirit of the event.
All: It is my sincere hope that you enjoyed the event. If that implies a slight masochistic tendency, then so be it. What you all did today, by signing up for and participating in this event, was to remind people that there are men and women still on deployment in the far reaches of the world, making sure that the general populace can go about their Saturdays unmolested. It is easy to forget about our armed forces, and even easier to forget about the hundreds of thousands who have returned to a country that has, by and large, forgotten about them. That is why we do events like this; so that the “average” American can be reminded of those whom it is so easy to forget (and often, forsake). All of this being said, thank you for coming out.
The Semper Fi Society of Atlanta offers its sincerest condolences to the families of those remembered in the cards that decorated our packs, as well as all veterans who lost their battle with the invisible wounds of war. May they rest in eternal peace.
Please follow this link for the full gallery of pictures from the event.
Shoot out
Field exercise- 19feb2016
On the afternoon of 19 February 2016, the Atlanta Marine Platoon set off on their long trip to the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, GA. There, the midshipmen spent part of their weekend practicing basic knowledge and applications required of all officers of the United States Marine Corps. The main focus of this field exercise was to prepare the 2/C midshipmen (juniors) for Officer Candidate School (OCS). Also, it was directed towards the underclassmen to introduce a basic way of thinking necessary during OCS.
Upon the arrival, the midshipmen set up camp by putting together their tents. However, to make the experience stressful, chaotic, and similar to OCS, the senior midshipmen repeatedly made the underclassmen put up and tear down their tents. This was to mentally stir the midshipmen and put pressure on the current Midshipman Platoon Sergeant and Midshipman Platoon Commander to critically analyze and derive a solution on how to help their people. It also instilled discipline and improved teamwork among all the midshipmen. As the evening went on, Captain Thompson, the Marine Officer Instructor, taught a crash course on daytime land navigation. During this session, midshipmen were separated into teams for the next day’s test. After a final meal, it was time for lights out and fire watch duty so the midshipmen could rest for the next extremely long and physically demanding day.
The next morning, midshipmen began the first evolution of the day waking up to crowing roosters at 0400. It was time for the 8 mile ruck. The corpsmen closely trailed the platoon’s movement in a government vehicle in case any medical emergencies occur. After nearly 3 hours of quick time marching, motivating cadence calling, knowledge kicking, and 3 short resting periods, the 8 mile ruck was completed. Once the platoon was refueled by MREs, MCLB Albany base commander, Colonel James Carroll III, spoke to the midshipmen about his experiences throughout his 30 years of service. Subsequently, the midshipmen commenced the practical application of day land navigation. Midshipmen were instructed to utilize what they learned to reach certain checkpoints on the given map in a timely manner.
After land navigation was the Obstacle Course (OCourse) and the Endurance Course (Ecourse). For many of the midshipmen, it was their first time on these courses. The obstacles were daunting and proved to be a real challenge mentally and physically for the midshipmen. However, after practicing each obstacle multiple times and building confidence, everyone was able to conquer the OCourse. Immediately after, the platoon was divided into ability groups and sent off to take on the most formidable trial thus far. The Ecourse tested the physically exhausted and battered midshipmen to the core with weighted runs and additional obstacles. Crossing the finish line reflected everyone’s resolve to push through adversity and emerge successful. The platoon plans to continue to visit and utilize MCLB Albany for future training evolutions.
Upon the arrival, the midshipmen set up camp by putting together their tents. However, to make the experience stressful, chaotic, and similar to OCS, the senior midshipmen repeatedly made the underclassmen put up and tear down their tents. This was to mentally stir the midshipmen and put pressure on the current Midshipman Platoon Sergeant and Midshipman Platoon Commander to critically analyze and derive a solution on how to help their people. It also instilled discipline and improved teamwork among all the midshipmen. As the evening went on, Captain Thompson, the Marine Officer Instructor, taught a crash course on daytime land navigation. During this session, midshipmen were separated into teams for the next day’s test. After a final meal, it was time for lights out and fire watch duty so the midshipmen could rest for the next extremely long and physically demanding day.
The next morning, midshipmen began the first evolution of the day waking up to crowing roosters at 0400. It was time for the 8 mile ruck. The corpsmen closely trailed the platoon’s movement in a government vehicle in case any medical emergencies occur. After nearly 3 hours of quick time marching, motivating cadence calling, knowledge kicking, and 3 short resting periods, the 8 mile ruck was completed. Once the platoon was refueled by MREs, MCLB Albany base commander, Colonel James Carroll III, spoke to the midshipmen about his experiences throughout his 30 years of service. Subsequently, the midshipmen commenced the practical application of day land navigation. Midshipmen were instructed to utilize what they learned to reach certain checkpoints on the given map in a timely manner.
After land navigation was the Obstacle Course (OCourse) and the Endurance Course (Ecourse). For many of the midshipmen, it was their first time on these courses. The obstacles were daunting and proved to be a real challenge mentally and physically for the midshipmen. However, after practicing each obstacle multiple times and building confidence, everyone was able to conquer the OCourse. Immediately after, the platoon was divided into ability groups and sent off to take on the most formidable trial thus far. The Ecourse tested the physically exhausted and battered midshipmen to the core with weighted runs and additional obstacles. Crossing the finish line reflected everyone’s resolve to push through adversity and emerge successful. The platoon plans to continue to visit and utilize MCLB Albany for future training evolutions.
