Stories

Marines assigned to Marine Air Support Squadron 1 give it their all during a tug-of-war competition as part of an athletic combine at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., June 2, 2017. The combine featured teams from each squadron within Marine Aircraft Group 28. The combine consisted of different physical competitions such as a relay race, Humvee push and a javelin throw. MASS-1 reigned victorious over the tug-of-war competition. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Marines assigned to Marine Air Support Squadron 1 give it their all during a tug-of-war competition as part of an athletic combine at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., June 2, 2017. The combine featured teams from each squadron within Marine Aircraft Group 28. The combine consisted of different physical competitions such as a relay race, Humvee push and a javelin throw. MASS-1 reigned victorious over the tug-of-war competition. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Marines assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band play “Anchors Aweigh” to former U.S. Navy service members before a parade in New Orleans, Feb. 26, 2017. The 2nd MAW Band attended the Mardi Gras celebrations where they provided music for the spectators during multiple parades. The parades allowed the band to be the face of the Marine Corps while interacting with observers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Marines assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band play “Anchors Aweigh” to former U.S. Navy service members before a parade in New Orleans, Feb. 26, 2017. The 2nd MAW Band attended the Mardi Gras celebrations where they provided music for the spectators during multiple parades. The parades allowed the band to be the face of the Marine Corps while interacting with observers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Sgt. Destany Weatherwax stands in front of judges evaluating her meal during the Chef of the Quarter competition aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Dec. 8, 2016. Weatherwax was declared winner of the competition by the judges for her performance during the event. Weatherwax is a food service specialist assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Sgt. Destany Weatherwax stands in front of judges evaluating her meal during the Chef of the Quarter competition aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Dec. 8, 2016. Weatherwax was declared winner of the competition by the judges for her performance during the event. Weatherwax is a food service specialist assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens gives a brief to Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 22, 2016. The MCPON discuss current trending and important topics, including: rating changes, deployment opportunities and the importance of senior leaders effectively communicating with their subordinates. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. U. Roberts/Released) - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens gives a brief to Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 22, 2016. The MCPON discuss current trending and important topics, including: rating changes, deployment opportunities and the importance of senior leaders effectively communicating with their subordinates. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. U. Roberts/Released)

Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 Marines, their families and members of the Havelock community bow their heads for prayer before the kick-off of the simiannual pig pickin’ at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 22, 2016. More than 300 Marines, family members and members of the Havelock community attended the event. The event was held to show the community’s appreciation to the Marines and thank the service members on Cherry Point for their contributions to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird/Released) - Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 Marines, their families and members of the Havelock community bow their heads for prayer before the kick-off of the simiannual pig pickin’ at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 22, 2016. More than 300 Marines, family members and members of the Havelock community attended the event. The event was held to show the community’s appreciation to the Marines and thank the service members on Cherry Point for their contributions to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird/Released)

Lt. Col. Kris Faught speaks to Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 before the first RQ-21A Blackjack flight into Class D airspace over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 21, 2016. The RQ-21A Blackjack system is modular, flexible and multi-mission capable, providing roll-on, roll-off transitions between land and maritime environments. Faught is the commanding officer of VMU-2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird/Released) - Lt. Col. Kris Faught speaks to Marines with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 before the first RQ-21A Blackjack flight into Class D airspace over Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 21, 2016. The RQ-21A Blackjack system is modular, flexible and multi-mission capable, providing roll-on, roll-off transitions between land and maritime environments. Faught is the commanding officer of VMU-2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird/Released)

The Marine Corps has a zero-tolerance policy on substance abuse. Just like drugs, alcohol physically impairs the body to perform to its fullest capabilities. Drinking and driving not only puts the driver at risk, but the passengers and other motorists in danger as well. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy/Released) - The Marine Corps has a zero-tolerance policy on substance abuse. Just like drugs, alcohol physically impairs the body to perform to its fullest capabilities. Drinking and driving not only puts the driver at risk, but the passengers and other motorists in danger as well. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonah Lovy/Released)

A workbook lies open during a Prime for life prevention course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 17, 2016. Prime for Life is an evidence-based prevention course that helps identify risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as promote skills for making low-risk choices. Prime for Life also emphasizes self-assessment, which provides guidance to individuals on how to better understand and accept the need to change personal behaviors. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird/Released) - A workbook lies open during a Prime for life prevention course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 17, 2016. Prime for Life is an evidence-based prevention course that helps identify risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse, as well as promote skills for making low-risk choices. Prime for Life also emphasizes self-assessment, which provides guidance to individuals on how to better understand and accept the need to change personal behaviors. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Nicholas P. Baird/Released)

Sergeant Ashley Rowback poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 5, 2016. Rowback recently completed a 48.6 mile four event race and raised more than 11,000 dollars for leukemia and lymphoma research in memory of her late grandfather. Rowback’s love for running has given her the ability to use something she enjoys as a way to raise awareness. Her passion for physical fitness has shaped her career in the Marine Corps and has paved the way for her transition into the nursing field upon her exit from the Corps. Rowback is the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general’s driver. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released) - Sergeant Ashley Rowback poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 5, 2016. Rowback recently completed a 48.6 mile four event race and raised more than 11,000 dollars for leukemia and lymphoma research in memory of her late grandfather. Rowback’s love for running has given her the ability to use something she enjoys as a way to raise awareness. Her passion for physical fitness has shaped her career in the Marine Corps and has paved the way for her transition into the nursing field upon her exit from the Corps. Rowback is the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general’s driver. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released)

Master Gunnery Sgt. George E. Otey Jr. participates in a team paintball match during the Devil Dog Dare Challenge Course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 10, 2016. The Devil Dog Dare Challenge Course was designed for Marines and Sailors to get engaged in Operation Adrenaline Rush. OAR is a training tool designed to introduce Marines to activities that serve as alternatives to uncharacteristic behaviors often associated with incidents involving recently deployed Marines. Otey is a communications chief with G-6, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Nicholas P. Baird/Release) - Master Gunnery Sgt. George E. Otey Jr. participates in a team paintball match during the Devil Dog Dare Challenge Course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 10, 2016. The Devil Dog Dare Challenge Course was designed for Marines and Sailors to get engaged in Operation Adrenaline Rush. OAR is a training tool designed to introduce Marines to activities that serve as alternatives to uncharacteristic behaviors often associated with incidents involving recently deployed Marines. Otey is a communications chief with G-6, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Nicholas P. Baird/Release)