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 with Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in a water jug relay race during a semi-annual field meet at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., May 26, 2017. The race was part of the unit’s field meet in preperation for the Memorial Day weekend. Alongside the events, MAG-29 conducted classes and guided discussions to assist Marines with identifying and preparing to mitigate upcoming risk during the summer months. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Skyler Pumphret/Released) - Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in a water jug relay race during a semi-annual field meet at Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., May 26, 2017. The race was part of the unit’s field meet in preperation for the Memorial Day weekend. Alongside the events, MAG-29 conducted classes and guided discussions to assist Marines with identifying and preparing to mitigate upcoming risk during the summer months. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Skyler Pumphret/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. Alicia Hojara, center, was awarded the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce’s Service Person of the Quarter award during an honorary luncheon in Emerald Isle, N.C., Feb. 10, 2017. Master Sgt. Christopher McGuire, left, and Lt. Col. Garrett Randel, right, nominated Hojara for her outstanding dedication to giving back to the local community. Hojara volunteers for multiple organizations including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors that provides comfort and care for families who have lost a family member in the armed services. Randel is the commanding officer and McGuire is the aviation ordnance chief of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training unit aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Sgt. Alicia Hojara, center, was awarded the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce’s Service Person of the Quarter award during an honorary luncheon in Emerald Isle, N.C., Feb. 10, 2017. Master Sgt. Christopher McGuire, left, and Lt. Col. Garrett Randel, right, nominated Hojara for her outstanding dedication to giving back to the local community. Hojara volunteers for multiple organizations including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors that provides comfort and care for families who have lost a family member in the armed services. Randel is the commanding officer and McGuire is the aviation ordnance chief of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training unit aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

More than 20 Marines graduated from the Martial Arts Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 3, 2017. The Marines endured 15 training days of being mentally and physically tested while learning how to properly and proficiently instruct the disciplines of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Martial arts instructors serve the command by enhancing warrior ethos, resulting in more completely trained Marines who are part of a capable and combat-ready team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - More than 20 Marines graduated from the Martial Arts Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 3, 2017. The Marines endured 15 training days of being mentally and physically tested while learning how to properly and proficiently instruct the disciplines of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Martial arts instructors serve the command by enhancing warrior ethos, resulting in more completely trained Marines who are part of a capable and combat-ready team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Cpl. Wilde Lariveaux works at his computer aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 1, 2017. Lariveaux emigrated from Haiti to the United States at the age of seven, and later went back to lend humanitarian aid after Hurricane Matthew decimated the Haitian country. Lariveaux is an administrative specialist assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Cpl. Wilde Lariveaux works at his computer aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 1, 2017. Lariveaux emigrated from Haiti to the United States at the age of seven, and later went back to lend humanitarian aid after Hurricane Matthew decimated the Haitian country. Lariveaux is an administrative specialist assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Maj. Gen. John Love, 2nd Marine Division commanding general, climbs into an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Jan. 27, 2017. This was Love’s first time getting to see the capabilities of the aircraft firsthand. His visit helped strengthen the relationship between the ground and air combat elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Maj. Gen. John Love, 2nd Marine Division commanding general, climbs into an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Jan. 27, 2017. This was Love’s first time getting to see the capabilities of the aircraft firsthand. His visit helped strengthen the relationship between the ground and air combat elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

1st Lt. Zachary Williams holds his son after returning from a deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Jan. 16, 2017. Marines assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. after deploying in June, 2016. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. Williams is an air intelligence officer assigned to VMA-542. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/ Released) - 1st Lt. Zachary Williams holds his son after returning from a deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Jan. 16, 2017. Marines assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 542, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. after deploying in June, 2016. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU. Williams is an air intelligence officer assigned to VMA-542. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/ Released)

Various rock and country artists perform during the Cherry Point Unplugged concert aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 11, 2017. Marine Corps Community Services, local radio stations and numerous volunteers organized the event. Over 1,200 Marines, sailors and members of the community packed the Two Rivers Theater to enjoy the free concert featuring artists such as Aaron Lewis; Citizen Zero; A Thousand Horses; and Seasons After. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/ Released) - Various rock and country artists perform during the Cherry Point Unplugged concert aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 11, 2017. Marine Corps Community Services, local radio stations and numerous volunteers organized the event. Over 1,200 Marines, sailors and members of the community packed the Two Rivers Theater to enjoy the free concert featuring artists such as Aaron Lewis; Citizen Zero; A Thousand Horses; and Seasons After. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/ 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)