Twentynine Palms Marine died in training accident, 4 others injured

Twentynine Palms Marine killed, 4 hurt in training
Chron.com
September 17, 2013

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (AP) — A Marine has been killed and four others injured in a training accident at the Twentynine Palms base in Southern California.

The accident occurred shortly before 11:20 a.m. Monday at the Air Ground Combat Center in the desert about 130 miles east of Los Angeles.
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Camp Lejeune Marine dying because of he was there

Willmar, Minn., vet, who avoided Vietnam, has terminal illness linked to water at Camp Lejeune
West Central Tribune
Tom Cherveny
August 6, 2013

WILLMAR -- John Woodman thought himself lucky

Serving with the U.S. Marine Corps and stationed from 1972 through 1976 at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C., he was ordered three times to Vietnam, only to have the orders rescinded each time.

On one occasion he made it as far as the Marine base at Twentynine Palms in southern California before being sent back to Camp Lejeune; on another, his plane was literally turned around in mid-flight.

This March he learned that he has a terminal illness linked to exposure to harmful chemicals that were in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

Woodman, 62, of Willmar, is urging other veterans not to rely on their luck.

Well aware of the backlog in claims being handled by the Veterans Association, Woodman is telling veterans to move quickly to establish their medical record with the VA.

In his case, he is worried that the medical costs he will incur due to his diagnosis with Myelodysplastic disorder will take a toll on his retirement savings before he can receive the compensation the VA is required by law to provide.

He is also urging veterans who were at Camp Lejeune to obtain physicals and learn about the illnesses associated with the contaminated water. Veterans and their families living or serving at the base were possibly exposed to contaminated water from the 1950s to the 1980s, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs.
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Marine Fights for Life After Stabbing

Marine Fights for Life After Stabbing
Marine Cpl. Jonathan C. Woodard, 23, was stabbed in El Centro, Calif., and is now recovering in San Diego
By Monica Garske
Sunday, Mar 17, 2013

A Marine corporal who was stabbed in the neck on Mar. 10 in El Centro, Calif., is recovering from critical wounds in San Diego, his family confirmed exclusively to NBC 7.

Marine Cpl. Jonathan C. Woodard, 23, is fighting for his life at the UCSD Trauma Center, Woodard family friend Kim Rosales told NBC 7.

Woodard is originally from Waddington, N.Y., and is stationed at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Early last Sunday morning, he was attacked and stabbed by a group of unknown assailants after a night out with a friend and fellow Marine in El Centro, Rosales said.

The Marines were walking back to their hotel after attending a fair in the area when a group of suspects approached Woodward near an alley and allegedly assaulted him, Rosales said.

Woodard sustained multiple stab wounds in the attack, including serious injuries to his neck.

He was transported to a local hospital before being airlifted to the UCSD Trauma Center with critical injuries.

One week after the brutal attack, Rosales told NBC 7 the Marine remains hospitalized in intensive care in San Diego, clinging for life.
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Transgendered ex-Marine given discharge after 1980s desertion

Transgendered ex-Marine given discharge after 1980s desertion
Los Angeles Times
January 14, 2013

A Marine from Maine who deserted three decades ago and later underwent sex change treatment will receive a general discharge under honorable conditions, according to the Marine's hometown newspaper.

The Marine, then known as Donald Tremblay, deserted in 1981 after graduating from boot camp in San Diego and being assigned to the base at Twentynine Palms, according to the Sun Journal newspaper.

Later, Tremblay underwent sex change treatment and changed his name to Elizabeth Tremblay, the newspaper reported. Now 57, Tremblay was arrested at home in the community of Poland in September on a fugitive warrant.

Tremblay was kept for several days in Androscoggin County jail, the newspaper reported.

On Monday, Tremblay was notified that the Marine Corps will issue a general discharge under honorable conditions, a common decision in decades-old desertion cases that do not involve violence or other criminality.
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Marine and Soldier killed in car crash

A broken-hearted fiance announced just before the crash, she's having a baby boy.

Marine among two men killed in west Wichita crash
By Amy Renee Leiker
The Wichita Eagle
Published Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012

A U.S. Marine lance corporal home on leave for Christmas was one of two young men killed in a single-car crash Thursday morning in west Wichita.

Thomas Krausch described his son, Devan, as outgoing, “just an all-around good kid” who was well-loved by his family and friends.

“It seemed like he would always be the one to help somebody else,” Thomas Krausch said. “He made his mom and I very proud.”

Wichita police say Devan M. Krausch, 22, was riding in a 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan with 21-year-old Marcus W. McClellan when the car struck a culvert beside 13th Street about 2:30 a.m. Thursday. The car became airborne and struck a power pole and utility lines at 13th and Liberty, near 135th Street West, Wichita police Capt. John Speer said.

The men were westbound on 13th Street at the time of the crash.

Krausch, who was thrown from the vehicle, died after being taken to Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis.

McClellan died at the scene.

Both men were Wichita residents.

Thomas Krausch said his son, a 2008 Northwest High School graduate, was stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif. He had been home for just a few days.

McClellan’s family did not immediately respond to The Eagle’s request for an interview Thursday night.

The 21-year-old had attended both Bishop Carroll High School and Bethel College, according to his Facebook page. McClellan also is listed as a member of the U.S. Army on the social networking site.
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Wife saw PTSD in wounded Marine husband before officer did

When you think back to all the claims the military has been doing on raising awareness of PTSD of it with military families the comment made by this Marine's wife should make you understand how much they have not done. This wife said the example of PTSD came from her Dad and not what the military prepared her for. That is one of the biggest issues the families face since they are told very little about what PTSD is and how they can help. Resiliency Training does not for the troops or the families.

Wounded warrior brings attention to PTSD
By CAT SMITH
The Daily News
Published: Monday, December 10, 2012

BULLHEAD CITY — A new gold star was added to the Community Christmas Tree of Freedom last week during a regular meeting of the Bullhead City council, in honor of wounded warrior Sgt. Carlos Trejo, and his wife, Tricia.

“I am so grateful for this honor and the big welcome everyone in this city has bestowed upon Carlos and I,” said Tricia, who speaks on Carlos’ behalf as he continues to recover from a traumatic brain injury he sustained during his fifth tour of duty overseas in April of 2009.

According to Tricia, Carlos joined the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17 to give back to a country that provided him “with many wonderful opportunities growing up.”

With already four deployments in the Infantry Unit, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines based in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Carlos told his wife before leaving on his fifth tour that the reason he served was because it was “his duty and those were his brothers” fighting on the front lines.

But during his last tour, in Afghanistan, tragedy struck when the Humvee Carlos and four others were riding in was attacked by insurgents. Two fellow Marines lost their lives and Carlos suffered a severe head trauma, as well as facial injuries, after the military vehicle rolled down a 10-foot embankment. The blow to his head, said Tricia, rendered him unconscious for several minutes.

“I don’t know what upsets me more, the fact they kept him in combat for nearly seven more months or the fact I was unaware of the severity of his injuries until a doctor on base told me,” said Tricia. “Carlos came home in November 2009 and had to undergo a multitude of surgeries for his facial injuries.”

During that night, Tricia sat awake, asking herself over and over why she could see the change but not his commanding officer, or even his friends. She knew at that moment things needed to change and people needed to be aware of the disorder that affects so many other military members.

“I saw it before,” explained Tricia. “My father had it but it was unknown then. I saw they same symptoms in Carlos that I saw in my father.”
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Marine shot and killed by Palm Springs Police Officers

Marine shot dead in fight with Palm Springs police
Written by
Denise Goolsby
The Desert Sun
11:06 PM, Nov 12, 2012

PALM SPRINGS — Marine Cpl. Allan DeVillena II died in the early hours of Saturday morning when he was fatally shot by two Palm Springs Police officers during an altercation in a downtown parking structure.

At a Monday press conference, Police Chief Alberto Franz said DeVillena was shot and killed by police after the Marine attempted to drive a car into one officer after the other had already climbed halfway through the passenger’s side window. The statement also contained information about a stolen cell phone, ID card and ATM card that reportedly were found in the vehicle.

Although De­Villena’s name has not yet been released by the coroner, his family contacted The Desert Sun after learning of his death from a Marine Corps spokesperson.
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Flag Cycled Hundreds of Miles to Marine Bases

Flag Cycled Hundreds of Miles to Marine Bases
By Angela Monroe
CREATED NOV. 9, 2012

In honor of our veterans, a dozen active military servicemen are bicycling to deliver a flag to Twentynine Palms Marine Base, and then onto Camp Pendleton in a 200 mile, three day trip.

Cathedral City High School Choir provided voices of inspiration to fuel a long, arduous trek up and over the mountains.

"Uphill is going to be hard, it's going to be fun, been wanting to do it for a long time, the wind's going to be a factor, going to make it a little tougher but we'll make it," said Marine Corps veteran, Russ Evans.

And uphill they go, climbing thousands of feet in elevation.

Residents and community leaders showing their support.

Helping to lead this ride, is Tour de Palm Springs charity founder, Tim Esser.

"We're asking people if you can call any of the local non-profit organizations, make a donation, but if you can't make a donation, it's important that they at least call a veteran, call a serviceman that is serving currently and just thank them for their services, that's very important that they do that," said Esser.
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Memorial Service honors 6 Marines killed in Sangin

Six Marines killed in Afghanistan remembered as 'noble warriors'
Los Angeles Times
November 3, 2012

Six Marines from the base at Twentynine Palms, Calif., were remembered at a memorial service Friday as "noble warriors" who showed "great courage and unwavering resolve when they were tested" in combat in Afghanistan.

The six, killed during combat operations, were:

Cpl. Taylor Baune, 21, of Coon Rapids, Minn.

Lance Cpl. Curtis Duarte, 22, of West Covina

Lance Cpl. Niall Coti-Sears, 23, of Washington, D.C.

Lance Cpl. Hunter Hogan, 21, of Seymour, Ind.

Lance Cpl. Eugene Mills III, 21, of Silver Springs, Md.

Lance Cpl. Steven Stevens II, 23, of Detroit.

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Two Twentynine Palms Marines are in custody after bomb scare

Two Marines in Custody After Bomb Scare
Friday, April 6, 2012
By Beth Ford Roth

Two Twentynine Palms Marines are in custody this morning after police found explosives in the back of their truck at a Redondo Beach shopping center. read more here

Helpers sought to mentor Marines

Military briefs: Helpers sought to mentor Marines
9:00 PM, Mar. 31, 2012
 Written by Denise Goolsby
The Desert Sun

 The Desert Cities Mitchell Paige Medal of Honor Chapter, 1st Marine Division Association is calling for volunteers to mentor Marines of the Wounded Warrior Detachment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms who are leaving active duty. The mentors will work on a one-on-one basis with Marines to help them transition to civilian life.

According to Lt. Col. Ted Wong, commanding officer of the detachment, the average age of a Twentynine Palms wounded warrior is 22. “Most joined the Marine Corps after high school graduation and were looking at the Marines as their career in life,” said chapter member Jim Sullivan, one of the program organizers. “Due to wounds and injuries, they now have to enter civilian life and need some help in making decisions as to going on to college, trade schools, or finding a job.” For more information or to volunteer, call (760) 901-5494.

Marines return from Valley of Death

Marines return from Valley of Death; memorial planned
October 18, 2011

When British forces had responsibility for clearing the Taliban stronghold in the Gereshk Valley in southern Afghanistan, the British press referred to the region as the "Valley of Death."

And when Marines from the Twentynine Palms-based, 3rd Battalion, 4th Regiment arrived seven months ago "they had to fight their way in," according to a story in USA Today.

Now the Marines from Three-Four are returning to Twentynine Palms, after five dead and dozens wounded during the deployment.
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Vietnam Vet Col. Marcel J. “Mac” Dube awarded Silver Star for action in 1967

Twentynine Palms Marine base marks 58th year, awards a Silver Star
Staff reports • The Desert Sun • August 21, 2010


Marine Brig. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, III hosted a birthday celebration on Friday, which included a cake-cutting ceremony and a rededication of the official battle colors of the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.

Rededication of the battle colors is a practice observed every two years for Marine commands.

Friday's ceremony was held in conjunction with the base's 58th birthday celebration.

As part of the day's events, retired Col. Marcel J. “Mac” Dube was awarded the Silver Star in recognition for his heroic valor on March 20, 1967, during the Vietnam War.
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Twentynine Palms Marine base marks 58th year

Sgt. Rafael Peralta's brother says "I have big shoes to fill" as he becomes a Marine

Marine hero's brother makes good on his promise

By Tony Perry, Los Angeles Times
Updated: 4:36 AM 7/12/2010

Reporting from Camp Pendleton-- At his brother's funeral nearly six years ago, Ricardo Peralta made him a promise: He would join the Marine Corps and carry on in his example.

On Friday, Peralta, now 19, fulfilled that promise as he graduated from the school of infantry.

He will now report to a battalion in Twentynine Palms, Calif., and, like his brother, probably deploy to a war zone as an infantry "grunt."

"I have big shoes to fill," Peralta, a Marine private first class, said quietly.

His brother, Sgt. Rafael Peralta, was killed at age 25 during the battle for Fallouja, Iraq, in November 2004. He is revered by the Marine Corps as one of the true heroes of the long battle in Iraq.

His story is told to every recruit at boot camp in San Diego — how he saved the lives of fellow Marines by smothering an enemy grenade with his body. Marine brass, famously stingy in recommending battle citations, nominated him for the Medal of Honor.
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Marine hero brother makes good on his promise

Vietnam War Vets Finally Get Their Homecoming

Vietnam War Vets Finally Get Their Homecoming, A Day in Their Honor

Posted: Sep 25, 2009 07:55 PM EDT


By Nathan Baca, News Channel 3 Reporter
nbaca@kesq.com

TWENTYNINE PALMS - California is giving Vietnam Veterans their due.

Friday at the Twentynine Palms Marine Base, Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill creating "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day."

"We are gathering this morning to say to our Vietnam Veterans what should have been said a long time ago: Welcome home, welcome home, welcome home," said the governor.

Nearly 6,000 Californians were killed in Vietnam, but for those who came home alive, airport homecomings were often hostile.

Veteran Ralph Ford recalls, "We had to walk past the chain link fence into customs inspection. We were spat on and called all kinds of foul names. This day, today, is long, long overdue."
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Vietnam War Vets Finally Get Their Homecoming

29 Palms Marine to receive Navy Cross

29 Palms Marine to receive Navy Cross

Staff report
Posted : Wednesday Aug 19, 2009 16:44:24 EDT

A junior Marine severely wounded during an ambush last year in Afghanistan’s Helmand province will receive the Navy Cross on Thursday at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., base officials said.

Lance Cpl. Richard S. Weinmaster, a squad automatic rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, will be presented the nation’s second-highest medal for combat valor during a morning ceremony, according to a news release.
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29 Palms Marine to receive Navy Cross

Cpl. Chad Oligschlaeger's death still under investigation a year later?

How long will the military be allowed to leave this family suffering, wondering and in pain over the death of their son?

A year after corporal's death, family still awaits answers
North Austin family mourns death of Marine who suffered from PTSD.
By Joshunda Sanders

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF


Monday, June 01, 2009

A year after Cpl. Chad Oligschlaeger, 21, was found dead in his room at the Twentynine Palms Marine base in California on May 20, 2008, his family is still searching for answers from officials about how his life might have been saved.

Friends and relatives of the Marine commemorated Memorial Day without him or any details of how he died because Oligschlaeger's autopsy results and the events leading up to his death are still under investigation, his father said. His parents have said that they think his death may have been related to post-traumatic stress disorder, with which he had been diagnosed.

"We've tried a couple of times to get his personal effects," said Eric Oligschlaeger, who lives in North Austin with his wife. "But here we are a year later, and the Marines won't release anything until the investigation is completely finalized. To say it's frustrating would be an understatement."

Capt. Lawton King, a Marine Corps spokesman, confirmed that no information about Chad Oligschlaeger's death is being released because of the ongoing investigation.

Friends and relatives of Oligschlaeger's have started a foundation named for him to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder.

Last month, Eric Oligschlaeger and some of Chad's friends gathered at Rattan Creek Park in North Austin near a bench that honors the Marine. A plaque on the bench reads, "If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever."

Chad Oligschlaeger had returned from Iraq in early 2006, unsettled by flashbacks and nightmares. His family said he was taking medication for PTSD after his diagnosis.
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http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/06/01/0601chado.html

1,200 Marines get tour extension in Afghanistan

1,200 Marines get tour extension in Afghanistan
Story Highlights
About 1,200 Marines in Afghanistan getting 30-day tour extensions, officials say

Such extensions necessary because of commitments in Iraq, commanders say

Earlier this summer, tours extended for 2,000 other Marines in Afghanistan

From Barbara Starr
CNN Pentagon Correspondent


(CNN) -- Approximately 1,200 Marines serving in southwestern Afghanistan will have their tours of duty extended by 30 days, Pentagon and Marine officials said.


The Marines, most coming from the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, California, will come home at the end of November instead of the beginning of that month, the officials said.
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PTSD: Cpl. Chad Oligschlaeger didn't get proper care

Before one of his two deployments to Iraq, Cpl. Chad Oligschlaeger showed the sly, mischievous smile he was known for.

Dead Marine's family says he didn't get proper care
Austin American-Statesman - Austin,TX,USA
Chad Oligschlaeger was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder when he was found in barracks, parents say.
By Marty Toohey

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF


Sunday, June 15, 2008

Cpl. Chad Oligschlaeger returned from Iraq in early 2006 haunted by the memory of a fellow Marine he thought he should have saved.

He began drinking himself to sleep to dull the flashbacks and the nightmares, friends and family say. He told them he was accused by a superior of faking to avoid his next deployment.

After a second tour in Iraq, Oligschlaeger came home to Round Rock on leave and slept for days, a shell of the McNeil High School student who had pushed his friends into every kind of mischief imaginable, giggling all the way. He told his family the dead Marine was talking to him.

In the spring, two years after the nightmares began, he told his family that doctors had diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder and put him on at least six types of medication. The Marines sent him to alcohol rehab and were arranging treatment at a mental health clinic.

But weeks before his death, Oligschlaeger declined to re-enlist, and his unit left him with no supervision and nothing to do for days on end, according to family and friends, who say he called them at all hours, slurring his speech, unable to recall what medications he had taken.

He was found dead in his room at the Twentynine Palms Marine base in California on May 20. He was 21.
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http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/06/15/0615marine.html