Congratulation to the following Marines for their accomplishments

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F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 9
the

Family Readiness Report
1st Battalion 12th Marines

Commander’s Column
To All of the 1/12 Families, Friends and Supporters –

It may sound cliché saying that we can’t believe the time has gone by so quickly, but it’s true! It’s
already February and we are in the process of redeploying some of our folks to get equipment ready
and assist in training other units and we’ll be sending some more folks back in another month or so.
SgtMaj Cowart and I continue with our circulation to visit your Marines and Sailors and ensure that
they have what they need to do the mission and we cannot be more proud of these young men and
women. They are literally all over the province. Once again, we cannot tell you how much your
material and spiritual support is appreciated. SgtMaj Cowart and I continue to marvel at the resilience
and determination of your Marines and Sailors as they continue to press on with the mission. You can

be infinitely proud of them, as we are.

Finally, please contact our Family Readiness Officer Master Sergeant Chris Scott contact him at
Christopher.a.scott@usmc.mil or Commercial (808) 284-3331. Additionally, check out the recorded
message to everyone using our Battalion Toll Free Hotline: Battalion Information Hotline: (877) 289-
0225.

As I wrote in the Holiday Message, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to family and friends -

both our immediate and extended – for the unwavering support. Specifically, to our spouses, children,
mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins,
friends, neighbors, friends and fellow Americans, on behalf of all the
Marines and Sailors in our Task Force, thank you again and Happy New
Year!

Semper Fidelis.
Thank you for your continued support.

Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Christopher Tavuchis
Commanding Officer, Task Force Military Police
1ST BATTALION 12TH MARINES FEBRUARY 2009

Family Readiness Officer

Aloha 1/12 Families, Family Readiness Advisor
My name is Hillary Grasso and I am the new Family Readiness Advisor. I am so happy to be a part of
the wonderful Family Readiness Team that we have here at 1/12. I look forward to seeing everyone at

the upcoming banner making party, doesn’t it feel great to be planning for the homecoming!
I would love to meet as many of you as possible but I sometime get sidetracked chasing my two
daughters around so please feel free to introduce yourself to me if I haven’t said hi to you yet. I hope
that you and your family are thriving through this deployment and please let me know if there is
anything that I can do to help.
Thank you, Hillary Grasso

Chaplain’s Corner “So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of
these is love. I Cor. 13:13
February…Valentine’s Day…Love. This is the time of year we celebrate love, and that time is often made more
Families of 1st Battalion 12th Marines,
Aloha, the separation of through our first But also deployment; we all had to make some we sometimes gain a
difficult bywell we have made ita deployment. half of thebecause of the separations I think adjustments
to ourunderstanding Some have been busier than others; for the most part and love.has been dealing withthe trust and
better daily routines. of these three abiding principles: faith, hope everyone We see faith in the
deployment very well. I’d
another; this opportunity to thank you for your continued support families
confidence we put in one like to takeMarines covering each other’s backs in the field and since yoursupporting one
Marine and Sailors have deployed. Now that the Battalion is on the down side of the deployment we need to
We know hope as we look that will to the us for the arrival of the Battalion. We have
another at home. the homecoming and the thingsforward prepareday we reunite after successfully completing what
start focusing on
already planned a couple of events and workshops in the preparation of home safe. And we experience love;
we have committed to do, and hope that our loved ones will come the homecoming. We will be having a love for
Return and Reunion for both the Kids and Spouses, and we have made sacrifices to coming up in March and
the country we as Marines, Sailors and military families have a banner making day defend and protect as love for
well. I will be keeps out more information with all of the details on when, of a deployment and our lives. We know
each other that sendingus connected and committed through the course where and time the events will
that love is more than a feeling; it is a commitment that is bigger than just ourselves. We are better, stronger,
take place.
I fulfilled when we love. that it Battalion has sustains transitioned to through the difficult times.
more would like to also mention And theis love whichcompletelyand carries us the new program and we have We know
new members just Team. and chocolates and candy hearts, Advisor’s; is the total giving of ourselves and that
that love is notto theflowersThe program has (2) Family Readiness but that it Stacie Hubbard and Hillary
Grasso. is greater than Family Readiness Assistant’s; the greatest of these Lynch,
the result We also have (4)anything we imagined. And Amanda Sordelet, Erinis love. Heather Zamjahn and
April Landes. These are all positions designed to help the Family Readiness Officer. Additionally we are
Chaplian Brian Hill
looking for spouses that are willing to volunteer and help the team as the Morale Support Volunteers.
1/12 needs Morale Support Volunteers like you to help decorate, set up and tear down events, give ideas to the
2
FRO, assist with crafts and much more… Everyone is invited to help so if you are interested please contact
1ST BATTALION 12TH MARINES FEBRUARY 2009

1/12 Halfway Party!
The families of 1/12 came together in February to celebrate the halfway point in the
deployment. There was food, fun and friends for all to enjoy. Marine Corps Family
Team Building, MSgt Scott and the Family Readiness Team did a fantastic job putting
on this wonderful event for the families. The kids loved the huge bouncy houses that
were provided and a few shaved ice as well.
One of the great parts was the raffle for two fifty-dollar gift certificates to Honolulu
Tan and Spa. Two lucky wives went home that day with a little something to spoil
themselves with. Another treat the families enjoyed was the arrival of the Howitzers.
The families were able to get a close up look at the machinery our Marines and Sailors
work with. They also had the opportunity to take a deployed spouses picture. What a
fun day with friends and family.

Banner Making Event!
Join your 1/12 Family for a Fantastic Banner Making
Event.
Saturday, March 7th
Start thinking of your perfect Banner Design!
We are past the ½ way point and they will be
home before you know it. So it’s nearly time to
make some Welcome Home Banners. A white twin
size sheet makes the perfect banner. Keep your
eyes open for an email from your FRO for further
details! Don’t Miss this one Ladies!!!

3
1ST BATTALION 12TH MARINES FEBRUARY 2009

Dear Headquarters Battery Friends and Family,

We are on the downhill side of the deployment and January was a busy month. Nine of your Marines
graduated from Corporals’ Course and Corporal Boggs was the Course Honor Graduate. Marines
continued to qualify for their MCMAP Gray Belts throughout the month and on January 18th, the
battery held a biathlon competition. 15 Marines competed in the combined running and
marksmanship contest with Lance Corporal Keels and Lance Corporal Shope achieving the best
scores.

Due largely to the efforts of Major Hubbard and Gunnery Sergeant Bolton, we have provided the
Marines a better vendor for their personal internet service. I hope with this new service your ability
to chat, Skype and email is vastly improved. Please continue to write and stay in touch. We all
appreciate your doing so.

Sincerely,
Capt Will Mangham

January has been a busy month for Alpha
Battery. We have officially passed the halfway
mark and will be home before you know it. Our
Marines and Sailors are hard at work, balancing
their efforts toward mission accomplishment while also training in their primary specialties in
preparation for redeployment. They have had the opportunity to participate in several different
courses; some have been developing their leadership skills at Corporal’s Leadership Course while
others have been working on training specifically aimed at their occupational specialties.

I would like to congratulate the following personnel on their recent graduation from Corporal’s
Course: Corporals Peter Burt, Michael Daly, KC Downs, Tyler Eastgate, James Gamet, Taylur Harmon,
Thomas Hughes III, Luis Ledesma, James Patton, Aaron Pradocorona and Reason Stanley. Great job
to Lance Corporals Julio Alvaradoumana, Michael Beyer, Adrian Chambers and Caleb Lyon on
completing the 7-Ton driver’s course,and a job well done to Lance Corporals Nicholas Sherrill, Alex

Preszler, Caleb Lyon and Michael Beyer for receiving their HMMWV licenses.

Lastly, I’d like to pass on congratulations to the Marines promoted on 1 January: Michael
Drivere, promoted to Staff Sergeant; Edwin Perez-Griffith promoted to Sergeant; Gustavo

Mendozalopez, Joshua Parrish and Roberto Martinez-Witrago, all promoted to Corporal and Curtis
Bludau promoted to Lance Corporal. Congratulations to all.

The Marines, Sailors and I thank you all for your unwavering support and I ask that you continue to
help your Marines and Sailors remain focused.

God bless and Semper Fidelis,
Spencer M. Speer
Battery Commander
Captain, USMC
4
1ST BATTALION 12TH MARINES FEBRUARY 2009

Bravo Battery Family & Friends,

Another month down for the Marines and Sailors of
Bravo, and once again they have done it with distinction
and superb performance. The men continue to stay focused on their duties here in Iraq which has helped to pass
the time very quickly for us. I am very proud of the level of commitment the Marines and Sailors have shown here
to date. This month we had a chance to assist in the National Elections of Iraq. The Marines performed well as
they supported their Iraqi counterparts in the lead up to those elections. It is just another sign of the outstanding
progress your loved ones have helped to bring to this young democracy. On another note, the mail continues to
increase morale every time it is distributed, please keep it coming. The men are looking forward to returning
home and having a sense of accomplishment for their hard work and sacrifices. As always, I want to personally

thank you all for the support and love you continue to give the Marines and Sailors of Bravo Battery.

Congratulations to the following Marines:

January Promotions
Sincerely,
Sgt Cunningham
Brian L Rockel
Sgt Carreon
Battery Commander
Sgt Watson
Captain, USMC
Cpl Baker

Charlie Battery Family,
Four months have passed and we continue to
chip away at this deployment. Your Marines and
Sailors have been very busy and I am very proud and impressed by their work ethic. Our daily routine is running
very smooth and the distinguished visitors who tour our battery area have noticed the competence of your
Marines and Sailors and the quality product they provide to accomplish our overall mission.
The morale of the battery is high. The food continues to be excellent, Moral Welfare and Recreation in
combination with the United Service Organizations have provided a great gym, salsa night, out door “Movie

Theater” and various tournaments.
The tax season is upon us once again. Please take the time to reference our Legal Assistance Section. Your
Marines and Sailors will be able to take care of their taxes on Al Taqaddum Main side if that is what you choose as
a family. Take care.
Congratulation to the following Marines for their accomplishments.
Promotions HMMWV Course Corporals Course
Sgt Michael Green LCpl Chandler J. Boyd Cpl Alan M. Hanner
Sgt Vincent F. Aguilar LCpl James A. Zimmerer Cpl Ricky O. Blocker
Cpl Andrew J. Wilcox Cpl Michael S. Baker
LCpl Eric M. Garron Cpl Michael S. Baker
Cpl Michael T. House
Tatical Small Unit Leaders Course MTVR Drivers Course Cpl Salvador Huerta Jr.
Cpl Casey S. Kooring LCpl Lowden V. Baumgart Cpl Michael K. Mayberry
Cpl Randall A. Stark LCpl Randall E. Wagner Cpl Bryon F. Myers
LCpl Andrew J. Wilcox Cpl Ryan S. Noel
Cpl Randall J. Joering
Cpl Thadeus F. Serna
Semper Fidelis,
Capt Jon Connolly
5
1ST BATTALION 12TH MARINES FEBRUARY 2009

MP Company Family and Friends,
February is upon us and your Marines and Sailors are doing well and are in good spirits and good hands.
Each Marine and Sailor in our company has played an essential role in the success we’ve had thus far. Their
leadership, courage and motivation remain unscathed despite austere conditions and the difficulties we’ve faced.
Aside from conducting our daily missions, the Marines are staying busy through PT, Marine Corps Martial Arts
Program (MCMAP) and several professional development courses such as Corporal’s Leadership Course and
Tactical Small Unit Leaders’ Course. Many of your Marines have been testing out for their next MCMAP belts,
enjoying the challenges and physical rigors of martial arts while developing their warrior ethos and bonds with
other Marines in their company. I can say without hesitation that I am proud of each Marine in MP Company.
However, it should be noted you too have been an integral part of their success. All the support we’ve received
from you – care packages, letters, pictures of loved ones – continues to boost morale and efficiency of each

Marine. Thank you. Before long, they will be back home, spending well deserved time with you.

Congratulations to our proud new fathers Sgt Smith, Sgt Monk and Sgt Lehmann.
Congratulations to the following Marines for their achievements:
Promotions:
Cpl Durham (Combat Meritorious)
LCpl Turner
MCMAP Black Belt:
Sgt Riggenbach
MCMAP Brown Belt:
1stLt Giannini, GySgt Ryley, Sgt Johnson, Sgt Andrews, Sgt Wheeler
MCMAP Green Belt:
1stLt McGee, 2ndLt Wellman, SSgt Gillies, Sgt Lehmann, Sgt Vander Wiede,
Sgt Cook, Sgt Smith, Sgt Monk, Cpl Wallace, Cpl Aragon, Cpl Miller, Cpl
Connors, Cpl Duazo, Cpl Tom, Cpl Small, LCpl Darmody, LCpl Schellinger,
LCpl Golden, LCpl Hamilton, LCpl Stokes, LCpl Sutherland, LCpl Watkins, LCpl
Robertson, LCpl Scheffler, PFC Serrato.

Semper Fidelis,
Captain Don Meek, USMC
Military Police Company Commander

Greetings Families and Friends of Delta Company.
For most of us in Iraq, we believe the cold weather
of winter is behind us, even for those at COP Heider.
This last month has been challenging for all as the Task Force and Company D provided overwatch to
the Iraqis Security Forces and assisted with ballot security during their provincial elections.
Throughout this time, your Marines and Sailors performed superbly. While First Platoon continues to
support our convoy mission at Al Asad, Second and Third Platoons have been engaged with security
patrols in the port town of Rabiyah. The respective Inspector & Instructors throughout Anti-Terrorism
Battalion are already hard at work preparing for the company's return to Camp Pendleton. They are
still shaping that support plan for the company but more than likely we will not be there long before the
Marines are released to their home sites for demobilization. Until then, the Marines remained focused

on the mission at hand and are serving their country well.

Major Albizo
6
1ST BATTALION 12TH MARINES FEBRUARY 2009

OPERATION PCS Move Workshop
HOMEFRONT! 0800-1200
Extreme family fun is all Are you getting ready to PCS off of the island?
yours at K-Bay Lanes. Join Shed your moving anxieties and get the
us for three hours of facts!! This 4-hour workshop includes
glow-in-the-dark Xtreme presentations
Bowling at K-Bay Lanes - bowling is from:
recommended for anyone four years and above. �� IPAC �� TMO �� Base Housing
Shoes are free and the concession stand will be
�� Departure TLA �� MCBH Finance Office
open for the purchase of refreshments. �� Personal Finances/EFMP �� Medical
SATURDAY MARCH 14th �� Outbound Relocation
1pm – 4pm �� Terrorism Awareness (for Overseas
assignments)
Space is limited!
To reserve a spot or for more information
257-7790/7787 Orders NOT required.
FEELING STRESSED? Spouses Welcome!
CREDO is the Chaplain's Religious Enrichment
Development Operation, a service of the United States
Navy Chaplain Corps
CREDO offers Personal Growth Retreats. With one of the
most beautiful oceanfront locations on the windward side L.I.N.K.S.
of Oahu, the CREDO facility offers patrons a place to relax
and get away from the stresses of everyday life.
CREDO weekends are available to all active duty, military
spouses, Reservists, Retirees, and DoD civilian employees,
and their dependents.
To register for a retreat, please call 808-257-1919 during
Let Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge, & Skills
regular office hours.
(L.I.N.K.S.) be one way to welcome you to the unique,
sometimes challenging, and very rewarding Military
Kaneohe Bay
Lifestyle. As with any new lifestyle, many aspects in your
Phone: 808-257-1919
everyday world will be very different from what you are
Monday-Friday, 0800-1630
used to. Join the many spouses who have "been down this
road" and are excited to pass along their valuable
experiences during the next session of L.I.N.K.S.
Leadership Skills Workshop, Part I Meet new friends and make the most of your
family's military tour. One two-day session will
This Spouses' Learning Series class will help you identify & explain a little bit about military history and
enhance personal and leadership skills. Learn about attitude tradition, how to cope with a "PCS" (permanent
above all, the communication equation, and dealing effectively change of station) move, and how to find and make
with challenging personalities. use of the resources the base offers to families. To
sign up for a session, call 808-257-2368 for more
FEB 26 information.
Life Skills Trainer 1800-2100
808-257-2653 BLDG 224 L.I.N.K.S. Trainer: Ms. Staci Holt
Conference Room Bldg. #244
808-257-2368

7
1ST BATTALION 12TH MARINES FEBRUARY 2009

1/12 Return & Reunion Brief
The days are drawing near to our units return home. It is time to prepare.
Marine Corps Family Team Building and your Family Readiness Team will
be preparing and conducting a Return and Reunion Brief to assist you
during your time of transition once your Marine or Sailor arrives home.
There will also be a Kids Return and Reunion to help our little ones
prepare for their big day and the weeks that follow.
Keep your eyes out for important details concerning these up coming
events. If you have any questions please contact your Family Readiness
Officer at 808-257-3221.

Commanding Officer PRESORT STANDARD
st th
1 Battalion 12 Marines POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
PO BOX 63024 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII
MCBH Kaneohe Bay, HI. 96863-3024 PERMIT NUMBER 488