2^nd Battalion, 7^th Marine Regiment

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, Japan —
By Staff Sgt. Michael A. Freeman
Though Marines have been deploying alongside their Navy brethren for more than 234 years, there is still room for new adventure and first-time experience within the Corps’ ranks. The Marines and sailors of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (BLT 2/7) can testify to that fact as they prepare to embark on the unit’s inaugural deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. —
By Pvt. Michael T. Gams
Hundreds of Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment and their augments said goodbye to families and friends this week as they boarded buses, to begin a journey which will take them through the South Pacific as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Also deploying from the Combat Center as supporting elements of the MEU are Kilo Battery, 3rd Bn., 11 Marines; 1st Platoon, Company D, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion; and 1st Platoon, Co. A, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ —
By Gunnery Sgt. Bill Lisbon

Launching from the flight line here, a platoon of infantry Marines specializing in helicopter raids completed its first exercise from an MV-22 Osprey on Oct. 10, 2009.

Taking advantage of the helicopter training in Yuma’s current Weapons and Tactics Instructors course, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, is using the robust training opportunities here to sharpen its skills for an upcoming deployment.

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MARINE COPRS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — — Famous French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “Valor is a gift. Those having it never know for sure whether they have it till the test comes.”

In a ceremony at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field Thursday, a Marine who was tested in the heat of battle received the highest award for valor given by the Department of the Navy, the Navy Cross Medal, and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal.

Cpl. Richard S. Weinmaster, a Squad Automatic Weapon gunner with 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, received the award for his actions as a private first class in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province on July 8, 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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MARINE COPRS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Lance Cpl. Brady Gustafson’s parents describe him as “reserved, loyal, stubborn and determined.”

This was proven in action July 21, 2008.

His loyalty to his fellow Marines, his stubborn nature when he refused medical treatment and his determination under enemy fire as a machine gunner with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment earned him the Navy Cross, and a place among the ranks of such Marine Corps legends as Lewis ‘Chesty’ Puller, Daniel ‘Dan’ Daly and John Basilone.
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