May 2011

Fami l y Read iness New s le t te r

Volume 2, Issue 2

Welcome Home Marines and

Sailors!!

Commanding Officer Combat Logistics Regiment 15

Marines, Sailors and Families,

Well, it’s been a long year, but

we’re finally back to being a com-

plete family once again. With the

return of our OEF 10-2 Marines

and Sailors, we are no longer a

regiment split across two sides of

the globe –Welcome Home to all

who have recently returned, and

thank you all for your tremendous

service. The accolades regarding

your collective performance in Af-

ghanistan continue to pour into our

headquarters.

Thank you also to our families for

your tremendous service and sup-

port during these deployments.

We all know and recognize that it

is your selflessness that enables us

to do what we do.

As we close out Spring and enter

Summer, there will be a great

many opportunities for fun with

family and friends here in SOCAL

and beyond. I certainly encourage

all of you to take advantage of

these opportunities; you all defi-

nitely deserve to do so. Not only

have we conducted multiple mis-

sions and operations since last sum-

mer, but believe it or not, the OEF-

12 deployments are just around

the corner. However, as we all

know, the summer months are his-

torically the months where the

largest number of injuries and ac-

cidents occur. With that in mind,

please take care of one another, look

out for each other, and stay safe.

As I did with last quarter’s newsletter,

I’d like to once again make a per-

sonal appeal to anyone interested in

becoming a part of our unit Family

Readiness Programs. The success of

our Family Readiness Programs hinges

primarily on the degree of participa-

tion that we receive from our family

members. Participation can be any-

thing from volunteering some of your

time to assist with various activities to

providing guidance and counsel to

some of our spouses and families as

they navigate through the various

support programs offered.

Speaking of our Family Readiness

Program, it is with great appreciation

- marked also by a twinge of sadness

- that we bid farewell to our Regi-

mental Family Readiness Officer, Mr.

Allen Fowler and his bride, Adrienne.

After two years in service as our

Regimental FRO, punctuating more

than 30 years of service to our Nation

and our Corps, Allen and Adrienne

have decided to return home to

Texas. I know that I speak for all of us

within the CLR-15 Family when I say

that we are truly indebted to you

both for your extraordinary contribu-

tions in support of all of us. In particu-

lar, I would be remiss if I did not men-

tion that we have received several

notes from family members express-

ing their great appreciation for the

support they received from Allen dur-

ing these recent deployments, and in

the end, those expressions of grati-

tude are what validate and reinforce

the value of our unit Family Readiness

program. Thank you, Allen and Adri-

enne. Fair winds and following seas to

you both.

Our Marines, Sailors, and civilians con-

tinue to amaze and impress all whom

they encounter. As I travel around, I

am routinely stopped by those

throughout 1 MEF who express their

appreciation for the hard work and

dedication shown by those within our

regiment. We truly have a superb

group here.

Finally, Memorial Day is this weekend.

I’m sure many have great plans for

fun, relaxation, and quality time with

family and friends. As previously

stated, such moments are tremendously

well-deserved. However, I would also

ask that we all take time out of our

busy schedules to sit back, reflect, and

think about the significance of this sol-

emn holiday. While many will be en-

joying time with our families and

friends, many others will be unable to

do so due to current deployments or

other operational commitments. More

poignantly, even more will be unable

to enjoy the celebrations because they

have paid the ultimate sacrifice in de-

fense of our great Nation. It is be-

cause of their actions that we have a

Memorial Day and that we are able

to participate in activities commemo-

rating this special and unique Ameri-

can holiday. So on this Memorial Day,

as with all others, please offer a

prayer of thanks and appreciation for

the sacrifices of those whose selfless

actions enable us to live in such a won-

derful country.

Semper Fidelis

Steve Skelenka

Colonel, U.S.M.C

Commanding Officer, CLR-15

SgtMaj Sound Off

Marines, Sailors, and Families, I would like to welcome home all the Marines and Sailors from CLR-15 FWD. Your performance while deployed has been outstanding. To the families of those that just returned, thank you for your selflessness and dedication to your Marine or Sailor while they were gone. I trust you have enjoyed your time back with your loved ones and I would just like to take the time to say that this is a great time for the United States. I ask that on this upcoming Memorial Day you take a few moments and reflect upon your contributions to this great nation.

Semper Fidelis

SgtMaj William T. Sowers

To the Families of Headquarters Company,

As I write this letter half the company is currently participating in a training operation in the beautiful back lands of Camp Pendleton and it seems like yesterday that I wrote the last letter to you. Let me extend a warm welcome to all the Marines and families of 10.2; we appreciate all the hard work and effort your Ma-rines put into their deployment and the support you provided them throughout. It is only with your support that we are able to accomplish our

mission.

The Marines and sailors have continued their outstanding perform-ance, and have demonstrated genu-ine dedication while achieving their daily tasks. The training we have con-ducted and will continue to conduct is crucial to ensuring the success as a

company and to getting your Marines promoted. In the past three months we have conducted two conditioning hikes; each followed by MCMAP fights (Ask your Marines; it makes for great dinner conversation), a pistol range, two physical fitness tests, been to the Gas Chamber– a motivating time breathing in the fiber glass and as mentioned before we are currently in the field honing our trade. With all this training comes time away from home, so I want to thank the families

again for your support!

Please take note of the up-coming Family Readiness events and make every effort to attend. These events are informative and important in developing a strong bond amongst our CLR-15 family. I look forward to meeting each of you and having the opportunity of introducing you to my family. I would also like to extend a

big thank you to all the family members that attended our Easter Party, if you have sug-gestions on how to improve upon these events please let me know. I am very interested in Family Readiness and am here to assist, not only the Ma-rines and Sailors, but their

families as well.

Semper Fidelis,

Capt C. D. Tucker

CLR-15 HQ Company

WELCOME HOME MARINES AND SAILORS

Chaplain Corner

BLOWING THE WHISTLE ON DIRTY FIGHTING Chaplain Dan Klender, LCDR, USN, 1st Medical BN

If you have been a boxing fan for any length of time you may recall the heavyweight championship bout be-

tween erstwhile champion “Iron” Mike Tyson and then champ Evander Holyfield. In this fight Tyson employed the creative strategy of slowing down his opponent by biting his ear. The strategy failed as the referee promptly

stopped the fight and declared Holyfield the winner.

Though both boxing fans and casual observers viewed Tyson’s action with jaundiced eye of contempt, every husband and wife is guilty of dirty fighting in the ring of marital conflict. What is dirty fighting? It goes by many aliases: sarcasm, ridicule, emotional escalation, character assassination, manipulation or threatening, bul-lying, angry outbursts, physical intimidation or abuse, stonewalling, issuance of ultimatums, threats of separation or divorce, name-calling, subtle or not-so-subtle putdowns, gossip, public displays of contempt, are classic ex-amples of marital dirty fighting. Dirty fighting is a benchmark of maturity (or in this case immaturity) of the

marital partner.

If left unchecked, dirty fighting has the potential of ruining a relationship which may eventuate in divorce. For instance, let’s assume there is no physical abuse in a marriage but incessant threats of divorce. The insecurity these verbal sucker punches breed in the partner wishing to rebuild the marriage will TKO any hope of ever having a good marriage. Even if the mantra, “I will divorce you if you don’t…” is an idle threat, the dispirited

spouse may be driven to dissolve the marriage due to overwhelming discouragement.

What do I do if I find myself routinely defaulting to dirty fighting methods? Here are a few suggestions:

1) Permit your spouse to list any and all of your dirty fighting methods.

2) Then ask them or a trusted friend to keep you accountable when you default to one of them.

3) Keep a journal of both positive and negative conversations with your spouse. Carefully note any progression or digression in the area of dirty fighting. Note what percentage of the time you are communicating with love, respect, kindness and mutual encouragement vice your

dirty fighting method of choice.

There is hope for dirty fighters! We can reform them ! We have the technology! So get back in the ring and have a “fair fight” with your spouse. Then, you will be able to see the mar-

riage through to it’s intended end.

Chaplain Klender

WELCOME HOME MARINES AND SAILORS

FRO Corner

This is an exciting time for CLR-15 and our families as we welcome home so many of our Marines and

Sailors that have been deployed to Afghanistan, some of whom were deployed for 12 months. We are

proud of their service and we are excited to have them back in Southern California. I offer our most heartfelt

thanks and wishes for a joyous homecoming.

While we welcome home so many Marines, CLR-15 units are continuing to prepare for and execute deploy-

ments in support of our nation’s interests around the world. Whether you are coming or going, some of you

will undoubtedly face the difficulties associated with life in the Marine Corps. Remember that the Corps is

there to support you, either through the Marines on your left and right, your chain of command, or through

services like the DSTRESS hotline. If you need support to work through a personal issue, I encourage you to

use the resources.

We have opportunities for a Family Readiness Assistant and Morale Support Volunteers. Benefits in volun-

teering include the perfect venue to discover something you are really good at and developing new skills.

Volunteering brings together a diverse range of people from all backgrounds and walks of life, not only will

you develop lasting personal and professional relationships but its a great way to learn more about people.

Networking is an exciting benefit of volunteering you never can tell who you will meet. The Family Readiness

Advisor and the Family Readiness Assistants will be afforded the opportunities to go through program train-

ing to prepare them for this exciting opportunity. Come join our CLR-15 Team!!

Marine Corps Family Team Building has a hyperlink where you can access all upcoming event they offer. http://www.mccscp.com/home/Family-Services/Family_Team_Building.aspx On a last note, CLR-15 has a face book page please join and share with us your thoughts. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Combat-Logistics-Regiment-15/139234576095488 Semper Fidelis, ALLEN R. FOWLER Family Readiness Officer, CLR-15 Camp Pendleton, CA Work: (760) 763-355 Fax: (760) 725-3228 allen.r.fowler@usmc.mil

From the everyday stressors of life to the stressors related to combat, stress can affect even the

strongest Marine. The DSTRESS Line was developed by the Corps to provide professional, anony-

mous counseling for Marines, their families and loved ones when it's needed most. Call today to

speak with one of your own. From the everyday stressors of life to the stressors related to combat,

stress can affect even the strongest Marine. The DSTRESS Line was developed by the Corps to pro-

vide professional, anonymous counseling for Marines, their families and loved ones when it's

needed most. Call (1-877-476-7734) today to speak with one of your own.

Promotions 1st Lt Bo Yang Cpl John Kliment LCpl Mariah Guerra

MSgt Kevin Collins Cpl Charles Curry LCpl Danielle Haynie

MSgt Cody Douglas Cpl Christian Hernandez LCpl Thomas Knight

SSgt Christopher Johnson Cpl Anahi Hernandezmauricio LCpl Troy Lee Jr

Sgt Victor Cruz Jr Cpl Charles Curry LCpl Lee Mays Jr

Sgt Michael Miller Cpl Diego Ladino LCpl Nathan Moore

Sgt Jonathon Panella Cpl Edward Martinez Jr LCpl Alan Nieves

Sgt Thomas Washington Jr Cpl Brandon Mcbride LCpl Ramon Trujillo

Sgt Carolyn Shaw Cpl Daniel Mcnulty LCpl Travis Williams

Sgt Clement Jarrett Jr Cpl Carlos Munoz LCpl Trevor Woodruff

Sgt Arjun Parmar Cpl Guillermo Ortiz III LCpl Zebadiah Schultz

Sgt Leticia Rivas Cpl Christopher Rosburg LCpl Catherine Butler

Sgt Juan Rosales Cpl Chelsea Russell LCpl Hunter Johnson

Sgt Moses Sanchez Cpl Matthew Sullivan LCpl Stevie Leos

Sgt Malcolm Biddles Cpl Derrik Trace LCpl Brandon Lopez

Sgt Courtney Brooks Cpl Alfonso Bolton LCpl Matthew Martinez

Sgt Donna Castillo Cpl Christopher Chance LCpl Michael Pasag

Sgt Ryan Cornell Cpl Marinho Colindres LCpl Justin Santana

Sgt Jennifer Moreno Cpl Brittany Constant LCpl Yadira Sorto

Sgt Gabrielle Williams Cpl Brandon Current LCpl Joshua Stevens

Cpl Christopher Lawless Cpl Crystal Garza LCpl Nicoll Tibbetts

Cpl Forrest Mudge Cpl Abel Geigel LCpl Daniel Tillman

Cpl Dominique Alford Cpl Grace Gomez LCpl Tiffany Williams

Cpl Ebonie Everett Cpl Jarrett Harrison LCpl Xay Xiong

Cpl Felix Figueroa Cpl Racquel Kerkau LCpl Isaac Amezcua

Cpl Andrew Glenn Cpl Tayron Mason LCpl Neil Broman

Cpl Bettzy Hernandez Cpl Conchita Mercadohernandez LCpl Joshua Giammatteo

Cpl Henry Iraheta Cpl Alvaro Moreno LCpl Karen Gonzalezzapet

Cpl Blaine Lunsford Cpl Thanh Nguyen LCpl Cody Hall

Cpl Edward Martinez Cpl Lesha Ponder LCpl Tavarez Hayman

Cpl Jose Negrete Cpl Angel Rodriguez LCpl Alea Hosendove

Cpl Art Payne Cpl Anthony Roman LCpl Brandy Jones

Cpl Tomas Portilla Cpl Courtez Ross LCpl Franklin Pimentel

Cpl Douglas Robinson Cpl Jacob Roth LCpl Tiffany Rodriguez

Cpl Robert Schuessler Cpl Bidney Sinflorant LCpl Joseph Satnowski

Cpl Crystal Smith Cpl Marcus Spiker LCpl Moises Vasquez

Cpl Raul Sotohernandez Cpl Jamie Gordon LCpl Alexander Wilkens

Cpl Terrence Terrano Jr Cpl Patrick Wiley PFC Leon Burke

Cpl Angelica Suarez LCpl Justin Do PFC Cody Forrester

Cpl Martin Vasquez LCpl Mairead Donohue PFC Bryant Gay

Cpl Sergio Vamper LCpl Ryan Fagan PFC Isiah Glover

CLR-15 HQ:

1st Lt Gloria Chiu Cpl Kevin Thomas

1st Lt Jordan Rahal Cpl Keqin Xie

MSgt Summer Fields LCpl Courney Bouchillon

SSgt Jesse Bowman LCpl Giovanni Lewis

Sgt Jason Buack LCpl Aaron Vega

Sgt Brandon Hampshire PFC Thomas Remington

Cpl Devin Berry Cpl William Radnor

Cpl Jorge Colonburgos

Cpl Caraig Martin

Cpl Kristoffer Neese

Cpl Pernal Roberts

Cpl Carlos Salinas

Welcome Aboard: Welcome Aboard: Welcome Aboard:

New Joins: New Born Babies:

SSgt Deshaun Stansberry SSgt Erik Delgadillo– Twins

LCpl William Briley SSgt Earl Jackson II– Son

LCpl Robert Bernal Sgt John Archie Jr.– Daughter

LCpl Phillip Cook LCpl Mario Legy– Son

PFC Showni Anderson LCpl Brandy Lomax– Son

PFC Daniel Rodriguez LCpl Berenice Patino– Daughter

Welcome Aboard:

Fairwinds and Following Seas:

PFC Nelson Hathaway PFC Melissa Bukowski

PFC Nicholas Krone PFC Zachery Campbell

PFC Samuel Loosle PFC Guadalupe Cazares

PFC Tyrone Marino PFC Tyler Hall

PFC Briana Rivera PFC Yesenia Nepita

PFC Adam Schultz PFC Fransheska Piquet

PFC Natalie Tucker PFC Jesus Zapata III

PFC Andrew Watson Jr PFC Alexander Campbell

PFC Fabio Isazavelez

PFC Daniel Mcdonald

PFC Anwar Rodriguez

Promotions Continued

Thank you to the Patriot Guard for welcoming

back our Marines and Sailors!!

Resources

Emergency Information Family Readiness Command Team Leadership

DSTRESS Line (877) 476-7734

(760) 725-3303: (800) 951-5600 Disaster relief & emergency family

messages.

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society

(760) 725-5337

Offers emergency financial assistance, and

budgeting classes.

Know the following BEFORE your spouse deploys:

Spouse’s unit, location, and social security number.

This information will help the Red Cross or Family Readiness Offi-

cer find your spouse in the event of an emergency.

Commanding Officer Col S. D. Sklenka

Executive Officer Lt Col P. N. Frietze

Sergeant Major SgtMaj W. T. Sowers

Family Readiness Officer Allen R. Fowler (760) 763-3551

Family Readiness Advisor Berenice Larrea (901) 604-2953

Family Readiness Assistant LCpl Amanda M. Cattin (760) 763-3551

Chaplain LCDR Daniel Klender (760) 725-1893

Religious Professional RP2 Derrick Williams (760) 763-1893

MCCS Coordinator Mrs. Lalita Barlow (760) 763-3551

Marine Corps Family Team Building

http://www.mccscp.com/home/Family-Services/

Family_Team_Building.aspx

mccsCP.com Camp Pendleton

Military “OneSource” 24/7 (800) 342-9647

www.militaryonesource.com

E-Mail & Phone

E-Mail and telephone access may be limited to your spouse during

deployment. Do not interpret this as your spouse not trying to stay in

touch. Sometimes technical difficulties, unit location, and operational

tempo may limit your spouse’s ability to communicate.

Moto-Mail

Moto-Mail is a web-based program that allows your hand written letter to

be downloaded, printed and ready for delivery within 24 hours.

Register for free at: www.motomail.us

Relocating?

If you plan on relocating out of state during your spouse’s deployment,

please inform your FRO. Providing accurate data will allow him to

keep you updated with official information.

Important Note: Keep important papers such as wills, power of attorneys, family emer-

gency plans, social security cards, a front and back picture of your de-

ployed spouse’s id, birth and marriage certificates and passports in one

easily accessible safe and secure place.

Base Information Operator (760) 725-4111 Child Care Referral (760) 725-9723 Naval Hospital (760) 725-4357

Base Housing (760) 725-5995 Joint Education Center (760) 725-6660 Pass & ID (760) 725-2442

Counseling Services (760) 725-9051 Military Outreach (760) 908-7043 WIC (888) 999-6897

DEERS (760) 725-2768 Military Police (760) 725-3888 YMCA (760) 385-4921

Base Legal (760) 725-6172 Family Team Building (760) 725-5702 TRICARE (888) 874-9378

Benefits Advisor (760) 725-1262