Young Marine Joe Deploys to Iraq

On Sunday, April 6 2008, Young Marine Joe , Temecula Valley’s honorary Young Marine received his (TAD), orders from Commanding Officer Guiles that were approved by the National HQ’s. Young Marine Joe has been reassigned to HMH-462 “The Screw Crew”. The Helicopter Squadron is based out of MCAS, Miramar San Diego. Young Marine Joe will be the Official MWR Officer of the Young Marinesfor the Marines and Sailors of this squadron.  He will be deploying with Cpl. Diaz one of Temecula Valley’s Instructors.  The 12 ounce, 12 inch Young Marine said he was ready and willing to help out the Marines of HMH-462. Young Marine Joe is a G.I. Joe action figure that was donated by YM/GySgt. Nicholas Guiles. Young Marine Joe will accompany Cpl. Diaz and other Marines from her squadron on day to day operations and maybe even some missions. When time permits Cpl. Diaz will be able to send pictures and a small daily or weekly diary of YM/Joe’s adventures. These will then be published on the Temecula Valley Young Marines website for everyone to read, enjoy and follow as Joe makes his way through Iraq. We have no doubt in our minds that Young Marine Joe will do his job as the MWR Officer by providing entertainment, a little fun and also a feeling of Americana as he travels with the Marines of HMH-462.  Although he is not as small as a “Flat Stanley” he is something that most American children know of and have played with. As CO Guiles said, “I am sure he will be a good mental break and provide a balance of good memories for the hard work and long days the Marine put in”. CO Guiles further said, “I am sure when Marine Parents take a picture with Joe and send it home, their own kids will say it is cool.  That kind of connection can bring a deployed Mother or Father a little comfort”. Young Marine Joe will be checking into his new command with Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) orders on April 9th to the Commanding Officer of HMH-462. “I Cannot wait to bring back some adventures to my Young Marines” Joe said in a recent interview. When asked what he thought about going to Iraq Joe said, “I am sure the sand will fly and I will be able to help out the Marines of HMH-462.  I just hope I don’t melt in the heat” . We asked what he thought about swinging with the wing and he commented, “I would like to be in the infantry, but a Marine is a Marine so no matter where I am needed I will be there, and as far as swinging with the wing I am sure they work just as hard as the other Marines”.  “This will be fun.  It is just another venue that Young Marines can help out their deployed troops,” said Joe before he ran off for PT and then to the rifle range for a little extra training .

            Cpl. Diaz said she and Joe will have some good adventures and she will keep him safe.  She also said “I won’t put up with slackers so he will get just as dirty and work just as hard as the Marines and Sailors of her squadron.” The Temecula Valley Young Marines gave Cpl. Diaz and Young Marine Joe a big send off , and wished them both “Fair Winds and Following Seas” as their journey to Iraq begins. This will be the first Deployment for Cpl. Diaz and Young Marine Joe. Stay Safe Cpl. Diaz and we will see you soon. Have Fun and work hard Joe we are all counting on you.

            Semper Fi, Cpl. Diaz
                       
And Ooh-Rah Joe!!

To go to Young Marine Joes Diary click here

Photos of Joes last day in the Unit can be seen on the unit photo page