Young Marine Sgt. Joe returns to Temecula Valley

In April of 2008 Young Marine MSgt. Guiles came up with the idea to rename a GI Joe action figure to Young Marine Sergeant Joe , . Young Marine Sgt. Joe was to deploy with a Marine Corps unit as their Morale, Welfare and Recreation Officer.  One of the unit’s staff member Sgt. Lisa Diaz from HMH-462 stationed at MCAS Miramar asked her CO if they could support the Young Marine’s idea.  Lt. Col. Moss, the Commanding Officer of HMH-462, agreed to take Young Marine Sgt. Joe to Iraq with his unit.  When Young Marine Sgt. Joe showed up at the CO’s desk for check in a few weeks before the unit deployed he seemed like a perfect fit , . 

Young Marine Sgt. Joe deployed with HMH-462 to Al Asad, Iraq in April of 2008. While Young Marine Sgt. Joe’s was on deployment he flew on seven missions over Iraq, fired the .50 cal machine gun over Iraq and helped instruct Marines at Camp Al Asad’s Corporal’s course , .  Young Marine Sgt. Joe kept the Marines and Sailors of HMH-462 entertained and maintain a great working environment in a combat zone . 

Pleased with Young Marine Sgt. Joe’s performance as the unit’s MWR officer and representative, the Commanding Officer of HMH-462 Lt. Colonel Moss awarded Young Marine Sgt. Joe a Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal , , , (you can read YM/Sgt Joe's citation here) .  Among the other awards Young Marine Sgt. Joe received was the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal with one star , , .

Young Marine Sgt. Joe received his orders back to his home station the Temecula Valley Young Marines from HMH-462 in January of 2009 (You can read YM/Sgt Joe's Orders here).  The Young Marines and staff of Temecula Valley are pleased with Young Marine Sgt. Joe’s performance and are very excited to have him back with them.

Outstanding job Young Marine Sgt. Joe Ooh-rah!!