Jason Fudge

Perkins Combat Cameraman of the Year goes to Cpl Tyson Holm

Corporal Tyson Holm

Corporal Tyson Holm

This years’ winner of the Corporal William T. Perkins Award Combat Cameraman of the Year is Cpl Tyson H. Holm of the 3D Marine Division (REIN).

Corporal Tyson Holm assigned to 3D Marine Division as a Combat Lithographer (4612), volunteered to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a Combat Camera Photographer, Driver/Gunner, Regional Corps Advisory Command-Central (RCAC-C), 201st Corps, Afghan National Army (ANA) from 29 October 2007 to 18 November 2008. Although deployed as Photographer, Cpl Holm was also assigned as a member of Embedded Training Team (ETT) at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bostick and Combat Outpost (COP) Lybert, which were two of the most remote and austere locations in the area of operations.  As a young corporal, he supervised and led Marines and Army Security Force Personnel, advised and mentored an Afghan company, coordinated logistics, conducted numerous foot patrols and convoys, and improved the fortification of COP Lybert. His Combat Camera responsibilities were; to provide a photographic history for the RCAC-C training, and provide a monthly newsletter for the spouses and families of all the deployed personnel.

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By Jason Fudge, ago

A Tribute to Jack Lewis

By Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso

HILO, Hawaii – There are few times in our lives that we meet someone who truly inspires us to be better. They’re the different ones. Men and women who live their lives on their own terms; brash and stubborn, but wise and interesting. On June 11, I walked through the house of such a man. I met his wife, met his friends, saw how he lived. I felt changed and inspired to be better, not just as a Marine but on a much deeper and rarer level, as a man. My only regret was…. It was too late to meet him.

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By Jason Fudge, ago

Funk: Long-time member John Funk dies

John was a decorated veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He was a recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Citation, Asiatic Pacific ribbon with three stars, Philippine Service Medal, UN Korean Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with two stars. After his military service, John served as the Public Affairs Officer for the Norfolk Naval Supply Center.

By Jason Fudge, ago

Letter from Egypt: CC Bob McEwen, on a three-week trip

Bob McEwen in Egypt
Bob McEwen in Egypt

  Bob McEwen, on a three-week trip to Israel & Egypt during May with Vantage Travel writes to his “kids”:

24May09
Today were on Lake Nasser, where the Russian-built High Dam has created what now covers 26% of Egypt’s land mass and is as much as 280 feet deep.  It is a protected area and no industry is allowed along its shores to avoid pollution.  We stopped at an island, formerly a mountain top, where a fortress, Qasr Ibrim, built about 2,000 years before Christ seems to be a roost for a family of birds about the size of Bald Eagles.  We were not allowed ashore as it is being reconstructed.

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By Jason Fudge, ago

Services held for Jack Lewis

Jack Paxton, Executive Director, USMCCCA gives the eulogy for Jack Lewis at the Star of the Sea Church at Kalapana, HI. (Photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)
Jack Paxton, Executive Director, USMCCCA gives the eulogy for Jack Lewis at the Star of the Sea Church at Kalapana, HI. (Photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)

Funeral services were held for Jack Lewis on June 11 at Star of the Sea Church at Kalapana, HI. Called the “painted church” it was the perfect location for ceremonies honoring Jack, whose life was equally colorful.

In his remarks, Pastor Alex Pacheco recalled Jack’s strengths even at the end. He married Jack and Stephanie one month before his death. “He was determined to do this and we performed the ceremony at Jack’s beautiful home high overlooking the Pacific ocean.”

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By Jason Fudge, ago