Award winner Reece Lodder in Afghanistan
U.S. Marine Cpl. Reece Lodder, a combat correspondent with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and 22-year-old native of Everson, Wash., pauses during a security halt while patrolling here with the 81mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, Feb. 8, 2012. After deploying to Helmand province's Garmsir district in November 2011, Lodder witnessed positive progress in Garmsir that has largely been ignored by mainstream media. He chronicled the work of Marines and sailors developing and advising Afghan forces taking the lead in strengthening security in Garmsir. With improved security, commerce flourished and successful district community council elections were held without incident mid-April. In the coming weeks, 3rd Bn., 8th Marines will relieve 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines in Garmsir and complete the district's transition of lead security responsibility from coalition to Afghan forces. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin Jones)
Staff Sgt Jeremy Vought, Marine Corps Liaison / DVIDS SNCOIC tells us there is a “Nice editorial from fellow Combat Correspondent, Cpl. Reece Lodder.” About his work in Afghanistan. Read it here.