3/7 supports Operation Enduring Freedom
Submitted by: MCAGCC
Story Identification #: 2003127151555
Story by Sgts. Kristen Bennett and Jennie Haskamp



MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, Calif.- (Jan. 24, 2003) -- Marines and Sailors from 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment left the Combat Center this week for an undisclosed destination in the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The battalion has a long history of supporting the Nation in many battles across the globe. In the 40s, the battalion fought at Guantanamo Bay, Samoa, and various World War II campaigns including Guadalcanal, Eastern New Guinea, New Britain, Peleliu and Okinawa. It deployed in 1950 to the Republic of Korea, operating from Inchon-Seoul, the Chosin Reservoir and East Central Front. In 1962, the battalion participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis and in the War in Vietnam, operating from Qui Nhom, Da Nang, Chu Lai, An Hoa and Dai Loc. Most recently, 3/7 was involved in Earthquake Relief Operations in the Phillipines, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Middle East and Operation United Shield in Somolia.

Third Battalion, 7th Marines regularly trains aboard the Combat Center with exercises such as Steel Knight and Combined-Arms Exercises. In 2002, the battalion also participated in the Basic Urban Skills Training package, Urban CAX and the Winter Mountain Operations Course in Bridgeport, Calif. According to Cpl. Ian Hogg, machine gun section leader, Weapons Company, 3/7, these training experiences have prepared the battalion to succeed at any mission put before them.

"We've been through pretty much every training evolution Twentynine Palms has to offer and then some," said Hogg. "It has really helped with our unit readiness and cohesion, and I'm fully confident that we can handle anything we're told to do."

Hogg is leaving his wife and 3-year-old daughter behind as he heads out to support the war on terrorism.

"Of course they're worried about me. It's hard to convince them that everything's going to be OK," said Hogg. "I just made sure to let them know how much I love them and took care of all the financial stuff like wills and powers of attorney."

Hogg and his family are not alone. Many of the deployed Marines left family behind to defend the Nation's freedoms. Hospitalman 2nd Class William Nieman, Battalion Aid Station, 3/7, is keeping a positive attitude about the upcoming deployment. Though many families of deploying Marines and Sailors are heading to their hometowns for the duration of the deployment, his family has chosen to stay here.

"Jeri has no reason to leave," Nieman said of his wife, who home schools their children. "All of the support she needs is here. She has friends at church for fellowship and emotional support."

Because this is not a six-month routine deployment, 3/7's return date is still unknown.

"The really hard part is not knowing exactly when I will be coming back," said Nieman, a father of two. "It was easy when we thought I was going to Okinawa, and had a return date. There is no way to prepare emotionally for a deployment with no end.

"Just the other day, my five year-old daughter Morgan climbed into my lap with tears in her eyes and said 'Daddy, I don't want you to go to war and die'. I told her I have a job to do, and God will take care of me while I am gone and her while she is here."

Confident in his wife's ability to care for his children while he is gone, and knowing that his church family will be there to take up the slack, Nieman is focusing on the job he has been called to do.

For information on how to support deployed Marines and their families, refer to page A4.