Marines

Photo Information

Cpl. Wesley A. Bolin, an embarkation noncommissioned officer in charge with Retrograde and Redeployment in support of Reset and Reconstitution Operations Group, hugs his son and wife before boarding a bus to deploy to Afghanistan, Aug. 29. Bolin is one of 27 Marines and sailors comprising an advance party for R4OG.

Photo by Cpl. Charles Clark

R4OG deploy as Corps’ unsung heroes

29 Aug 2013 | Cpl. Charles Clark Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Marines and sailors with the Retrograde and Redeployment in support of Reset and Reconstitution Operations Group, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, boarded buses as an advance party deploying to Afghanistan at the Maintenance Battalion’s maintenance bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Aug. 29.

R4OG’s mission is to organize, repair and bring the Marine Corps’ weapons, vehicles and other equipment back to the United States from Afghanistan. Once the equipment is fully operational and in the U.S., R4OG will redistribute it according to the Marine Corps’ needs.

“This is the type of mission people don’t hear about,” said Maj. George D. Camia, R4OG executive officer. “These Marines collect the millions of dollars of equipment we have in country, clean it and send it back here for repairs if the equipment needs any and is stored for the next mission. Without us, the Marine Corps would lose money and come to a standstill.”

Much of the equipment still remains aboard the bases from the beginning of the war in Afghanistan more than 10 years ago, Camia added.

It is imperative for the R4OG Marines to ensure the equipment is still in operational condition.

Staff Sgt. Jeremiah J. Amos, an embarkation staff noncommissioned officer in charge, said “This is a great opportunity for them to get their feet wet and gain knowledge and experience with their jobs as embarkation specialists and as United States Marines.”

The deployment will not only challenge the Marines and sailors in Afghanistan, but their family and friends at home.

“I’m very proud of my husband and his Marines and sailors,” said Soffe Camia, Maj. Camia’s wife. “I’m worried for his safety, but he volunteered for this deployment when it came up. He wants to be with his Marines and watch over them.”

As the two buses pulled into the maintenance bay, family and friends gave hugs and said their goodbyes before the service members loaded their gear, boarded and began their deployment.

“These Marines volunteered for this deployment, this is what we do and we will get the mission done with the high level of excellence Marines are known for,” Maj. Camia said.