Tony Lombardo

Parris Island’s new mascot

By Tony Lombardo on September 28, 2011 Animals

There’s a new mascot at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. He’s got what it takes to be a Marine, a depot spokesman said. What he doesn’t have is a name. The 8-week-old English Bulldog arrived this month at the depot. His predecessor, Sgt. Archibald Hummer, died in his sleep on Sept. 7 at the age of 5. The new puppy is described as both active and cute, said depot spokesman Sgt. Russell Midori. “He definitely has what it takes, but it’s going to take some training to get him up to the standard,” Midori said. The name of the…

‘Hell and Back Again’ — Watch the trailer

By Tony Lombardo on September 27, 2011 Afghanistan, Infantry, Pop culture

“Hell and Back Again,” a documentary by photographer Danfung Dennis, begins hitting theaters Oct. 5. It features members of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., who deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Arguably the most powerful scenes in the trailer involve 27-year-old Sgt. Nathan Harris’ transition back home. The trailer is posted below. For the screening schedule click here. I’ll be buying a ticket. [vimeo]http://vimeo.com/29165748[/vimeo]

Marine Corps Times cover cameo on NBC Nightly News

By Tony Lombardo on September 21, 2011 Don't Ask Don't Tell

The cover of Marine Corps Times made an appearance on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams last night as part of their coverage of the end of “don’t ask don’t tell,” the policy that banned gays from serving openly in the military. Pentagon correspondent Jim Miklaszewski concluded his coverage by holding up a copy of our Sept. 19 issue and saying, “…Brian, this headline in the latest Marine Corps Times says it all. ‘We’re gay, get over it.'” Watch the full NBC report here. Our cover treatment — for a story featuring several gay Marines and their take on the…

Behind the Cover: We’re gay. Get over it.

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By Tony Lombardo on September 13, 2011 Behind the Cover, Don't Ask Don't Tell

On Sept. 20, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy banning gays from serving openly will be stripped from the military’s rulebook. For gay Marines, official repeal will be a historic day, comparable to the moment 63 years ago when President Truman ordered the services to end racial segregation. For straight Marines, this will bring changes, too. “That’s gay” — a pervasive phrase used throughout the Corps to express dislike for almost anything — will no longer be tolerated. Equal treatment will be a must. And yes, some gay Marines will bring dates to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball in November.…

Marine homes damaged in tornado

By Tony Lombardo on May 24, 2011 Recruiting

The U.S. suffered its deadliest single tornado in 60 years on Sunday. More than 115 people were expected dead in the disaster, which destroyed much of Joplin, Mo. Photos released today show Marine recruiters were among those whose homes were destroyed. Cpl. Bradley Rogers, a spokesman with 9th Marine Corps District, recently visited Joplin, spending time with members of Recruiting Sub Station Joplin, Recruiting Station Kansas City. Rogers snapped the following photos:

Nominate your Marine of the Year

By Tony Lombardo on March 29, 2011 Battle Rattle

Marine Corps Times is looking for heroes. Not the types who make headlines for combat exploits, but the quiet, everyday heroes whose dedication, professionalism, and concern for their fellow service members and community set a standard for us all. They are unsung heroes who lead by example — giving their time, sharing their knowledge and inspiring others — without drawing much attention to themselves. Through April 22, we are accepting nominations for the 11th annual award from their peers, supervisors, family members and/or friends. There are three ways to nominate — online, by mail or fax. Provide: * Your name…

A lesson in levitation?

By Tony Lombardo on February 10, 2011 Training

At first glance, it looks like Staff Sgt. Sylvester McKinnery has mastered body and mind and somehow managed to levitate off the ground. But no. The Corps has not (at least not publicly) revealed any such telepathic PME. McKinney, the data chief with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is actually mid-fall from a diving platform at Camp Pendleton, Calif. McKinney and his fellow Marines were taking part in the new Marine Corps Water Survival Training Program, and photographer Lance Cpl. John M. Raufmann captured this moment in time. Swim qual changes took effect in November and are outlined in Marine…

Jurassic paint

By Tony Lombardo on January 24, 2011 Battle Rattle

The likelihood that scientists draw blood from prehistoric mosquitoes, use it to populate a park full of dinosaurs and charge you admission to hunt said dinos down, seems pretty small. But some capitalists at Camp Pendleton, Calif.’s Paintball Park know you’d still love to take a potshot or two at a T-Rex. With that in mind, dinosaur sculptures are being incorporated into a $2 million upgrade at the park, under construction at the site of the old rodeo grounds on Mainside. The park is still under construction, but it has begun operations. As of Jan. 22, the park is operating…

Check out the weapon

By Tony Lombardo on January 5, 2011 Battle Rattle

News is streaming out of Sangin, Afghanistan, this week. Look no further than Battle Rattle posts from Dan Lamothe here and here. But hidden in the coverage was this gem of a photo, taken Dec. 30 by Gunnery Sgt. William Price. This Afghan National Army soldier was among those patrolling with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. My questions to you: How do you like his bling? And what do you make of those sideburns?

Chuck Norris praises Gen. Amos

By Tony Lombardo on November 29, 2010 Battle Rattle

To paraphrase one of the many Chuck Norris sayings out there: “Chuck Norris doesn’t write … the words assemble out of fear.” Well, words assembled on the Marine Corps’ official blog this month. Norris praises Amos in a blog post titled “A leader we can follow.” In it, he said that Commandant Gen. Jim Amos is an “extraordinary example” of leadership. He goes on to say: After being recommended by Defense Secretary Robert Gates in June and endorsed by President Obama in July, my wife, Gena, and I (among many others around the world) were thrilled to hear he was…

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