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RCT-5 celebrates Corps' birthday in combat zone

by Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva

On Nov. 10, with a chill in the air and the Long War on Terror on their doorstep, Marines from Regimental Combat Team 5 celebrated the Corps' birthday.

Col. Larry D. Nicholson, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 5, passes a piece of birthday cake to Lance Cpl. Ryan Schrecker during the regiment's celebration of the Corps' 231st birthday. Schrekcer is the youngest Marine in the regiment's headquarters group at 19 years old. (photo by Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva)

Marines across the regiment cut cake, read messages from Maj. Gen. John A. Lejeune and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee and honored the Corps' heritage. Ceremonies were both elaborate and simple. Marines gathered by the hundreds at Camp Fallujah's Chapel of Hope. They also stood huddled in fleece pullovers in groups of less than dozen, still on watch, keeping an eye for insurgents.

This was a birthday in combat.

"While all services honor their birthday, perhaps no service has turned it into a holy day of obligation the way the Marine Corps has," said Col. Larry D. Nicholson, RCT-5's commanding officer. "It is a very special thing."

The day was typical for Marines here. They braved roadside bombs and mortars. They patrolled the city streets and rural farmlands. They did what Marines have done for 231 years. They picked up a rifle and stood in harm's way for the sake of freedom.

Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment shot and killed one insurgent emplacing an improvised explosive device and wounded another two. Marines from 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion uncovered weapons caches. Marines in Fallujah with 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment captured two suspected insurgents.

The actions were just a glimpse into the day's activities. In the midst of it all, Marines paused to remember and honor their legacy.

Marines celebrated in dirty, sweat-stained body armor and in the chilled, cramped quarters at their observation posts. This was a birthday with no blue dress uniform, shiny medals or elaborate dinners.

It was a birthday, Nicholson said, that would stand out in Marines' memories for life.

"I will tell you, I'll remember this (birthday) more than any. So will you," he said. "Any birthday celebrated away from home in a combat situation is a unique perspective. I can say there's probably no regiment that should be here other than the 5th Marine Regiment, the most decorated regiment in our Corps."

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