Photos

Marines and soldiers at Combat Outpost Falcon utilized an up-armored forklift, commonly referred to as a TRAM, to emplace over 300 concrete barriers June 26, 2006. Five Marines, a part of Combat Logistics Detachment 115, Combat Logistics Regiment 15, out of Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, aided the Army's 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division in securing the combat outpost, a part of increased security operations in Southern Ramadi. Seven Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, were awarded August 6, 2006 by Brig. Gen. David G. Reist, 1st MLG?s commanding general, for their TRAM (Tractor, Rubber-tired, Articulated steering, Multipurpose) up-armament system. The Marines created the system at the request of Col. David M. Richtsmeier, the commanding officer of 1st MLG (FWD). They were awarded several thousand dollars by the Marine Corp Logistics Command?s Beneficial Suggestion Program for the protective system. Awarded were Staff Sgt. Andrew N. Zabel, the project?s team leader, and 27-year-old from Batavia, Ill.; Cpl. James A. Carrillo, 23, from Chicago; Cpl. Kelsey S. Marshall, 23, from Anchorage, Ala.; Lance Cpl. Jonathan C. Elkins, 20, from Moorehead, Ky.; Cpl. Adam L. Schroeder, 22, from Platteville, Wis.; Cpl. Rogelio De La Graza, 21, from Premont, Texas.; and Cpl. Jonathan M. Rakestraw, 22, from Pittsburgh. The Beneficial Suggestion Program, run by the Marine Corps? Logistics Command, is designed to take advantage of the creativity of military and civilian personnel who contribute practical and innovative ideas for improving and maintaining productivity, economy, efficiency, and mission effectiveness for Marine Corps programs and operations.