CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Marines and sailors with 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) celebrated the 65th Anniversary of the Logistics Group during a morning colors ceremony on Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, July 2.
The ceremony, which was conducted by the noncommissioned officers of 1st MLG (Fwd), began with the raising of morning colors. Following morning colors, 1st MLG (Fwd) Marines and sailors took time to remember the four 1st MLG (Fwd) heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice since the group assumed responsibility as the Logistics Combat Element for Regional Command (Southwest) in February.
The ceremony concluded with Brig. Gen. John Broadmeadow, the Commanding General of 1st MLG (Fwd), and Sgt. Maj. Antonio Vizcarrondo Jr., the 1st MLG (Fwd) Sergeant Major, adding the Afghanistan Campaign Streamer with two bronze stars to the organizational colors in recognition of 1st MLG (Fwd)’s participation in Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan.
During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Broadmeadow spoke to the Marines and sailors about 1st MLG’s legacy.
“Since its founding in 1947, the MLG has gone by many different names,” said Brig. Gen. Broadmeadow. “It’s been called the Combat Service Group, the Force Service Regiment, the Force Service Command, the Force Service Support Group and today the Marine Logistics Group. At various times it worked for Fleet Marine Force Pacific and at others it was part of the 1st Marine Division.
“With all of these changes in both name and organization, it can be hard for Marines and sailors assigned to the MLG to establish that same sense of historical connection to our predecessors as our counterparts in the division and wing. It’s for that reason I think it’s important to take time out of our day and recount that heritage.”
Formations representing each unit under 1st MLG (Fwd)’s command participated in the anniversary ceremony. Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Maintenance Battalion (-) (Reinforced), 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, and Headquarters and Service Company stood proudly as they each represented 1st MLG (Fwd).
“These Marines in today’s parade represent a wide cross current of skill sets and units,” said Brig. Gen. Broadmeadow. “There are Marines here from each of the three MLGs. They have all become an integral part of the 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) and take great pride in the support they provide to [I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)].”
1st MLG (Fwd) noncommissioned officers took pride in leading the 65th anniversary celebration while deployed.
“It was truly a privilege to be part of such a great ceremony,” said Sgt. Rachel Brokaw, a water purification quality control specialist with 8th ESB and the commander of troops for the ceremony. “The ceremony went phenomenally, and I am glad to be a part of the MLG.”