Gunnery Sgt. Donavin G. Bender, 29, Bismarck, N.D., was named the::r::::n::enlisted Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician of the Year by the::r::::n::Marine Corps Engineer Association. ‘I’ve lost a lot of friends, and I::r::::n::think they would agree and say I should accept it, so I’m going to::r::::n::accept it on their behalf,’ said Bender. - Gunnery Sgt. Donavin G. Bender, 29, Bismarck, N.D., was named the::r::::n::enlisted Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician of the Year by the::r::::n::Marine Corps Engineer Association. ‘I’ve lost a lot of friends, and I::r::::n::think they would agree and say I should accept it, so I’m going to::r::::n::accept it on their behalf,’ said Bender.

Marines with Motor Transport Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assess a simulated wounded civilian, portrayed by a role-player, during a combat skills training exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22. The purpose of the training was to give the Marines an opportunity to see first-hand what they might experience during deployment. - Marines with Motor Transport Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assess a simulated wounded civilian, portrayed by a role-player, during a combat skills training exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22. The purpose of the training was to give the Marines an opportunity to see first-hand what they might experience during deployment.

Gunnery Sgt. Craig Ranney, motorcycle club president, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, leads motorcyclists with Headquarters Company, CLR-17, 1st MLG, on a motorcycle ride in San Diego County, Calif., July 23. Marines and sailors with Headquarters Co., CLR-17, 1st MLG, conducted the ride to help raise motorcycle awareness safety each other become better motorcycle riders. - Gunnery Sgt. Craig Ranney, motorcycle club president, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, leads motorcyclists with Headquarters Company, CLR-17, 1st MLG, on a motorcycle ride in San Diego County, Calif., July 23. Marines and sailors with Headquarters Co., CLR-17, 1st MLG, conducted the ride to help raise motorcycle awareness safety each other become better motorcycle riders.

Four Marines from 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, were recognized for bravery under fire in a ceremony at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 20. Bronze Star Medals with combat distinguishing device were awarded to Gunnery Sgt. Donavin G. Bender, Staff Sgt. Timothy Lynch and Staff Sgt. Michael R. Smith. The Purple Heart Medal was awarded to Bender, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device was awarded to Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Hunsinger.::r::::n:: - Four Marines from 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, were recognized for bravery under fire in a ceremony at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 20. Bronze Star Medals with combat distinguishing device were awarded to Gunnery Sgt. Donavin G. Bender, Staff Sgt. Timothy Lynch and Staff Sgt. Michael R. Smith. The Purple Heart Medal was awarded to Bender, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device was awarded to Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Hunsinger.::r::::n::

A sailor with Assault Craft Unit 5 directs a Landing Craft Air Cushion onto Red Beach during a Maritime Prepositioning Force training evolution with Marines from Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 18. The purpose of the exercise was to prepare the Marines for a future deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A sailor with Assault Craft Unit 5 directs a Landing Craft Air Cushion onto Red Beach during a Maritime Prepositioning Force training evolution with Marines from Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 18. The purpose of the exercise was to prepare the Marines for a future deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Maj. Daryl Desimone, the outgoing company commander, Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 40, from Stanwood, Wash., receives the company guidon from 1st Sgt. Ronda Porter, company first sergeant, Comm. Co., during a change of command ceremony at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 21. Desimone relinquished command to Capt. Jason Kikta, incoming company commander, 33, from Hanover, Ind. - Maj. Daryl Desimone, the outgoing company commander, Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 40, from Stanwood, Wash., receives the company guidon from 1st Sgt. Ronda Porter, company first sergeant, Comm. Co., during a change of command ceremony at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 21. Desimone relinquished command to Capt. Jason Kikta, incoming company commander, 33, from Hanover, Ind.