Faces in the Ranks

Face in the Ranks highlights Marines, and those who serve with them, around the world. Though their ages, ranks and military occupations differ, they all do their part in the Global War on Terror. These are but five of the hundreds of thousands of Marines – active and reserve – who are the foundation of our Corps. In this issue we recognize a combat lithographer, a trumpet player, a motor transportation operator, a radio chief and a platoon commander.

Col. Adele E. Hodges

Photo courtesy of Josie M. Nemeth

  1. Hometown: Bridgeport, Conn.
  2. Age: 51
  3. Occupation: Commander, MCB Camp Lejeune, N.C.
  4. Unit: Headquarters and Support Battalion

Hodges became the first female to command Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 23, replacing Maj. Gen. Robert C. Dickerson. Hodges started her career as a supply administrative clerk in 1978. After becoming an officer through the Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1980, Hodges became a supply officer with the 3rd Force Service Support Group in Okinawa.

"My only aspiration when I first joined the Corps was to be the best Marine I could be for four years," Hodges said. "Even after I was commissioned, the thought of commanding Camp Lejeune, or any other installation, was something I thought could never happen to me."

Staff Sgt. Timothy M. Fraunfelder

Photo by Lance Cpl. Wayne Edmiston

  1. Hometown: East Aurora, N.Y.
  2. Age: 32
  3. Occupation: Operations Center Watch Chief
  4. Unit: 2nd Marine Logistics Group

Fraunfelder was honored by the Onslow County, N.C., Fireman's Association as "Firefighter of the Year" for 2005. Fraunfelder began his pursuit of firefighting at the age of 18 and has been a volunteer fireman during his Marine Corps commitments for 14 years.

"I have been around (firefighting) all my life," said Fraunfelder. "My dad was a volunteer firefighter for 34 years; I always enjoyed being around the fire hall so as soon as I was old enough I joined. I love being able to help my community in a time of need."

Sgt. Joshua J. Nodurft

Photo courtesy of Sgt. Joshua J. Nodurft

  1. Hometown: Oregon City, Ore.
  2. Age: 25
  3. Occupation: Recruiter
  4. Unit: Recruiting Substation Fargo, Minn.

Nodurft was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal Nov. 15 for helping save a downed helicopter pilot during a live-fire training exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. While serving as a CH-53E senior crew chief, Nodurft's helicopter responded to a mayday call from an AH-1W Super Cobra.

"We had no clue what we were getting into," said Nodurft. "Once we landed, I just remember seeing a ball of fire. I never once thought about the burning ordnance and rockets. I didn't realize the danger until after we freed the pilot."