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.

Lanham was recently praised for his efforts in repelling an attack by insurgents. Lanham and the Marines of K Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, face constant attacks by insurgents in Haqlaniyah, Iraq.

“The Marines are responding well to the attacks and are not afraid to fight back,” said Lanham. “They remain vigilant and motivated. They are reflecting back on their training and following the directions of their leaders.”

Burnett has his ballistic eyewear to thank for saving his vision after an improvised explosion device detonated near his convoy during a nighttime mission near Fallujah, Iraq. Burnett was wearing his eyewear under his night-vision goggles, following a battalion order that states Marines where body armor to cover every essential organ including the eyes.

“It’s funny how one little piece of plastic can keep you in the fight for another month or the rest of your life,” Burnett said. “That blast was so strong it threw me around like no tomorrow.”

Mason, nicknamed “the Rocket Man,” has fired 24 shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapons during combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. During one night attack, mortar teams launched illumination rounds to expose Mason’s targets. However, the illuminations also gave away Mason’s rooftop position, and insurgents began firing at him. He repelled the attack, firing four rockets during heavy contact.

“It’s not difficult to fire. It’s the loud explosion going off right next to you that’s hard to deal with,” he said. “People anticipate the recoil, but there is none. And as far as the explosion, you just have to learn to deal with it.”