Posted on 09/13/2005 5:52:07 PM PDT by SandRat
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif., Sept. 13, 2005 — For each step a Marine takes during wartime or peacetime operations, there is a shadow that follows them, taking the very same steps Marines take. Marines patrol threatening streets, engage in firefights, convoy from place to place-risking their lives. That shadow walks the walk with them.
During these strenuous times, Marines are likely to get hurt, seriously injured or some might even die. The shadow then becomes a guardian, and the life of the Marine is in their hands.
The men and women that shadow, guard, protect and serve with the Marines are known as Navy corpsmen, enlisted U.S. Navy service members who are trained to give first aid and medical treatment during combat situations and training.
Corpsmen walk the beat with the Marines. They train with them, live with them, fight with them, eat with them and serve by their side while providing their medical relief.
A Naval corpsman serving Combat Center Marines has done far more than his call of duty.
Petty Officer 1st Class Adrian L. Robinson, a native of Casper, Wyoming, enlisted in the Navy at age 24 - 14 years ago. Robinson has been serving as a Combat Center independent duty hospital corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, since Dec. 15, 2004.
"I needed a new direction in my life," said Robinson. "The Navy was my answer."
Since his enlistment, Robinson served in two campaigns, Operation Bright Star in 2001 and Operation Iraqi Freedom 1. He has deployed five times extending to eight countries.
Throughout Robinson's career, he has accumulated 14 ribbons, to include three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and maintains his expert marksmanship skills with a pistol and rifle.
After boot camp, Robinson went on to Navy Corpsman and Field Medical Service School. He extended his medical skills by completing courses in Combat Trauma Medicine, emergency medical technician, fleet hospital and Independent Duty Corpsman School.
Robinson also expanded his ambition in field medicine by completing more challenging schools like Pre-Ranger and Ranger course, Desert and Jungle Survival School, Special Weapons and Tactics Academy, Provost Marshal Officer preservice course and the Combat Casualty Care Course in Camp Pendleton.
Robinson was also a Military Operations on Urban Terrain instructor and a scout-swimmer.
Robinson has received superior training, which elevates him to a much higher level in the eyes of those he serves alongside. He was trained by Army Special Forces, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Forces, German Special Forces and Naval Special Warfare; and trained with German and French snipers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hostage Rescue Team, Special Raiding Squadron, Special Reactions Team.
By such decorations and achievements, Robinson showed dedication to his mission as a corpsman. But, like other dedicated Marines and sailors, Robinson's toughest moments are those away from family.
"All the training I have been through was certainly tough," said Robinson. "But I find it more difficult spending time away from the family. There is never enough hours in the day."
Aside from devoting himself to the U.S. military, Robinson enjoys running, swimming, cycling, computer-graphic designing, reading, photography and spending time with his wife, Melissa, and his two sons, Zack, 5, and Spencer, 2.
"My main goal is to make a good, positive role model for my kids," said Robinson. "Still, I love what I do because I can make a difference for people."
Robinson's role model is every Marine, sailor and soldier committed to their job, he said.
"They get missions done not because they have to; but because they choose to," said Robinson. "That's the true defining characteristic of the U.S. military."
I remember back in 1955 at the Los Angeles airport when I saw two men in Marine uniforms but had Navy petty Officer strips on their sleeves. That's when I found out that the Marines don't have a medical Dept. They rely on the Navy for that.
Aw well as Chaplains.
As well as Chaplains.
Now if I could just get my fingers to look before they type I'd be alright.
....and Dental Technicians!
... we here in Ohio are having a dearth of damn good men to run for office and show the country what Ohio is capable of.
What we fear is that men like you are going to return to Casper, Wyoming, for a well deserved retirement...instead of coming to the State which most needs your kind.
We seem to have a crop of politicians who apparently cannot discern right from wrong, courage from expediency, and their tailpipes from their toilets.
Now, I know you probably love the kind of state such as Wyoming which produces men like you... but we have another tough challenge for you. That's right- there is no rest for the weary. Your next TDY is here in Columbus, Ohio, where an indigenous population has been electing Democrats, and Democrat-lights labeled as Republicans.
Leave those bright lights of Casper behind, and trudge over to the land of Mordor. We need you worse than they do.
Corpsman! We're bleeding here....
If not for a Corpsman, I and millions of other Marines would not have survived.
"CORPSMAN UP!"
Semper Fi,
Kelly
Try enticing him with an assistant.
That might work!
Corpsman! We have an assistant for you who can also do your personal investments. He is no longer needed by the Ohio Worker's Comp investment division, and can get you a great deal on coins- wait! No! Don't run! Come backkkk...
Well I respect their uniform.
Many thousands of men have died fighting for America wearing that "funny uniform."
And I and many thousands of Marines & Sailors wouldn't be alive today if not for the men & women who wear and have worn that "funny uniform."
Semper Fi,
Kelly
All corpsmen are "Docs".
All chaplains are "Padres".
All Marines are "Marines".
I think you missed my point.
Oh, I got your point alright.
And I made mine.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.