[SandRat]

Sergeant Katherine Weller and Lance Cpl. Carlos Chilla, participants in both phases of Operation Liberty Express, pose in front of the Iraqi sunrise on the operation’s last day, Dec. 18. Photo by: Cpl. James D. Hamel

[SandRat]

Marine PING

[Calpernia]

For the operation, Chilla and Weller served as lookouts, manned checkpoints and patrolled the makeshift city built for Iraqi poll workers. Both Marines enjoyed the duty, though Weller wasn’t too enthusiastic about it prior to phase one.

“I was disappointed when I found out,” she said. “But this time was better, because I knew what I was doing. I didn’t have anything to fear because I knew what to expect.” Chilla, on the other hand, was enthusiastic about the opportunity both times, so much so he volunteered to participate in phase two.