~Previous Interviews~
In May Lia interviews Staff Sergeant Emily Karras currently on her 2nd deployment to Iraq. S Sgt Karras helps count, order, and distribute equipment based on operational needs.
Originally from Georgia, she is a big fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. Emily looks forward to returning to North Carolina and seeing her husband.
Thanks for your service Emily!
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Lia interviewed Fleet Marine Force Corpsman James Carter from Iraq. James is currently on his first deployment to Iraq, but previously served in Lithawania, Norway, and Sweden.
James' duties involve making sure Active Duty Services members and their beneficiaries are medically ready and fit is extremely essential to any mission.
In his spare time likes watching movies with his wife and two children, working out, and listening to music. James entered the Marines following in the footsteps of his father- a 7 year vet with multiple tours in Vietnam.
Thank you for your service James!
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Lia interviewed Staff Sergeant Colleen McCarten during her first deployment to Iraq. Originally from Spring Hill, FL, Colleen has been stationed in Iraq since January.
SSgt McCarten is in charge of training Marines while deployed. She also participates in the Corps Martial Arts Program.
Thank You Colleen for your service!
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April 22nd Lia interviewed LTJG Matthew Kiefer an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer currently serving in Iraq with the 2d MAW. Originally from Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Matt graduated from Devry University Columbus. He is a big racing fan, and is working toward his pilot's license. Matt is eagerly awaiting his return home in May to visit with his wife. Matt describes his job:
"I am a sailor working amongst Marines... I perform duties similar to a crime scene investigator for the aircraft battle damage"
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On April 8th Lia interviews Sargeant Jason Osborne currently stationed in Al Asad, Iraq. Sgt Osborne was deployed January 2009 after re-enlisting in 2007. Sgt Osborne is very proud to be a marine "defending our great nation."
Jason is a manager at a commercial generator maintenance facility with mobile capabilities. His job is to make sure the equipment runs smoothly and to train men to perform maintenance with extreme precision.
Jason looks forward to returning home to his wife and two kids. He also dearly misses driving his car. Asked to comment Jason said:
"My success and the success of my shop is a direct reflection of the hardworking men in my work center, and I couldn’t do anything if they weren’t there to support me with our efforts. Here’s to you Misfits, The men of MALS 26 Work Center 990."
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Liainterviews Master Sergeant Joanne Ocasio. Master Sergeant Ocasio enlisted in the Marines almost 25 years ago and has a record of exemplary service.
MSgt Ocasio is married with a young daughter entering kindergarten this year. She is a huge Hockey/Red Wings fan, and enjoys traveling and working on computers.
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Interviewed on March 18th, Gunnery Sergeant Reina Barnett enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1995. After 7 years of service, she left the Marines to pursue a career in teaching in Ewa, Hawaii. Seargeant Barnett returned to the Marine Corps in 2003 and earned her MOS as a combat correstpondent at the Defense Information School at Fort Meade.
In February 2005, she moved to Washington D.C. where she was assigned to the Pentagon Channel as a military reporter. In 2008 she was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. She deployed in December 2008 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
GySgt Barnett is married to a fellow Marine and together, they have three teenagers.
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Lia interviewed Cpl Poole on March 11th.
Cpl. Jennifer B. Poole enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2005 from New Bern, N.C., and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC, in May 2005. Upon completion of recruit training, she reported to the Defense Information School, Fort Meade, Md., for training as a combat correspondent. In November 2005, she was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, as a combat correspondent.
Cpl. Poole is currently deployed for approximately 7 months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Cpl. Poole’s personal awards include a Good Conduct Medal.
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