Pacific Marines Stories

HONOLULU – Marines with Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band perform with a Kailua-based choir group June 26 at the Hale Koa Luau Gardens. The performance substituted for their Fourth of July gig due to deploying in support of Operation Talisman Saber. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis)(Released) - HONOLULU – Marines with Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band perform with a Kailua-based choir group June 26 at the Hale Koa Luau Gardens. The performance substituted for their Fourth of July gig due to deploying in support of Operation Talisman Saber. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis)(Released)

Retired Lt. Col. Jack Lewis died May 24 in his home on Hilo, Hawaii, after battling lung cancer. Lewis is survived by his wife Stephanie Lewis, five children and eight grandchildren. - Retired Lt. Col. Jack Lewis died May 24 in his home on Hilo, Hawaii, after battling lung cancer. Lewis is survived by his wife Stephanie Lewis, five children and eight grandchildren.

Sgt. Maj. Evans McBride, outgoing U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific sergeant major, says a few last words as he retires and relinquishes his post to Sgt. Maj. James Futrell at the MCBH flightline June 19. - Sgt. Maj. Evans McBride, outgoing U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific sergeant major, says a few last words as he retires and relinquishes his post to Sgt. Maj. James Futrell at the MCBH flightline June 19.

A proud U.S. Air Force veteran salutes as the Joint Service Color Guard passes by, leading off the 93rd King Kamehameha Day Floral Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Saturday, June 13, 2009. The annual parade features floats, mounted units, and military and high school bands and marching units. The 4.3-mile parade route starts at Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu and makes its way through Waikiki to Kapiolani Park. - A proud U.S. Air Force veteran salutes as the Joint Service Color Guard passes by, leading off the 93rd King Kamehameha Day Floral Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Saturday, June 13, 2009. The annual parade features floats, mounted units, and military and high school bands and marching units. The 4.3-mile parade route starts at Iolani Palace in downtown Honolulu and makes its way through Waikiki to Kapiolani Park.

Major Christopher Cerwonka, executive officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, 'volunteered' for the pie in the face fundraiser, and gladly posed for a photo moments after. The pie auction was one of the many activities held throughout family day June 13, at Bellows Air Force Base. - Major Christopher Cerwonka, executive officer, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, 'volunteered' for the pie in the face fundraiser, and gladly posed for a photo moments after. The pie auction was one of the many activities held throughout family day June 13, at Bellows Air Force Base.

A Sumatran tiger cub plays in its enclosure at the Honolulu Zoo during Military Appreciation Day June 6, 2009. More than 26,000 people came out to enjoy a day at the zoo, which included food, information and crafts booths, as well as a variety of musical entertainment. - A Sumatran tiger cub plays in its enclosure at the Honolulu Zoo during Military Appreciation Day June 6, 2009. More than 26,000 people came out to enjoy a day at the zoo, which included food, information and crafts booths, as well as a variety of musical entertainment.

Retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Allan J. Kellogg Jr., a recipient of the Medal of Honor, lays a wreath in honor of Vietnam War veterans during a candlelight ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific here May 24. - Retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Allan J. Kellogg Jr., a recipient of the Medal of Honor, lays a wreath in honor of Vietnam War veterans during a candlelight ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific here May 24.

Lt. Gen. Keith J. Stalder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, delivers the keynote speech during the 24th Annual Military Recognition Luncheon May 21 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village here. Stalder expanded on military appreciation and highlighted some significant contributions service members have made and thanked them for their hard work and efforts. - Lt. Gen. Keith J. Stalder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, delivers the keynote speech during the 24th Annual Military Recognition Luncheon May 21 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village here. Stalder expanded on military appreciation and highlighted some significant contributions service members have made and thanked them for their hard work and efforts.

Lance Cpl. Tyrika Bradby, administrative clerk, III MEF, reads a placard of a mural commemorating the lives of Philippine service members who gave their lives on the island of Corregidor in World War II during an educational visit April 25. Several U.S. service members participating in Balikatan '09 spent the day learning about the earlier RP-U.S. history. - Lance Cpl. Tyrika Bradby, administrative clerk, III MEF, reads a placard of a mural commemorating the lives of Philippine service members who gave their lives on the island of Corregidor in World War II during an educational visit April 25. Several U.S. service members participating in Balikatan '09 spent the day learning about the earlier RP-U.S. history.