Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John P. McDonough, assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), recently began the process of ensuring security and stability in the central Iraqi province of Northern Babil. Operating from Forward Operating Base Kalsu, his unit’s first order of business was to establish rapport with its neighbors and let the individuals they are prepared to help them in any way. The Marines drove throughout their area of responsibility, stopping to offer residents water and to talk with them about their living conditions and how the Marines could help them. The Forward Operating Base provides security against insurgents and anti-coalition militia for hundreds of Marines in McDonough’s unit. The unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to rapidly organize for combat operations in virtually any environment. MEUs are built around a reinforced infantry battalion, a combat service support element, a reinforced helicopter squadron and a command element. With its complement of fully integrated air and ground forces, McDonough’s unit is ready to conduct real-world operations including boat raids, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, noncombatant evacuation operations and humanitarian assistance operations. The son of Barbara McDonough of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Frank McDonough of the Oakhurst section of Ocean Township, he joined the Marine Corps in June 1983.
Army National Guard Pfc. Fil Lao was recently decorated with the Purple Heart medal as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. Lao is a military policeman with two years’ military service. The medal is awarded to individuals wounded in war or armed conflict while engaged with an enemy or opposing armed force in defense of the United States. The medal can also be awarded posthumously. During peacetime, it is awarded to individuals wounded or killed (posthumous award) while part of a peacekeeping force serving with a friendly foreign force, or as a result of terrorist acts. The medal is the oldest U.S. military decoration in use. A 1998 graduate of Neptune High School, Lao is the son of Santiago S. Lao of Ocean.