Staff Sgt. Tracy Salzgeber, a 2007 University of Maryland graduate and Arabic interpreter with Civil Affairs Group, Regimental Combat Team 8, questions Seaman Tyler Ivy and Cpl. Micci Hedgecock on basic familiar Arabic phrases. Salzgeber instructs her Marines on Arabic culture and language skills weekly. - Staff Sgt. Tracy Salzgeber, a 2007 University of Maryland graduate and Arabic interpreter with Civil Affairs Group, Regimental Combat Team 8, questions Seaman Tyler Ivy and Cpl. Micci Hedgecock on basic familiar Arabic phrases. Salzgeber instructs her Marines on Arabic culture and language skills weekly.

During a visit to an Iraqi hospital, Lt. Cmdr. Richard Lynch (left), regimental surgeon for Regimental Combat Team 8, shares a laugh with Dr. Yaseen Hammody Assaf, the director of Hit General Hospital. Lynch says he enjoys working in a combat environment and does not regret leaving his civilian job. - During a visit to an Iraqi hospital, Lt. Cmdr. Richard Lynch (left), regimental surgeon for Regimental Combat Team 8, shares a laugh with Dr. Yaseen Hammody Assaf, the director of Hit General Hospital. Lynch says he enjoys working in a combat environment and does not regret leaving his civilian job.

Hit General Hospital’s director, Dr. Yaseen Hammody Assaf (left) leads members of the hospital assessment team from RCT-8 and Multi-National Forces West on tour of the hospital. Although Hit General does not have all the tools and equipment its workers need, the hospital staff is still working hard to offer adequate care to its patients. - Hit General Hospital’s director, Dr. Yaseen Hammody Assaf (left) leads members of the hospital assessment team from RCT-8 and Multi-National Forces West on tour of the hospital. Although Hit General does not have all the tools and equipment its workers need, the hospital staff is still working hard to offer adequate care to its patients.

Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commander of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, pins the Silver Star Medal on Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Simson, a hospitalman with 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, here Feb. 26. Simson was awarded the medal for heroic actions during an ambush while he was working as an advisor in Afghanistan with Embedded Training Team 6-2. - Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commander of the II Marine Expeditionary Force, pins the Silver Star Medal on Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua Simson, a hospitalman with 5th Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, here Feb. 26. Simson was awarded the medal for heroic actions during an ambush while he was working as an advisor in Afghanistan with Embedded Training Team 6-2.

A Marine with Security Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group surveys the area around a known improvised explosive device during training here, Feb. 24. Security Co. participated in a considerations for movement in an IED enviroment course, Feb. 23-24, before providing convoy security in their upcoming deployment to Iraq's Al Anbar province. - A Marine with Security Company, 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group surveys the area around a known improvised explosive device during training here, Feb. 24. Security Co. participated in a considerations for movement in an IED enviroment course, Feb. 23-24, before providing convoy security in their upcoming deployment to Iraq's Al Anbar province.

JoAnn Lyles (left) accepts the Navy Cross Medal from Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter (right) on behalf of Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, during a Navy Cross ceremony at the Museum of the Marine Corps, Feb. 20. “Jonathan and Jordan were shining examples of the finest of America’s next generation,” Winter said. “When faced with danger they had no time to go to their chain of command and no time to assess the situation, they were forced to rely on their discipline and their training.” - JoAnn Lyles (left) accepts the Navy Cross Medal from Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter (right) on behalf of Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, during a Navy Cross ceremony at the Museum of the Marine Corps, Feb. 20. “Jonathan and Jordan were shining examples of the finest of America’s next generation,” Winter said. “When faced with danger they had no time to go to their chain of command and no time to assess the situation, they were forced to rely on their discipline and their training.”

No matter where Marines find themselves, they always have the opportunity to further their education. A good education can help Marines stay competitive within the Marine Corps, as well as in the civilian world. - No matter where Marines find themselves, they always have the opportunity to further their education. A good education can help Marines stay competitive within the Marine Corps, as well as in the civilian world.

Staff Sgt. Ysidro Gonzalez (right), platoon sergeant for Regimental Combat Team 8’s Personal Security Detail, says seeing one of his former recruits succeed in his Marine Corps career makes him proud of his time as a drill instructor. Sgt. Jaime Osornio (left), a radio operator with RCT- 8’s Communications section, says the lessons he learned from Gonzalez have helped make him a successful Marines. - Staff Sgt. Ysidro Gonzalez (right), platoon sergeant for Regimental Combat Team 8’s Personal Security Detail, says seeing one of his former recruits succeed in his Marine Corps career makes him proud of his time as a drill instructor. Sgt. Jaime Osornio (left), a radio operator with RCT- 8’s Communications section, says the lessons he learned from Gonzalez have helped make him a successful Marines.