CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq -- When Lance Cpl. Dalzell was asked to escort incoming and outgoing Marines and sailors from the camp, a frequently dangerous job -- he had no qualms. He’s used to sticking his neck out for others.
Robert Dalzell, a 21-year-old Wayne, N.J., native and rifleman with the 2nd Marine Division’s operations section, has a history in providing security.
When the 2001 Wayne Valley High School graduate shipped off to boot camp and then to the Marine Corps’ School of Infantry, he found himself in a position few others in history have been able to claim as their profession. Dalzell was selected to be one of the President’s men.
“I got lucky is what it was,” said Dalzell, in a modest tone. “Before I graduated SOI, three or four of us were interviewed for the job. I had to have a spotless record and a rigorous background check done before I was accepted, so I guess I had that going for me.”
Dalzell worked at the Camp David Presidential Retreat site in Maryland as part of the security forces team. His job demanded that he keep an extra sharp eye out to protect the president, dignitaries, VIPs and other important visitors.
He handled anything from walking patrols to gate security.
His duties were not much different than operations at the camp, here. One of the main things that helped him here was training in detecting improvised explosive devices.
Before he knew it, his tour was ending after a one and a half year stint. He stood in the Oval office to pose in a photograph with the President -- a custom for all of the President’s guards to do this at the end of their tours.
Much of the business he conducted there can’t be discussed, but the training he received there in security operations has made him a prime candidate for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I just wanted to get out and see the world, he added. And after September 11th, I wanted to be able to say I served my country. For me, the Marine Corps was my way of doing that.”
Since then, Dalzell has been trying to deploy to support the Global War on Terrorism. After all, that’s what he joined the Corps’ to do.
“I extended a year on my contract to come out here,” explained Dalzell. “I have a lot of work here and I’m glad for that.”
It wasn’t until last month that Dalzell got his chance. Now, he’s one of the main security providers for the convoys that travel between the camps, transporting troops and officers. Many of the trips take small arms fire and some come across IEDs. But this is the kind of environment he’s been looking for.
“It’s my first deployment and what a place to choose,” said Dalzell. “But I have no regrets. It’s a dangerous job, but that’s what I asked to come out here and do. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”