CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq -- People raised in a small town often join the Marine Corps to get out, see the world and go home with stories to tell their friends and family. But one Marine here realizes that the small-town way-of-life will never be too far away.
Cpl. Steven Bruce Ames II, a 22-year-old Willard, Ohio, native and personnel administration non-commissioned officer recently arrived here to serve his country in the Global War on Terrorism. He found that when Marines get together in a place as small as Camp Blue Diamond, it's easy to make acquaintance with a lot of people. And in turn, become part of a community
Ames is a stocky breed of Marine with the standard close-cropped haircut and an exceptional knack for showing off a friendly smile to the service members in his unit. On an average day, one could see him trucking around the base in his vehicle to pick up supplies and amenities for the staff billeting.
Since Ames graduated Willard High School in 2001, he's made a lot of work for himself at Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division. Before, his accomplishments included being a Northern Ohio, two-time district qualifier and a Greco Roman state qualifier in high school. Now he's the facilities manager for the battalion.
Though he has still had time to wrestle, like during Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training, he's been occupied with more pressing things - making Marines more comfortable.
"My first responsibility is taking care of personnel issues at the administration section," said Ames. "I'm also tasked with tracking the accountability of the battalion and entering awards into their service record books."
The other half of his time is taken up billeting staff noncommissioned officers and officers upon arrival to the camp. He also arranges the delivery of fresh laundry and provides meals for local Iraqis who work on camp.
"I pretty much make sure their shacks are good to go," added Ames. "I provide everyone with things like locks, cots and water. And I take complaints like when the roofs leak.
"I never had a chance to deploy in my first three years in the Corps and I really wanted to," Ames continued. "Now, at least I can go home being proud that I did something for my country during this time of war- fighting for freedom, or at least being in harm's way."
Ames enjoys his job, but most of all he's proud of being part of a community that has values like honor, courage and commitment - the Marines' code.
"I love it so much that I have a big Eagle Globe and Anchor tattoo across my back," said Ames. "My tattoo artist was also a Marine, so it has even more significance. The best part of the job is being a part of the 'gun club' where no matter what I do or where I'll go, I'll always be able to say I'm part of a small community . . . the Marines.