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CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - First Lieutenant John M. Hunt, 3rd Platoon Commander, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment is currently serving in Iraq on his fourth deployment with the battalion in less than four years of military service. The Robinson, Texas native provides leadership from experience and training for his Marines under him on a daily basis. Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Athanasios L. Genos

Photo by Lance Cpl. Athanasios L. Genos

Lieutenant on fourth deployment in first four years of service

19 Jun 2005 | Lance Cpl. Athanasios L. Genos 2nd Marine Division

John M. Hunt deployed here in early January with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment on his fourth deployment.

Hunt’s past deployments with the battalion include Afghanistan, Okinawa, and Haiti.  The experience gained during these deployments enables 1st Lt. Hunt to confidently lead his men into combat.

“Haiti was the best dress rehearsal for Iraq we could have had with patrolling in urban terrain,” the 2000 Texas A&M University graduate explained.

Hunt began his training shortly after being assigned to the battalion. He was sent to Operation Metropolis in Little Rock, Ak., where he trained in security and stabilization operations techniques prior to deploying to Afghanistan. 

“The training we had during Operation Metropolis was the best SASO training I have had since I have been in the fleet,” the Robinson, Texas native explained.

To prepare for his deployment here as a platoon commander, Hunt received instruction in IED recognition and enemy tactics and techniques. 

He used his training prior to deploying to Afghanistan and personal experiences to keep his Marines alert and knowledgeable about what was going on around them while out on the streets here.

“It’s important for Marines to take responsibility for their junior Marines and teach them,” Hunt explained.

Many of the men in Weapons Company depend on Hunt when they need to talk about something or figure out a problem. Hunt is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy who gets things done when needed according to Capt. Ed Nevgloski, Weapons Company Commander.

“He is the greatest sounding board for me because of the amount of experience and knowledge he has,” Nevgloski explained.

He can also relate with his troops who miss their family. His four deployments in less than four years have often separated him from his wife and son back home.  He knows what it is like to leave family and do his job day in and day out and helps those who are experiencing it for the first time.

“I have an incredible wife, and I miss her and my son dearly,” Hunt said. 

The longest time he spent at home between deployments was around five months according to Hunt.

Hunt has learned much from his training and teaches his Marines with confidence earned on multiple deployments, enabling them to complete their missions with success. 

“Because of his numerous deployments and time in the fleet, if something can’t be done he will explain to you why, but if it can be done he will take the time to show you how,” explained Nevgloski.