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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Winnfield, La., native Staff Sgt. Tony Palomo reveals the wounds he sustained while investigating a report on an improvised explosive device. The 31-year-old is currently back with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, doing the same exact job he was doing before he was hit. Dallas native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher West said Palomo’s tactical experience is irreplaceable, and he couldn’t be happier to have him back. (Photo by Cpl. Marco Mancha) - CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Winnfield, La., native Staff Sgt. Tony Palomo reveals the wounds he sustained while investigating a report on an improvised explosive device. The 31-year-old is currently back with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, doing the same exact job he was doing before he was hit. Dallas native Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher West said Palomo’s tactical experience is irreplaceable, and he couldn’t be happier to have him back. (Photo by Cpl. Marco Mancha)

Official photo of Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, commanding general, Task Force Leatherneck/2nd Marine Division (Forward), currently assigned to Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. - Official photo of Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, commanding general, Task Force Leatherneck/2nd Marine Division (Forward), currently assigned to Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), patrol through farmlands to provide security in the area. Farmers in this area have started replacing poppy (in the foreground) with wheat (on the other side of the path). The Marines’ efforts to build relationships with the local populace aided in reducing enemy attacks on 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, by 60 percent. (Courtesy Photo) - Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), patrol through farmlands to provide security in the area. Farmers in this area have started replacing poppy (in the foreground) with wheat (on the other side of the path). The Marines’ efforts to build relationships with the local populace aided in reducing enemy attacks on 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, by 60 percent. (Courtesy Photo)

PATROL BASE ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Buffalo, N.Y., native Cpl. Jebediah Stevens stands beside B Company’s flag. The reconnaissance Marine with B Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), serves as a point man for his team. Stevens’ exceptional route planning has played a crucial role in the successful execution of more than 118 mounted and dismounted combat patrols in the span of 120 days. (Photo by Cpl. Marco Mancha) - PATROL BASE ALCATRAZ, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- Buffalo, N.Y., native Cpl. Jebediah Stevens stands beside B Company’s flag. The reconnaissance Marine with B Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), serves as a point man for his team. Stevens’ exceptional route planning has played a crucial role in the successful execution of more than 118 mounted and dismounted combat patrols in the span of 120 days. (Photo by Cpl. Marco Mancha)

Lance Cpl. Brandon Chisholm pulls hard on a wrench to remove a track pad. The Abbot, Maine, native is a tank operator with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (Forward). Chisholm and his team of Marines work tirelessly to maintain their M-1A1 “Abrams” Main Battle Tanks.::r::::n::::r::::n::::r::::n:: - Lance Cpl. Brandon Chisholm pulls hard on a wrench to remove a track pad. The Abbot, Maine, native is a tank operator with 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division (Forward). Chisholm and his team of Marines work tirelessly to maintain their M-1A1 “Abrams” Main Battle Tanks.::r::::n::::r::::n::::r::::n::

Pomona, Calif., native Cpl. Oscar Llamas observes some debris left over from a building with a collapsed roof in Nawa, Helmand province. A contractor points to materials he says they can reuse or break down for the reconstruction. The building, constructed by local contractors, with guidance from both Marines and the local government, will one day host the weekly town meetings held by Nawa citizens. - Pomona, Calif., native Cpl. Oscar Llamas observes some debris left over from a building with a collapsed roof in Nawa, Helmand province. A contractor points to materials he says they can reuse or break down for the reconstruction. The building, constructed by local contractors, with guidance from both Marines and the local government, will one day host the weekly town meetings held by Nawa citizens.

Tulsa, Okla., native Cpl. Daniel Blesi points out the projected route for the interpreter near the base April 27. Blesi is a squad leader with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. He leads his Marines through the daily foot patrols and does his best to interact with Afghans to build rapport. - Tulsa, Okla., native Cpl. Daniel Blesi points out the projected route for the interpreter near the base April 27. Blesi is a squad leader with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. He leads his Marines through the daily foot patrols and does his best to interact with Afghans to build rapport.

Hutchinson, Minn., native Cpl. John Lamecker responds to a call over the radio during an overwatch mission April 22. The communications chief with D Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, helps keep track of all the communications equipment for the unit. (Photo by Cpl. Marco Mancha) - Hutchinson, Minn., native Cpl. John Lamecker responds to a call over the radio during an overwatch mission April 22. The communications chief with D Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, helps keep track of all the communications equipment for the unit. (Photo by Cpl. Marco Mancha)

Lance Cpl. Ethan Soucy reads off the serial number for one of the cameras the 2nd Ground Sensor Platoon plans to place around a patrol base, providing the Marines inside with additional security. The GSP is a small, specialized unit that uses sensors and cameras to compliment the missions of other units. - Lance Cpl. Ethan Soucy reads off the serial number for one of the cameras the 2nd Ground Sensor Platoon plans to place around a patrol base, providing the Marines inside with additional security. The GSP is a small, specialized unit that uses sensors and cameras to compliment the missions of other units.