[VNIS]- United States Marine Corps News 05/30/97 [1/2]

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Subject: United States Marine Corps News 05/30/97 [1/2]
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Division of Public Affairs, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps,
Washington, DC 20380-1775 Commercial: (703) 614-1492/4/5 DSN:
224-1492/4/5 FAX: (703) 697-5362

In this issue:
05/30/97
'ALLIGATOR' AMTRAC EARNS HISTORIC RECOGNITION
'FAMILY OF MARINES' AT COMBAT CENTER ILLUSTRATE SERVICE OF
PACIFIC AMERICANS
CIVILIAN CHECKS RECORDS OF HALF A MILLION RECRUITS
DENTAL PLAN ENROLLEES DON'T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT
MARINE RESERVE FORCES TO SERVE IN PANAMA THIS SUMMER
MARINE TRANSFORMS FROM TANKER TO MIDSHIPMAN
MILLIONS SAVED THROUGH INCOME TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE
NAVAL ASSAULT WEAPONS ON DISPLAY AT MARINERS' MUSEUM
PROFILES: COURAGE IN THE CORPS
SHORTER QUARANTINES FOR PETS GOING TO HAWAII
TRICARE QUESTION AND ANSWER
VETERAN OF THREE WARS GIVES FIERY SPEECH AT SERGEANT'S COURSE
MESS NIGHT

Division of Public Affairs, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps,
Washington, DC 20380-1775 Commercial: (703) 614-1492/4/5 DSN:
224-1492/4/5 FAX: (703) 697-5362

Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 353 Byline: Sgt. Shanze Lee, MCB Quantico

Headline: 'ALLIGATOR' AMTRAC EARNS HISTORIC RECOGNITION

MARINE CORPS BASE, Quantico, Va. -- The American Society of Mechanical
Engineers recently recognized one of the Marine Corps Air-Ground Museum's
metal dinosaurs as an historic landmark. Perhaps the earliest successful
forerunner to today's amphibious assault vehicles, the aluminum-hulled
"Alligator" tractor helped pave the way to a new era in Marine Corps
maneuvering in the littorals.

A bronze plaque was unveiled at the museum May 21, signifying the
importance of the Roebling Alligator in the Marine Corps' evolution as
the world's premier amphibious fighting force. The vehicle is the oldest
surviving amphibian vehicle in the United States. It had been on display
at a local reserve center in Dunedin, Fla., until 1984, when its advanced
state of deterioration made it an eyesore. The vehicle was sent to
Quantico where it was it was fully restored by the museum staff in 1985
and placed on exhibit in the Air-Ground Museum.

Marine Corps Concepts and Issues 1997 describes the soon-to-be procured
Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle as one of the most integral
components of the Corps' ship-to-shore amphibious arsenal. Although this
combination vehicle, which will provide offensive firepower, armor, and
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical collective protection, is much more
technologically advanced than its Alligator predecessor, the early 1930s
machine was a critical building block in the development of the
amphibious vehicles the Corps uses today.

When the Marine Corps first began experimenting with amphibious
operations during the interval between World Wars I and II, there was no
armored vehicle that could transport Marines and their equipment from the
ship to the shore.

In 1937, the commander of the battleships in the U.S. Pacific Fleet
brought a "Life Magazine" article to the attention of the commanding
general of the Fleet Marine Force. The article featured an amphibian
vehicle used in humanitarian efforts to rescue stranded people and
supplies in the hurricane-flooded parts of Florida.

The inventor and engineer, Donald Roebling, had designed a "tractor" with
a rudimentary cab for the operator, a large cargo bed, and paddle-tread
tracks to propel it over land and through water. It was powered by a
92-horsepower engine and the hull was constructed of an (at the time)
unproven material -- aluminum.

Despite much experimentation conducted by the Marine Corps up to this
point, no vehicle or boat had proven useful for landing on hostile
beachheads. With war against Japan looming, there was a definite, urgent
need for such a machine to cross the coral reefs that encircle many of
the Pacific Islands.

Consequently, the Marine Corps took a strong interest in Roebling's
innovation and sought to procure a test model. Funds were few and a
procurement request was turned down.

Fortunately, Roebling, being the humanitarian that he was, footed the
$18,000 bill for a new version that incorporated his own improvements and
some suggestions from the military. This is known as the third version,
or Alligator 3, that has been restored by the museum and is on display
here.

With war on the horizon, Congress approved funds to construct a vehicle
for further testing -- one with more improvements, including a larger
engine. This version was brought here to test on the shores of the
Potomac River.

The initial order of 100 "Landing Vehicle, Tracked" rolled off the Food
Machinery Corporation's assembly line in Florida during 1941. They were
first used as assault vehicles on Tarawa in 1943. Subsequently, as
better-designed models were introduced, a family of amphibious tracked
vehicles, "amtracs," were employed in World War II against the Japanese
in the Pacific Islands and by the U.S. Army and British in the fight
against Hitler in Europe.

Since the introduction and incorporation of the first amphibian vehicles,
they have been improved and modified, and used in almost every conflict
since World War II.

In 1949, General Holland M. Smith, recognized as the father of modern
amphibious warfare, summed up the contribution of the "Alligator" when he
said, "The development of the amphibian tractor, or LVT, which began in
the mid-1930s, provided the solution and was one of the most important
modern technical contributions to ship-to-shore operations. Without these
landing vehicles, our amphibious offensive in the Pacific would have been
impossible."

Roebling's ingenuity undoubtedly saved the lives of many Marines. The
plaque, presented by ASME, signifying the importance of his work, will be
prominently displayed in the Marine Corps Air-Ground Museum next to the
Alligator 3.

The museum is open from April 1 through the third Sunday of November from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. (Sgt. Shanze Lee, MCB
Quantico) -USMC-

Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 354 Byline: Sgt. Jeffrey D. Weeks, MCAGCC 29
Palms

Headline: 'FAMILY OF MARINES' AT COMBAT CENTER ILLUSTRATE SERVICE
OF PACIFIC AMERICANS

MARINE CORPS AIR-GROUND COMBAT CENTER, Twentynine Palms, Calif. --
Gunnery Sgt. Frank C. Tedtaotao, company gunnery sergeant for Alpha Co.,
Headquarters Battalion, said he is amazed at how many people ask him,
"You're from Guam? Well, are you a U.S. citizen yet?"

Although not allowed to vote in U.S. elections, Guamanians are U.S.
citizens. Guam is a U.S. territory. And, Tedtaotao is just one of many
representing their Pacific American heritage in our armed forces. In
fact, he's just one of many family members in the Marine Corps.

Aboard the combat center alone, Tedtaotao has three cousins and a nephew;
another cousin and an uncle, both retired, live in the town of Twentynine
Palms.

His active duty cousins are Gunnery Sgt. Manuel C. Concepcion,
Headquarters, 7th Marine Regiment; Staff Sgt. P.A. Leonguerrero,
Headquarters Bn. Provost Marshall's Office; and Sgt. T.C. Naputi, also
with PMO. His nephew, Gunnery Sgt. Frankie T. Cruz, is a maintenance
section chief with 1st Tank Bn. Concepcion, Cruz and Tedtaotao are all
master sergeant selects, a matter causing a few instances of ribbing over
the phone. Tedtaotao says when Concepcion calls him a boot, he simply
replies, "Hold on. Let me look at that selection list again ... ah, who
has the higher number?"

According to Tedtaotao many Guamanians join the service because it is a
good job opportunity. However, his reason was more specific. "I knew the
Marines took [Guam] back from the Japanese during World War II, and I
made a mental note, 'Hey, the Marines are it,'" he said. Thus, in 1977,
Tedtaotao joined the Marine Corps "knowing I wanted to make it a career."
Approaching 20 years this September, he says his next goal is to complete
at least six more.

Cruz, 36, a native of Inarajan, said his interest in the Marine Corps
sprouted one morning when at 16 years of age he "was sitting in church
and a corporal walked in wearing Dress Blues Deltas ... carrying himself
well and looking very impressive. I wanted to be like him."

During his 17 years of duty, Cruz has noticed how Pacific Americans "take
military service as their pride and joy. Pride is very high among people
from the islands. You can see it in how they wear their uniforms and how
they work."

Concepcion, 39, from Barrigada, simply decided he needed a change and
wanted to see what the Marine Corps was about. After 18 years of seeing
it from the inside, he said, "I think I made the right choice."

A native of the village Chalan Pago, 39-year-old Tedtaotao said he came
from a large family with relatives inhabiting all areas of the 210-square
mile-island, a background which prepared him for the Corps. Comparing his
youth with the present rigors of the armed forces, he said not much of an
adjustment was needed. "Discipline was taught to me by my dad Being from
a big family, you learn to work as a team, the same as in the Marine
Corps," he said.

He continued by commenting how his heritage and large family taught him
"how to work with individuals from all walks of life and, as a leader,
there's no room for prejudice, whether it be race, sex, religion,
whatever ... nobody has that right."

Since arriving at MCAGCC in 1990, Tedtaotao has filled numerous billets,
including a TOW section leader in Desert Storm; and operations chief and
platoon sergeant for Weapons Co., and company gunnery sergeant for Fox
Co., 2nd Bn., 7th Marines.

Previously, Tedtaotao served two years as a drill instructor, his
favorite duty so far. However, when asked what his roughest duty has
been, he simply leaned back in his chair and replied, "Oh-three."

Referring to the infantry, or 0300 field, Tedtaotao explained that
training grunts is a "day in-day out job," preparing them for the
hardships of combat. And it's not just the physical aspect that's so
demanding. Leadership is also a continuous process of learning.

"As a staff noncommissioned officer, one must give junior Marines an
opportunity to make decisions. If their decision is wrong, I tell them to
re-evaluate the circumstances so they won't make the same mistake," he
said.

Taking care of the Marine Corps family, however, prevents Tedtaotao's own
family from getting together as often as they'd like. Cruz says that
everyone is so committed to their jobs that most conversation takes place
over the phone. However, when the master sergeant selects pick up their
new rocker, Cruz wants "to have a little gathering with them to
celebrate, preferably at the tank ramp," he said.

Concepcion, who works for Information System Management Office, agrees
that it's tough seeing each other. Yet, "whenever a get-together takes
place, we always notify each other so everyone knows," said Concepcion.

Talking of May's designation as Asian/Pacific Heritage Month, Cruz said,
"I'm glad someone's out there recognizing it, it's nice." He added, "No
matter which island you come from in the Marianas, the Marine Corps
brings us all together as a family." (Sgt. Jeffrey D. Weeks, MCAGCC 29
Palms) -USMC-

Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 355 Byline: Cpl. William M. Lisbon, MCRD Parris
Island

Headline: CIVILIAN CHECKS RECORDS OF HALF A MILLION RECRUITS

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, Parris Island, S.C. -- For the past 22 years,
one Depot civilian has helped nearly every recruit who has come to Parris
Island make a smooth transition into the Marine Corps.

While recruits are being rushed around in their first days, Lois Cable,
the Recruit Administration Center's lead military personnel clerk, is
overseeing the birth of every recruit's official military paper trail.

Her job is made up of "a little bit of everything," Cable said. She
accesses recruits into the Marine Corps, verifies information and ensure
the center's staff are performing their jobs correctly.

Cable should know everything there is know about the administrative work
it takes to access recruits into the Corps. Over her 22 years as the lead
clerk, she has processed approximately 565,000 recruit records.

Although the job may seem repetitive to some, Cable enjoys every bit of
it.

"Usually, I do not see the same face twice," Cable said.

The only time Cable sees recruits is when they first arrive and when they
are getting orders just before the graduate recruit training.

"I really like to see the change in the recruits when they come to boot
camp. It's amazing," Cable explained.

Her years are not without some memorable experiences. She recounted the
story of a recruit who left his entire insurance policy to his pet dog,
Biscuit, as well as a recruit who paid his own way and showed up at
Parris Island in an attempt to enlist even though he wasn't permitted to.

Cable is originally from Midkiff, W. Va. Following graduation from Guyan
Valley High School, she got a job with the FBI in Washington. While
there, she met her husband, Gerald, who was a Marine stationed at Marine
Barracks, Washington. The couple were married in 1957.

It was not until 1972 when Cable arrived at Parris Island. Once on the
Depot, she performed clerical duties for Special Services, which later
became the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Division. In 1975 she moved to
her present job.

The lead clerk plans to "reenlist" for four more years on the Depot, at
which time she hopes to retire. Her presence here is just another piece
of the puzzle which makes up the Depot's history and influence on the
Corps and the world. In fact, it's a "matter of record." (Cpl. William M.
Lisbon, MCRD Parris Island) -USMC-

Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 361 Byline: Douglas J. Gillert, American Forces
Press Service

Headline: DENTAL PLAN ENROLLEES DON'T TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT

WASHINGTON -- Defense health officials are concerned that many service
families who signed up for family dental care aren't actively
participating in the program.

"Eighty-six percent of active duty service members have enrolled in the
plan," said Air Force Col. Marvin Bennett. "Unfortunately, only
approximately 47 percent of those enrolled use the benefit."

The DoD consultant for dentistry said those who pay the monthly premium
but don't follow up with an active dental care program miss out on one of
the best dental plans available. "The family dental care program is
extremely beneficial, comprehensive and affordable," Bennett said.

The plan, administered by United Concordia colleges, Inc., costs $7.19 a
month for single coverage and $17. 95 a month for two or more. It covers
spouses and children of active duty service members. In addition to
paying monthly premiums -- automatically deducted from the service
member's gross pay -- enrollees receive two examinations, two cleanings,
fluoride treatment, and X-rays free of charge. For other services,
they're charged co-payments that range from 20 percent to 50 percent of
total costs. The plan covers costs up to $1,000 a year for routine dental
care and $1,200 lifetime limit for orthodontic care.

Congress is considering allowing DoD to expand the benefit to families
based overseas, to include waiving copayments, already a provision of DoD
medical care overseas. Bennett said he hopes the overseas plan will be
implemented Aug. 1. (Douglas J. Gillert, American Forces Press Service)
-USMC-

Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 352 Byline: MARFORRES PA

Headline: MARINE RESERVE FORCES TO SERVE IN PANAMA THIS SUMMER

MARINE FORCES RESERVE, New Orleans, La. -- A company of reserve Marines
from across New England, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York will deploy to
Panama for 90 days this summer to temporarily relieve active-duty Marines
performing security missions there.

It will be the first time Marine Forces Reserve has provided a
company-size unit to assume a role in the Panama security mission of the
U.S. Southern Command.

The deploying unit, Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, is
formed from about 150 reservists who have volunteered for a mission which
will take them away from their families, schools, and jobs for three
months. The Marines will serve as a security reaction force fully capable
of responding to a wide range of contingencies. In addition, the Marines
will attend the Jungle Operations Training Course at Fort Sherman,
Panama, where they will hone their skills in patrolling, land navigation,
jungle survival, and riverine operations.

In late July, one platoon (52 Marines) from Mike Co. will leave the
steamy summer jungles of Panama and travel far south to mid-winter in the
Southern Hemisphere. The platoon will undergo two weeks of cold-weather
training near Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of Chile as part of an
exchange program which will send a counterpart platoon of Chilean Marines
to Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C., for training with U.S. Marine
units there.

Media wishing to visit their local Marines during their deployment to
Panama or Chile, or who wish to receive video footage of those Marines,
should contact Lt. Col. Michael Humm, chief of media relations, Marine
Forces Reserve, at (504) 678-8063, or 1st Lt. John Dodd, public affairs
officer, Marine Forces Atlantic, at (910) 451-9222. For information in
Panama, contact Lt. Col. Byron Conover, USA, USSOUTHCOM, at 011 507
282-4226/3048. (MARFORRES PA) -USMC-

Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 358 Byline: Sgt. Jeffrey D. Weeks, MCAGCC 29
Palms

Headline: MARINE TRANSFORMS FROM TANKER TO MIDSHIPMAN

MARINE CORPS AIR-GROUND COMBAT CENTER, Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- What's
it like spending only 13 months in the Marine Corps and then heading to
the Naval Academy? Just ask Justin K. Farrar, a lance corporal with 1st
Tank Bn.

Farrar, 22, a native of Bellingham, Wash., received word last month he'll
be getting his chance to attend the Annapolis institution in just a
couple of months, hopefully on his way to pursuing a career in aviation.

Speaking of his approaching life as a midshipman, Farrar said that his
time in the Marine Corps is "definitely going to help me, because I
already have the military mindset and definitely a lot more leadership
skills than before."

Presently uncertain as to what subject he'll choose as a major, Farrar
noted he'll have two years to decide; however, he'll most likely be
eyeing chemistry, engineering, and history.

Though his father spoke often about experiences in the Navy and how great
it would be to attend the Naval Academy, Farrar said he was never pushed
into entering the service, remarking instead, "I just kind of gravitated
toward it." However, Farrar's entry into the Marine Corps probably was a
Sailor's misguided effort in trying to make the Navy sound too good.

Recounting his experience in the recruiting office, Farrar said, "Oddly
enough, I was one day away from joining the Navy and a couple of enlisted
Navy guys were in there talking about how they don't do anything except
go to San Diego and play basketball. Well, I could do that as a civilian,
and I wanted something a little more exciting." With that, Farrar had a
quick change of heart and went to see the Marine Corps recruiter instead.

First Lieutenant Gregory Poland, Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Tank
Bn. executive officer, said that the academy acceptance was a simple
matter of Farrar being an "all around good candidate." Poland also
mentioned that Farrar had applied to the academy previously while in the
Delayed Entry Program, but apparently wasn't selected only because his
Congressman didn't have any slots remaining; yet, Farrar didn't allow
that news, reaching him at boot camp, to deter his dreams. The "credit
goes to him ... he stood up making sure he was accounted for," said
Poland.

In addition to attending the academy, Farrar seems anxious to make the
cross-country move for other reasons. "I've never been to the East Coast,
but it's not the desert, so that has to be good," he said.

Farrar, who said attending the school is "just something I always wanted
to do," is due to report in by July 1, for "Plebe summer." He'll begin
classes at the end of August. (Sgt. Jeffrey D. Weeks, MCAGCC 29 Palms)
-USMC-

Date: 05/30/97 Release #: 356 Byline: Maj. Stephen M. Lyons, HQMC

Headline: MILLIONS SAVED THROUGH INCOME TAX PREPARATION
ASSISTANCE

WASHINGTON (May 27) -- Overseas Marine Corps volunteer income tax
assistants continue to work feverishly toward a June 15 income tax filing
deadline, preparing and electronically transmitting thousands of federal
and state tax returns. This year to date, Marine volunteer income tax
preparers have electronically filed more than 38,000 federal tax returns
and prepared another 9,000 federal and 12,000 state returns for paper
filing. Worldwide, Marine Corps volunteers assisted more than 125,000
taxpayers, including members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces,
retirees, and their family members.

The primary objectives for the 1997 tax season were to ensure that all
Marines had access to free tax preparation and electronic filing
services, and to take tax services to the Marine. This year, every Legal
Assistance Office aboard Marine Corps bases and stations, 20 in all,
offered free income tax assistance and electronic tax filing as part of
their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. As a result of
expanded tax services and increased command support, this year was the
most successful since the program's introduction, with a 24 percent
increase in total clients assisted over last tax season. A notable case
was Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, where the command increased its number of
returns filed by over 1,100 percent. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San
Diego, Calif., provided assistance to Marines throughout the Western
Recruiting Region. The Corps' largest tax center -- the Consolidated
Legal Assistance Office, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune -- prepared more
than 15,800 returns and assisted more than 32,600 taxpayers.

Over the last five years the Marine Corps' VITA program has developed
into a significant and recognizable quality of life improvement for
Marines and their families. This year, Marines saved more than $4.7
million in tax preparation and electronic filing fees. Less quantifiable,
but equally as important, the VITA program reduced the time required by
Marines and Sailors to prepare their returns and reduced the likelihood
of errors. (Electronic returns, on average, have an error rate of one
percent as compared to 18 percent for paper filings.) Marines and their
family members have overwhelmingly expressed appreciation for the VITA
program and were very satisfied with the tax assistance they received
from fellow Marine and civilian volunteers.

Participation by volunteer Marines, retirees, and family members is the
reason for the VITA program's success. Hundreds of volunteers answered
the call and selflessly gave their time and expertise to help fellow
Marines with their tax returns. Volunteers consisted of the most junior
Marines to civilian tax professionals who tackled the toughest tax
problems. Each year during late November and early December, legal
assistance offices throughout the Corps solicit Marines from active and
reserve units, and family members to attend IRS-sponsored training and
volunteer their time to work in base and station tax centers.

Marines who volunteered their services expressed a deep sense of personal
satisfaction. Sgt. Francisca Rojo, who worked at the HQMC Tax Center,
stated "It's personally very satisfying to help Marines with their taxes
and to know that we are 'taking care of our own.'"

Reserves also assisted. Marine reservist Maj. Robin Brookins ran the tax
center for the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune where she supervised a staff
of more than 30 volunteers.

The Judge Advocate Division, HQMC, and legal assistance offices
throughout the Marine Corps are applying lessons learned from this year
and expect next season's program to be even more beneficial to Marines.

Persons interested in volunteering for next year's VITA program should
provide their name and unit to their base or station's legal assistance
office for later notification as next tax season approaches.

Comments and suggestions regarding the Marine Corps VITA program may be
directed to the Judge Advocate Division (JAL), Headquarters, U.S. Marine
Corps, DSN 224-1266; (703) 614-1266. (Maj. Stephen M. Lyons, HQMC) -USMC-

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