Heroes Call

[rcecale]

Hero, man of steel, guardian angel are just some of the terms that come to mind when young warriors step up and take on the scumbags head on. These guys just do it with style and make holidays something to be thankful for!



ANAH, Iraq (Dec. 14, 2006) – Lance Cpl. Thomas Garlock wouldn’t say that he is “better” than any other infantryman in his battalion – at least, not without joking about it.

He doesn’t walk with a swagger and he seems almost embarrassed to answer questions about himself.

But just three months into 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion’s Iraq deployment, Garlock, a 19-year-old from Springville, N.Y., has earned the respect of Marines throughout the battalion.

Twice now, Garlock has come to the aid of Marines in his patrol when they were wounded-in-action, helping assist the battalion’s Navy corpsmen to save lives.

He isn’t alone though. About two thirds of Marines throughout 2nd LAR are now certified Combat Lifesavers, and are now trained to act as an “extra set of hands” for corpsmen, according to Navy Lt. Andrew Bailey, the battalion’s medical officer.

The Marines underwent the week-long class for certification back in Camp Lejeune, N.C., where the battalion is stationed. In seven days, they learned what Navy corpsmen call “combat style” first aid –treating gunshot wounds and burns and applying tourniquets, Garlock said.

The course helps Marines empower themselves to help rather than just be bystanders in the event immediate medical care is needed, said Bailey, a 30-year-old from Denver, Colo. The course also helps keep the corpsmen fresh in basic combat life-saving skills, which, in turn, helps them maintain their proficiency by having to thoroughly explain techniques to Marines, Bailey added.

“We learn how to patch someone up if it’s a basic wound, or how to stabilize them until a corpsman gets there,” said Garlock.

In Iraq’s Anbar Province, where U.S. and Iraqi forces face small-arms fire and improvised explosive attacks daily, the combat lifesaving skills can come in handy.

An improvised explosive device wounded three Marines, including the patrol leader and assistant patrol leader, during a patrol Garlock was on.

After recovering from the momentary shock, Garlock, like many other Marines that have dealt with similar situations, sprung into action. With the aid of Navy Hospitalman Nicholas Sortino, Garlock assessed the injured Marines and prioritized the injuries.

As Sortino assessed the most seriously injured Marine, Garlock came to the aid of two others.

As they worked on their patients, the two shouted to each other, giving updates on their patient’s condition and treatment.

By communicating and utilizing skills from the combat lifesaver course, the two were able to quickly identify the more serious – and life-threatening – of the three wounded Marines.

“Garlock’s our ‘Lance Corpsman,’” said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Deguzman, senior corpsman for Company A, in a half-joking referral to Garlock’s rank of lance corporal.

During a separate patrol, Garlock found himself in the same situation: an IED attack wounded Marines on patrol. This time, though, there was no Navy corpsman to assist Garlock. It was up to him and several other Marines to treat the wounded.

“That first time was pretty hectic,” Garlock said. “The second time was easier because the squad knew what we had to do.”

“He jokes with me that he doesn’t even need me, he’s got it all under control,” said Sortino.

While Marines play a vital role in helping save lives on the battlefield, the week-long class won’t give them all the knowledge or experience a good corpsman uses to treat his patients, said Bailey.

Still, the course has already proven its weight in gold – it’s helped at least one Marine save lives.

“The corpsman we have on the streets are our best asset,” said Bailey. “They’re saving lives on a daily basis. I can take treatment further, but it’s their assessment and what they do that keeps the injured Marines alive.”

Story, photos by Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Sapp

Combat Correspondent

2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

Randy

[Jim727]

Bravo!

[Joeaksa]

Excellent job and good to see. Wonder why the news media cannot find stories like this for the evening news?

[fastpat]

[rcecale]

[fastpat]

Originally posted by mikester


In my wildest dreams I'm a marine.

[Joeaksa]

Randy,

You notice that the only flak you are getting on this thread is coming from our resident bedpan soldier?

Someday... someday my friend your number will be called...

[Jim727]

"bedpan soldier" -- I about busted a gut on that one!!!!

[fastpat]

Originally posted by Joeaksa
Someday... someday my friend your number will be called...

Grow up, Dilbert.

[Eric 951]

Originally posted by fastpat
Grow up, Dilbert.

ahhh pastes most notorious rebuttal: you are children, childish, grow up, et al.

meanwhile he displays most childish traits himself, let's review:

1. always thinks he is right...check
2. feels compelled to show everyone his shiny toys....check
3. if I can't have it, nobody can(most evidenced in the "we all lost the civil war" mindset).....check

go get your crayons, and if you color within the lines, you get a juicebox.




Randy,

great story and pics about a brave soldier.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by Eric 951
ahhh pastes most notorious rebuttal: you are children, childish, grow up, et al.

meanwhile he displays most childish traits himself, let's review:

1. always thinks he is right...check
2. feels compelled to show everyone his shiny toys....check
3. if I can't have it, nobody can(most evidenced in the "we all lost the civil war" mindset).....check

I know, Eric 951, it's hard to come to grips with being a dumb*****. It's because you don't possess what it takes to recognized what it is you don't possess. A conundrum of sorts.

Anyway, back on topic, more heroic headlines:
Thursday: 110 Iraqis, 1 GI Killed; 35 Iraqis Wounded, Dozens Kidnapped; another successful Bush'ist day of laying waste to Iraq.

Stay the course.

[Eric 951]

Originally posted by fastpat
I know, Eric 951, it's hard to come to grips with being a dumb*****. It's because you don't possess what it takes to recognized what it is you don't possess. A conundrum of sorts.

So, you "know it is hard to come to grips with being a dumb*****"
speaking from experience, eh?

[widgeon13]

Now boys, you're distracting fastpaste from his meaningful work. Play nice.

[DavidI]

Corpsmen, and now the "Combat Lifesavers" have a special place in our military. I will tip a drink to all who served or are currently serving, David

[RPKESQ]

It is a rotten shame these soldiers are not recognized for the brave and dedicated people they are. But that does not mean one has to agree with their mission. I see this as a monumental waste of ability and talent that our political leaders have given us. I served and I would do it again without hesitation. But support this mission in Iraq, never.

[m21sniper]

Originally posted by fastpat
Grow up, Dilbert.

It is obvious you don't WANT anyone to like you Pat.

Why the 24/7 jackass mode? This is a thread obviously dedicated to the brave young men and women dying(for their part) on our behalf in Iraq.

YOU may not feel like they're doing it for 'us', but they sure do.

Your behavior in this thread is outrageous, and i am asking you nicely to please back-off.

As for the Marines in this thread, Semper Fi devil dogs.

[oldE]

m21sniper,

Pat has clearly stated in another thread, "I have enough friends, possibly enough for three or four people, much less just myself; so I'm not here to make new friends by obsequious behavior."

Unfortunately, he does not comprehend there is middle ground between obsequious and mule-headed. Therefore, most of his statements on this board, no matter how well founded in fact, are doomed to be spurned by those who have heard more than they want of his patronizing attitude. It is unfortunate, as the man is well read and has a lot to bring to discussions. If only he would learn what 'discussion' meant.

Les

[m21sniper]

I kinda figured as much bro, but thanx for the heads up.

It still needed to be said though.

[widgeon13]

I have found it interesting that when he is on ones IGNORE list that you don't even need to read his posts because you know what the message is going to be before you open the window.

[oldE]

Widgeon13,

Do not ignore people who always feel they are right. That is like turning your back on someone who feels they value something more than you.

You know what happens in that instance.

Far better to debate. You are forced to think, and, perhaps they will learn there are two sides to many questions.

Besides, it can be fun.

I was, however taken aback by the first post he made to this thread. I would think someone who had served in uniform and currently serves in a capacity of saving and/or preserving life would look beyond the end of their nose and understand the basic message of human goodness in that post.

What is best about this world is: You can make a difference.

Les