3/25 Marines return to U.S. soil

EAST LONGMEADOW If you're a regular Reminder Publications reader, you've probably been following the stories written by and about our "adopted" 3/25 Marines who were most recently serving active duty in Iraq.

East Longmeadow resident Jennifer Kasparian, wife of Capt. John Kasparian who authored many of the stories from the 3/25 Marines, told The Reminder that the recent benefit Motorcycle Poker Run raised over $2,100 for the soldiers, and that many people also said they made contributions directly to the unit's foundation.

She also received the news that the 3/25 Marines returned to home soil in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Following is a press release from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves:

"The 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment also known as "3/25" is scheduled to return to the United States at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C., by Friday, Sept. 30, following the completion of a seven-month deployment to Iraq.

"Approximately 900 Marines and Sailors serve with the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. The unit, a Reserve infantry battalion, is headquartered in Brook Park and is comprised of five companies: Headquarters and Service Company (Brook Park); Weapons Company (Akron, Ohio); Company L (Columbus, Ohio); Company I (Buffalo, N.Y.); and Company K (Moundsville, W.Va.).

"Each of the five companies within the battalion was activated on Jan. 4. From Jan. 10 to late February, the companies conducted pre-deployment training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and March Air Reserve Base Calif. 3/25's Marines and Sailors arrived in Iraq by the first week of March.

"During the deployment, 3/25's Marines and Sailors aided in training the Iraqi Security Forces and conducted stability and security operations with them to prevent insurgents from gaining a foothold in and around the cities of the Al Anbar province.

"Major operations that the battalion participated in include Operation Matador, Operation New Market and Operation Spear.

"The battalion is commanded by Col. Lionel B. Urquhart of Akron, Ohio."

Family and friends of the 3/25 Marines are still accepting donations which will help the soldiers attend the 2005 Marines Ball in Cleveland, Ohio, and reunite with their camrades.

Donations may be sent to the Mid-Ohio Marine Corps Foundation (34 North High Street New Albany, OH 43054-8507), which serves all members of the 3/25, which is based in Brook Park, OH.