Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Ga. -- More than 100 Albany Marine Reserves were called up this week in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Leathernecks from Detachment B, Supply Company, 4th Supply Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, received orders to augment to the II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
The mission of the unit is to receive, prepare and issue a variety of individual personnel equipment necessary for ground force operations. The detachment also includes a salvage section capable of recovering motorized vehicles.
According to Maj. Thomas E. Fisher, the detachment's commanding officer, the Marines are prepared for whatever is asked of them. The unit trains one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer to ensure they are always ready to accomplish their mission.
"The Marines' departure from their families may be sad, but they are ready to go," said Fisher, a native of Bainbridge, Ga.
Many of the Marines live in the Albany area while others drove from as far away as Savannah, Ga., to meet the recall. The unit spent Tuesday issuing gear, getting immunizations and completing necessary paperwork.
Some of the Marines' family members accompanied them to the unit's headquarters, knowing that they may not see their loved ones for some time.
Families were prepared for their loved ones' departure by briefings on such issues as family readiness, financial management and emotional support.
Following the events of 9-11, the Marine Reserves knew their chances for orders at anytime had increased, said Fisher.
Some Marines left their jobs in the civilian world such as teachers, mechanics and law enforcement. Cpl. Jonathan Butler, a native of Fort Gaines, Ga., is a full time corrections officer. But today, he is trading his correctional uniform for Marine Corps camouflaged utilities.
Other Marines, such as Staff Sgt. Mark Clark, a native of Tallahassee, Fla., looks forward to doing the job the Marine Corps trained him for.
According to Clark, this is what his unit trains so hard for during the year. He feels that they are ready to accomplish any task that is asked of them.
While some Marines may perform their current military skills, others may be asked to conduct other tasks, said Fisher. Either way, these Marines will join the rest of the Marine Corps active duty forces, standing ready to get the job done.
The detachment personnel currently have orders for one year. However, President Bush's partial mobilization authorizes activation for selected personnel for up to two years.