MCAS Cherry Point News

Sgt. Timothy Pattison makes his plate during a luncheon dedicated to the nominees of the Service Persons of the Quarter Award at the Boathouse in Beaufort, N.C., Nov. 15, 2016. Pattison earned this award for going above and beyond while volunteering in the local Carteret County community. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army Reserves gathered to honor their selected service members who were chosen for the award. Pattison is an automotive maintenance technician for Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Sgt. Timothy Pattison makes his plate during a luncheon dedicated to the nominees of the Service Persons of the Quarter Award at the Boathouse in Beaufort, N.C., Nov. 15, 2016. Pattison earned this award for going above and beyond while volunteering in the local Carteret County community. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army Reserves gathered to honor their selected service members who were chosen for the award. Pattison is an automotive maintenance technician for Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

VMU-2 Marine honored as the Service Person of the Quarter

The award for Service Person of the Quarter is reserved for exemplary service members who have put others before themselves. Sgt. Timothy Pattison earned the honor for his exemplary actions, not only in his duties as a Marine, but in the local community as well. He joined the other recipients from the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army Reserves during a luncheon and ceremony at the Boathouse Restaurant in Beaufort, N.C., Nov. 15, 2016.

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Sgt. Brett Hankins watches his surroundings as an MV-22 Osprey prepares for flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 9, 2017. The crew chief is in charge of being aware of their surrounds at all times to give the pilot proper direction when conducting flight operations. The pilots and crew chiefs rely on each other to complete their mission objectives. Hankins is a crew chief the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released) - Sgt. Brett Hankins watches his surroundings as an MV-22 Osprey prepares for flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 9, 2017. The crew chief is in charge of being aware of their surrounds at all times to give the pilot proper direction when conducting flight operations. The pilots and crew chiefs rely on each other to complete their mission objectives. Hankins is a crew chief the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released)

Through Their Eyes: Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Pilot

The pilot strode across the flight line to his aircraft, and after climbing into the tight cockpit, began running preflight checks on the MV-22 Osprey he would be spending the next hour flying. The steady whir of the engine slowly became a roar as the rotors spun violently before taking off from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Jan. 9.

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Sgt. Alicia Hojara, center, was awarded the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce’s Service Person of the Quarter award during an honorary luncheon in Emerald Isle, N.C., Feb. 10, 2017. Master Sgt. Christopher McGuire, left, and Lt. Col. Garrett Randel, right, nominated Hojara for her outstanding dedication to giving back to the local community. Hojara volunteers for multiple organizations including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors that provides comfort and care for families who have lost a family member in the armed services. Randel is the commanding officer and McGuire is the aviation ordnance chief of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training unit aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Sgt. Alicia Hojara, center, was awarded the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce’s Service Person of the Quarter award during an honorary luncheon in Emerald Isle, N.C., Feb. 10, 2017. Master Sgt. Christopher McGuire, left, and Lt. Col. Garrett Randel, right, nominated Hojara for her outstanding dedication to giving back to the local community. Hojara volunteers for multiple organizations including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors that provides comfort and care for families who have lost a family member in the armed services. Randel is the commanding officer and McGuire is the aviation ordnance chief of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training unit aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Sgt. Alicia Hojara -- Superhero Unmasked

Superheroes come in all sizes and all kinds of disguises - Sgt. Alicia Hojara is living proof of that.

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James Tooker, top row, third from right, has been a part of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Fuels Department for more than four decades aboard MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. “Whoever was in the shop with me in the tank farm area, I kind of took them under my wing,” said Tooker. Tooker retired Jan. 30, 2017, as the senior civilian fuel inspector aboard the air station. (Courtesy photo/ Released) - James Tooker, top row, third from right, has been a part of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Fuels Department for more than four decades aboard MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. “Whoever was in the shop with me in the tank farm area, I kind of took them under my wing,” said Tooker. Tooker retired Jan. 30, 2017, as the senior civilian fuel inspector aboard the air station. (Courtesy photo/ Released)

Cherry Point fuels civilian retires after 41 years of dedicated service

The first time that James Tooker set foot on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Marines were still flying biplanes here and had just stopped fighting in their dress blues. OK, just kidding, but it was a long time ago, long before many of today’s Marines were even born. It was 1981, and in that same year, a former movie actor by the name of Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as President of the United States; MTV was launched (then as Music Television); and possibly the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, raised his massive fists for the last boxing match of his distinguished career. Although Tooker came here to begin a long career as part of the Cherry Point civil service team, the New Bern native had already lived another life as a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1968 to 1975. After his time in the armed forces, he then worked odd jobs until starting as a trainee aboard the air station in 1981. Military bases are peppered with guys and gals like Tooker – people who step through the gate in search of many things such as good work, new challenges, an opportunity to serve their country in a meaningful way – people who quietly find their niche in a culture built on camaraderie and semper fidelis.

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1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released) - 1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released)

Lending a helping hand: Marine’s uncommon valor saves stranger’s life

Emergency medical technicians arrived on scene and stated that the man behind the wheel had suffered a stroke. In the moments before the incident, what seemed like a simple decision turned into something much greater; the difference between life and death.

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Havelock MAC treats Cherry Point Marines to Pig Pickin’ feast

There is warmth in the air as community members, families and service members sit with one another at long, crowded tables, their plates overflowing with fresh-off-the-grill food.

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Children play games in their new facilities during a Boys & Girls Club opening at New Bern, N.C., April 24, 2017. Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Air Wing joined the local community for the reveal of the youth center after it was constructed from the remains of an old nightclub. 13 Marines assigned to the squadron volunteered for the construction of the facility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. N.W. Huertas/Released) - Children play games in their new facilities during a Boys & Girls Club opening at New Bern, N.C., April 24, 2017. Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Air Wing joined the local community for the reveal of the youth center after it was constructed from the remains of an old nightclub. 13 Marines assigned to the squadron volunteered for the construction of the facility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. N.W. Huertas/Released)

Marines roll up their sleeves, turn old nightclub into Boys & Girls Club

NEW BERN, N.C. - As Marines painted over midnight black walls in what remained of an old nightclub, Dre Nix couldn’t help but smile with excitement over the vision of a new Boys & Girls Club coming to life. 13 Marines assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Air Wing, came together to lend a hand to the New

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Staff Sgt. Cory Wilbur, left, supervises a Marine backing up a M970 semitrailer refueler truck during a Semitrailer Refueler Operator Course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., May 9, 2017. The course was filled with a combination of Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and various other units throughout II Marine Expeditionary Force. Upon completion of the course, motor transport Marines gain the secondary military occupational specialty of semitrailer refueler operator. Wilbur is a SROC instructor assigned to the Marine Corps Detachment Training Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released) - Staff Sgt. Cory Wilbur, left, supervises a Marine backing up a M970 semitrailer refueler truck during a Semitrailer Refueler Operator Course at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., May 9, 2017. The course was filled with a combination of Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and various other units throughout II Marine Expeditionary Force. Upon completion of the course, motor transport Marines gain the secondary military occupational specialty of semitrailer refueler operator. Wilbur is a SROC instructor assigned to the Marine Corps Detachment Training Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

II MEF Marines truck through refueler course on MCAS Cherry Point

As the loud hiss of the air brakes cry out, a Marine parks the M970 semitrailer refueler truck after moving a trailer containing much needed fuel to the Forward Operating Base. Supplying the FOB with fuel allows them to continue conducting missions in the area crucial to the unit’s success. Prior to completing the mission, the driver of the truck gained the needed skills while attending a Semitrailer Refueler Operator Course.

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Lance Cpl. Mitch Gautreaux (top row, far left) and Pfc. Mitch Gautreaux (bottom row, second right) pose for a picture with their fellow Marines at the Squadron Intelligence Training Certification Course 17-05 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 16, 2017. Both Marines will soon be assigned to units in close proximity to one another after graduating from Squadron Intelligence Training Certification Course. Jason will be assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, and Mitch will be assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released) - Lance Cpl. Mitch Gautreaux (top row, far left) and Pfc. Mitch Gautreaux (bottom row, second right) pose for a picture with their fellow Marines at the Squadron Intelligence Training Certification Course 17-05 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 16, 2017. Both Marines will soon be assigned to units in close proximity to one another after graduating from Squadron Intelligence Training Certification Course. Jason will be assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, and Mitch will be assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released)

Strengthening a bond of brotherhood through Marine Corps training

Darkness looms over the recruits as they crawl under tangles of barbed wire through muddy trenches. As the recruits scream encouragements amongst one another to complete the obstacle, one particular duo of future Marines literally drag each other to the finish line. One will not leave the other behind, because they are twins; bound by brotherhood.

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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Tom Braaten gives a speech about Sgt. Shaun and Lindsay Monaghan’s volunteering efforts during a Military Family of the Quarter recognition ceremony at the New Bern, N.C., Golf and Country Club, June 9, 2017. Shaun is an intermediate level ordnance instructor for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Lindsay is a former U.S. Army motor transportation operator who has volunteered approximately 300 hours at Merci Clinic in New Bern. Braaten is a former commanding general of MCAS Cherry Point. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released) - Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Tom Braaten gives a speech about Sgt. Shaun and Lindsay Monaghan’s volunteering efforts during a Military Family of the Quarter recognition ceremony at the New Bern, N.C., Golf and Country Club, June 9, 2017. Shaun is an intermediate level ordnance instructor for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Lindsay is a former U.S. Army motor transportation operator who has volunteered approximately 300 hours at Merci Clinic in New Bern. Braaten is a former commanding general of MCAS Cherry Point. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

#FlybyFriday: CNATT Family named New Bern’s Military Family of the Quarter

It all started bright and early on a recent Saturday morning, just shy of the first day of spring. When Lindsay Monaghan woke her husband, Sgt. Shaun Monaghan, to walk dogs for the Humane Society in New Bern, North Carolina, the couple had no idea that one day of giving would spark an interest in volunteering that would open the door to a whole new world for the Monaghan family.

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