Jason Fudge

COMMSTRAT Marine raises money for children’s hospital from Korea

Gunnery Sgt. Leon Branchaud, Communication Strategy and Operations chief, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, is one of a select few who utilize their gaming talents for the Extra Life program to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The North Smithfield, R.I., native, has raised more than $9,000 for the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, R.I.

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Master Sgt. Clinton Firstbrook

Shadows conceal a squad of security forces as they quietly advance down a trash-riddled alley toward their objective. Gunnery Sgt. Leon Branchaud sends distinct hand signals to his team then relays muffled instructions through his headset.

“Coming up on the objective now. Lucky, call in Cleric for helo support once we secure the building. BREACH!”

Chaos erupts as his team crashes through a wooden door, sending occupants into a panic as they dive for cover and surrender without a second thought. Target secured; support inbound.

Suddenly, a notification bell chimes through a set of speakers and listeners hear a robotic voice announce, “$20 has been donated by Mike and Caleb.”

After powering down his PC that night, Branchaud, who streams with the handle DudeGuyBroGuy, raised $237 for the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, bringing his 2020 donation season total to $1,915.

The setting for this esport operation could’ve been launched in any clime and place, but tonight it occurred in a barracks room on Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.

“As long as I have an internet connection, and some friends to link up with during the event, it has always been a success,” said Branchaud, Communication Strategy and Operations chief, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea.

For several nights and weekends every year, Branchaud is one of a select few who utilize their gaming talents for the Extra Life program to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“Back in 2016, I was listening to a podcast to help pass the time,” explained the 34-year-old. “Someone started talking about an event where you play games with friends for 24 hours straight and all donations go to a children’s hospital of your choice. They had raised over a million dollars that year, and while I doubted I would ever get close to that amount, I wanted to give back and help those in my home state.”

(more…)

By Jason Fudge, ago

Photographer Bob Bowen passes

Robert "Bob" Bowen

Robert “Bob” Bowen

Robert “Bob” Lee Bowen passed away on November 25, 2020, after a long struggle with COPD. He was born January 12, 1941 in Huntington, W. VA. 
He enlisted in 1960 and served tours at Quantico, the Armed Forces Radio and Television Station on Okinawa and Leatherneck Magazine.

While at Leatherneck, he served three tours as a combat correspondent in Vietnam. He was selected to attend a special graduate-level, two-semester program (1967-68) in photojournalism at Syracuse University, where he graduated first in his class.

His reward was another tour as a combat correspondent in Vietnam, this time with the First Marine Division. He was selected for warrant officer in 1969 and promoted in 1970. While serving as Chief, Photojournalism Instruction at the Defense Information School in Indianapolis, he was selected for the Limited Duty Officer program and promoted a first lieutenant.

(more…)

By Jason Fudge, ago

Honoring our Korean War Vets

Tom Graves, the Joe Rosenthal Chapter historian sent us a link to 75 images honoring our Marine Corps members past and present for their service and victories in Korea, including the historic Inchon Landing. Jack Paxton, our former executive director also served in Korea. Go here to view images.

By Jason Fudge, ago