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Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commander U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, decorates Master Sgt. Donovan Petty, a critical skills operator with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, with the Silver Star Medal following at the MARSOC headquarters, May 12, 2014. Petty's team was engaged by insurgent personnel in Afghanistan when his actions led to the successful capture of a key insurgent leader. “This award isn’t about me; it’s about my team and their collective actions on that day. They should be receiving an award, not me,” said Petty. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Young)

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commander U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, decorates Master Sgt. Donovan Petty, a critical skills operator with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, with the Silver Star Medal following at the MARSOC headquarters, May 12, 2014. Petty's team was engaged by insurgent personnel in Afghanistan when his actions led to the successful capture of a key insurgent leader. “This award isn’t about me; it’s about my team and their collective actions on that day. They should be receiving an award, not me,” said Petty. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Young)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Young

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., (May 12, 2014) - Master Sgt. Donovan Petty, a critical skill operator with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, addressed the audience after receiving the Silver Star Medal following his award ceremony at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command headquarters. Petty's team was engaged by insurgent personnel in Afghanistan when his actions led to the successful capture of a key insurgent leader. “This award isn’t about me; it’s about my team and their collective actions on that day. They should be receiving an award, not me,” said Petty. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Young)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., (May 12, 2014) - Master Sgt. Donovan Petty, a critical skill operator with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, addressed the audience after receiving the Silver Star Medal following his award ceremony at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command headquarters. Petty's team was engaged by insurgent personnel in Afghanistan when his actions led to the successful capture of a key insurgent leader. “This award isn’t about me; it’s about my team and their collective actions on that day. They should be receiving an award, not me,” said Petty. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Young)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Young

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Individual Training Course students with Marine Special Operations School at Stone Bay, here, participate in the field training exercise Raider Spirit. Raider Spirit is an eight-day culminating event for the first phase of ITC training, where students run light infantry scenarios as a field team. Throughout the exercise, student teams face many challenges as a result of an operationally restrictive scenario and numerous long distance foot movements with little sleep.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

A participant crawls his way out of a mud pit during the muddy and murky 5-mile MARSOC Mud, Sweat and Tears run at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26. The MARSOC mud run is annual event, and provides MARSOC the opportunity to connect with the local community and build camaraderie amongst the Marines at MCB Camp Lejeune. This year’s mud run held a special significance as the families of some of MARSOC’s fallen Marines and sailors ran in the race, following ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, the day prior that honored all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception.

A participant crawls his way out of a mud pit during the muddy and murky 5-mile MARSOC Mud, Sweat and Tears run at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26. The MARSOC mud run is annual event, and provides MARSOC the opportunity to connect with the local community and build camaraderie amongst the Marines at MCB Camp Lejeune. This year’s mud run held a special significance as the families of some of MARSOC’s fallen Marines and sailors ran in the race, following ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, the day prior that honored all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception.

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

More than 1,400 competitors darted from the start line as they began the muddy and murky 5-mile MARSOC Mud, Sweat and tears run at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26. The MARSOC mud run provides MARSOC the opportunity to connect with the local community and build camaraderie amongst the Marines at MCB Camp Lejeune. This year’s mud run held a special significance as the families of some of MARSOC’s fallen Marines and sailors ran in the race, following ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, the day prior that honored all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier)

More than 1,400 competitors darted from the start line as they began the muddy and murky 5-mile MARSOC Mud, Sweat and tears run at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26. The MARSOC mud run provides MARSOC the opportunity to connect with the local community and build camaraderie amongst the Marines at MCB Camp Lejeune. This year’s mud run held a special significance as the families of some of MARSOC’s fallen Marines and sailors ran in the race, following ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, the day prior that honored all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier)

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, congratulates Staff Sgt. Sheena Stevens, MARSOC G-7 Air Chief, as she receives her finishing medal for completing the muddy and murky 5-mile MARSOC Mud, Sweat and Tears run at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26. The MARSOC mud run provides MARSOC the opportunity to connect with the local community and build camaraderie amongst the Marines at MCB Camp Lejeune. This year’s mud run held a special significance as the families of some of MARSOC’s fallen Marines and sailors ran in the race, following ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, the day prior that honored all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier)

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, congratulates Staff Sgt. Sheena Stevens, MARSOC G-7 Air Chief, as she receives her finishing medal for completing the muddy and murky 5-mile MARSOC Mud, Sweat and Tears run at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26. The MARSOC mud run provides MARSOC the opportunity to connect with the local community and build camaraderie amongst the Marines at MCB Camp Lejeune. This year’s mud run held a special significance as the families of some of MARSOC’s fallen Marines and sailors ran in the race, following ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, the day prior that honored all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier)

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, and his wife Lisa, cross the finish line with their arms inter-linked together with Mrs. Marcia Mote, [far left] the mother of SSgt. Sky Mote, a recent Navy Cross recipient and fallen MARSOC Marine, during the annual MARSOC Mud, Sweat and Tears run, at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26. The MARSOC mud run provides MARSOC the opportunity to connect with the local Jacksonville community and build camaraderie amongst the Marines at MCB Camp Lejeune. This year’s mud run held a special significance as the families of some of MARSOC’s fallen Marines and sailors ran in the race, following ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind ceremony, the day prior that honored all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier)

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, and his wife Lisa, cross the finish line with their arms inter-linked together with Mrs. Marcia Mote, [far left] the mother of SSgt. Sky Mote, a recent Navy Cross recipient and fallen MARSOC Marine, during the annual MARSOC Mud, Sweat and Tears run, at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 26. The MARSOC mud run provides MARSOC the opportunity to connect with the local Jacksonville community and build camaraderie amongst the Marines at MCB Camp Lejeune. This year’s mud run held a special significance as the families of some of MARSOC’s fallen Marines and sailors ran in the race, following ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind ceremony, the day prior that honored all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier)

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, and Sarah Christian, director of operations for the MARSOC Foundation prepare to cut a purple ribbon to unveil the MARSOC Foundation’s mobile memorial wall, during ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, April 25, to honor all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. The significance of the mobile memorial wall is to honor the Marines, sailors and civilian Marines who lost their lives while serving with MARSOC, as well as to honor their families, sharing their stories with as wide of an audience as possible. “The hope is that people will see the wall, reflect upon the service and sacrifice of these men & women and their families, and hopefully try to learn more about each of them,” said Christian. “The MARSOC Foundation also hopes that it will remind the American public that even though military missions are not being talked about on the news, there are still brave men and women stationed throughout the world protecting our country and our freedom.”

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, and Sarah Christian, director of operations for the MARSOC Foundation prepare to cut a purple ribbon to unveil the MARSOC Foundation’s mobile memorial wall, during ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, April 25, to honor all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. The significance of the mobile memorial wall is to honor the Marines, sailors and civilian Marines who lost their lives while serving with MARSOC, as well as to honor their families, sharing their stories with as wide of an audience as possible. “The hope is that people will see the wall, reflect upon the service and sacrifice of these men & women and their families, and hopefully try to learn more about each of them,” said Christian. “The MARSOC Foundation also hopes that it will remind the American public that even though military missions are not being talked about on the news, there are still brave men and women stationed throughout the world protecting our country and our freedom.”

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, and Sarah Christian, director of operations for the MARSOC Foundation cut a purple ribbon unveiling the MARSOC Foundation travel memorial wall, during ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, April 25, to honor all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. The significance of the mobile memorial wall is to honor the Marines, sailors and civilian Marines who lost their lives while serving with MARSOC, as well as to honor their families, sharing their stories with as wide of an audience as possible. “The hope is that people will see the wall, reflect upon the service and sacrifice of these men & women and their families, and hopefully try to learn more about each of them,” said Christian. “The MARSOC Foundation also hopes that it will remind the American public that even though military missions are not being talked about on the news, there are still brave men and women stationed throughout the world protecting our country and our freedom.”

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, and Sarah Christian, director of operations for the MARSOC Foundation cut a purple ribbon unveiling the MARSOC Foundation travel memorial wall, during ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, April 25, to honor all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. The significance of the mobile memorial wall is to honor the Marines, sailors and civilian Marines who lost their lives while serving with MARSOC, as well as to honor their families, sharing their stories with as wide of an audience as possible. “The hope is that people will see the wall, reflect upon the service and sacrifice of these men & women and their families, and hopefully try to learn more about each of them,” said Christian. “The MARSOC Foundation also hopes that it will remind the American public that even though military missions are not being talked about on the news, there are still brave men and women stationed throughout the world protecting our country and our freedom.”

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

Family, friends and fellow comrades join together, during ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, hosted by Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, in conjunction with the MARSOC Foundation, April 25, at the MARSOC headquarters, to honor all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. “As our journey together continues, today is about our promise to 45 special people in our lives, that they made a difference, they mattered, that they will be remembered and will always hold a coveted place in our hearts,” said Clark.

Family, friends and fellow comrades join together, during ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, hosted by Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, in conjunction with the MARSOC Foundation, April 25, at the MARSOC headquarters, to honor all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. “As our journey together continues, today is about our promise to 45 special people in our lives, that they made a difference, they mattered, that they will be remembered and will always hold a coveted place in our hearts,” said Clark.

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, embraces Russell Mote, the father of Sgt. Sky Mote, a recent Navy Cross recipient, during ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, April 25, at the MARSOC headquarters, to honor all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. “As our journey together continues, today is about our promise to 45 special people in our lives, that they made a difference, they mattered, that they will be remembered and will always hold a coveted place in our hearts,” said Clark.

Major Gen. Mark A. Clark, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, embraces Russell Mote, the father of Sgt. Sky Mote, a recent Navy Cross recipient, during ‘Honor the Fallen,’ a one-of-a-kind event, April 25, at the MARSOC headquarters, to honor all Marines, sailors and civilian Marines lost at home and abroad since MARSOC’s inception. “As our journey together continues, today is about our promise to 45 special people in our lives, that they made a difference, they mattered, that they will be remembered and will always hold a coveted place in our hearts,” said Clark.

Photo by Sgt. Scott Achtemeier