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Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command prepares to set out on the first joint ride of MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command prepares to set out on the first joint ride of MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally

Marine motorcycle operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command prepare to set out on the first joint ride of MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Marine motorcycle operators with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command prepare to set out on the first joint ride of MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally

Sergeant Major Thomas F. Hall, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command sergeant major, listens to Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee discuss his custom helmet before he embarks on an outing with MARSOC motorcycle operators Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. The occasion marked the first time MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs assembled for a consolidated ride. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Sergeant Major Thomas F. Hall, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command sergeant major, listens to Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee discuss his custom helmet before he embarks on an outing with MARSOC motorcycle operators Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. The occasion marked the first time MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs assembled for a consolidated ride. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally

A Marine with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command conducts a motorcycle safety inspection before embarking on an outing with MARSOC motorcycle operators Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. The occasion marked the first time MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs assembled for a consolidated ride. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

A Marine with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command conducts a motorcycle safety inspection before embarking on an outing with MARSOC motorcycle operators Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. The occasion marked the first time MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs assembled for a consolidated ride. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally

Major General Mark A. Clark, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, and Sgt. Maj. Thomas F. Hall, MARSOC sergeant major, greet MARSOC motorcycle operators before they embark on an outing Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. The occasion marked the first time MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs assembled for a consolidated ride. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Major General Mark A. Clark, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, and Sgt. Maj. Thomas F. Hall, MARSOC sergeant major, greet MARSOC motorcycle operators before they embark on an outing Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. The occasion marked the first time MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs assembled for a consolidated ride. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally

Major General Mark A. Clark, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, and Sgt. Maj. Thomas F. Hall, MARSOC sergeant major, pose for a photo with MARSOC motorcycle operators before they embark on an outing Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. The occasion marked the first time MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs assembled for a consolidated ride. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Major General Mark A. Clark, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, and Sgt. Maj. Thomas F. Hall, MARSOC sergeant major, pose for a photo with MARSOC motorcycle operators before they embark on an outing Oct. 31, 2012 aboard Camp Lejeune, NC. The occasion marked the first time MARSOC's various motorcycle clubs assembled for a consolidated ride. "First and foremost, this outing was about safety," said Master Gunnery Sgt. George Lee, a rider with 15 years' experience. "It was also about camaraderie and mentorship." The riders drove to Wilmington for a tour of the USS North Carolina and to explore local hobby shops. Experience among the motorcyclists ranged from three months to upwards of 30 years. "It was definitely a worthwhile experience," said Lance Cpl. Roderick Kim, a small craft mechanic at MARSOC who is new to riding. "I learned how to ride with a group, learned how to space myself. It was good training."

Photo by Cpl. Kyle McNally

A Critical Skills Operator stationed with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif., carries a Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) during a training exercise.

A Critical Skills Operator stationed with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif., carries a Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) during a training exercise.

Photo by courtesy photo

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in South Carolina., May 22 to 24. During the training the Marines conducted counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in South Carolina., May 22 to 24. During the training the Marines conducted counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in South Carolina., May 22 to 24. During the training the Marines conducted counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in South Carolina., May 22 to 24. During the training the Marines conducted counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in South Carolina., May 22 to 24. During the training the Marines conducted counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in South Carolina., May 22 to 24. During the training the Marines conducted counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in South Carolina., May 22 to 24. During the training the Marines conducted counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in South Carolina., May 22 to 24. During the training the Marines conducted counterinsurgency (COIN) operations.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. Marines prepare for helo casting inside a SH-60 Sea Hawk aircraft.

Marines with 3d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. Marines prepare for helo casting inside a SH-60 Sea Hawk aircraft.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Marines with 3rd Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, conduct predeployment training in Savannah, Ga., May 23. During the training the Marines conducted helocasting drills.

Photo by Sgt. Anthony W. Carter

A Marine assigned to 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command, was awarded the Silver Star medal for gallantry in combat, in a 1 p.m. ceremony, March 7.

SSgt. William E. Burch, was awarded the military’s third highest medal for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity against the enemy while engaged in a combat mission in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, nearly two years ago.

A Marine assigned to 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Command, was awarded the Silver Star medal for gallantry in combat, in a 1 p.m. ceremony, March 7. SSgt. William E. Burch, was awarded the military’s third highest medal for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity against the enemy while engaged in a combat mission in Badghis Province, Afghanistan, nearly two years ago.

Photo by courtesy photo

Sgt. William J. Woitowicz, a former native of Groton, Massachusetts was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest honor for combat valor, during a 10:30 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, April 28, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Va., in front of family, friends and fellow Marines. Col. Steven Grass, commanding officer of Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, explain Sgt Woitowicz' heroism in combat that earned him the Silver Star.

Sgt. William J. Woitowicz, a former native of Groton, Massachusetts was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest honor for combat valor, during a 10:30 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, April 28, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Va., in front of family, friends and fellow Marines. Col. Steven Grass, commanding officer of Marine Special Operations Regiment, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, explain Sgt Woitowicz' heroism in combat that earned him the Silver Star.

Photo by SSgt Francisco J. Gutierrez

The family of the late Sgt. William J. Woitowicz is presented their son's Silver Star for his heroism in combat on June 7, 2011, at the Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, Va., April 28, 2012.

The family of the late Sgt. William J. Woitowicz is presented their son's Silver Star for his heroism in combat on June 7, 2011, at the Marine Corps Museum in Triangle, Va., April 28, 2012.

Photo by SSgt Francisco J. Gutierrez