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SSgt Timothy J. Cals
My name is SSgt Cals,
originally from New Hampshire and I am the Maintenance Chief for
the team. That is, in fact just a big word for Mechanic, but I
like it. I joined the Marine Corps in 1991 after graduating
high school. After boot camp at Parris Island, I attended
Marine Combat Training in North Carolina, as well as the Diesel
Mechanics course at Camp Johnson, N.C. Afterwards, I enjoyed
(for the most part) tours in Okinawa, Japan, Camp Pendleton Ca,
Quantico, Va with Crash, Fire and Rescue, Bakersfield, Ca on
Recruiting Duty, and back again to Camp Pendleton serving with 1st
Marine Division for both OIF I and II. My third deployment to
Iraq placed me with 4th Brigade, Anti-Terrorism
Battalion as a transition team member with first, the Iraqi
Army, followed by the Iraqi Border Patrol. Back at Camp
Pendleton, during a small bout with amnesia, I signed on for
another tour with the Border Patrol which is where I find myself
at this very moment. I joke, but I really have enjoyed my time
working with the Iraqi’s, and on these teams. It has been a
learning experience on both a personal level as well as a
cultural one. I will no doubt bore my friends and family with
outlandish tales involving this team for years to come. Look,
it takes a “special” assortment of individuals to be able to
destroy two vehicles within the first week of operations. And
yes, I do share the blame for one of them. That’s teamwork
folks……good old fashioned team work.
GySgt Mac worked hard so we
could place our vote on American Idol. Press 2 for Jordin
Sparks Gunny!!!!
Sgt Felan assists me in
changing a tire. It took awhile, but we eventually got it on.
I believe this sign says “Eat
Here. Get Gas!” or “Next Rest Stop 4773 miles” I don’t remember
which.
Hi, I am Gunnery Sergeant John
McIntire, and I am serving as the Communications Chief for
Border Transition Team 422. I have been in the Marine Corps
nearly 16 years and this is my second tour here in Iraq. I want
to say “thank you” for all the support back home, from families
and friends and make no mistake about it, the only thing on my
mind is the team returning safely back to Camp Pendleton. See
you when I return.
Gunny McIntire celebrating the
Marine Corps Ball in the Iraqi Army’s Dining Facility- on
looking is Capt Fox and Lt Nielson, and we say it can be
celebrated in “every clime and place”!
Gunny McIntire at COP South, and
outside the Command Operations Center.
Sgt De La Rosa, and Gunny
McIntire enjoying, what was our last beer before heading over to
Iraq.
Gunny McIntire, outside the DHQ
with a tall palm tree.
 GySgt
McIntire, showing the Iraqi’s Border Patrol vehicle searches.
GySgt McIntire and SSgt Cals, set
up communications link to higher headquarters. Do you hear me
now?
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