1. MAG-49 Det C
Newsletter
Nov 2009 Vol 2
__________________________________________________________________________________
Summer Training is
a Huge Success
By LtCol R.J. Braatz
Hello Mag 49 Det C families. Your
Marines have had a busy summer; The
tempo continued through the fall with the
start of the government’s fiscal year.
Some highlights from the summer were:
a superb month long deployment to
Camp Pendleton, CA and a high tempo
training deployment to Hurlburt, FL.
Hurlburt Airfield, Ft Walton Beach, FL
During the training deployment to
Marines from MAG-49 Det C traveled to Hurlburt Field, FL in order to
Hurlburt, MAG-49 Det C supported and conduct Close Air Support and Assault Support to the Marines and
integrated with Special Operations Airmen of the Special Ops Command.
Forces, conducting Close Air Support,
Night Helicopter inserts and operations with AC-130 gunships. Many Marines got to ride in the
AC-130s and fire the 105mm Howitzer at targets from the gunship to the ground. The fall started with
this unit standing a Commanding Generals Inspection. This is a very detailed inspection in which
higher headquarters ensures all facets of the squadron are operating in accordance with USMC orders
and directives. We had not stood one in five years and it took many weeks to prepare. In short, the
Marines did an outstanding job. Your Marines continue to impress me with their professionalism and
motivation. In the upcoming months we have some big events to include: the Marine Corps Ball, new
hangar move and the MAG-49 Det C Christmas Party. I hope to see and meet all of you at the ball
and/or the Christmas Party. Included in this newsletter is information regarding both events and they
will prove to be very fun. In the near future I plan to have a town hall meeting which will give you,
the families of MAG 49 Det C, the opportunity to meet me and my wife Juli, SgtMaj Esparza and his
wife, Holly, and to ask me and SgtMaj Esparza questions on any appropriate Subject. This event will
be passed via the Family Readiness call tree and will be conducted in our new hangar after the
Holidays. Thank you for your continued support and have a fun and safe Holiday Season!

2. MAG-49 Det C NEWSLETTER
SgtMaj’s Words of Wisdom
By SgtMaj J. Esparza
Marines, Family and Friends,
Summer has ended. The children are back at school, football season is back, and (finally?!?) the
temperature has cooled off. Since returning from Mojave Viper, our Marines deployed to Hurlburt
AFB in Ft Walton, Florida. Once again, the Marines did an outstanding job supporting day and night
operations, and managed to have a little bit of fun too. Your Marine has ensured that we are not only
ready to fight—but operating efficiently—as evidenced in our successful Commanding General’s
Inspection.
Next up is our Marine Corps Birthday Ball on 14 November at Antoine’s Restaurant, and then a
Holiday Season that will include a lot of effort as we support the annual Toys for Tots Program. The
Commanding Officer and I look forward to seeing all of you at the Ball.
Summer Highlights 2009
SSgt Hansberry, LCpl Borst, Cpl Deluane and Cheers!
Sgt Simmons – Dominate the NOMAD Golf Classic
in September
Louisiana Governor, Bobby Jindal chatting it Hurlbert Field offered great training as well as great
up with the NOMADS. liberty. The Marines were able to enjoy sunny Ft Walton
Beach, during their time off.
2

3. MAG-49 Det C NEWSLETTER
Safety and Standardization
By Maj J.D. Osborne
Greetings from the DSS,
The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest times of the year
to be on the road. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 91 percent of long-distance
holiday travel (defined as travel to and from a destination 50 miles or more away) is by car. During
the six-day Thanksgiving travel period, long-distance trips increase by half. Throughout this holiday
season, motor vehicle safety is impacted by last minute shoppers, social visits and unpredictable
weather conditions. Therefore, please put some forethought into your plans prior to departure.
Before You Hit The Road:
1. Ensure the car is well-equipped for travel. Check the tire tread, battery, antifreeze, windows and
brakes. Also check the spare and the operation of the jack and lug wrench.
2. Bring your cell phone.
3. Avoid driving during late night hours. There is an increased incidence of drunk driving late at
night.
4. Keep a safety kit in the vehicle. The kit should include a flashlight and extra batteries, jumper
cables, first aid kit, water, non-perishable food items and flares or other warning devices. Also,
include an ice scraper, small shovel and a bag of sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck in the snow.
Enjoy the holidays. We all deserve some time off…
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROMOTIONS FOR OCT & NOV 09 DECORATIONS
• Maj “Stiff” Cox • SSgt Hansberry…NMCAM
• CWO2 Watson • Sgt Carter…NMCAM
• SSgt Blatt • Sgt Dowell…NMCAM
• Sgt Bounds
• Sgt Slater
• Sgt Smith
• Sgt Steele
• Sgt Wilson
• Cpl Cashmore
• Cpl Garcia PME Grads
• Cpl JimenezChicas GySgt Plunk, SNCOA Advanced Course
• Cpl Johnson Sgt Dubose, SNCOA Sergeants’ Course
• LCpl McCarthy
• LCpl Varnando
3

4. MAG-49 Det C NEWSLETTER
Family Readiness Officer Face in the Crowd
By Maj J.D. Osborne
Good Day to all. I am the new Family
Readiness Officer for MAG-49 Det C. For those
of you who just joined the unit, Welcome Aboard.
To be blunt, New Orleans is like no other place
in the Marine Corps. It isn’t your normal duty
station. Now, I didn’t say it was worse, just
Sgt Angillo Mentor
different. Fortunately, the Family Readiness
Team in NOLA has numerous assets to help
What is it that you do here?
everyone adjust to life in the Big Easy. Please
“I am the Aviation Supply Chief”
refer to the previous page for helpful websites and
What is the best part about your job?
phone numbers.
“The working environment”
As for the future of the Family Readiness
Where are you from?
Program, my position as the FRO is only
“Long Island, New York”
temporary, as HQMC has mandated all FRO
Where did you go to school?
positions will be held by civilians. LTCol Braatz
“Hempstead High School”
has reviewed some resume’s and is in the process
What interested you in joining the Marine Corps?
of hiring a full-time civilian to head up the Family
“I needed a sense of direction and a
Readiness program.
new purpose”
In the meantime, If you are interested in a
The #1 luxury item you cannot live without when
particular topic and would like to see it featured in
deployed.
our Newsletter, please call or email the Family
“Car”
Readiness Officer at jeffrey.d.osborne@usmc.mil.
What do you like best about HMLA 773
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the
Det A?
Marine Corps Ball.
“The people”
What is your favorite movie?
“Paid in Full”
What is your favorite sports team?
Upcoming Holidays “New England Patriots”
What advice do you have for young marines in the
squadron?
Veteran’s Day 1630, 10 NOV 09
“Don’t sell yourself short and always think
0730, 13 NOV 09 outside the box”
Thanksgiving 1630, 25 NOV 09
0730, 30 NOV 09
Christmas 1630, 23 DEC 09
0730, 28 DEC 09 Volunteers Needed
Upcoming Events Nov 8 New Orleans Saints Game
Nov 30 New Orleans Saints Game
Dec 19 New Orleans Saints Game
Marine Corps Birthday Ball 1800, 14 NOV 09
@ Antoine’s Restaurant
FAMILY DAY 1200, 06 DEC 09
4

5. MAG-49 Det C NEWSLETTER
Family Readiness Advisor
Family Readiness Officer Face in HELPFUL WEBSITES
the Crowd
By Andrea Powers
By Maj J.D. Osborne
Check out the Navy New Orleans website at
MAG 49 Det C Families, all. I am the new Family
Good Day to www.cnic.navy.mil/. You can find general
Readiness Officer for MAG-49 Det C. For those information about the services provided by the base
Hi, Iof you who just joined the unit, Welcome Aboard.
am Andrea Powers your new Family Readiness as well as news, important phone numbers, and links.
AdvisorTo be blunt, Newto introduce myself. I place
and I wanted Orleans is like no other don’t
know about Marine Corps. It isn’tfor summer to duty
in the you but I wasn’t ready your normal end, NAS JRB Belle Chasse’s website as well as the units
so hard to believe it Iisdidn’t say it and time to start
station. Now, already fall was worse, just can be accessed through the same site. Following the
thinking about the school year the all those Readiness
different. Fortunately, and Family upcoming tabs Angillo Mentor
Sgt on the right, LINKS…Tenant Commands…
holidays. in NOLA has numerous assets to help
Team MAG 49 Det C. will enable you view the units
everyone adjust to life in the Big Easy. Please website, it that youunder construction. The Belle
What is which is do here?
The Family Readiness Programfor in place websiteskeep
refer to the previous page is helpful to help and Chasse “I am the Aviation Supply Chief” for the New
site features specific information
you informed with updates that come directly from the
phone numbers. Orleans community, about your job?
What is the best part including news, links, family
command As regarding
for the futurehurricaneFamily Readiness
of the preparedness, support “TheMWR. environment”
and working
evacuation, and my position events. Please check your
other family as the FRO is only Where are you from?
Program,
email for upcoming HQMC has on the Marine Corps
temporary, as information mandated all FRO The DOD Island, New York”
“Long sponsored lifelines website at
Ball positions will be held by civilians. LTColfor the
and other squadron events. Also look Braatz Where did you go to school?
www.lifelines200.org provides a wide range of
MWR newsletter with upcoming base events. process “Hempstead High School”
information about the military and military lifestyle
has reviewed some resume’s and is in the
What interested you in joining the Marine Corps?
for active duty personnel and dependents. Lifelines
of hiring a full-time civilian to head up the Family
I would like to take a quick moment to thank all of our
Readiness program. discusses financial, legal, and medical and a as well
“I needed a sense of direction matters
Family Readiness Assistants and Morale Volunteers new purpose”
as education opportunities for military members and
In the meantime, If you are interested in a
for all of their topic and would like to see it featured in
particular hard work throughout the summer and dependents. It item you helpful advice on military
The #1 luxury also offers cannot live without when
look our Newsletter, please calleveryone this fall and
forward to working with or email the Family deployed.
life, pay, and housing . There are even special
Holiday season.Officer at jeffrey.d.osborne@usmc.mil.
Readiness We couldn’t get the job done without sections“Car”
for military newcomer, retirees, and those in
you. I’m are always lookingto seeingvolunteers to help
We looking forward for new everyone at the transitionsyou like best about HMLA 773 sector.
What do from the military to the civilian
with Marine Corps Ball.
our Family Readiness Program. If you are Det A?
interested in becoming a volunteer please contact your “The people”
The TriCare website at www.tricareonline.com
Family Readiness Assistant. cover medical favorite movie? health information.
What is your benefits an general
Best of “Paid allows you to make routine primary care
all, it in Full”
Please feel free to contact me with any of your What is your favorite sports team?
appointments online. You can access DEERS through
questions or concerns. Hope to see all of you at the “New England Patriots”
the TriCare page when you want to update your
Birthday Ball in November. records advice do you have forenrollment eligibility
What with the defense young marines in the
squadron?
reporting system.
Sincerely, “Don’t sell yourself short and always think
Andrea outside the box”
Military OneSource is provided by the DOD at no
cost to all active duty service members and members
of the National Guard Reserve and their families.
www.militaryonesource.com or 1-800-342-9647.
HELPFUL NUMBERS
Family Services 504-678-2647 The Marine Corps site at www.usmc.mil features a
Education Office 504-678-3799
Exchange NAS 504-678-3580
running list of the “Top Fifteen MCNews Stories.”
Military Police 504-678-3462 Units, HQ MC, recruiting, career, news, and family
Naval Hospital 504-678-3660 are covered. The site also covers the Marine Corps
Navy/USMC Relief 504-678-3210
Pass and ID Office 504-678-3462 World Wide Locator and links to several private
Tri Care Appts 504-678-4555 military locator services as well.
5

6. 234th USMC Birthday Ball
Saturday, 14 November 2009
1800-2300
Antoine’s Restaurant
713 Rue Saint Louis
www.antoines.com
HOTEL
The Inn on Bourbon
www.innonbourbon.com
(504) 524-7611
Starting @ $129 per night
Parking (for hotel guests): $14
MENU
Boiled Shrimp Aux Remoulde
Crabmeat Ravigote
Oyster Rockefeller
Chicken Rochambeau
Filet de Truite Amandine
Cold, Sliced Chateaubriand
Toasted French Bread
TABLE SET
Rocks Glass
HMLA-773 Beads
NOMAD Bottle Opener / Coin
GUEST OF HONOR
1st Lieutenant Bill Ryan USMCR
Viet Nam, Silver Star & 3-time Purple Heart Recipient
PHOTOGRAPHER
Stacey Mahan
(Multiple packages available)
MUSIC
NOLA Media
CHILD CARE
Brighter Horizons Child Care Center
110 Barriere Rd (4 miles north of NAS JRB)
(1600, Sat—1000, Sun)
LIBERTY/DRILL INFO
AM formation on Saturday; PM formation on Sunday
TICKET INFO
Pvt-Sgt: $30 SSgt-GySgt: $40
MSgt/SgtMaj-CWO/Capt: $45 Maj-LtCol: $50
***Cash, Money Order, Cashier Checks only***
Tickets on sale 1 Oct-2 Nov (see SSgt Ortega, “S4” 678-3617)

8. The Marines of MAG-49 Det C will be collecting Toys from the following locations:
15 Nov 2009 1800-2100 Sears of Oakwood Mall
27 Nov 2009 0800-1400 Walgreens@ Lapalco and Barateria
06 Dec 2009 TBD Awesome Ladies Mentoring
10 Dec 2009 1830-2100 A Storage Inn
18 Dec 2009 0900-1700 A Storage Inn
22 Dec 2009 TBD Lincoln Elementary
Company Phone Address
Academy Sports (504) 263-6000 50 Westside Shopping Center, Gretna, LA 70053
Harry's ACE
Hardware (504) 896-1520 4817 General Meyer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70131
Harry's ACE
Hardware (504) 896-1520 4817 General Meyer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70131
Hooters (504) 393-7177
Kmart (504) 392-6970 2701 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna, LA 70056
Kmart (504) 392-6970 2701 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna, LA 70056
Toys"R"Us (504) 347-8432 4800 Lapalco Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072
Walgreens (504) 340-2211 1891 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072
Walgreens (504) 340-6337 4600 Westbank Expwy, Marrero, LA 70072
Walgreens (504) 341-0005 2570 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072
Walgreens (504) 348-1026 818 Westbank Expwy, Westwego, LA 70094
Walgreens (504) 361-0281 4550 General Meyer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70131
Walgreens (504) 362-7780 1544 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey, LA 70058
Walgreens (504) 366-1535 678 Terry Pkwy, Terrytown, LA 70056
Walgreens (504) 367-9461 1556 Lapalco Blvd, Harvey, LA 70058
Walgreens (504) 376-2349 89 Westbank Expwy, Gretna, LA 70053
Walgreens (504) 393-4941 457 Lapalco Blvd, Gretna, LA 70056
Walgreens (504) 433-3297 4110 General DeGaulle, New Orleans, LA 70131
Walgreens (504) 433-9956
Walgreens (504) 828-5071