Marine Corps Cpl. Meredith Brown, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
"CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, Jan. 23, 2012 – Nicholas Marchioni enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2000 as an infantryman. Like many others, he completed his four-year contract and headed back home to start a new chapter in his life.
But just a few short months after he returned to his hometown of Detroit, Marchioni once again was called to serve.
“I was recalled, so I just re-enlisted and became an engineer,” he explained.
Now, seven years later, Marchioni is a Marine Corps sergeant on his sixth deployment. He in Afghanistan for the second time, serving as a squad leader for the 2nd Marine Logistics Group’s 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion.
Second platoon operates as the security platoon for 9th ESB, tasked with conducting route and site reconnaissance missions in addition to providing security for other combat engineers on the ground.
“Because our job is [so wide-ranging], you become the jack of all trades, master of none,” Marchioni said with a laugh. “It seems like most of the time, I go back to my roots and teach people about machine guns and rifles and a lot of other things, because I learned how to be an [infantryman] first.”
Spending time with his Marines and passing on his knowledge and life experiences is something the 30-year-old noncommissioned officer often does, even after the work for the day is complete.
Before the unit deployed to Afghanistan, Marchioni organized barbecues for the company every weekend outside of their barracks in Okinawa. “It’s how I live,” he said. “Second platoon is my close-knit family, and first squad is like my kids.”
The special bond Marchioni shares with each of his Marines is evident from the moment you see them interacting...."
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