Marine Corps 2nd Lt. David J. Lee Jr., son of Carol H. and David J. Lee of Springfield, recently returned from an eight-month deployment embarked onboard the USS Iwo Jima, while assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C. Lee was one of more than 4,000 Atlantic Fleet Sailors and Marines who were deployed aboard the ships of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. Lee joined the Marine Corps in May 2001.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jennifer S. Torres, daughter of Wendey A. and Scott D. Wolf of Fairfax, is currently deployed while assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), home based in Camp Pendleton, Calif. Members of Torres' unit recently completed operations in Iraq. The MEU conducted more than 300 patrols in Southern Iraq including 50 by the MEU's boat company. Torres' unit also trained local police in the setup of security checkpoints, confiscated weapons and destroyed more then 2,000 rounds of ordnance, much of which was found near villages and playgrounds. Torres joined the Marine Corps in March 2001.
Navy Reserve Midshipman Catherine E. McGowan, daughter of Terry J. and James F. McGowan of Fairfax, recently began training at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program. McGowan is a 2003 graduate of Robinson Secondary School and joined the Navy Reserve in July 2003.