Marine Corps Captain Joshua J. Roots, son of Lynne and John C. Roots of Great Falls, and Marine Corps Lance Corporal Tyler V. Healey, a 2000 graduate of Oakton High School in Vienna, recently returned from an eight-month deployment while assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.
They were among more than 4,000 Atlantic Fleet Sailors and Marines deployed aboard the ships of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. The deployment included both training and real-world operations in Iraq and Liberia. MEUs are composed of more than 2,000 personnel divided into an infantry battalion, aircraft squadron, support group and command element and have the ability to rapidly organize for combat in virtually any environment.
Marine Corps Cpl. Andrew R. Faye, son of Randa J. and Phil A. Faye of Vienna, is currently on deployment while assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), home based in Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Members of Faye’s unit recently completed operations in Iraq. The MEU conducted more than 300 patrols in Southern Iraq including 50 by the MEU’s boat company.
Faye’s unit also trained local police in the setup of security checkpoints, confiscated weapons and destroyed more than 2,000 rounds of ordnance, much of which was found near villages and playgrounds. His unit is an expeditionary intervention force with the ability to rapidly organize for combat operations in virtually any environment.
Faye is a 1999 graduate of Broad Run High School of Ashburn.
Brien E. Hughes has completed a U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) field training encampment at Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, Fla.
The cadet attends the University of Notre Dame, Ind. He is the son of Warren and Cheryl-Ann Hughes of Raleigh Hill Road, Vienna.
Hughes is a 2001 graduate of Paul VI Catholic High School, Fairfax.
Marine Corps Sgt. Craig A. McGill, son of Kathy P. and Gene M. McGill of Oakton, recently reported for duty with 2nd Marine Division, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. McGill is a 1995 graduate of James Madison High School of Vienna.