Marine Corps Ball in Okinawa. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known. The silver crossed rifle badge Ross is wearing is the USMC Expert Rifle Badge, the highest awarded.

CPL Ross Thrailkill USMC

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anavado > Our Marine serves in Okinawa, Japan, and aboard the USS Essex

anavado > Ross was aboard the U.S.S. Essex, during the wait in international waters in the Andaman Sea, 60 kilometers from the Burmese coast with relief supplies desperately needed by millions of survivors of Cyclone Nargis. The Burma leaders never allowed US Military to come ashore to assist.

anavado > USS Essex (LHD 2) amphibious assault ship. Designed to be versatile, the Essex simultaneously uses helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), and conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in an aircraft carrier battle group. The ship's extensive medical facilities consist of six medical operating rooms, four dental operating rooms, medical laboratories and hospital facilities capable of caring for 600 patients. In carrying out its primary mission, the 844-foot long, 44,000-ton Essex will transport and land ashore troops, tanks, trucks, artillery, and other supplies necessary to support an assault.

anavado > The Essex Docked in the Philippines and Ross visited the Philippine Zoo. It is doubtful a US Zoo would permit hand feeding a tiger of this size.

anavado > Ross visited a Philippine School to read to students and interact with the kids. These Philippine Police Guards were assigned as a security detail. Those guns are loaded.

anavado > Marine Corps Ball in Okinawa. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known. The silver crossed rifle badge Ross is wearing is the USMC Expert Rifle Badge, the highest awarded.

anavado > The annual Marine Birthday Ball has evolved from simple origins to the polished and professional functions of today. It is attended by Generals and Enlisted alike. Here is Ross, as a Lance Corporal, with The General at Marine Corps Ball in Okinawa.

Marine Corps Ball in Okinawa. Throughout the world on 10 November, U.S. Marines celebrate the birth of their Corps -- the most loyal, most feared, most revered, and most professional fighting force the world has ever known. The silver crossed rifle badge Ross is wearing is the USMC Expert Rifle Badge, the highest awarded.