Who We Are:

In late 2008 following the success of the “surge” into Al Anbar Province, Iraq, a similar initiative was conceptualized to restore peace and stability to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. In early 2009, a Marine Expeditionary Brigade was activated in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and in three short months was manned and equipped with personnel and materiel from across the globe, to embark upon a unique and historic deployment spanning May, 2009 to April, 2010.

Throughout their year in Helmand Province, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, aka “Task Force Leatherneck” was continually engaged in combat operations against Taliban strongholds. Their efforts allowed the Afghan people to focus on rebuilding their country’s infrastructure and government, and brought about a level of stability not seen in the region in years.

While MEB-A was constrained to a manning capacity of roughly 13,000 Marines and Sailors, the year long deployment provided an opportunity to rotate several battalions and squadrons through the country – as such, today over 20,000 proudly claim the title of MEB-A service members.

In 2012, MEB-A’s accomplishments were recognized with the awarding of the Presidential Unit Citation making them only the second Marine unit since the Persian Gulf War to earn this prestigious award. Despite its tactical and strategic victories, the year in Helmand Province was not without loss – all told, (89) Marines, (3) Sailors, and (1) Soldier would perish in the effort. An additional (600) were wounded and received the Purple Heart Medal.

Our mission is three-fold: to keep the legacy of this unique and historic deployment alive, to foster continued camaraderie amongst those who deployed together, and to honor our Fallen and support their survivors. We will accomplish this across a three day period that coincides with the anniversary of MEB-A’s return from Helmand Province, during the three day period of Friday, 13 May to Sunday, 15 May 2022. Our gathering will include a PME Friday morning at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, a Parade at Marine Barracks 8th & I Friday evening, a Memorial Service and Brunch Saturday morning on Quantico, and our Gala Event: Dinner at the Clubs at Quantico Saturday evening.

Thank you

We would like to thank the following sponsors and individuals for making the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade – Afghanistan reunion possible.

LtGen Lawrence Nicholson, USMC (Ret)*
MajGen James “Hammer” Hartsell, USMCR (Ret)*
MajGen Burke Whitman, USMCR (Ret)
Col George “Slam” Amland, USMC (Ret)
Col Preston McLaughlin, USMC (Ret)*
Col Eric Mellinger, USMC (Ret)
LtCol John Bicknell, USMC (Ret)
LtCol Dan Coombes, USMCR (Ret)*
LtCol Matt Frazier, USMC (Ret)*
Maj George Saenz, USMC*
Maj Wes Jagoe, USMCR *
SgtMaj Ernest K. Hoopii, USMC (Ret)*
Bruce Higginbotham Hemp*
Harry Campbell
Tom DelValle
Doug Pennock
Jim Atchison
Garry Granger
Susan Lambert Yates
Bill McVey, Proud Marine Corps officer, aviator, Vietnam veteran
Lioul M. Haile in honor of 2/8, Golf Co., 2nd Plt, 2nd Squad
B.J. d’Orsay in honor of Augusta Military Academy Veterans
The Hemp Family Fund
Marine Corps League
The Marine Corps Reserve Association

And our many generous Anonymous Supporters

An asterisk(*) denotes those who volunteered on the Reunion Committee

Further Reading