Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
4:50 | He was worn out. Near the end of his second Iraq tour, Enrique Munoz realized this but he had a third tour before he knew it. Then he had a break at the NCO academy in Quantico. He got restless, though, and began to think, you know you haven't been to Afghanistan. Before that, his platoon from Iraq began having reunions centered around the family of a fallen Marine.
Keywords : Enrique Munoz Iraq Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Chance Phelps reunion Okinawa Afghanistan
During the initial move into Afghanistan, Marine sergeant Enrique Munoz was stationed aboard ship nearby for support. When he returned from that long cruise, he went to Twentynine Palms where he became part of a very special platoon that was destined for some very interesting times in Iraq.
Just before his first Iraq tour, artillery sergeant Enrique Munoz had been on a nine month cruise, so, of course, when they sent him home from Iraq, it was on a ship. As soon as he was back, he found out he was returning for a second tour, this time as part of a provisional rifle company.
The other Marines made fun of his men because they were struck with Enrique Munoz. He trained them hard with early PT a daily ritual. When a lost weapon caused all three platoons in his unit to be assembled, the other two sergeants were loudly chewing out their men. That wasn't his style. (Caution: strong language)
There was a new Marine in the platoon named Chance Phelps. He was a big guy with a good sense of humor who was becoming a stand out. Enrique Munoz had given his squad leader some tips on mentoring him. He recalls talking with Phelps before he left on a mission to escort a general, a mission which would prove fatal. (Caution: strong language)
Enrique Munoz certainly had a unique leadership style for the Marines. It must have worked because they were very tight and loyal. One of the things he did was to stop his NCOs from correcting junior Marines in other platoons, even though it was Marine policy that they should.
Why won't some guys come to reunions? Enrique Munoz thinks they should because their brother Marines could help if they have issues. He had a thirty year career but it was his time with the men of his platoon in the 3-12 Marines that he prizes most. Their unique assignment in Iraq made them the security escort for General John Kelly as well as other brass.
His father was from Mexico and found a new life here so Enrique Munoz joined the Marines to give back to the country that gave his family a good new home. He became a scout observer and his first assignment was with the 1st Marine Division as part of the artillery Fire Support Element.
It was at FOB Kalagush that Marine artillery sergeant Enrique Munoz was training Afghan National Army troops in battery operations. They also had to ride along with US soldiers just to represent the local forces. He had the longest day of his life on a ride up to Do Ab where they withstood not one but two ambushes.
Enrique Munoz first saw action in Somalia. He did raids, escorted grain supplies and provided communications for air support. He understands how the Black Hawk Down incident could have occurred because he drove the streets of Mogadishu.
