Staff Sgt. Jeff Ehnen, a section leader with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, demonstrates the use of robots to students of Lejeune High School, Oct. 3, 2014, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Approximately 60 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, packed the classroom to hear how the Marines use robotics on the battlefield and how engineering can better people’s lives. The school requested the Marines give the demonstration because the students are beginning their robotics curriculum of the Bio-Tech Department course of study. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Michael Dye / Released)

Photo by Cpl. Michael Dye

Marines, Robots, high school students

3 Oct 2014 | Cpl. Michael Dye 2nd Marine Logistics Group

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, provided a robotics demonstration to several students at Lejeune High School Oct. 3, 2014.

The school requested the Marines give the demonstration because the students are beginning their robotics curriculum of the Bio-Tech Department course of study.

Approximately 60 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, packed the classroom to hear how the Marines use robotics on the battlefield and how engineering can better people’s lives.

“When I saw the robots, my first thought was, wow those look cool,” said a freshman student. “But then, when I got to operate it, it became that much cooler.”

The Marines provided three robots for display, the MK 1 Mod 0 Packbot, Mark 2 Mod 0 Talon, and 310 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle. One of the Marines also provided a robotic, prosthetic leg.

“I lost my leg in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and I was provided with this prosthetic robotic leg,” said Gunnery Sgt. Dominic Chavez, an EOD technician with the unit, and a native of Albuquerque. “This is a good way to demonstrate to these children not only the sacrifice, we as Marines make, but a working knowledge of how learning the basic skills of engineering in high school can prepare you to create something that will help someone.”

After the Marines gave short explanations on the purpose and capabilities of each robot, the students were given the opportunity to operate the machines. They were challenged to perform simple tasks, such as: scouting an area, picking up small objects and opening a box. Each simple task proved more challenging than the students expected.

“At first glance, it looks simple, like a video game,” said a junior who wants to join the Marine Corps. “But, when you start to actually drive the robots you figure out it takes more than just the controller to operate it, you also have to use your mind.

One of the biggest lessons the Marines stressed during the demonstration is to always plan three to four steps ahead. Many of the students had difficulty adjusting to certain obstacles that forward thinking could have avoided.

“You always want to plan ahead,” said Staff Sgt. Samuel Beltram, the training chief for the unit, a native of Fort Worth, Texas. “For instance, I know that in order for the robot to get under that obstacle, I have to approach from a certain side and lower the arm so it’s small enough to drive under it. So I know I’m going to make sure I plan my initial movement to the obstacle so I can make a smooth and time effective maneuver.”

At the end of the day, the students lined up to shake all the Marines hands and thank them for coming out. A few even expressed a new interest in the field of explosive ordnance disposal.

“This has not only provided me with a different way of looking at obstacles we encounter in our engineering class, but now I think I want to become an EOD tech for the Marine Corps,” said a senior.

MISSION

To provide intermediate supply support and intermediate motor transport and engineer ground equipment maintenance to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW); operate the Aerial Port of Embarkation/Debarkation (APOE/D) under the guidance of II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); and provide personnel to the Fleet Assistance Program (FAP) in support of postal, exchange, personnel administration, freight/passenger transportation (TMO), and bulk fuel support for Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point.

Leaders

Captain Sophie A. Spencer

Company Commander, Combat Logistics Company 21

Captain Spencer is a native of New York. She graduated from Boston College in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2021, then served as the Officer Selection Assistant of Officer Selection Team Garden City, Recruiting Station New York until May of 2022.

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First Sergeant Edward G. Peifer

Senior Enlisted Leader, Combat Logistics Company 21

First Sergeant Peifer is a native of Lake Placid, Florida. He graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2005. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 2009. He graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in May of 2009 from 1st Battalion Alpha Company.

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CLC-21 Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program

The Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) is a unit centric program, guided by the Family Readiness Command Team that reinforces the relationship between the unit and the services relevant to the unit, the unit members, and their families. The primary goal of UPFRP is to empower Marines and family members, providing them the opportunities to not just survive but to thrive while taking on the challenges of the military lifestyle. The program is supported by Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC) or Uniformed Readiness Coordinators (URC) who implement the Commander's family readiness vision, manage the tenets of the UPFRP, and assist unit Marines, Sailors and families maintain a constant state of family readiness.

Services

Marines, spouses, extended family members, and any other contacts authorized by the Marines are supported by the UPFRP.

Communication: Regular communication with the Marines and families is the cornerstone of UPFRP. The DRC/URC provides the link for two-way communication between the Commander and the families, using a variety of mediums, such as Marine Online, email, newsletters, toll-free numbers, and/or social media sites. Marine Online is the primary web-based tool for disseminating unit information.

Readiness and Resource Referral: The UPFRP provides assistance to address issues with the potential to impact the Marines, families, and the unit. The DRC/URC is a readiness, resource and referral expert, continuously researching and identifying trainings, resources and services to meet every need.

Deployment Support: The UPFRP supports a multitude of training opportunities to assist Marines and their family members with deployments, separations, and life skills. From pre-deployment briefs, to interpersonal communication, to transition assistance, each is designed to empower the participants with skill development and independence.

Volunteer Opportunities: The UPFRP provides opportunities for volunteer growth and development which creates stronger unit cohesion. UPFRP volunteers assist with mentoring others spouses/family members, identifying challenges to be addressed by the Command, and assisting with unit events. UPFRP volunteers also have the potential to grow and develop new skill sets through their volunteer services.

Increased socialization: Unit sponsored events and unit, installation and community connections are made through the UPFRP.

Marines and Sailors are required to check-in with the DRC/URC when they arrive at a new unit. Once a new unit member has provided accurate contact information and authorization to communicate, the family members will begin receiving communication from the command. Family members are encouraged to meet the DRC/URC to learn more about the unit and the services available.

Sgt Barnette
Office: (252) 466-5150

Unit Mailing Address

Combat Logistics Company 21
PSC Box 8025
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0025

Phone Numbers

Duty Phone: (910) 467-3780

Office Phone: (252) 466-6357

S-1: (252) 466-5150

S-2: (252) 466-3384

S-3: (252) 466-4474

S-4: (252) 466-3384

S-6: (252) 466-3384

APOE DUTY: (252) 466-7569