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By Ed Vasgerdsian
On a small table are the photographs of three Americans: Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell and Thomas Howes. The caption reads, "You Are Not Forgotten." In February 2003, the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) captured and continues to hold the three U.S. contractors as hostages. Killed were Thomas Janis and a Colombian when the plane carrying them and the three others crashed some 200 miles from Bogotá in the Caquetá province of Colombia.
But FARC is not alone in violently undermining Colombia's political and economic developments. Right-wing foes, the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia and FARC are all locked in a bloody struggle for control of the country's drug trade. As incredible as it may seem, Colombia sells about 90 percent of its cocaine to illegal U.S. markets; kidnapping and cocaine cost some 3,500 people their lives in Colombia every year.
Considered a high-level-threat post by the Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá occupies 19 acres of land and is considered America's largest embassy. Colombia's capital is an active metropolis of almost 7 million people. While its modern high-rise buildings with wealthy suburbs and picturesque, balconied colonial homes may be misleading, the photographs serve as an important reminder to the Marine security guards (MSGs) in Bogotá.
Within arm's reach of the photos is Post 1, where an MSG controls access to the embassy through an entry-and-exit electronic control panel. Every one of the 1,000 employees/personnel entering that section of the embassy must present a photo identification badge.
MSG quarters are located on the embassy grounds. While some may cringe at the thought of living and working at the same site, the Bogotá-assigned Marines believe it is an ideal arrangement. With a state-of-the-art gym, basketball courts and commissary available, the only reason to leave the embassy grounds is for liberty. Scenic beaches are easy to reach, and a wide range of entertainment and nightlife options makes Bogotá a choice assignment.
On the job and in uniform or in PT gear, Marines are a visible entity to all. One embassy employee said, "It's like working in an office across the street from the fire department. You feel better about where you work, should something happen."
In April 2004, Gunnery Sergeant Mark T. Braun arrived on post, assuming command from GySgt Brian P. McAnulty, who is now an instructor-advisor at MSG School in Quantico, Va. For "Gunny" Braun, transitioning into his new position had the added element of family. His wife, Anne, and two sons, Austin, 6, and Hunter, 2, were able to accompany him.
This 16-year veteran, who once served as an MSG watchstander in both Yemen and the Philippines, knows the primary duty of a detachment commander is the execution of his mission and the safety of the Marines. "Another task I have is to maintain good morale," he said.
GySgt Braun maintains a close relationship with his immediate supervisor from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, 17-year veteran Senior Regional Security Officer (RSO) Mark Hunter. While GySgt Braun is in charge of the 12 Marine watchstanders, their utilization is in the hands of RSO Hunter. The Bogotá MSG detachment, along with Hunter's lineup of 10 other RSOs, makes an impressive security team. Among the many security programs provided by the bureau are mobile security teams, personal dignitary protection, training of local guard programs and the Marine security guard.
Sergeant Francis R. Wheeler was born in Tokai, Japan, but was reared in Hawaii. The MSG honor graduate said, "When I joined the Marine Corps, I expected to save some money and get some degree of excitement and physical challenge. It's something I signed up for. I like the high intensity of being a Marine... Here in Bogotá I'm saving money for my parents."
(continued)
© 2004 Leatherneck Magazine. All rights reserved.
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