Friday's Memorial Monument dedication to the 29 Marines that Lima 3/5 company

As an Afghan immigrant and former U.S. Marine translator who served two tours in Afghanistan alongside the U.S. Marines, it is a profound honor for me to be part of a bittersweet return to Camp Pendleton. Thursday's special occasion was to prep for Friday's Memorial Monument dedication to the 29 Marines that Lima 3/5 company lost in a tragic helicopter crash 40 years ago in Korea. Standing below with my coauthor, Lt. Col. Mike Moffett, who was a lieutenant in 1984 with L-3-5, and 4-star General Jay Paxton, the former L-3-5 company commander. The memories of such fallen comrades resonate deeply within us, serving as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made in service to our country and the bonds forged in the crucible of conflict