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U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Phillip Sandfire Jr., company first sergeant, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Catching, senior enlisted advisor, MCB Camp Blaz, scan the shoreline for small glass debris at Tanguisson Beach, Dededo, Guam, Apr. 24, 2025. Camp Blaz personnel enhance community bonds and support Guam's natural beauty and native ecosystem through monthly service initiatives like the "Marines in the Wild" program, focused on environmental projects that make a lasting impact. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce) - U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Phillip Sandfire Jr., company first sergeant, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Catching, senior enlisted advisor, MCB Camp Blaz, scan the shoreline for small glass debris at Tanguisson Beach, Dededo, Guam, Apr. 24, 2025. Camp Blaz personnel enhance community bonds and support Guam's natural beauty and native ecosystem through monthly service initiatives like the "Marines in the Wild" program, focused on environmental projects that make a lasting impact. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce)

Camp Blaz takes on Tanguisson Beach

On April 24, 2026, nearly 50 Marines and civilian staff from Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz completed their second environmentally focused community relations (COMREL) project of the year, continuing their commitment to environmental preservation and community engagement. The initiative titled “Marines in the Wild,” was centered on debris removal and beach restoration at Tanguisson Beach, which had been impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku and ongoing illegal dumping. In collaboration with Camp Blaz’s Public Works Department (PWD) Environmental Team, the group removed over 6,000 pounds of debris, including plastic waste, aluminum cans, and more.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley, combat photographer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses with section and headquarters company leadership after winning the Joint Region Marianas Junior Service Member of the Year award at United Services Organization, Tumon Bay Center, March 6, 2026. The award recognizes the outstanding leadership, commitment to community, and all-around dedication of service members across the island of Guam. (Courtesy Photo) - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley, combat photographer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses with section and headquarters company leadership after winning the Joint Region Marianas Junior Service Member of the Year award at United Services Organization, Tumon Bay Center, March 6, 2026. The award recognizes the outstanding leadership, commitment to community, and all-around dedication of service members across the island of Guam. (Courtesy Photo)

Kenosha Marine Honored as Junior Service Member of the Year in Guam

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was recently named the Joint Region Marianas (JRM) Junior Service Member of the Year for 2025. The honor was bestowed during a ceremony on March 6, 2026, for which she was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in recognition of her exemplary performance in the combat camera military occupational specialty and her exceptional contributions to the local community. "Lance Corporal Smiley’s exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to duty reflect the core values of the Marine Corps and exemplify the level of service we strive to achieve," said Maj. Mark Crum, Communication Strategy and Operations Director, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. "Her leadership and community engagement have set a standard for junior service members throughout the region."

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Installation nursery cultivating native plant species at various stages of growth at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, March 18, 2026. Through efforts to restore native ecosystems and control invasive species, Camp Blaz supports the long-term health of Guam’s natural environment while enhancing the installation’s role in military readiness and responsible land stewardship. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce) - Installation nursery cultivating native plant species at various stages of growth at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, March 18, 2026. Through efforts to restore native ecosystems and control invasive species, Camp Blaz supports the long-term health of Guam’s natural environment while enhancing the installation’s role in military readiness and responsible land stewardship. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce)

Camp Blaz Native Plant Nursery Showcase – Fulfilling Commitments and Strengthening Island Native Ecosystems

As part of the 2017 Biological Opinion, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz’s Natural Resources Team has spearheaded contracts, projects, and outreach efforts to strengthen designated Forest Enhancement Sites (FES) across the installation while working to minimize impacts to native species throughout the installation’s footprint. Invasive species, including non-native animals and plants, have severely impacted Guam’s native ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources and hindering their growth. Storm events, such as Typhoon Mawar in 2023, combined with human activity and the spread of invasive species, have further strained the island’s biodiversity.

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U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Guard, company commander, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and Pfc. Jadon Samulski, military police, Provost Marshal's Office, MCB Camp Blaz, hand out toys during Finegayan Elementary School's 1st Annual Mes CHamoru Field Day at Dededo, Guam, March 27, 2026. Marines from Camp Blaz donated sports equipment and joined field day activities, embracing CHamoru culture and reinforcing ties with Guam residents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brayden Daniel) - U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Guard, company commander, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and Pfc. Jadon Samulski, military police, Provost Marshal's Office, MCB Camp Blaz, hand out toys during Finegayan Elementary School's 1st Annual Mes CHamoru Field Day at Dededo, Guam, March 27, 2026. Marines from Camp Blaz donated sports equipment and joined field day activities, embracing CHamoru culture and reinforcing ties with Guam residents. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brayden Daniel)

Camp Blaz Marines continue to strengthen community bonds with its sister school, Finegayan Elementary School

On March 27, 2026, Marines assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (MCBCB) participated in their Sister School, Finegayan Elementary's, Guam Heritage Day (Mes CHamoru)—a field day and celebration with students, faculty, and community partners. This event was part of the installation’s ongoing commitment to community relations (COMREL) initiatives. March’s event marked another opportunity for the Marines to support a school-led activity through direct participation, student interaction, and tangible support. In February, Marines from Camp Blaz had already engaged in a beautification project at Finegayan Elementary, assisting with grounds maintenance and spending time interacting with students during recess. This previous event left a lasting impact on the Marines, who reflected on the simple joy students took in their play. “The kids were just happy to run around with us, with little to no toys or games,” said Lance Cpl. Mark Dvoskin, a graphic design Marine at Camp Blaz. “It was clear they make the most of what they have.” Following the February event, Camp Blaz leadership became aware of the school’s ongoing challenges, including limited resources and the difficulty of maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for students. “In the last six months, we’ve experienced four break-ins, resulting in stolen recess equipment, classroom supplies, and more,” said a school representative. “It’s difficult, but we make do, and we do our best to ensure the students are impacted as little as possible.”

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Kelly, a native of Dallas, Georgia, military police, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, stands at attention during an award ceremony on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Feb. 6, 2026. Kelly was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal for his outstanding performance as a physical security specialist, helping keep the installation on track to reach full operational capability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brayden Daniel) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Kelly, a native of Dallas, Georgia, military police, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, stands at attention during an award ceremony on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Feb. 6, 2026. Kelly was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal for his outstanding performance as a physical security specialist, helping keep the installation on track to reach full operational capability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Brayden Daniel)

Camp Blaz Marine awarded an impact Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam — Sgt. Daniel Kelly III, a native of Dallas, Georgia, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal during an award formation on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, Guam, recognizing his direct impact on installation security and mission readiness.

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U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alfred V. Pena, Chc., CREDO Director, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, prepares for a new personal resiliency topic, during the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) personal resiliency retreat in Tamuning, Guam, January 27, 2026. The CREDO event was the first Marine Corps Installations Pacific, personal resiliency retreat, designed to teach individual service members how to develop skills to better communicate, advocate, and interact with themselves and others. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce) - U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alfred V. Pena, Chc., CREDO Director, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, prepares for a new personal resiliency topic, during the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) personal resiliency retreat in Tamuning, Guam, January 27, 2026. The CREDO event was the first Marine Corps Installations Pacific, personal resiliency retreat, designed to teach individual service members how to develop skills to better communicate, advocate, and interact with themselves and others. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce)

Strengthening personal resilience, one service member at a time

TAMUNING, GUAM – On 27 January 2026, to strengthen the resiliency and unit cohesion of Marines and service members spread across the Indo-Pacific, Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC) hosted a personal resiliency retreat (PRR) on Guam through the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) program. This PRR marks the first event of its kind to be held on the island. The retreat marks a significant step in expanding support to military personnel throughout the region. “Our team is committed to supporting the service members on Guam, and especially our growing Marine Corps partners at Camp Blaz,” said Chaplain Alfred V. Pena. MCIPAC CREDO Director. “We provide resources for creating and maintaining military leaders who are empathetic, determined, and accountable in and out of the uniform, emphasizing that true resilience is forged by applying the tools, and turning them into action.”

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U.S. Navy Reservist Larrisha Cruz, phlebotomist and administrative assistant, checks vitals of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kendell Jones, personnel noncomissioned officer in charge, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, during a blood drive on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Jan. 27, 2026. Camp Blaz partnered with Armed Services Blood Program Donor Center Guam and Naval Hospital Guam to help host blood drives. This is the first blood drive of 2026 and the third overall that Camp Blaz has hosted. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley) - U.S. Navy Reservist Larrisha Cruz, phlebotomist and administrative assistant, checks vitals of U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kendell Jones, personnel noncomissioned officer in charge, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, during a blood drive on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Jan. 27, 2026. Camp Blaz partnered with Armed Services Blood Program Donor Center Guam and Naval Hospital Guam to help host blood drives. This is the first blood drive of 2026 and the third overall that Camp Blaz has hosted. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley)

Camp Blaz hosts its first blood drive of 2026

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam - During National Blood Donor Month, Camp Blaz’s call to action was to host a successful blood drive for the new year. Spearheaded by Sgt. Kendall Jones and Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley, both stationed at Camp Blaz. They coordinated with Naval Hospital Guam’s Armed Services Blood Program to find a venue, set up personnel, and solicit for donors. From early morning, service members and civilians lined up with a shared goal: to save as many lives as possible. The donations collected serve a greater purpose of providing support to those who may need lifesaving blood during training, medical emergencies, or operational missions.

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U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Joshua Poulson, adjutant, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses for a photo at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Oct. 28, 2025. Poulson displays the medal he earned from winning 1st place at the Guam Marianas Open International Brazilian Jiu jitsu Championship. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rey Moreno Marilao) - U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Joshua Poulson, adjutant, Headquarters Company, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, poses for a photo at MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Oct. 28, 2025. Poulson displays the medal he earned from winning 1st place at the Guam Marianas Open International Brazilian Jiu jitsu Championship. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Rey Moreno Marilao)

Camp Blaz Marine Wins 1st Place in Marianas Open Tournament

For 2nd Lt. Joshua Poulson, the Marine Corps is more than a career — it is the foundation that shaped his drive, resilience and competitive spirit. That foundation carried him to first place at the Marianas Open Jiu Jitsu Tournament Oct. 18, 2025. Poulson’s journey began humbly. As a private, he balanced the demands of military life with community college courses, working toward a bachelor's degree. “I applied to community college my first year in the reserves,” Poulson said. “So, I did a bunch of college classes when I was in the reserves and then I got activated as a Motor Transportation Operator and I finished my degree when I was active duty.”

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U.S. Marines pose for a photo in front of cans collected during a canned food drive held by Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Oct. 1, 2025. MCB Camp Blaz received more than double their original goal of 250 cans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Little) - U.S. Marines pose for a photo in front of cans collected during a canned food drive held by Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Oct. 1, 2025. MCB Camp Blaz received more than double their original goal of 250 cans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ryan Little)

Camp Blaz doubles initial goal as canned food drive comes to a close

Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz prides itself on tradition and a strong set of values that guide its mission and community outreach. This year, as the Marine Corps celebrates 250 years of honorable service to our nation – Camp Blaz commemorates the milestone with participating in an island wide canned food drive, supporting the children of Guam.

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U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and staff of the Mayor of Dededo’s office, pose for a photo at the completion of the beautification event, Dededo, Guam, Sept. 26, 2025. In partnership with the Mayor of Dededo’s Office, Marines and civilians participated in a beautification initiative, painting landmarks, roadways, and conducting trash collection. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce) - U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, and staff of the Mayor of Dededo’s office, pose for a photo at the completion of the beautification event, Dededo, Guam, Sept. 26, 2025. In partnership with the Mayor of Dededo’s Office, Marines and civilians participated in a beautification initiative, painting landmarks, roadways, and conducting trash collection. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce)

Village beautification with the Mayor of Dededo

Dededo, Guam – On September 26th, Marines, and civilians with Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz participated in a village beautification initiative with the installation’s sister village – Dededo. This community relations (COMREL) event was aimed at fostering a mutual understanding between the people of Guam, military personnel, and their families. As part of the Joint Region Marianas' Sister Village program, COMRELs enable units to develop community connections, reinforce organizational values, and strengthen the military and federal government’s relationship with the local community.

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