Happy Birthday, Marines!

 It's been 248 years since Congress agreed to make a Regiment of Marines to fight the British!

"The Recruit" by KJ Battles oil on canvas 24" x 30"

"Resolved, That two Battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, two Majors, and other officers as usual in other regiments; and that they consist of an equal number of privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken, that no persons be appointed to office, or enlisted into said Battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress: that they be distinguished by the names of the first and second battalions of American Marines, and that they be considered as part of the number which the continental Army before Boston is ordered to consist of.

Ordered, That a copy of the above be transmitted to the General."

Second Continental Congress on 10 November 1775

Intrepid Maven: Sketching Overseas!

In July, I got the opportunity to deploy once more overseas as a combat artist, albeit a civilian one-- this time to Jordan during peacetime. I went to Amman and then down to a little base near Aqaba called


Camp Al Quwayrah.  Marines from 2nBn 5th Marines, 4th AAVs and 4th Combat Engineer Bn were there, training alongside Jordanian Armed Forces personnel, for a two-week exercise. 
I was there for ten days, sketching as much as I could and of course taking photos and video, to best capture the activities of Marines and our allies. 

Here are some of my sketches: