Capt. Patrick Kelly, H&S Company. FOB Geronimo, Afghanistan. November 2010.

Capt. Patrick Kelly, the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, air officer, speaks of the ‘invaluable support’ provided to 3/3 by pilots Lt. Col. Mario D. Carazo and Maj. James M. Weis, during a plaque dedication ceremony at Forward Operating Base Geronimo, Afghanistan, Nov. 7. The two pilots, from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369, were killed in action while supporting 3/3 combat operations in July. “They repeatedly went above and beyond to support their brethren Marines who were in contact with enemy forces,” Kelly said. “Regardless of the conditions, regardless of the risk, Lt. Col. Carazo and Maj. Weis marched to the sound of the guns. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.”