For Sgt. Clive S. Chinatomby, a squad leader with the security platoon of 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment this mission was going to be no different.

The Queens, N.Y., native was in the rear vehicle of a convoy that left March 18 to re-supply Marines with Company I in Husaybah.

"It was important because that's the only supply line for those Marines. We brought them food, Gatorade, vehicle parts, etc. Without the convoy they wouldn't get the supplies they need," explained the 1993 Forest Hills High School graduate.

Chinatomby's role in the convoy as the rear security vehicle squad leader was to make sure the rear of the convoy wasn't drifting, to pick up security for the rear and his vehicle was the over watch.

Chinatomby believes the most important thing in a convoy is security and ensuring all Marines and Navy personnel are safe.

"Everything went smooth as planned. The only thing that happened was a flat tire so it was successful. Whenever you have no casualties, a convoy is successful," he explained.

The 29-year-old previously deployed to Iraq in 2003 during this time frame and extended his current contract to deploy here a second time. He has high hopes for this deployment.

"My goal out here is to try to clear out all the insurgents so we can go home and the Iraqis can control their country," he continued. "I want to help in avoiding more terrorist attacks like the World Trade Center."
Chinatomby joined the Marine Corps in 1993 after graduating high school. He tried to join when he was only 16 years old because he knew he wanted to be a Marine.

"I loved the fast pace lifestyle, and when I saw the recruiting video at the recruiting office I wanted to join even more," he explained.

He realizes now in Iraq, he joined for the right reason.

"Everything happens for a reason and extending and coming out here again is something I've been training for a while to do," he explained.

Chinatomby's extension runs out Sept. 2006 and he isn't sure what he will do when he gets out of the Corps.

"I'm not too sure what I want to do when I'm out. I'll probably stay in some kind of law enforcement," he said.

Whatever he decides to do, Chinatomby knows that he will work hard to keep his children, Justin, Ethan, Devante, Ariana and Aida, safe.

"I want to clear out all these poisonous people so my kids growing up don't have to go through the fear of being attacked all the time," he explained.
Through all of his experiences this Marine from the "big apple" knows that what he faced and what he will in the future will all make him a stronger person in the end.