Like many veterans, there’s two sides to Frank Olivares’ life.

The Olivares many know now is a follower of Jesus, a humble, patient soul that wouldn’t hurt even the most persistently pesky fly. He’s a person that picks up hitchhikers without worry, that knows all of his customers’ names by heart and whose generosity of kindness knows no limits.

It’s nearly impossible to imagine a version of him before the Gulf War, or even in it. From a brawler through high school that feared where his life was turning, to a scrappy machine gunner looking for his next mark, it’s all a part of what makes him the beloved community member that he is today.

A sharp bell strikes out as a family leaves his Riverside restaurant, signifying another happy customer come and gone. Olivares thanks them for coming with the familiarity of old friends, inquiring about their families, while the restaurant’s eyes watch with curiosity.

He’s built a life for himself here among a community that will support him through any hardship, and vice versa, but life was not always so easy.

Who was Frank Olivares before he was a beloved community member, a successful entrepreneur with a bid for county judge? Before he served as a machine gunner in the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, also known as the Suicide Charley Marine Company, embodying the pride of never stopping, no matter how bad the circumstances, and leaving it all on the battle field?

Olivares was and always will be a home town boy, a Walker County native aspiring for more.

To Read More Click Here Copyright Michelle Wulfson | The Item Nov 11, 2021

The post Once a Marine, Always a Marine appeared first on Suicide Charley.

Col. Kyle B. Ellison, commanding officer, 7th Marine Regiment, said how professional and exceptional Clark had been during his time as commanding officer of 1/7. 

“I will tell you, Erick’s a pro,” Ellison said. “I’ve learned a lot from him, I appreciate what he’s done for this battalion and it’s quite impressive.”

During the ceremony, Marines and sailors with the unit performed drill, colors were exchanged and the ceremony concluded with a pass in review. The exchange of colors, from an outgoing commander to an incoming one, is the crowning moment of the ceremony and ensures that the unit and its Marines are never without official leadership and also promotes a continuation of trust. 

Clark first enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1991 and commissioned into the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program in December of 1998 after reaching the rank of sergeant. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V,” Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with one gold star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “B” (with two gold stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. 

“Once you’ve served with 1/7, everything is secondary,” Clark said.

Before passing the microphone to Barnhart, Clark stated his trust in Barnhart to carry out the billet of commanding officer.

In Barnhart’s first speech to his new battalion, he expressed his respect and dedication to serving alongside the Marines of 1/7.

“To the Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines,” Barnhart said, “I love the term ‘prepare to march,’ I think that captures what I’m about to do, shoulder-to-shoulder with you every day.”

The post First Team’ commander bids farewell appeared first on Suicide Charley.