U.S. Marine Cpl. Joshua Melendez, 26, a squad leader

U.S. Marine Cpl. Joshua Melendez, 26, a squad leader from Anaheim, Calif., and Lance Cpl. Joseph Streeby, 23, an artillery forward observer from Princeton, W.V., interact with local children during a security patrol here, Nov. 12. Melendez and Streeby are with Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. During the patrol, they interacted with children and spoke with local leaders. “America’s Battalion” recently arrived in Garmsir to relieve 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. They’ll partner with the Afghan National Security Forces to establish a secure environment and develop district government to better meet the needs of the Afghan people.