Twenty-Nine Palms, California. (June 16, 2023): In this photo by Corporal Ryan Schmid, Lance Corporals Edward Reeves, left, and Daniel Puente, both mortarmen with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct mortar range firing during Integrated Training Exercise 4-23 held at Twenty-Nine Palms, California. This is the premier annual event for Marine reservists from across the country to absorb realistic training at the Marine Corps Air Combat Center.
Training Exercise 4-23 gives reservists the chance to practice mobilization readiness and to establish coordination with the units they would serve with in combat. The Marine Corps reserve was established by Congress in 1916 and is responsible for providing trained units and qualified individuals to be mobilized for active duty in time of war or national emergency. Marine reservists may also be called upon to relieve active-duty troops and they continually provide service to their local communities through programs like “Toys for Tots”. There are currently 35,000 Marines serving at 184 reserve training centers around the country who typically serve two days a month and two weeks a year.
In civilian life, Corporal Reyes is a firefighter and Puente is a salesman.