Lance Cpl. Aaron Ferencik jumps across a canal during

Lance Cpl. Aaron Ferencik jumps across a canal during a security patrol here, June 5. Ferencik, a native of Denver, is the squad leader of 3rd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company. He led his squad through an improvised explosive device strike on May 25. Two casualties were taken during the blast; one Marine is recovering each day at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., while the other has since rejoined the squad. They were the first unit from 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment to take combat related casualties during their deployment here.