Lance Cpl. Taylor Adkins, a rifleman and radio operator

Lance Cpl. Taylor Adkins, a rifleman and radio operator with 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, monitors the field radio as he patrols through the bazaar here May 3, 2012. Adkins, 20-year-old from La Vernia, Texas, said he and his peers are ready to take on new responsibilities within his platoon. His leaders have noticed the amount of dedication he shows by being savvy in communications.