b'Naval Support Activity - Lakehurst Helicopter Squadron 263 (Reinforced) as part of the 24th Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)) Aviation Combat Element (ACE). While forward Colonel deployed, he participated in Operation DYNAMIC RESPONSE in Kosovo, Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in the Arabian Gulf, Russell C. Rybka Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Commander Officer 2-1 and 3-1. Colonel Rybka held billets in the Operations, Marine Aircraft Group 49 Maintenance, Safety, and Logistics Departments. He attended Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 1-04 at Marine Aviation Colonel Rybka attended AuburnWeapons and Tactics Squadron One in Yuma, Arizona. University on an NROTC scholarship,Colonel Rybka returned to Quantico in July 2005 to attend where he attained a Bachelor of ArtsExpeditionary Warfare School (EWS). Upon graduation from degree in Criminal Justice.EWS in May 2006, he attended Tactical Air Control Party WHe was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon grad- School at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic in uation in December 1996. Colonel Rybka reported to TheLittle Creek, Virginia and was subsequently assigned to The Basic School in January 1997, where he was assigned to BravoBasic School as the Air Officer. While assigned to The Basic School, Colonel Rybka also served as the Assistant Operations Company 2-97. Following The Basic School, he was assignedOfficer, Command Section Head within the Warfighting to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida and designated a NavalDivision, and Instructor Battalion Executive Officer. In July Aviator in August 1999. He then reported to Marine Light2008, Colonel Rybka assumed the duties as Commanding Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Corps AirOfficer, Basic Officers Course 6-08, Company F. Colonel Rybka Station Camp Pendleton, California for training in the AH-1Wcompleted Marine Corps Command and Staff College inCobra.April 2009. His first assignment in the operating forces was to MarineColonel Rybka returned to the operating forces and HMLA Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, Marine Corps269 in May 2009. He was assigned as the Officer in Charge Air Station New River, North Carolina from 2000 to 2005.of the H-1 detachment to Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron During this period, he twice deployed with Marine Mediumcontinued on page 43Contract # 5962 Blaceys AutoU.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 49 pose for a group photo on July 16, 2022 at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst. The mission of MAG 49 is to organize, train, and equip combat 2022 Military Appreciation Resource Magazineready squadrons to augment and reinforce the active Marine forces in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations, and to provide personnel and assault support capabilities to relieve operational tempo for active duty forces. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Matt Porter)Thank You For Your Service Military Appreciation Resource Magazine 11'