"We are very proud of the service of our Marines in Iraq," Maj. Christopher Perrine, director of public affairs at Marine Corps Base Hawai`i, said in a written statement issued today.

Perrine added, "They serve with tireless dedication under difficult circumstances, and they are making a crucial contribution to the future of Iraq and the United States. We are also extremely grateful to the residents of Hawai'i for welcoming us into their `ohana and for their continued support."

Privates 1st Class Daniel B. Chaires, 20, of Tallahassee, Fla., and Donald S. Brown of Succassunna, N.J. joined the Marine Corps in September 2005 and reported to Hawai'i in March 2006 before being deployed to Iraq last month. Both were in line for promotion to lance corporal on Nov. 1.