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May 16, 2004

E-mail from Iraq

The 2/7 Marines from 29 Palms have seen some fierce fighting since they arrived in February but, according to the battalion leadership, they've "turned the corner". We can't wait to welcome these guys home later this year. One of the Marines in this battalion went through high school, the DEP and boot camp with my son. They graduated the same day, went through SOI together and hoped to be assigned to the same unit. Jesse was sent to the 2/7 and my Shane flew to Iraq to join his 1/7 unit already in Iraq. Here is an update from the 2/7 battalion commander.

Battalion Update to Family and Friends of 2/7

It seems like only yesterday that we were writing to all of you, but time flies here in Iraq, with the unit being so busy helping the Iraqis build a new future. It has been almost three weeks since we last updated you! Now is a great opportunity to update the family and friends of 2/7 and share some very positive news.

Since our return from operations east of here, quite a few constructive events have taken place?the most important is that we have gained much more support among the people in our corner of Iraq. The upbeat relations with the locals, Iraqi police, and families in the community are the result of continued hard work by your Marines and Sailors. In a sense, we have turned one corner in the maze that is Iraq. This is giving us a boost in already high morale.

The problems that the Iraqi people face are very complex, require patience, social energy, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to listen in order to solve these challenges. The majority of the problems your Marines face do not require us to use our military training. For instance, the simple act of relaxing and listening to someone who has been denied a free voice for more than 35 years goes a long way.

Watching the men and women of the battalion listen intently as a farmer, businessman, or grandfather discusses a problem, or simply ?vents,? goes a long way toward understanding the people we continue to meet each day. We remain convinced that the majority of the people we meet each day all yearn for the same things?safety, a secure family and home, as well as a job and respect. Your Marines and Sailors are helping deliver these things by providing security and assisting the Iraqi security forces in performing their jobs better. The road to rebuilding Iraq is far from complete, but we are encouraged each day by our experiences in the communities, towns, and cities we operate in and around. 2/7 is indeed winning; don?t let anyone tell you differently.

We think of those most important to us?our families at home?all the time. You give us the resolve to continue winning this fight. You have the toughest job in all of this. Thank you for sharing the courage.

Semper fidelis,

LtCol Phil Skuta and SgtMaj Dave Plaster

Posted by Deb at May 16, 2004 06:38 AM

Comments

salam to zor nashreny

Posted by: saywan at June 15, 2004 11:37 PM