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June 02, 2004

Update from the 2/7 Marines

Here's an update from the Battalion Commander and Sgt. Major of the 2/7 Marines, currently in Iraq.

By the time many of you read this, you should be returning home from the Memorial Day weekend. We hope you had a great time, wherever your travels may have taken you.

In this update, we can again say that we are steps closer to having the Iraqis prepared to take responsibility for their communities?which means we are winning. All of our efforts in the near future will be focused on training, equipping, and supervising the Iraqi security forces. The brave Iraqis we see on a daily basis are sincerely committed to their future. It is a sight to see. The people in the area welcome the fact that Iraqis are starting to take the lead on security responsibilities.

The biggest news out here is that there?s less and less BAD news. More and more Iraqis understand what the coalition is doing for them and they also know that they have to take care of their country?s security in the near future. The most dangerous encounter most of your Marines and Sailors are having is with the heat! It is starting to top 100 degrees regularly and the mercury continues to rise.

Before going too far in this letter, we?d like to take a moment to discuss (we had no idea people actually were waiting for this?) the, ?pigeons doing back flips,? comment we made a few updates ago. We were on an operation and one evening, before it became too dark, we observed a small flock of pigeons flying and doing back flips! The birds would fly, flip, and keep flying. As they were doing their flips, they would lose the air under their wings and appear to drop straight to the ground. But once the flip was complete, they continued to fly. Iraqis are fond of birds and they train birds to do tricks. We happened be located next to a house that trained such birds. It was an enjoyable end to a somewhat nerve-wracking day.

Put this story in the, ?Tell it to the Marines,? category.

Marine Corps lore holds that if a civilian does not believe a story about something or other in the world, his best bet to find the truth is to ask a well-traveled Marine. Your Marines and sailors have definitely been getting their fill of seeing things you would not believe. Sometimes we wonder what planet we are on here in Iraq. Many unique things take place on ?our streets.?

By the time you read this note, the long awaited 2/7 playground equipment will be delivered to several local schools. As the Iraqi public learns to trust us and perceive us as helpers and not conquerors, the less motivation they have to help the violent minority that live among them.

The good news only gets better! Slowly, but surely, the living conditions in all locations improve. There?s more hot food, better living conditions, and more air conditioners being installed (just in time). Most importantly, the mail is consistent. Keep those letters and care-packages coming! We love them!

Iraq is still a dangerous place, and yes, there is some instability. However, everyday Iraq grows more stable and peaceful. Everyday more Iraqis lean towards democracy and against terrorism as a means of change. The local newspaper we helped start shows that free speech is alive and well where your Marines and Sailors are serving. Your Marines and Sailors are key players in this democratic process. Remember: As Iraq grows more stable, America benefits, since Iraq becomes one less breeding ground for terrorism.

Thank your for continuing to share the courage? and thank you for all of your wonderful support. It means more than you know.

Posted by Deb at June 2, 2004 09:12 AM