VP Cheney visits Camp Pendleton

Vice President Dick Cheney spoke to Marines at Camp Pendleton this morning. Here is the text of his speech:

Good morning. (Applause.) Well, thank you very much. Boy, this weather is fantastic out here in Pendleton, isn't it? It's a very pleasant day for us, and I have the opportunity to spend some time with all of you. We've been looking forward to spending some time this morning -- at ease. Please, everybody, you can sit down. And we're proud to be with all of you, with the men and women of Camp Pendleton.

I want to thank General Williams, Colonel Hampton, and Colonel Goodman, and everyone who prepared the way for our visit here this morning. It's a privilege to stand before so many who have served our country so well. And I'm honored to bring the personal regards of our Commander-in-Chief, President George W. Bush. (Applause.)

I also want to thank Congressman Issa, along with your local elected officials, who are here today.

Camp Pendleton is the busiest military base in America -- with more than 60,000 military and civilian personnel reporting for work every day. The base receives tremendous support from San Diego and Orange County -- from government officials, from business people, and from volunteers. And I want to thank the people of this community for their generosity, their patriotism, and above all for what you do to strengthen the Corps.

Above all else, the sailors and Marines of Camp Pendleton depend on the support of their families. Camp Pendleton is home to one of the closest, most active networks of military families anywhere in the world. You're the ones who send the letters and the packages, who look out for friends and neighbors in need, and give prayerful support to the men and women who serve. Military life is a family commitment, and this nation does not take you for granted. America is proud of our military families. (Applause.)

It's been a little over three years now since President Bush chose Camp Pendleton for one of his first military stops as Commander-in-Chief. That day he talked about the new recruits and the old Leathernecks, and the Marine tradition of being ready when the nation calls. On that morning in the spring of 2001, President Bush said these words, and I quote: "Because you are Marines, you are often asked to perform the most difficult and dangerous missions. Because you are Marines, you not only accept this challenge, you embrace it -- not for glory, not for self, but for God, country, Corps, and your fellow Marines."

A few months after the President spoke here, the United States came under attack. I was at the White House on the morning of September 11th, 2001, and throughout that day received reports on the situation in New York, and across the Potomac at the Pentagon. There were conversations with the President and our military commanders, decisions to be made about civilian flights, military air cover over major cities, and disaster response. In many ways, the attacks of that day brought out the best in people under difficult and extremely uncertain circumstances. America witnessed the calm determination of our firefighters, police, and medical personnel, who saved thousands of lives, and the heroes of United '93, who fought back at the cost of their own lives to defeat the terrorists and their plan to kill even more Americans in our Nation's Capital. At Camp Pendleton, and at our military bases around the world, we saw our Armed Forces rise to heightened readiness with great speed and efficiency.

That day changed everything for our country. In the space of a few hours, we lost 3,000 of our fellow citizens; we saw the violence and the grief that terrorism can inflict. We saw a foe whose hatred of us is limitless. This is and enemy, as the 9/11 Commission reported last week, whose purpose "is to rid the world of religious and political pluralism." They want to impose their way of life on the rest of us, and in pursuit of this goal, they are prepared to slaughter anyone who stands in their way. This is not a foe we can reason with, or negotiate with, or appease. This is -- to put it simply -- an enemy that we must vanquish. And we will vanquish this enemy. (Applause.)

To win this war, America is applying a doctrine that is clear to all: Every person, group, or regime that harbors or supports terror is equally guilty of terrorist crimes, and will be held to account. In Afghanistan, the Taliban found out what we meant. Within weeks of 9/11, American forces were on the ground in Afghanistan, teaming up with Afghan freedom fighters to destroy the terror camps and take down the Taliban regime. With swift, precise action, we and our allies captured or killed hundreds of al Qaeda fighters, ended Taliban rule, and liberated 25 million people in Afghanistan. Today, that country has a peaceful government; democracy is rising; the terror camps are closed; and the American people are safer for it.

Having -- (applause) -- having seen the devastation caused by 19 men armed with knives, box cutters, and boarding passes, we awakened to a possibility even more lethal -- that terrorists could acquire the capability to make weapons of mass destruction -- chemical, biological agents, or even nuclear weapons -- or gain such weapons themselves from an outlaw regime. If terrorists get their hands on that deadly technology, there can be no doubt they will inflict catastrophic damage on America and our allies. President Bush is determined to remove threats before they arrive, instead of simply waiting for another attack on our country. So America acted to end the regime of Saddam Hussein. And as with so many great missions throughout our history, our cause depended on the skill and the honor of the United States Marines. (Applause.)

In preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom, the First Marine Expeditionary Force moved its flag forward from Camp Pendleton to Kuwait. And on the President's orders, the First Marine Division led the way over the Kuwaiti border and nearly 500 miles into Iraq, through Baghdad and all the way to Saddam's hometown of Tikrit. (Applause.) You drove through the resistance in your path, liberated a captive people, and helped force Saddam's regime from power less than a month after the war began.

In that historic 500-mile drive across Iraq, the First Marine Division was propelled by critical contributions from the First Force Service Support Group, also based at Camp Pendleton. (Applause.) Every unit in that group participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and together you amassed a superb record. In all, the First Force Service Support Group produced and delivered over 2 million gallons of water; repaired over 4,000 essential pieces of combat equipment; constructed a system to deliver almost 8 million gallons of fuel 62 miles into Iraq; distributed more than 5.4 million meals to soldiers and Marines; delivered almost 30,000 tons of ammunition; and treated more than 1,600 patients in Force Service Support Group Medical Facilities. And that was just in the first deployment to Iraq. The Force Service Support Group is back now, doing even more to help the First Marine Division make Iraq more secure.

Above the battlefield in Iraq, Miramar's Third Marine Aircraft Wing carried out missions lending critical assistance to the liberation efforts on the ground. Helicopter squadrons helped escort convoys, provided close air support to fighting forces, evacuated wounded soldiers and Marines, and moved large quantities of supplies, and, when necessary, transported troops preparing for combat.

From various locations in Iraq and Kuwait, the Headquarters Group of the First Marine Expeditionary Force has made countless contributions to the mission. For almost two years, personnel have carried out reconnaissance, collected and analyzed intelligence, managed communications, and coordinated operations with our allies, especially the Royal Marines from Great Britain.

The record of the last several years -- the swift action, the flexibility and skill of our units, the superb performance of duty in the toughest of circumstances -- constitutes another great chapter in the history of the Marine Corps, of the U.S. military, and of our nation. (Applause.)

We see the spirit of the Corps in men like Lance Corporal Joseph Perez, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds in a fight outside Baghdad, yet still directed his platoon's fire to destroy the enemy and seize their position. His actions earned him the Navy Cross. While recovering from his wounds, Corporal Perez expressed but one wish: "To get back to my unit and back to training."

We see the spirit of the Corps in men like Major Calvert Worth, Jr., who led a command group that seized a palace in Baghdad, and whose rapid actions destroyed an approaching counterattacking force. After receiving the Bronze Star, Major Worth said this: "Marines, regardless of the task, always accomplish the mission." (Applause.)

As one sergeant major recently observed, "This generation of Marines is as good as any generation we've ever had in the Corps." He is absolutely correct, and here at this historic military base, I want to congratulate the Marines for yet another job well done. (Applause.)

Throughout the First Marine Expeditionary Force, we also find brave, dedicated members of the Marine Reserves. These men and women put their lives on hold, and leave their families behind, to accept assignments in Iraq, here at Pendleton, and elsewhere in the world. We're grateful to the Marine Reservists, and to all of their families. (Applause.)

There is still important and difficult work ahead in Iraq. Freedom still has enemies in that country. Yet thanks to the accomplishments of every unit in the First Marine Expeditionary Force -- and other members of our military -- Iraq has undergone a historic transformation. Sixteen months ago, Iraq was under the control of a dictator. Today, Saddam Hussein is in jail. (Applause.) Sixteen months ago, 25 million Iraqi people lived in repression, fearful of torture or death. Now they are free, and protected by an Iraqi bill of rights, and preparing to elect their own leaders. Sixteen months ago, Iraq was a gathering threat to the United States and the civilized world. Now it is a rising democracy, an ally in the war on terror, and the American people are safer for it. (Applause.)

Many of you here today will soon begin a rotation in Iraq. Marine units are still vital to securing Iraqi democracy, supporting the government as the country moves toward free elections, and helping the liberated people of Iraq to live in peace and safety. You are being deployed to a country whose new president declared, in his inaugural address a few weeks ago, the "profound gratitude" of the Iraqi people toward the American-led coalition that freed them from a dictator. And your mission in Iraq is critical to the future security of the United States. To fully and finally overcome the threat of terror, we are encouraging hope and democracy in the Middle East as an alternative to the hatred and the despair that lead to violence. As Americans, we believe that everyone has the right to live in freedom. And we know that when men and women are given the rights and opportunities of a free society, they will turn their energy toward the pursuits of peace.

I want every one of you to know that in the work ahead, President Bush is going to back you up 100 percent. Our job is to provide you with the best possible equipment to do your mission; to make sure you receive the pay increases you deserve; and to support military families at home. We will keep that commitment to you. (Applause.)

Because our nation has been strong and resolute in the cause of freedom, the countries you have helped liberate will never go back to the camp of tyranny and terror. And America will never go back to the false comforts of the world before 9/11. Terrorist attacks are not caused by the use of strength. They are invited by the perception of weakness. (Applause.)

This nation has made a decision: We will engage the enemy -- facing him with our military in Iraq and Afghanistan today, so we do not have to face him with armies of firefighters, police, and medical personnel on the streets of our own cities. (Applause.)

Every person in the United States Armed Forces can take great pride in the work you do for America. And the people of this country are so very fortunate to have men and women like you serving in freedom's cause. Your fellow citizens know that your work is hard. The days are hot, and the burdens are many. And you have said farewell to brave friends who did not come home. These men and women, last seen doing their duty, brought great credit to the uniform and to the flag -- and our nation will honor their names forever. (Applause.)

In these last three years, many great challenges have come to our country. Much has been asked of us, and, as with the other great challenges in our nation's history, the greatest burdens have fallen on the men and women of our military. And yet this time of testing is also a time of promise. The United States is a good and a decent country -- a nation that is making the world a better place by defending the innocent, confronting the violent, and bringing freedom to the oppressed. We understand the threats before us; and we have the resources, the strength, and the moral courage to overcome them all. Our President has made clear to all the terrorist enemies that they will fail -- because the direction of history is toward justice and human freedom. The terrorists will fail -- because the resolve of America and our allies will not be shaken. And the terrorists will fail -- because men and women like you stand in their way. (Applause.)

I thank each and every one of you for your great service to America. It's an honor to be here. You are worthy of the title you hold, the uniform you wear, and the code you live by. Your Commander-in-Chief is proud of you. On his behalf, and on behalf of the people of the United States, I thank you all. Semper Fi. (Applause.)

Posted by Deb at 12:35 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

More from Ben Stein

Ben Stein is a funny guy. He also has his priorities straight. Here's a snippet from a CBS Sunday Morning commentary earlier this month where he explains the difference between Hollywood stars and real stars:

The real stars, the ones who keep this country free on Independence Day and every day, are the ones who lead a patrol down an alley in Falluja with some maniac terrorist aiming an AK-47 at their heads. The real stars are the ones who leave their families behind at a dusty Army base and go off and risk––and lose––their lives to do their duty by their country and free men and women everywhere.

They're the ones who go off into Godforsaken valleys in Afghanistan hunting for Al Qaeda, never knowing if they'll ever come back, and often not coming back. Think Pat Tillman and you've pretty much got it.

There are other real stars in this country like the men and women in Walter Reed Army Hospital getting fitted with prosthetic limbs because a bomb took off their leg below the knee in Mosul, Iraq. Their wives and girlfriends and parents and kids cheering them on are real stars, too. So are the doctors and techs who make the limbs.

This country could last forever without the billionaire movie and TV stars in the magazines. We could not last a month without the men and women who fight for us. It's high time we got our priorities straight. Those guys and gals in Bagram and Ramadi and Fallujah and everywhere else, alive or dead or wounded, are the real stars, the ones who light up the night of tyranny with the light of freedom. We would not have a July 4th worth having without them. God bless them today and every day.

Amen.

Posted by Deb at 11:42 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Tails of a DogHostage

Brian, an Army legal specialist in central Iraq writes:

We're here to "win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people."

That's the mantra we hear from time to time. It's a way to get us to think twice about shooting first and consulting the Geneva Convention later. So, winning hearts and minds... If you'd asked me before I made the trip North, I would have had a snappy comeback, like, "Is that before we shoot them?" But along the way, the only Iraqis we saw were friendly. Not only were they friendly, but most gave us a thumbs-up. Some just waved. A few even clapped. One woman even offered to let us ride her camel. (No, that's not a figure of speech.) Well, these people's hearts & minds are won. Can we go home now? I know, I know... the bad guys seem to hide from us. Terrorists are largely cowards.

Sadly, there are a minority who want to basically pick up where Saddam left off. One group, who was suppressed under the tyranny of Saddam is now free to do what it pleases. Unfortunately, in what seems quite ungrateful from my perspective, a member of the group was quoted in Time Magazine as saying something to the effect of, "We will fight until the U.S. is out of Iraq."

Posted by Deb at 11:17 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Fardinen a mitzveh*

An online friend who has been marvelously supportive of my son and me, sent me the following announcement that was included in her NYC synogogue bulletin. It's a great project and I'm cleaning off my DVD shelf and will send a box of current titles to Landstuhl.

Rabbi Irving Elson is the Jewish Chaplain for the US Marines and has been on the front lines in Iraq. Rabbi Elson has asked United Synagogue to pass on the following information:

The military hospital in Landshtull, Germany has requested DVDs and personal DVD players for our Marines who are recovering from battle wounds. You can send them to:

Chaplain Irving Elson, Rabbi, c/o Commanding Officer,

Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron CHAPLAIN,

P.O. Box 452013,

San Diego, CA 92145-2013.

Rabbi Elson's office will rebox them and put them on a MEDEVAC flight to Germany to be hand delivered to the Marines.

My friend's son is still a preschooler, mine has grown into a fine young man. She is Jewish, I am Christian. She lives in New York City, I live in rural Oregon. Nevertheless, we both speak the language of motherhood. She understood my feelings completely and helped me find the words to express my emotions after watching my son graduate from boot camp:

You need to learn a Yiddish phrase, Deb. What you are now, quite rightfully, doing is schepping nachas.

That's what you do when your handsome, talented, brave, kind and all-around terrific son makes you absolutely burst with pride.

That's right. And despite a few wisecracks about "schlepping nachos" from other online friends, I remain schepping nachas almost two years later.

*A Yiddish phrase that means to earn a blessing or a merit (by doing a good deed)

Posted by Deb at 01:29 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

July 26, 2004

Humor in Uniform

By the time they've been in a year, most Marines, soldiers, sailers and other troops have perfected the art of cynical and sarcastic humor. This is born of necessity - military life is inherently stressful, especially when living and working in a war zone. Jason from Iraq Now has put together a list of on-the-ground observations that will make you smile. Here are a few of my favorites; visit his site for the complete list.

"Things are looking up for us here. In fact, Papua-New Guinea is thinking of offering two platoons: one of Infantry (headhunters) and one of engineers (hut builders). They want to eat any Iraqis they kill. We've got no issues with that, but State is being anal about it." LTC (JS) on OIF coalition-building

"That guy just won't take 'yes' for an answer." MAJ (EUCOM)

"Let's just call Lessons Learned what they really are: institutionalized
scab picking."

"When all else fails, simply revel in the absurdity of it all." LCDR
(CENTCOM)

"I finally figured out that when a Turkish officer tells you, 'It's no problem,' he means, for him." Maj (EUCOM)

"If we wait until the last minute to do it, it'll only take a minute."
MAJ (EUCOM)

"The only reason that anything ever gets done is because there are pockets of competence in every command. The key is to find them...and then exploit the hell out of 'em." CDR (CENTCOM)

"Between us girls, would it help to clarify the issue if you knew that Hungary is land-locked?" CDR to MAJ (EUCOM) on why a deployment from Hungary is likely to proceed by air vice sea

"I'll be right back. I have to go pound my nuts flat..." Lt Col (EUCOM) after being assigned a difficult tasker

"I guess this is the wrong power cord for the computer, huh?" LtCol (EUCOM) after the smoke cleared from plugging his 110V computer into a 220V outlet

"When you get right up to the line that you're not supposed to cross, the only person in front of you will be me!" CDR (CENTCOM) on his view of the value of being politically correct in today's military

"There's nothing wrong with crossing that line a little bit, it's jumping over it buck naked that will probably get you in trouble..." Lt Col (EUCOM) responding to the above

Read the rest here.

Posted by Deb at 04:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Right Reading

Hugh Hewitt has written a must-read book If It's Not Close, They Can't Cheat: Crushing the Democrats in Every Election and Why Your Life Depends on It. As I've said before, this is not a political blog. But this book is worth reading and may help focus issues for those who still wonder about which lever to pull next November.

The public response has been great - Hewitt is currently at 35 on the NYT bestseller list and at 86 on the Amazon sales rakings. He spent last evening signing books at a Borders store - began at 7:30 and finally wrapped it up after 1:30. Despite cramped signing fingers, he posted his description of this memorable encounter.

There were some very inspiring stories, including many of parents, loved ones, and friends of military serving in Iraq or Afghanistan or recently returned from there. One couple, Rod and Cindy, brought along a picture of their three sons, two of whom are Marines currently deployed around Fallujah and the third of whom is a sailor on the U.S.S. Stenis. The three young men left college and enlisted after 9/11. It is very humbling to sign books for such great young Americans --and there are thousands of them-- and I think they and their families represent the core of this country. I was honored to meet every single person in the line, and especially honored to meet the servicemen and women and their family members who came by.

Check out his book:

Posted by Deb at 03:21 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Good News from Afghanistan

Arthur Chrenkoff has again pulled together an excellent compendium of the daily progress in Afghanistan. Here's a snippet.

If there is one place where good news is harder to come by than Iraq, it's Afghanistan. For that we should partly blame our poor understanding of Afghan realities, and consequently, unrealistic expectations. An isolated, poor, largely rural country with harsh landscapes and limited natural resources, Afghanistan has been for the past quarter of a century cursed with constant violence and oppression. Good news from Afghanistan will not in any foreseeable future mean mushrooming shopping malls and health care clinics in every village. For the people who have suffered so much for so long, relative peace and absence of theocracy are a good start.

But, as is the case with reporting from Iraq, we shouldn't let the media off the hook so easily, either. For all the fashionable talk about Iraq distracting the Bush Administration from the war on terror, it's largely been the media who have ignored Afghanistan except for the occasional story about another skirmish with the Taliban remnants or the explosion in opium cultivation.

Read the rest here.

Posted by Deb at 10:58 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

July 25, 2004

3/7 update

Chaplain Slater, currently deployed with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, has a late July update:

Well, there really isn't much new to say this time. The good news is that there's really no bad news to report. The last ten days haven't been without excitement, mind you, but thank the Lord there have been no serious injuries on our side. We detained a lot of bad guys and destroyed more enemy weapons caches and continue to make slow and steady improvement in our area of operations. We were visited yesterday by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. It was nice, he showed an interest in our mission out here. It was good to hear him say “Congratulations and thanks for the great job you're doing”. It even made us feel proud when he passed on the thanks and praise he's heard from folks back home. But what got a hearty oohrah out of the crowd was telling us that our planned seven-month rotation cycle was right on schedule. Barring any drastic changes in the battlefield, we should be coming home on time.

As we continue normal operations, an increasing part of our focus is inventorying gear and supplies, and preparing turnover information for our replacement battalion to use to be successful. It's a lot of work, and yet it's one chore no one minds doing. As to the quality of life, well it just keeps getting better and better, the military takes care of every need. And over 200 marines just enjoyed receiving their next anthrax shot. Some of these guys face bullets and bombs better than needles. It's really pretty funny.

Long ago a wise king named Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:8; “Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.” How true. Anybody can start strong, but only the patient have the wisdom and perseverance to finish strong. All of us over here are committed to doing just that, and we know that all of you at home will do the same.

I know a couple of Marine Corps moms (and wives and girlfriends), not to mention dads, grandparents, other family members, and friends that are anxiously counting down the days until 3/7 returns to 29 Palms. Keep that patience, men of 3/7, we want every last one of you home safely!

Posted by Deb at 07:26 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

July 24, 2004

Bottom Lines

During Operation Iraqi Freedom last year, many of us kept our televisions tuned 24/7 to FOX and CNN. One late night viewer caught this snippet:

At about 2:15 this morning, not being able to sleep, I tuned in to MSNBC where they were covering a real time fire fight at the bridgehead in Al Kut by Bob Arnot the embedded reporter. He was with a small unit of the 4th Marines. Unbelievable!!!

In the aftermath of the battle somebody repeated a comment made by General Kelly I might not have this absolutely verbatim, when asked if he or his Marines were concerned about the upcoming battle for Baghdad he made this remark: "We're Marines, we took Iwo Jima, Baghdad ain't shit." Hope this quote gets more coverage and gets the place in history it deserves!

So far, that quote has been immortalized on a bumper sticker.

It's a start.

The anecdotes continue:

This morning on Fox news they showed a reporter embedded with the Army Division close to Baghdad. He said that the troops were happy that they were nearing Baghdad and possibly the end of fighting. He said they were singing the Simon and Gafrunkle song "Homeward Bound" indicating they thought they would soon be home.

Fox news then switched to Rick Leventhal their reporter embedded with the 1st MArine Division also just outside Baghdad. Rick was laughing saying "I don't think you'll find Marines singing any Simon and Garfunkle songs."

He turned to a young Marine and asked what song he thought they'd sing to represent what they thought. Without pause the Marine said "Kill 'em All" by Metallica, and walked away.

Interesting contrast.

Indeed

Posted by Deb at 12:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

July 23, 2004

Update from Major Danyluk

Last Friday, I posted an e-mail from USMC Major Steve Danyluk who is deployed in the An Najaf province of Iraq. In it, he paid tribute to an Iraqi National Guard LtCol who chose to serve his country as a soldier, despite opportunities to make more money as a translater or contractor. Major Danyluk expressed his appreciation for the care packages his Marines had received and suggested that care packages also be sent to this Iraqi LtCol and other Iraqi National Guard who, like our troops, puts service to country ahead of personal self-interest.

Here are his suggestions:

What to send? Basics: toiletries, non-perishable food-stuffs, office supplies, even items like make-up for their wives etc. We also sponsor a nearby school so things for kids are always appreciated. And if you or your company has an old lap-top they want to get rid of I am sure "Robbi" could really put that to use too.

I won't post Major Danyluk's mailing address on this page but if you'd like to share the love, e-mail me to find out how: deb at marinecorpsmoms dot com

Major Danyluk ends his update by noting:

Even though a lot of people don't agree with "why" we are here, the support I am seeing of the troops who were "sent" here has been first-rate across the board. At a minimum it means we will have fewer psychologically scarred veterans walking our streets when they get home and the support is truly appreciated.

Posted by Deb at 10:14 AM

Marine Message to Michael Moore

Posted by Deb at 10:11 AM | Comments (11) | TrackBack

July 22, 2004

Friends

Here's a wonderful essay by Sgt. Missick, a currently deployed soldier:

One of the aspects to this deployment and time in theater that I have enjoyed, has been the friends I have made from units, both active duty and reserve, from around the country. The deployment process is arduous for any reservist, the culture shock of immediately removing yourself from civilian life and all the comforts that entails, and becoming a soldier preparing for operations in theater can best be described as dramatic.

The first time this form of “culture shock” surfaces for members of the national guard and reserves, it is a shared experience with those who will be entering active duty. Basic Training is more than a period of physical conditioning, it is a rite of passage into a new life structured by discipline and guided by values. The 9 weeks of basic training is continued as soldiers enter AIT, Advanced Individual Training, and receive class room and hands on training in their MOS, or Military Operational Specialty. After these months of joint training and rigorous preparation to become a member of America’s fighting forces, the experiences of Reserve/Guard soldiers and Active Duty soldiers becomes starkly different. Reservists return to their civilian careers and colleges, and active duty soldiers continue in their military careers, living their lives day in and day out as soldiers.

In theater however, we all must meet the expectations of being soldier’s on active duty, and as the nature of this war has placed 40% of the force in theater in the hands of America’s guard and reserve forces, the expectations of our performance are high.

Throughout this process however, the soldiers we come in contact with every day, and work side by side with, provide us with newfound friends and potentially life-long acquaintances. I have been fortunate enough to make such friends, particularly Sgt. Johnson and Specialist Doherty, as well as people stationed in places extremely diverse, from Germany to South Dakota and from all parts of the country. It’s amazing how much we as American’s have in common here, despite such massive geographical differences. Although we may have different tastes in music, have grown up in the mega-apolis of Southern California or the smallest of Mid-West towns, we are forged together by a love of country and commitment to the US Army. In regards to my MOS, we are not daily placing life or limb on the line, but we exist together in a an atmosphere that is tense, and share stories of dreams we hope to accomplish when we are once again back home. For most of us, there is always a person back home our heart wants to pursue, an education we want to fulfill, or a vacation we want to take. These conversations help fill the void that these dreams have left, and talking about them often helps us live them out vicariously. It is this commonality that we all share, that despite our differences we have dreams we want to pursue, that creates an air of magic in the midst of so much commotion. Perhaps it is these conditions that help us all recognize the basic humanity of each other, that allow us to see that below the surface differences, we have a great number of things in common.

In a way, I wish everyone back in the states had the opportunity to experience this aspect of what service to country entails. The sense of belonging to a singular purpose creates a spirit of unity even as we all become frustrated with one another from time to time. There is always the adage to fall back on, that we are all in this together. As I have mentioned here countless times, I hope that the coming years in our country help to sterilize the venom in our political discourse, and help us understand that we share the greatest human gift God has bestowed to men and women born in the 20th and 21st century, that is the gift of American citizenship and the proud title of American. If my role in this war has taught me nothing else, it has clearly shown me that the greatest social advance we can make in our country is to recognize that we are all one people and that wondrous accomplishments await us when we work together for a single magnificent goal, whether that goal be defeating terrorism, (which seems as insurmountable today as defeating communism seemed 40 years ago) rebuilding our education system, or any other aspect of America’s social structure that is in dire need of repair and real solutions.

My son has expressed those same sentiments. His brother Marines are closer to him than some family members - fighting together can forge unbreakable bonds of friendship.

Posted by Deb at 01:02 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

RIMPAC 2004

Photo by Marco Garcia

I liked this picture of a USMC AAV rolling onto the beach at Bellows Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Posted by Deb at 12:49 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

July 21, 2004

Operation Cool Ties

Weather Report: Hot today Hotter tomorrow

You can help make our troops more comfortable. While the combat engineers and Seabees are bringing air conditioning to some of the hootches, our Marines , sailors, and soldiers are often outside in the heat of the day - waiting in line for meals, time at the internet center, fire watch, etc. Here is what we are sending them:

Check out Cassandra's post at I Love Jet Noise - she's signing on to help with this project - an offer much appreciated.

If you have extra fabric, a bit of time, and can sew a straight seam, there are troops who would benefit from your effort.

If you can't sew but know someone who does, please spread the word. Click here for a link to the directions.

If you know of a group who might like to take this on as an outreach project, please give them this information. I will mail instructions for the ties to anyone who would like to help.

If you can't sew, don't know anyone who does, but have a bit of cash (it won't take much) to help, get in touch with me or Cassandra. We can make this happen.

Posted by Deb at 04:50 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

July 20, 2004

Vultures

USMC Cpl John Todd, of Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, died southeast of Baghdad, Iraq, as a result of hostile action on June 29, 2004. Lance Cpl. Patrick Adle, 21, of Baltimore, and Sgt. Alan Sherman, 36, of Brick, N.J. - were also killed. Marine Sgt. Matthew Crawford, a Delaware County resident, and Cpl. Matheusz Erszkowicz, of New Jersey, were wounded in the explosion.

As Cpl Todd's grieving family prepared for his funeral, his house was burglarized. This is wrong on so many levels. To burglarize any home during a funeral is a craven act. But to target a fallen hero? I wouldn't want to be that thief when one of Cpl Todd's brother Marines finds him.

Donovan from Castle Argghhh!!! notes:

"There is a special place in hell for this bastard.

And *if* he's caught, Marines and former Marines (to include those who *might* be in jail) will not think highly of this twit when they find out what he did.

And, when the time comes for him to meet his maker... well, there's a wide spot on the road to Hell called "Fiddler's Green" where mounted soldiers quaff a brew on their way... and somehow never leave.

He'll have to walk by"

I'm sure the ghosts of soldiers and Marines past are sharing a glass with Cpl Todd, Lance Cpl Adle, and Sgt Sherman now. And the rest of us can drink to the memory of 3 more brave Marines who left us far too soon. Cheers, fellas . . . .

Posted by Deb at 07:32 PM | Comments (1)

"A life-altering experience"

Here's an excerpt from 2/7 Sgt. Major D.L. Plaster's latest message:

I just thought I would give you an update on the progress here in Iraq. Your men and women continue to do great things here and I know you are very proud of them. We have continued to improve the quality of life for the people in our area through our security efforts and civil affairs. We have provided jobs and training. We have provided much needed drinking water and medical supplies to the poorer villages and have made great strides in public opinion. It is amazing to watch the 19-year-old PFC transition from warrior to humanitarian and back again to meet the constantly changing environment in which he operates. This is a life-altering experience for us all.

Posted by Deb at 04:49 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Don't Dumb Down the Military

Nathaniel Fick joined the USMC after graduating - with honors - from Dartmouth College. After the Sept. 11, 2001 attack, he led infantry platoons into combat in Afghanistan and commanded a special operations reconnaissance platoon in the Iraq war. He earned the Navy Commendation Medal and two Combat Action ribbons and was honorably discharged last November after five years of service.

Here's what he has to say about the draft in a NYT Op-Ed:

I went to war as a believer in the citizen-soldier. My college study of the classics idealized Greeks who put down their plows for swords, returning to their fields at the end of the war. As a Marine officer in Afghanistan and Iraq, however, I learned that the victors on today's battlefields are long-term, professional soldiers. Thus the increasing calls for reinstating the draft - and the bills now before Congress that would do so - are well intentioned but misguided. Imposing a draft on the military I served in would harm it grievously for years.

I led platoons of volunteers. In Afghanistan, my marines slept each night in holes they hacked from the rocky ground. They carried hundred-pound packs in addition to their fears of minefields and ambushes, their homesickness, loneliness and exhaustion. The most junior did it for $964.80 per month. They didn't complain, and I never wrestled with discipline problems. Each and every marine wanted to be there. If anyone hadn't, he would have been a drain on the platoon and a liability in combat.

In Iraq, I commanded a reconnaissance platoon, the Marines' special operations force. Many of my enlisted marines were college-educated; some had been to graduate school. All had volunteered once for the Marines, again for the infantry, and a third time for recon. They were proud to serve as part of an elite unit. Like most demanding professionals, they were their own harshest critics, intolerant of their peers whose performance fell short.

The dumb grunt is an anachronism. He has been replaced by the strategic corporal. Immense firepower and improved technology have pushed decision-making with national consequences down to individual enlisted men. Modern warfare requires that even the most junior infantryman master a wide array of technical and tactical skills.

Honing these skills to reflex, a prerequisite for survival in combat, takes time - a year of formal training and another year of on-the-job experience were generally needed to transform my young marines into competent warriors. The Marine Corps demands four-year active enlistments because it takes that long to train troops and ensure those training dollars are put to use in the field. One- or two-year terms, the longest that would be likely under conscription, would simply not allow for this comprehensive training.

Some supporters of the draft argue that America's wars are being fought primarily by minorities from poor families who enlisted in the economic equivalent of a Hail Mary pass. They insist that the sacrifices of citizenship be shared by all Americans. The sentiment is correct, but the outrage is misplaced. There is no cannon-fodder underclass in the military. In fact, front-line combat troops are a near-perfect reflection of American male society.

There's more. Read the rest here.

Posted by Deb at 04:44 PM | Comments (2)

Get over yourself, Mr. Moore

Following Linda Rondstadt's removal, escorted by security guards from the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Michael Moore wrote a letter of protest to the Aladdin President:

Bill Timmins
President
Aladdin Casino and Hotel
Las Vegas, NV

July 20, 2004

Dear Mr. Timmins:

I understand from the news reports I've read that, after Linda Ronstadt, one of America's greatest singers, dedicated a song to me from your stage on Saturday night, you instructed your security guards to remove her from the Aladdin, which they did.

What country do you live in? Last time I checked, Las Vegas is still in the United States.

This is correct, although the "America's greatest singers" claim is debatable. However, it's one of the few correct statements in this screed.

And in the United States, we have something called "The First Amendment." This constitutional right gives everyone here the right to say whatever they want to say.

Mr. Moore needs to brush up on his knowledge of constitutional rights. The First Amendment of the Constitution does not provide an open mike. Instead, it limits the actions of our government. It says that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech …” This means that our federal government cannot deprive a person of their liberty, their property or their life because that person expresses an opinion that criticizes a government official or policy. It doesn't say that if you are being paid to perform for an audience of 4,500 customers who bought a ticket to hear you sing, that you have the right to use someone else's stage to express your personal political beliefs. Mr. Timmons was well within his rights to fire her.

All Americans hold this right as sacred. Many of our young people put on a uniform and risk their lives to defend it. My film is all about asking the questions that should have been asked before those brave soldiers were sent into harms way.

Wrong. While our troops have shed their blood to protect freedom of speech in this country, I don't think that Moore's movie or Rondstadt's ramble is what our founding fathers had in mind. And, it's ironic that the troops that Moore piously invokes are the same troops that he placed on the altar of sacrifice last April. In his own words: "I'm sorry, but the majority of Americans supported this war once it began and, sadly, that majority must now sacrifice their children until enough blood has been let that maybe -- just maybe -- God and the Iraqi people will forgive us in the end."

As the mother of one of those children, I understand full well that my son is not returning to Iraq next month so that God and the Iraqis will forgive us. He is fighting for freedom and democracy so that way of life that we enjoy will endure. It's a good thing for Moore that our troops - or their moms - don't get to pick and choose who they defend.

For you to throw Linda Ronstadt off the premises because she dared to say a few words in support of me and my film, is simply stupid and Un-American. Frankly, I have never heard of such a thing happening.

Mr. Timmins had every right to escort Ms. Rondstadt from the premises. It was a privately owned place of business, not a public arena. If half of his audience was booing, it wasn't a stupid move, but a smart business decision. And Mr. Moore should not be surprised. After all, he was himself booed off the Academy Award stage just over a year ago.

I read that you wouldn't even let her go back up to her room at your hotel! Are you crazy? For crying out loud, it was a song DEDICATION! To "Desperado!" Every American loves that song! Sure, some people didn't like the dedication, and that's their right. But neither they nor you have the right to remove her from your building when all she did was exercise her AMERICAN right to speak her mind.

See previous notes on the meaning of private businesses and paying customers. And when she chooses to speak, she also chooses to take whatever consequences come along with her words. My son learned that lesson at age two. I guess it's never too late - just ask the Dixie Chicks. Or Sean Penn. Or Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, and on and on.

Of all the things that go on in Las Vegas, this is what creates the need for serious action? What about the other half of the crowd at the Aladdin who, according to the Las Vegas Sun, cheered her when she made her remarks? Did you throw them out, too?

Hello? Private business. Paid performer. Paying customer. Heigh-ho.

I think you owe Ms. Ronstadt an apology. And I have an idea how you can make it up to her -- and to the millions of Americans you have offended. Invite her back and I'll join her in singing "America the Beautiful" on your stage. Then I will show "Fahrenheit 9/11" free of charge to all your guests and anyone else in Las Vegas who wants to see it.

Right. Mr Timmins owes her nothing. Not an apology and certainly not another appearance on his stage. And if Moore thinks that offering to sing with Rondstadt is an irresistable offer, he needs a serious reality check. Preferably one involving a double-wide full length mirror.

Mr. Timmins, as the song "Desperado" says -- "Come to your senses!" How can you refuse this offer? I await your reply.

Yours,
Michael Moore
Director, "Fahrenheit 9/11"

I have an idea how Mr. Timmins could refuse this offer. However, it would involve quoting Dick Cheney and I don't use that kind of language. At least not on this blog.

Posted by Deb at 01:25 AM | Comments (14) | TrackBack

July 19, 2004

Win Ben Stein's Respect

Col. Boyd sent along a reminder that before Hollywood celebrity Ben Stein retired from writing his Monday Night at Mortons column last year, he regularly regaled us with tales of bumping into A-list stars at Morton's Restaurant in Hollywood. Unlike many of the famous folks he chronicled, however, Stein was an unabashed supporter of our troops and their Commander in Chief. No qualifiers. No buts. Just support. Here are a couple of snippets from his 2003 columns.

Stein not only enjoys rap but composed this one:

May 2, 2003:
'Cuz this war wuz won
With American blood and bone
and British guts
American tears and
British heartache
So, damn Chirac's and
Schroder's sorry butts
Damn all those people
who stand on corners and complain
They ought to be on their knees to the men and women in pain
Men and women who change the world
On three hundred dollars a week
In war so fearless, in peace so meek

His answer to an oft-asked question: "In all of the time you have been in Hollywood, who are the most impressive stars you have met?":

June 7, 2003:
Norman Lear, who flew 50 missions over Axis-occupied Italy, Germany and Yugoslavia, never brags about it and has total modesty about it. Norman and 12 million like him from America stopped the Nazis from putting me in a camp and gassing me. Star.

• My father-in-law, Col. Dale Denman Jr. of Prescott, Arkansas, who fought across Europe as a 22-year-old lieutenant and won a Silver Star for courage under fire. He had prayed the night before his first combat that he would not be a coward, and then as a middle-aged man he fought again in Vietnam and won a second Silver Star for combat in a rice paddy. Star.

• My wife's Uncle Bob Denman, who defeated a North Korean unit on a frozen hillside armed only with a carbine--and then declined a medal because he said his men deserved it more than he did. Star.

• Ed McMahon of The Tonight Show, who flew 85 combat missions in Korea and never brags about it. Star.

• The men and women of the Philippine Sea, who rid Afghanistan of the Taliban. Stars.

Here, he compares his everyday reality with an appearance at the welcome home dinner-dance for the USS Mobile Bay:

July 16, 2003:
I toil in the world of finance, where I deal with men who blithely loot widows and orphans out of their livelihoods and go to parties and grin for the cameras of the society pages. At the dinner dance for the Mobile Bay, not one person even brought up money one single time. No one bragged about his coups in property. The men and women just bantered about their foibles and habits.

There was no bragging about Iraq, no questioning of the commander in chief, no ego at all. It occurs to me that this is the navy way, the army way, the marine and air force way: team playing to protect a nation that is often only barely aware they exist.

But they do, and without them, none of the rest of us would exist for long.

And how could the men and women of the Mobile Bay be any less than the navy ideal? The ship is led by a captain and his wife whose devotion to something bigger than themselves makes those of us with our swimming pools and our self-obsession look pretty pathetic.

The ship is crewed by men and women who won't be defeated, and this makes us, their beneficiaries, extremely blessed Americans.

In his final column, Stein paid one last tribute to the men and women who protect and defend:

December 20, 2003:
I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to.

How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a "star" we mean someone bright and powerful and attractive as a role model?

Real stars are not riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese girls do their nails. They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any longer.

A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world. . . .

We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die.

I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that who is eating at Morton's is a big subject.

Stein finished this last column with the realization that "I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human." Some people never come to that realization. Stein discovered it late in life. Contrast that with the age of our troops that are bringing freedom to the citizens of Iraq, Afghanistan, and other troubled areas of the world. Many of our troops are in their 20s. They do not enjoy a "lavish life". Nonetheless, they are committed to finishing their mission and making the world a better place. That says a lot for our Armed Forces.

One of my favorite Stein-lines goes back to the first linked column; his Saddamn-insane rap:

There'll always be complainers and always be whiners
And malcontents and and losers and truth two-timers
There's a place for them in their sorry dreams
Cleanin' out the latrines of the U.S. Marines.

Oohrah!

Posted by Deb at 10:01 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

July 18, 2004

Was OIF a legitimate war?

There's been much debate in countries around the world, especially the U.S. and Great Britain. It's a healthy debate; that's what free people living in democracies do. But, what do the newly freed Iraqis think? Omar provides us with translated viewpoints from the BBC Arabic discussion forum:

"The report of Lord Butler reflects the respect for the laws in a country that has no written constitution. From my point ov view I think that the report is incomplete because it didn’t mention a (thank you) to Mr. Blair and Mr. Bush for doing this honorable job which is toppling the pervert dictator and crushing the iron security grip for the worst tyrant in the world. The soldiers who died in Iraq gave their lives as tributes for freedom. Thanks to all the soldiers who risked and lost their lives for the sake of others’ freedom." Mohammed Abdul Jabbar-Baghdad.

"The world is busy discussing the points that should’ve forbidden the war. Iraqis were dying and no one bothered himself to ask about the "legal position" when Saddam was murdering Iraqis in thousands. This issue has many aspects: first of all it’s a proof for the democracy of the west that doesn’t allow to rush into wars without reasonable excuses, unlike the Arab regimes that goes into a war just because the leader wants to be the "hero of the Arab Nation". Another point is that we, in Iraq believe that Saddam and his co-butchers were the real WMDs. Iraqis are benefitting from the mistakes of the British intelligence, so we thank them for this mistake!"
Haider Muhyeddine-Najaf.

"I think that Bush and Blair are the heroes of democracy, humanity and the war on terror and state terror. It’s possible that some intelligence reports were exaggerated but the result at the end is in the interest of the Iraqi people. Those two men deserve all appreciation and respect. I can say that there was some exaggeration in the criticism also because Saddam did use chemical weapons against us and against Iran."
Zana sefeen-Iraq.

"Who said there are no WMDs in Iraq? The most dangerous WMD exists and the American troops captured it. It’s the weapon that exterminated five million Iraqis and hundreds of thousands from our neighbors impoverished, detained and tortured. Saddam Hussain is the WMD in Iraq. Isn’t a weapon with such capabilities worth to go for a war to (disarm it)? Saving twenty million people from that weapon, isn’t that worth the effort?"
Hasan Al-Shammari-Baghdad.

"America and the UK have offered the human race the greatest favor ever by toppling the ghoul of Iraq. All the debates and the investigations in these two countries are motivated by political ambitions and jealousy rather than the protection of the country and constitution. Bush and Blair deserve a Noble Prize for peace"
Abdulrahman Al-Alwani-Syria.

"Tony Blair made a decision for which we thank him. He’s the man who rid us of the worst dictator in history. Yes, he did a mistake when he didn’t find chemical weapons but Saddam Hussain is more dangerous from those weapons for the Iraqis and Saddam had the money, the scientists and the programs and if he had remained in power he would’ve continued producing WMDs. A world without Saddam in power is safer"
Abu Mohammed Al-Shammary-Danmark.

" The clear statement in Lord Butler’s report that emphasizes that there’s no evidence for any bad intentions for Mr. Blair in taking the decision to participate in the war, this statement confirms that his (Blair’s) conscience and humanity motivated him to rid the region and the 3rd world of the ugliest dictator in the 20th century. Blair’s approval of the report results and admitting that there were some mistakes uncover the courage of this young leader who reminds us of his former colleagues; Jim Callahan, Dennis Haily and Michael Foot who helped the oppressed people wherever existed. Bearing the responsibility on behalf of others despite the mistakes they made is a sign of nobility which is an important character for a good leader. There’s no comparison between a leader who buries his people alive and a leader who offers the finest men in his nation in tribute for freedom and to defend human rights. This report reminds us of the 80s days when we were defending the hero; Nelson Mandela. while he was in prison, we were in college, collecting signatures for support. It’s the same principles Tony Blair depended on when he decided to help Iraqis get their freedom and their pride back from a butcher who’s today shaking and waiting for his destiny in a cage. We wished the report to include some words to thank Blair and his party for their role in saving human rights in Iraq."
Harith Al-Aadhami-Baghdad.

"They shouldn’t have started this war on Iraq for any reason. Life in Iraq in President Saddam’s days were much better than life under occupation and Iraqis say so. That’s why this lie about alleged Iraqi WMDs is the biggest crime against Arabs, Muslims and Iraqis"
Abu Al-Majd-Syria.

"The least I can say about this investigation commission is that it’s a play produced to save Tony Blair once again and it’s very strange to see that Blair when stood in front of the parliament approved of everything in the report. And why would he not when it’s the report that saved him from falling?
Strange also that he still insists that his decision was right. He just keeps being a follower for Bush. The most strange thing is how could this government take the people’s minds so lightly. Blair is only good at holding microphones for speeches"
Jamal Mousa-Rafah/Palestine.

" If the British and American Intelligence have made a mistake and this mistake lead to the decision of the war on Saddam and liberation of Iraq from the hands of what was probably the worst tyranny ever, then what a wonderful mistake! The truth is, Blair was brave in his decision and defied all difficulties in this decision. How can anyone imagine that this was wrong? They gave us back our lost freedom and dignity"
Fakhelddine Sharif-Iraq.

Although this list was selected and translated by Omar, it's interesting to note that they only voices of criticism came from Syria and Palestine. The voices of Iraqis are consistent with other reports. Our Marines who have returned from Iraq tell us of how Iraqis come up to thank them for liberating them from Saddam's rule. Freedom is a wonderful thing. Omar notes, "You cannot tell a man that saving him and his family from torture, humiliation and death was a mistake and it should’ve not been done because it’s illegal. This is almost an insult to Iraqis to hear someone saying that this war was illegal. It means that our suffering for decades meant nothing and that formalities and the stupid rules of the UN (that rarely function) are more important than the lives of 25 million people. "

Posted by Deb at 05:41 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Hello Warlord Families!

Jarhead Dad sends along this update from 2/2 Marines.

Saturday, July 17, 2004

Hello once again Warlord families!

As if we have not said it enough please know that we miss you and as each day passes we look forward even more to being reunited with you after having accomplished our mission here! It has been more than a month since I contacted you last and, as has been Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for us, we have moved yet again. We left behind our former area of operations near Fallujah and returned to our original location here in Mahmudiyah and set up shop again relieving an outstanding Army unit that had been here in Iraq for 15 months. Nevertheless, we have been reassigned here as the First Marine Division spreads its combat power to assist the fledgling Iraqi Government in asserting its new sovereignty. As an overall summary I must say once again what an honor it remains to be privileged to lead your husbands in this campaign to bring democracy and hope to Iraq. They continue to set the standard for the Division and Regiment with their courage, flexibility and determination to get the job done regardless of the circumstances or challenges facing them. They have truly shown the people of Iraq that they have no better friend or nor worse enemy than a Warlord from Task Force 2/2.

As of the 19th of May, we had established a new base camp near Fallujah and began to assert our presence in the operational area we had been given. Our immediate task was to disrupt the enemy’s ability to shoot indirect fire with mortars and rockets into the large base camp to which we were assigned as well as protect a major supply route and re-assert coalition presence in a previously unaddressed area. This was no small task and as a result of the efforts of the battalion, that kind of fire was virtually eliminated because of the creative and tenacious way that the Marines and Sailors of the battalion took the fight to the enemy. By varying their methods and tactics, the Warlords kept the enemy guessing and caused him to spend most of his time looking over his shoulder wondering when he was going to have a bad day. Let me tell you … many of them did and they never knew what hit them and in many cases where it came from. That fact was largely due to the superb application of combat power that was orchestrated by the small unit leaders in the task force. Sometimes it was airpower, sometimes it was snipers, sometimes mortars, sometimes heavy machine guns. Quite frankly, the enemy learned very quickly that he was outmatched by the Team, Squad, Platoon and Company leadership in this Task Force.

This fight has not been without cost and we have now lost three of our own and had ne