Pfc. Andrew Halverson, 19, of Grant, Wis. died Oct 9 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Halverson was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Bridget Warns, mother of a deployed Marine, was a passenger on the plane that carried him home from the country he served:
I cannot imagine how painful it is to learn that a beloved son has died in battle and my prayer, like that of all Marine parents, is that I will never find out. But if it happened, I would hope that a Marine Mom like Bridget Warns would be on the plane for his final ride home.
The good guys . . .
"Where is Daddy, again?"
That question caught me off guard, shopping at the commissary with my three young sons. "Daddy" just left a few days ago, in the middle of the night.
We saw him, and a bunch of other Marines climb on busses and head out to the first stage of a journey to Afghanistan.
I was already shopping for care package items when my nine year old asked the question.
"Your Dad is in Afghanistan."
"How close is that to Kabul?"
"Kabul is a city in Afghanistan. Kabul is the city, Afghanistan is the country."
My son nodded. "He's going to be gone, like, six months, right?"
"At least."
My youngest, age four, piped up, "But he'll come home for my birthday, right?"
His birthday is just a week away.
The oldest has the best understanding, and the hardest time adjusting.
This is not just what Daddy does, it's part of who he is. I can live with that.
Recently, I heard about a young woman who wanted to find a "safe" job for her fiance` within the confines of the Marine Corps. Something where he wouldn't deploy, wouldn't be in danger, wouldn't have to separate from his true love.
I hate to break the news, but life isn't safe. We're all born, and we all die, and it's what we make of the time in between that really counts.
Three years ago, my husband had what might be called a "safe" billet. He worked in an office in a secured building. He went to work in the morning, commuted home in the evening, and worked pretty regular hours. He was a "pencil pusher", a "desk jockey", back then.
One morning, he got breakfast, a quick hug and kiss, and a "Have a nice day, darlin'," and went off to work. Three hours later, I got to see his office building on a "Live Special Report", and I was watching, as a reporter began to talk, and suddenly was shaken. A moment later, he announced, "Something has just happened here at the Pentagon."
Within mere moments, we got the news. A plane had flown into the newly renovated wedge of the Pentagon. We knew that my husband's office was in that wedge, and it was several hours before I got to hear the dearest sound on earth, my husband's voice, coming in over a poor telephone connection, "Hey, babe, I'm ok."
We made a decision after that. We have three children. They need to grow up in a world where terrorists are terrified of us, not us of them. We will not raise these young American citizens in fear. We will make whatever sacrifices are demanded, to see to it that that happens.
My children don't understand all of that. They understand simple things, like good guys, and bad guys, and Daddy's one of the good guys.
In these days, as we head to elections, and people protest everything under the sun, and the media spends its valuable time seeking out the worst possible images of our military members, I wish that more adults understood the simple stuff.
Daddy, and his fellow men and women in uniform are the good guys.
Posted by at 09:14 AM
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LCpl Wyatt - duty and sacrifice
When a hero falls in battle, his memory is never forgotten by the Marines he serves with. Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Wyatt, 22, of Calendonia, Wis., died on Oct. 12 due to enemy action in Babil Province, Iraq. Wyatt was assigned to Marine Corps Reserve?s 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division in Chicago, Ill. His commanding officer sent these words back to the extended Marine Corps family at the base where he served:
It is with the deepest sadness and most profound grief that I must report to you the loss of Daniel Wyatt, LCpl, Fox Co, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, USMC.
Daniel was killed in the line of duty, while conducting foot patrolling operations in Yusufiyah Iraq. Daniel was killed by a command detonated improvised explosive device. He died instantly, suffered no pain and was immediately recovered by his fellow Marines.
My command security element and myself personally recovered Daniel's body and escorted him back to the forward operating base, and then onto the helicopter for the beginning of his final ride home. I cannot even begin to express to you the soul touching sight of combat hardened Marines, encrusted with weeks of sweat and dust, who have daily been engaged in combat, coming to complete and utter solemnity and respect in the handling of the body of one of their own. It puts on display a level of brotherly love you just cannot see anywhere else.
We conducted a memorial service for Daniel in the battle space owned by his fellow Marines, as well as one the following day at the Bn forward operating base. I have spoken with his fiancee and expressed the sorrow and sympathy of the entire Battalion.
If I might for a moment, I hear and see some of the media coverage. I hear the accusations and charges. I hear what could almost be labelled as hysteria over the situation in Iraq. Let me tell you something from ground level. The town of Yusufiyah that Daniel and his fellow Marines seized, had not seen government structure or security forces for over 8 months. FOREIGN FIGHTERS, TERRORIST AND THUGS have had free reign and have routinely murdered people in the market for no reason other than one day they MIGHT support a democratic process and speak for themselves. For nothing more than they MIGHT choose a version of religion even slightly different than the terrorists and foreign fighters. They live in squalor and fear. The Marines of Daniel's unit have not had a shower since seizing the town. They have eaten MREs day on stay on. They live a Spartan existence that few can imagine. And, on all my trips to their position for planning, coordination and command visits, I ask them if they want to be relieved. To a man, they look me in the eye and tell me NO WAY. Why? Well, I am not going to soften it for anyone, the primary reason why is to kill terrorists. Please remember, that is what they are trained and paid to do. But, they also tell me, they want to help the people of Yusufiyah. They want to show all of Iraq that they can stand on their own feet, push back against extremism, and with our help live the life of freedom that all men yearn for. Yes, from the mouths of these young and hardened warriors, this is what they tell me. And then...and then...they ask me how I am doing! Unfreakingbeliveable! They worry about everyone else but themselves.
So believe what you want. That is your right as Americans. But I am telling you, there are no heroes on any football fields, basketball courts or halls of government. Their are honorable and decent people all over America. However, the heroes are on the battlefields of Iraq. Suffering, killing and DYING that others might live, and live in FREEDOM. Americans free from terror, Iraqis free from opression and tyranny.
I am an under-educated gun toter from Indiana who is just lucky there is an organization like the USMC where a half-wit like myself with some rudimentary combat skills can succeed. But I do know heroes! I am surrounded by over a thousand of them. And I am not the least bit ashamed to tell you I have wept like a baby for Daniel Wyatt. Because when one of these heroes falls, it is if an Angel of God himself has fallen from heaven!
I will not profess glory of battle or any other such hype. I will profess duty and sacrifice. Daniel showed us all true duty and ultimate sacrifice. I have no doubt that the instant he died, he was whisked to heaven on the wings of Angels and placed before the unapproachable light of Jesus, who himself said: "greater love hath no man, than a man lay down his life for his friends."
GOD BLESS AND KEEP DANIEL WYATT, HIS FAMILY AND FIANCEE AND GOD BLESS AND KEEP ALL THE FAMILIES OF 2/24.
Yours in profound sadness
Mark A. Smith, LtCol
TF 2/24 Cmdr
Mahmudiyah, Iraq |
Posted by Deb at 08:08 AM
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October 19, 2004
Report from the Syrian border
I've had the luxury of talking with my son twice in the past two days. There is a three hour wait for a 15 minute phone call, and I very much appreciate his willingness to stand in line for a few minutes of home contact, even if it is 2:00 a.m. here when he calls. Not a problem.
Our conversation this morning centered on his location. I had seen a map of the area brought back by a Marine who just returned from his own deployment. His camp is within spitting distance of the Syrian border and I remarked that I hadn't realized it was that close. "Oh yeah, we throw rocks over there all the time. Yesterday, I watched a donkey come across the border, take a dump in Iraq, and go back to Syria. If that isn't a metaphor for this whole thing, I don't know what is."
Posted by Deb at 01:46 AM
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October 18, 2004
Operation Santa needs your support!
| Karel from North Bend First Christian Church wraps gifts to be placed in stockings that will be sent to deployed Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan. Volunteers from North Bend sewed over 600 stockings for Operation Santa. |
| Jean holds up one of 50 stockings filled by the Christian Women's Fellowship. These stockings will be sent to 1/23 Marines currently deployed in Iraq. Marine Grandma Bette is standing in the background. | |
We are still working hard! The past week has been one of 20 hour days for Connie and I - and I know the other volunteers are working just as hard. We now have sponsors for all of 1/7, 1/23, 9th Comm, 4th LAAD . . . and we're filling up 2/10. These Marines are working hard for us and deserve our support. I'm on my way to a packing party for one of the 1/23 platoons and will update with pictures tonight.
If those of you who do not have time to sponsor a platoon but would like to support the project in another way, checks can be sent here:
Marine Corps Family Foundation
4500 Ruby Ct. NE
Salem, OR 97305
Please make sure that checks are made payable to the Marine Corps Family Foundation but Operation Santa is designated on the memo line. Thanks - our troops will appreciate it. Paperwork for the Foundation is being filed and receipts for tax purposes will be sent as soon as approval by the IRS is received.
All donations towards Operation Santa will be very much appreciated. A complete accounting will be published as soon as the project concludes.
Posted by Deb at 11:50 AM
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October 16, 2004
Adam Marshall on his way to #1
Adam with Marine Corps Moms Janise, Linda, and Connie at an outdoor Margarita bar in Indianapolis last summer.
Adam Marshall, former Marine up and coming country star, has entered this country music chart at number 13 on the Radiowave Airplay Report with his first single, "Come Home as Fast as You Can". 13 is a lucky number in October - if you haven't heard Adam's music you're in for a treat. Check out his website and order his CD. The album is irresistable at $11 and you can feel good about your purchase since the proceeds go to Operation Interdependence.
Adam wrote his songs while deployed last year during OIF1. Read his bio on his website - his is a remarkable story.
Posted by Deb at 05:35 PM
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11th MEU update
Here's the latest from 11th MEU:
Another quick update on what we're doing back here for those of you at home.
For the past couple of weeks the MEU's commanding officer, members of the command element and BLT 1/4 have been going to neighborhoods in the cities of Najaf and Kufah to provide condolence payments to citizens who suffered damages during combat operations in August. So far, the MEU has given out nearly half a million dollars.
That's on top of the millions spent to rebuild Najaf and Kufah in these past weeks. Many Marines and sailors are working hard to survey what needs to be fixed and arranging Iraqi contractors to do the work.
Other than that, we're keeping ourselves occupied with guard duty, the various knickknacks to be bought from local vendors on base and thoughts of home.
We look forward to when we can step back on to American soil and will be thinking of our loved ones until then. |
There are an equal number of families who are looking forward to that day with equal longing.
Posted by Deb at 04:08 PM
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October 13, 2004
Send Cards!
Here's an idea for care packages from Anita Ramos, 1/7 Marine Mom. She knows that many of our troops have limited or no access to a PX, or any way to purchase Christmas cards for their friends and family. So, she's sending a few boxes of cards for her son and his friends so they can mail holiday greetings to their friends and families. It's a great idea - perhaps some of the rest of you would like to send a supply as well. No stamps are necessary since our troops have free franking privileges while deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Posted by Deb at 01:29 AM
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"The Corps is Bush country"
Here's a Boston Globe report from FOB Kalso where the 24th MEU is operating:
It is a measure of President Bush's unassailable popularity among the US Marines on this base that the only one who admitted that he supported John F. Kerry would say so only on condition of anonymity.
The 19-year-old private said he recently bought a copy of the film ''Fahrenheit 9/11," which questions Bush's rationale for going to war. ''If half the things in that movie are true, we're here for the wrong reasons."
With that exception, Marines freely boast that the Corps is Bush country.
''I think 'W' is the man," said First Lieutenant Andrew Thomas, 25, who still has not signed up to get his absentee ballot at Forward Operating Base Kalsu, an hour's drive south of Baghdad.
But Thomas said he had told one of his fellow Marines to remove a Bush-Cheney 2004 bumper sticker pasted on a Humvee on the base. ''We all want him to win, but that's wrong," Thomas said. ''The sticker's got to go." |
The Hatch Act notwithstanding, Marines have strong opinions on this fall's election. USMC Capt. Leigh Dubie helps Marines file for absentee ballots.
''I told them if you want a voice in how the military is going to be in the future, this is your chance," she said.
Asked whether she expected Kerry to have any support, Dubie laughed.
''We crack jokes about that," she said. ''People say, 'We want to make sure we even have a military in four years, so we better vote for Bush.' " |
Last weekend, my mother spent Saturday at the Pony Village Mall in North Bend, Oregon, gathering community support for Operation Santa. While there was near-unanimous community support, the local chairwoman of the Democratic Party stopped by to loudly voice her opinion of our military as "poor saps" who were misled about the war. While there is no indication that she's actually talked with troops or whether she's gaining her information from sources like Michael Moore, here's what another Marine had to say when interviewed:
McClusey -- the first in the unit to request his absentee ballot from Dubie -- said the nearly-uniform support he had encountered for Bush over Kerry did not translate into unanimous support for the invasion of Iraq.
''Even if the decision to come here was questionable, at least he had the guts to come over here," he said. |
Whether or not Marines agree with Bush or not, they support him. And that translates into bad news for Kerry.
Posted by Deb at 01:22 AM
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October 12, 2004
2/24 reports from Iraq
Marines have a rule: Never stand when you can sit, never sit when you can lie down, and grab a nap any time you can. Here, 2/24 Golf Company Marines grab an opportunity for a bit of rest.
2/24 CO,LtCol Smith sends along this update from Iraq, shared by Marine Mom Linda:
1st Item: the "information" flying around the network about the LVS Trailer roll over and burning full of mail is true. However, it happened a month or so before we left for Iraq. So rest easy, your packages and letters will arrive. :-)
Even though our email is back up, a large percentage of the Battalion is operating forward from the Forward Operating Base. Myself and the Command Staff move virtually daily about our battle space checking up, planning and supporting the different elements as they close with and destroy the enemy in their assigned zones of action. They do it very well, and are only getting better each day. In addition, they truly are bringing stability, freedom and peace to people who have known nothing but terror and oppression. The town of XXXXXXX had not had any government presence for months and the terrorists had absolutely dominated the people and their lives. Randomly killing and demanding money and youth service for anti-coalition fights. NO MORE! Now they must deal with the Warriors of 2/24. That is a deal they are losing, and losing in a big way. They have thrown every sinister attack you can think of, including multiple attempts at suicide car bombers. All have been thwarted with only the suicide bomber being killed in the process. The saddest part is how they have seriously injured several Iraqi children. Children who have life saving first aid applied to them by the very Marines and Corpsman who just seconds before were engaged in full-scale combat to destroy the terrorists. To see that in action is to see the battle between good and evil played out before your eyes. And to the entire anti-war, anti-American crowd, I ask them; where else do you see such disciplined and proper violence, followed by such compassion and mercy. I guarantee you it is uniquely American! And there are no better ambassadors of it than the WONDERFUL Marines of 2/24. They absolutely humble me and everything about my existence, and you should feel nothing but extreme PRIDE in them. They are amazing.
2nd Item: I understand we are rock stars in the media. Our current operation has received press in the Chicago Sun Times, the New York Times and extensive coverage on FOX News. That is good. Task Force 2/24 is doing great work here in Iraq, sought contact with the enemy from the minute of our arrival and has performed remarkably well in the face of the enemy. Every technique you have heard about this sinister enemy using, VBIEDs, IEDs, indirect fire (mortars, rockets), Small Arms, etc they have attempted against 2/24. We have suffered some casualties, but thank God, so far, all have been relatively minor with good prognosis for return to full health. The enemy however, does not get such a good report. Most of them have ended up dead! The Marines have been very disciplined in their application of force, and on two occasions when the enemy attempted a VBIED attack, it was thwarted by the alert Marines of this Battalion. I would love to be able to tell you that this is Disney World, but again, reality strikes. This is combat. That being said it is what we trained for and what we are here for. The terrorists would love nothing more than for us to be scared. Wrong answer! There is a healthy fear of mortality, as there should be, and there is constant longing for loved ones left behind. But when things start blowing up and bullets start flying, these magnificent Marines run forward, past all those who are running away. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE TO WITNESS. But it is also why the terrorists can never win. They can't terrorize those who bring "the Mayhem!"
That said, currently many of them are without the standard comforts and are living Spartan in support of the mission. We are working non-stop to push them mail, hot chow, ice, fruit and all we can possibly support. We also are pushing a couple of satellite phones around so they can attempt at least some 5-minute phone calls home for an update. PLEASE BE PATIENT! The focus of the day is combat. But, everywhere I am I see the Marines with pictures of their loved ones.
YOU ARE NEVER OUT OF THEIR HEARTS OR MINDS.
As I already said I am nothing but humbled by these magnificent Warriors, citizens and Marines; and I can ensure you that MANY fanatics who dreamed of one day destroying innocent "infidels" on the streets of America have met with a violent end at the hands of the disciplined, precise HEROS of 2/24. God Bless You All and Thank You for your continued sacrifice.
Yours in service to the Nation and in never ending thanks for your sacrifice,
LtCol Mark A. Smith
Commanding Officer
Task Force 2/24 |
Posted by Deb at 12:17 PM
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October 11, 2004
Devon is here!
New babies are special and this one is no exception. Baby Devon Jones was born this morning to his wonderful mother, Bobbi, and proud grandparents Jack and Claudia Jones, and Robert and Gayle Roberts. I am certain that his father, Sgt. Curtis Jones was looking down from heaven, and that he will be a very special guardian angel for his little boy. If you missed the earlier story, read it here.
Here is proud grandma Claudia's announcement:
At 4:56 this morning, Devon Curtis Jones came into the world, a little blue but vocal. He weighed 8 lb. 3 oz. and is 20 inches long. Bobbi gave it her all. She was admitted into the hospital about 12:30 p.m. and hung out until about 9:00 p.m. when things became exciting.
She and the baby are doing great. We are all excited and grateful that Devon is finally in our lives for real.
Needless to say, Bobbi was not alone in the coming of her and Curt's baby. We all shared it with her and a few of her close friends. Even Captain JR Rinaldi came last night and spent some time with us. He had to leave before the big event came so he could go to work today.
We are excited and thrilled as new grandparents should be.
Love to all
Jack and Claudia |
Posted by Deb at 02:13 PM
Final Update from 2/7
2/7 Marines came home recently from Iraq. Here is the final letter home from LtCol Skuta - gotta love a Marine who quotes T. E. Lawrence:
Dear Family and Friends of 2/7,
As I write this letter, the battalion is completing its most recent combat tour in almost 14 years. We are beginning to turnover our responsibilities to the unit that is relieving us. Soon enough we will complete final packing and prepare to return home to rejoin our loved ones.
We came to Iraq to provide a windbreak against terrorists and criminals, with every sentiment of faith, friendship, and honor to allow the Iraqis to rebuild a proud, free, safe, and prosperous Iraq wholly committed to the struggle against those that threatened them. We respected religious practices, culture, and always considered Iraqis our friends. We intimately observed just how hard Iraqi life was under a brutal and evil dictatorship. We saw the conditions in which terrorists could seek safe harbor and refuge. In our hearts and minds we always upheld the belief that the terrorists would never succeed in making us think the Iraqi people were our enemies.
We gained common cause with many Iraqis. We formed friendships, bonds, and associations. We became part of their lives and communities. It took a long time, blood, and heroic effort, but many Iraqis finally understood our good intentions. After all, our two cultures have been separate for more than 4,000 years. We were truly strangers in a strange land for quite some time. We know our part of Iraq is better today than when we arrived. We have witnessed the steady progress with our own eyes and heard their words of hope. We have helped them walk as they placed each step forward and learned what it is to taste freedom for the first time. We are confident Iraq will be even better six months from now. There will be setbacks in the future, but they are headed in the right direction.
We approached our fight in a very unique way, adopting lessons from others that visited the same areas of Mesopotamia nearly eight decades ago: "Do not try to do too much with your own hands. Better the Arabs do it tolerably than that you do it perfectly. It is their war, and you are to help them, not to win it for them. Actually, also, under the very odd conditions of Arabia, your practical work will not be as good as, perhaps, you think it is. It may take them longer and it may not be as good as you think, but if it is theirs, it will be better." (T.E., "Lawrence of Arabia," Lawrence)
The result in Iraq, after the efforts of the men and women of 2/7 along with our Iraqi friends, is better now than when we arrived. It is now their fight to win in every sense. The men and women of the battalion performed magnificently. When we look back years from now, I think we will all share in the belief that we gave all we had towards making a difference in Iraq. We accomplished our mission as best as we could. That is what Marines have done for 229 years. I will always be proud to be the commanding officer of 2/7 during that moment in time.
Finally, and most importantly, remember those who will not be returning home or sharing the sea stories years from now. They have paid the ultimate price for our country's efforts in fighting the War on Terrorism. Their sacrifice for us was for a much greater purpose. They will always be in our hearts. We will see them again and thank them for what they gave the rest of us.
We look forward to seeing each and every one of you soon.
Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Phil Skuta |
Posted by Deb at 01:33 AM
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October 10, 2004
Final update from 3/11
1st Lt. Robert L. Nofsinger of 3/11 Marinessends his final update from Iraq:
Dear Friends,
Well, my unit has come to the end of its time here in Iraq and I wanted to send a final note.
During the past seven months 3rd Battalion 11th Marines has accomplished much. Our artillery Battalion was given the mission of convoy security and provisional MP (Military Police) duties. From that mission grew other duties and we eventually ended up accomplishing a wide range of tasks.
We were assigned to assist the Iraqi Border Patrol along the Saudi Arabian border. Along with that came the responsibility to care for the nearby town of Nukhayb. It is a fairly small town that had been ravaged by two wars, 12 years of sanctions, and a tyrannical government that neglected its basic needs. Over the course of seven months, our small civil affairs section was able to spend roughly $1.3 million on the infrastructure, people of Nukhayb and outlying areas. The projects included the following:
· Hospital renovation and medical supplies
· School refurbishment
· Water supply improvement
· Sanitation equipment
· Regional fire department
· Agricultural cooperative
· Multiple power generators and transformers
· Equipment and gear for local Iraqi Security Forces
· Electrical rewiring
· Refurbishment of local government buildings
· Establishment of employment programs
· Local mosque refurbishment
Nukhayb is now a thriving active community with a renewed sense of direction. The local economy is rapidly increasing and is already far beyond where it was at any time during the past 30 years.
3/11's main mission was to provide convoy security for military and non-military convoys throughout Iraq. This was done with the utmost patience and professionalism. The Marines of 3/11 being trained as artillerymen, performed tremendously as provisional infantrymen without skipping a beat. As this war has only further proven, Artillerymen are the "go-to" Marines of the Marine Corps. In the end 3/11 was responsible for escorting hundreds upon hundreds of vital convoys throughout the theater.
In addition to this responsibility 3/11 was asked to supervise and run a provincial Iraqi Security College where Iraqi Security Forces were trained to take control of their country. The college was so successful that it is now entirely run by Iraqis.
Continuing the Military Police role 3/11 also maintained and operated a provincial detention facility where detainees were treated with respect and humanity. Long before incidents at other prisons in Iraq were discovered, 3/11 set the highest of possible standards in the country for quality of care and facility conditions. The detention facility has been heralded as a hallmark in our area of operations and brings much praise to the battalion.
All along the way 3/11 was asked to step outside its area of expertise and provide the highest level of performance, and each time the expectations were met and exceeded. Few units if any can claim to have accomplished such a wide variety of missions in such a short period of time. The Marines of 3rd Battalion 11th Marines can return home to their loved ones knowing they provided absolutely vital contributions to the war in Iraq. The Iraqi people have never known liberty in their entire history and now they finally have a chance to live free. With Marines and soldiers out there like those from 3/11, the war on terror will be definitively won and the world will know a higher level of freedom and prosperity than it has ever known.
I personally want to thank each of you who have supported me through this journey. I will never be able to put into words, my appreciation for all you have done for me. My definition of family has grown exponentially since being over here and I thank you.
But more than just your personal support I am grateful for your support of the cause. Not everyone in America is educated enough to understand the full importance of what we are doing in this part of the world and I am so thankful that you all do. Freedom and liberty are fragile and America seems to be one of the only countries actively fighting to ensure that they do not perish from this earth. Your continued efforts at home are much needed in spreading the truth. Together we will win this fight and secure a better future for the whole world.
God Bless and Semper Fidelis,
1st Lt. Robert L. Nofsinger USMC |
Welcome home 3/11!
Posted by Deb at 09:48 PM
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October 09, 2004
Once a Marine, always a Marine
He was on his first vacation in 20 years. But when the hurricane hit, he stepped into the same role as protector of innocents that he has held for his entire career as a United States Marine. Meet 1st Sgt Fletcher Armstrong III:
Hard rain stung his chest and pummeled his face, but 1st Sgt. Fletcher Armstrong III would not be stopped by nature's fury.
Food and water were needed by people at Secrets Excellence Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic, and he was determined the need would be met.
So, the 38-year-old Marine forced his way through Hurricane Jeanne's 110 mph winds to get to the main common area about 500 yards from his hotel room. He wore only blue scuba shoes and a pair of red shorts with the word "lifeguard" on them.
The people he helped remember his red shorts and have stenciled his steely will into their memory. These former strangers, folk Armstrong now considers friends, are grateful to him because he fought the storm for them. For three days, Armstrong took on the role of provider, protector, watcher and warrior for 500 people - 100 Europeans and 400 Americans - stranded at a five-star hotel.
Folk say he is a hero. He shrugs off that lofty label. He is crying now, moved by thank-you e-mails and cards celebrating his leadership.
"If it wasn't for Fletcher, we would still be there," says D. Mitzi Dazo Strother, 67, of Holmdel, N.J. "And I say that from the bottom of my heart. He got everything going smoothly. I feel indebted to Fletcher. He is a credit to the Marines Corps. We are proud of him. He deserves any honor he gets."
Armstrong, who bought his home here May 19, just wanted a vacation. He longed to enjoy a romantic adventure with his fiancee, Melissa Hoffman, 34. He wanted to spoil her, and they both felt deserving of the time off. It had taken him four years to save the $4,500 needed for their trip.
"I'd never taken a vacation in my life," says Armstrong, a 20-year Marine veteran. "I was really excited about it." |
I hope the hotel - whose employees refused to help the stranded guests - will invite 1st Sgt. Armstrong back for a real vacation very soon. It's the least they can do for him.
Tip of the hat to Mudville Gazette for the link.
Posted by Deb at 09:56 PM
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October 08, 2004
Landstuhl redux
Diana Hartman is back from her second trip to Landstuhl. Read her account of the first trip here. Then, read this . . . and consider sending a couple of items on her list to make the lives of our wounded Marines and other troops a bit easier.
oct07 (posted oct08)
today's visit was a testament to the human spirit...eleven marines and several soldiers were the appreciative recipients of get well cards, magazines, books, writing material, clothing items, toiletries and scores of bagged and homemade goodies...we ran long on our time today for no other reason than because we just couldn't leave their sides and the guys were very talkative...one in particular, a young devildog about 20 yrs old from the great state of texas, had arrived at landstuhl just the day before...because of extensive hardware he is unable to eat solid foods of any kind, and has the use of one leg...he was smiling, energetic and so well-mannered his mother would beam with pride to know what kind of son she has...he was without a few things he especially needed because he hadn't mentioned them to the liaisons; he was however bubbly and you might even say jumpy as he told us about what he needed ('cos you know moms, we pry!), so we made arrangements for him...a few others had mentioned his jumpiness as reason to move on, that his nervous energy was contagious; we were able to quickly surmise that this was his nature and not any drug he may have been taking...i have such a child, an 18 yr old daughter, who sees the world moving much more slowly than it really does and this is the reason for the darting glances and seemingly unfocused behavior...i felt right at home with him so i stayed behind and left later when the other ladies came back to his room...he talked about his future in the marine corps, a future you would think wouldn't include the marine corps, but he spoke of closeness and camaraderie well beyond that of your average 20 year old...much like my daughter, i could clearly see that his every hyper characteristic had a well-honed and focused flip side fueled by the very energy that filled the room...he knows what he wants, and i know he will get much of it...
at the end of our visit, he quite literally hopped out of bed and across the room to "see you ladies to the door"...it was so precious, i could almost hear the squeak of a screen door and smell freshly squeezed lemonade sitting on a porch i could almost feel...
i couldn't get over the eyes i saw today...blue eyes, brown, green, hazel, dark, dazed, alert, hopeful, tired, relieved, longing, intense, wincing, long lashes and no lashes, one eye straining to make up for the loss of the other...all of them deep and thoughtful, many of them so cheerful and delighted it's difficult to describe...there were a lot of unspoken words...
the world they just came from is very different from the world they are in now...i don't know what the world was like for them a few days ago, but i know what it was like today...they were articulate and enchanting when telling the stories of what happened to them...many of them broken, hurting, and fresh from the first of many surgeries to come, they still made efforts to sit up, to lean their heads if they couldn't sit up, responsive to the least gesture, anxious to talk, dismissive of their own bravery and owning of their deep and abiding friendship and love for their fellow marines...all of them were bright-eyed when shown the list of those we were visiting, and a few became excited when they saw names they recognized...of these, they genuinely wanted to know if their fellow warriors were doing okay and pondering how they themselves could pay them a visit...
the ten marines working the liaison's office were taken aback at the oodles of bags and the stack of dvd players...each were tagged with a large or small glossy marine corps stickers...i'm told the surprise felt by the dvd players was similar to the arrival of several x-box game systems donated by one of many jewish-american associations...well done moms! i took the liberty of printing out marinemomonline stickers to place inside every book and magazine, and on every box...there are then many reminders for our wounded that their marine family is very much aware of them all and cares for them very much...
i don't think i mentioned before just how visible the marine corps is in this army hospital...outside every marine's room is a table-top version of the marine corps flag that's stuck in behind the name plate for that marine(s)...once in the room, one will also see the marine's rank, name, unit, and any medical alerts for that marine on a large sign hung on the light behind his/her bed...their electronics are also marked, as i said by the usmc stickers, so there's no way anyone could possibly say "i didn't know he/she was a marine"...
personally, it's just so cool to see all that...
once again i have no pictures to share because i slept the whole way up and back from landstuhl...it was a rainy day here and those of us visiting are still fresh from the plethora of beer, wine, and food of the volkfest here in stuttgart (the stuttgart oktoberfest)...as well, it's very hard not to grab a little shut-eye when it's the general's own drivers taking us down the autobahn at an avg of 140kph (90mph)...well, okay, that kind of speed might keep others very much awake, but i felt safe...
i'm very sorry for the lack of photos as i've wanted nothing more than to share pictures...if you're able to view the publication though, there were reporters and photographers from "stars and stripes" visiting at the same time we were making our rounds and i believe my fellow wives were among those photographed on other wings while i stayed behind with our young texan...
with the help of the liaison's office, i have compiled a list of the things needed...before i post that list, i need to add a note about the donations that have been pledged...as wives, we do not have the resources to receive and parlay large scale donations from organizations...it is important that the donations i receive are from individuals and small groups only (classrooms, scout troops, etc) as this is the only way to make sure everything is accounted for and can be adequately transported and delivered with the resources we have...we need to do everything we can to avoid the possibility of donations walking off by themselves, getting lost in the shuffle, and overburdening the limited space currently available to both the marforeur (marine forces europe) command and the liaison's office...while the word "command" suggests a big place, in fact it's one 3-story building already jam-packed with marine personnel and equipment...as well, the liaison's office is but one room of the hospital with a few storage spaces available to them...the main issue has become not shunning donations but rather controlling the flow of those donations...if unchecked, it would be very easy for this great flow of kindness to avalanche into chaos...we don't want that; we want everyone who wants to contribute to be able to do so and be assured that their donations are accounted for and properly delivered to their intended recipients...for this reason, larger groups and organizations that aren't already in touch with the liaison's office and that wish to make substantial contributions can email me with their points of contact and i will deliver that list to the liaison's office...
my email address is msdusmcd@yahoo.com
because of the colder weather here in germany, sweatshirts and jackets have been added to the list as well as dufflebags and backpacks in which to keep their things...while some of the wounded are flown to other hospitals around the states and don't necessarily have enough stuff to warrant a bag, most of the wounded spend a good deal of time as outpatients in landstuhl before going anywhere else and it is these individuals who will acquire things over time without a way to carry their belongings to and fro...
with that said, on with the list:
- sweatshirts, long-sleeved t-shirts, and jackets in all sizes
- trial sizes of all toiletries to include:
- -deodorant (men and women's)
- -soap (bar and liquid)
- -shampoo (w/ and w/o conditioner)
- -toothbrushes
- -floss and floss handles w/replacements (the floss picks are great for those without hand injuries but are too tiny for those with)
- -toothpaste (there was a lot at the last visit; there isn't anymore)
- -brush w/comb sets
- tube socks (hanes sells a 6 pack that's perfect for their needs)
- dufflebags and backpacks (they prefer there be nothing promotional ie: ads on the bags)
- music cd's (the cd library is still very small with a very limited number of choices)
- dvd's (these guys are watching as many as 5 movies a day which the docs promote because it helps keep many of them from withdrawing into their own world; action, comedy, and concert dvds are among the favorites although i personally saw a lot of cartoons playing -- "invader zim" is always on the waiting list and i believe there are 3 "invader zim" dvds on the market now)
- dvd players (the 5-disc players and portable players are very well received; one allows many movies to be loaded at once and the portable is easily accessible)
- portable cd players (if a rush of cd's does come in, for now there won't be many players to go around)
- magazines...car, motorcycle, men's fashion (yes seriously, men's fashion), sports, gaming (xbox, playstation, etc), and outdoor magazines are among the favorites...one of donations i received was a bunch of "motor trend" and they were snatched up within one of the 5 wards we visited
- get well cards (from individuals, classrooms, scout troops, etc)...the get well cards, letters, and homemade cards we handed out were very well received...we cannot get enough of them!
i want to personally thank everyone who contributed to this trip as well as those whose donations are incoming...i have thoroughly enjoyed visiting with our wounded and will be making many more visits in the future...our next trip is scheduled for friday, october 22nd...
thanks again to everyone who helped me brighten the day of our honorable marine warriors...
-diana hartman |
Posted by Deb at 09:48 PM
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October 06, 2004
Homecoming through a Marine Corps Dad's eyes
Marine Corps Dads experience the same emotions as we moms do. They may hide it better but the nail-biting anxiety during deployment and exhilaration at homecoming are the same for both genders. Jarhead Dad just sent along this account of his son's arrival - reading his words of pride made me cry.
See this smile on my face? It will have to be surgically removed! ;-)
Kris is good to go. He looks a bit worse for wear but he and the Corps feel he's fit for duty!
I got screwed by the FRO and we got there after the boys had landed. Kris sent me an e-mail saying they would be coming in 2Oct but the FRO said that was wrong and they would be there 3Oct. Imagine our surprise when we get a phone call from him while we are at E's soccer match! My Lovely Bride was sure annoyed and the poor guys at check-in paid a heavy price for the mistake! he-he-he! Anyhoo, we hooked up after driving all night and went to the Fox homecoming and passed a good time. About the last thing Kris wanted to do but he understood that his Mom wanted to watch the Marines come in so he suffered through it admirably! :-o
We pretty much partied for two days and then laid around for another. I learned for certain that I am way too damned old to try and drink with 20 something Jarheads! OUCH! I still haven't recovered! What a great bunch of young men those guys are. Janice and I both broke down a bit when they hoisted one to their lost comrades and the ones wounded in action. That was a touching moment that I will always carry with me. What I found really nice is the way these guys carry themselves and look you dead in the eye. I kept thinking about all those stories the MSM wrote about our boys being constantly "scared" etc., and just shook my head. Those boys may know fear but they sure aren't afraid of anything that walks this planet!
The guys were all pretty much like Kris, rode hard and put up wet but the spirit in them was astounding! Yeah, they were still wired and fired up with the normal language that goes with it all but they were so clean of mind, body, and soul that we "got it". I'm afraid my daughter came in for quite a bit of attention that her brother had to squash a time or two and she was loving it! Add four more gray hairs there! ;-)
I found it interesting how the interaction works with these guys. There is definitely a pecking order and rank doesn't mean diddly when it comes to who's at what end of the order. They treat each other with something akin to reverence but at the same time will knock the snot out of one another simply for fun! Rough and tumble United States Marines! God how I looked with envy on their youth and at the same time could stand and cheer at their heroism! As long as we have Marines like these America will always remain safe and secure!
The thing that made me probably the most proud of them was the way they treated their Mothers! Mothers carry more weight than the Commandant of the Corps and make no mistake about it! I saw a young Captain and young Major jump at commands from Moms. I bet those guys could stare down an AK with less indifference! It was funny to watch all the Marines with all of the Moms! I can now say without a doubt that the United States Marine Corps Moms are the backbone and lifeblood of the Corps! And it was really funny to watch! ;-)
The stories were intense and nothing was held back. Some extremely poignant, some extremely sad, some extremely hysterical, and all extreme. These guys are intense and the world they just left is just as intense. Not one Marine didn't believe in their mission, CiC, or their core belief that they made a difference. They know their sacrifices were not in vain and believe the mission will be completed. Their interaction with the regular Iraqis surprised me a good bit and they are all for them. When they spoke of the "hajis" that intense light burned in their eyes and then softened again when they spoke of the "regs". They absolutely adored the Iraqi kids and think Allawi can walk on water. Along with George W. Bush I might add!
Since this Homecoming was radically different than the last one I'd have to say that this should qualify as our first. The guys came out dripping sand although they cleaned up the best they could. They looked strong and tailored albeit a bit "scrawny". The Corps knows how to allow a family some private time and everything was well organized. I'm sure the city of Jacksonville, NC is pleased to see those Marine Dollars back in town too! ;-)
I'm having six disposable cameras developed and I'll pass some pics along if I can get some memory in my computer. The pics will be done this afternoon but I really have to get ready for DC and WAGS so it may be next week.
God Bless these fine young Marines and
God Bless the Marine Corps for bringing them home safely!
Semper Fi |
Pictures will be added when JHD shares - welcome home, Kris!
Posted by Deb at 04:04 PM
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October 05, 2004
October 4 Update from 1/7 Marines
Families and Friends of the First Team:
As we start our second full month of this deployment, I want to take a few minutes to update you on the battalion's current status, and some future plans. We continue operations throughout our area of operations or "AO" in the Al Qaim-Husaybah region. Every day and every night the Marines, sailors and soldiers of the task force patrol the towns, roads, and deserts of the area on foot and mounted in armored "Hummers" 7-ton trucks, tanks, and "Amtracks" often searching buildings and vehicles, looking for weapons, explosives, and the terrorist criminals who seek to harm us and the innocent people of Iraq. Your Marines have already grown very skilled at these challenging tasks, and every day, every mission we continue to get better and better at finding the enemy, and his equipment. At the same time, other members of the First Team--our Military Policemen, Civil Affairs Marines, Tactical Psychological Operations soldiers, and civilian interpretors work with the Iraqi Security Forces, and the local civil leadership to improve living conditions and make this a safer and more stable community. All the while, others of the battalion are cooking the food, maintaining the weapons, vehicles, radios, and computers and providing the all the support required for over 2000 men to live in this desert environment. On top of this--our Navy brothers--the dedicated professional of the Medical Corps and our Chaplain are absolutely tireless in caring for their fellow warriors physically and spiritually. So as you can see, every man here has his job, his part to contribute to the success of this most vital mission we are accomplishing.
I'm sure that the news you see coming out of Iraq is terrible. Always remember that bad new "sells" so this is what you'll see the most of. In the near future, the news will probably get "worse." We expect and are ready for an increase in enemy activity when the Islamic season of Ramadan starts in two weeks and as the elections both in the U.S. and here in Iraq proceed. Throughout this period, we expect the battalion to remain here in our present AO and continue the mission we are doing right now. We are fully prepared for anything that may come our way, and your loved ones will continue to do the outstanding job that they are doing now. You should all be proud of the bravery and selfless service of these men.
This part of Iraq remains a very hazardous place, and the freedom and security we fight for does not come free of cost. We honor the sacrifices all those who have paid into that cost. We pray for our fallen brothers and their families--LCpl Steven Cates of B Co, and Sgt Benjamin Smith of C Co 1st Tanks battalion who were killed in action serving their country. We also mourn the loss of PFC Kenneth Sickels of Weapons Company. Those who have been wounded in action have also paid dearly into the cost of freedom and we all pray for their speedy recovery.
Finally, let me once again thank you all for your prayers and support. Our thoughts are always with you and we all look forward to the day we are reunited and safely home again.
God bless and Semper Fi
LtCol Woodbridge |
Posted by Deb at 10:16 PM
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October 04, 2004
Troop survey favors Bush over Kerry
This is interesting.
President George Bush garnered nearly three-quarters of military votes in a newspaper survey, according to the Military Times newspapers.
Bush leads Democratic Sen. John Kerry 73 percent to 18 percent in the survey of 4,165 active-duty, National Guard and reserve subscribers to Army Times, Navy Times, Marine Corps Times and Air Force Times, which are owned by the Gannett Co.
It's certainly not a random sample - the 4,000+ voluntary respondents were overrepresented by career military - but they may be more likely to vote than younger troops.
Posted by Deb at 05:01 PM
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Jesse's home
Last Friday, another hero returned home from the battlefield. LCpl Jesse Markel is a very special Marine to me - he shipped to boot camp the same day as my own son and I've followed his progress with special interest. His parents have kept me updated on his activities and he's been on my prayer list for several years. So, when I received an invitation from Marine Corps Mom Nicole to his welcome home party, it was cause to rejoice. And not even the impending eruption of Mt. St. Helens could keep the reception committee from greeting him at the Portland Airport.
| A group of friends and family waited anxiously for his flight - delayed slightly by a puff of smoke from Mt. St. Helens - to arrive. A flight attendant who walked by, stopped to read the signs and whispered, "Welcome home, Marine". |
| Jesse's grandparents had mile-wide smiles. When I hugged his grandma, she and I both shed a few tears of thanksgiving. One more Marine safely home. | |
| First glimpse of Jesse walking through the crowds. Lots of hugging and backslapping. |
| Grandma got the first hug. | |
| Welcoming another friend home - Jesse played sports with these guys throughout high school and they caravaned to the airport, cars festooned with signs and banners, to welcome him home. |
| There's no better friend than a parent. Dave and Nicole Markel have been a great support system to Jesse and many other Marines. | |
| Jesse, front and center, surrounded by good friends. |
| Later that evening, the Markels hosted a welcome home party for Jesse at Wyatt's Brewpub in Albany. Laura, from Corvallis, was a penpal while he was deployed and met him for the first time at the party. | |
Posted by Deb at 04:15 PM
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October 03, 2004
A message from a currently deployed Marine
Nicholas Warr, Chapter President 1/5 Vietnam Veterans Unit sends this message:
To All Vietnam and other Veterans: Please read the attached plea from a Marine fighting in Iraq. If after reading it you feel as I do, that no matter what your politics are we should be doing everything possible to support our troops, pass this on to your family and friends. Semper Fidelis!
Hello Everyone,
I am taking time to ask you all for your help. First off, I'd like to say that this is not a political message. I'm not concerned about domestic politics right now. We have much bigger things to deal with, and we need your help.
It seems that despite the tremendous and heroic efforts of the men and women serving here in Iraq to bring much needed peace and stability to this region, we are losing the war of perception with the media and American people. Our enemy has learned that the key to defeating the mighty American military is by swaying public opinion at home and abroad.
We are a people that cherish the democratic system of government and therefore hold the will of the people in the highest regard. We love to criticize ourselves almost to an endless degree, because we care what others think. Our enemies see this as a weakness and are trying to exploit it.
When we ask ourselves questions like, "Why do they hate us?" or "What did we do wrong?" we are playing into our enemies' hands.
Our natural tendency to question ourselves is being used against us to undermine our effort to do good in the world. How far would we have gotten if after the surprise attacks on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, we would have asked, "Why do the Japanese hate us so much?" or "How can we change ourselves so that they won't do that again?"
Here in Iraq the enemy is trying very hard to portray our efforts as failing and fruitless. They purposely kill innocents and desecrate their bodies in hopes that the people back home will lose the will to fight for liberty. They are betting on our perceived weakness as a thoughtful, considerate people. Unfortunately our media only serves to further their cause.
In an industry that feeds on ratings and bad news, a failure in Iraq would be a goldmine. When our so-called "trusted" American media takes a quote from an Iraqi doctor as the gospel truth over that of the men and women that are daily fighting to protect the right to freedom of press, you know something is wrong.
That doctor claimed that out of 600 Iraqis that were casualties of the fighting, the vast majority of them were women, children and the elderly. This is totally absurd. In the history of man, no one has spent more time and effort, often to the detriment of our own mission, to be more discriminate in our targeting of the enemy than the American military.
The Marines and Soldiers serving in Iraq have gone through extensive training in order to limit the amount of innocent casualties and collateral damage. Yet, despite all of this, our media consistently sides with those who openly lie and directly challenge the honor of our brave heroes fighting for liberty and peace.
What we have to remember is that peace is not defined as an absence of war. It is the presence of liberty, stability and prosperity. In the face of the horrendous tyranny of the former Iraqi regime, the only way true peace was able to come to this region was through force. That is what the American Revolution was all about. Have we forgotten? Freedom is not free and "peace" without principle is not peace.
The peace that so-called "peace advocates" support can only be brought to Iraq through the use of military force . And we are doing it, if only the world will let us! If the American people believe we are failing, even if we are not, then we will ultimately fail. That is why I am asking for your support. Become a voice of truth in your community. Wherever you are fight the lies of the enemy. Don't buy into the pessimism and apathy that says, "It's hopeless," "They hate us too much," "That part of the world is just too messed up," "It's our fault anyway," "We're to blame," and so forth.
Whether you're in middle school, working at a 9-5 job, retired, or a stay-at-home Mom you can make a huge difference! There is nothing more powerful than the truth. So, when you watch the news and see doomsday predictions and spiteful opinions on our efforts over here, you can refute them by knowing that we are doing a tremendous amount of good.
Spread the word. No one is poised to make such an amazing contribution to the everyday lives of Iraqis and the rest of the Arab world than the American Armed Forces. By making this a place where liberty can finally grow, we are making the whole world safer.
Your efforts at home are directly tied to our success. You are the soldiers at home fighting the war of perception. So I'm asking you as a fellow fighting man: do your duty. Stop the attempts of the enemy wherever you are. You are a mighty force for good, because truth is on your side. Together we will win this fight and ensure a better world for the future.
God Bless and Semper Fidelis, 1st. Lt. Robert L. Nofsinger USMC Ramadi, Iraq |
Posted by Deb at 04:36 PM
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October 01, 2004
A Quandary
I have always been vehemently anti-tobacco products of any kind and my son heard my lectures from early childhood. One of the casualties of his last deployment was his promise to me that he'd never smoke. Long nights in the desert, sweltering in full battle gear, trying to stay awake. Nicotine is a stimulant and he said it was better than pulling out nose hairs to stay awake. So, he came back with a smoking habit.
When he deployed this time, he knew that tobacco would be in short supply. And there is no PX in his camp. So, he arranged with a person he thought he could trust to send him supplies on a regular basis. That will not be happening. And as his mother, I just cannot send him tobacco. I love him dearly and will mail all things good to eat, read, and wear. I won't do tobacco.
So, I told him that I'd find someone else who would supply this habit, if he promised he'd quit when he was through with his last deployment. However, my friends are all non-smokers too. I'm wondering if there is someone out there who would send him an occasional supply - I'd reimburse out of his savings account.
Here's his e-mail response to my offer:
Hey, if they can just send a carton, and if possible, 2 cans of copenhagen long cut, and two cans of skoal apple dip. I know thats pushing it but its not just for me. Trust me that stuff is like gold over here. anyways I appriciate what your doing, Trust me the last thing Im worried about right now is lung cancer. Thanks mom. |
If anyone out there can help, please e-mail me and I'll send his mailing address.
Posted by Deb at 11:04 AM
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Pe makhe dersha - Last Update from Afghanistan
Major S., who has sent along occasional updates is coming home. Here is his last report from the field:
Hello family and friends,
Khware me shay,
(A common Afghan greeting meaning "may you not be terrible.")
Here's an excerpt from my journal for one morning a few weeks ago. This is the first day of the incoming civil affairs team being in Lashkar Gah. These guys are my new best friends. They are here to swap out with me! Again keep in mind, that this is their first day on the job.
Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan
| 5:30 am | I awake to the sound of call to prayer from the mosque across the street. I'm not the only one up, Ralph the mouse runs across the room. After scraping a razor across my face, I choke down some eggs and bacon. |
| 6:30 am | Check email and review the intelligence summary for the previous day. |
| 7:30 am | Conduct a team meeting and review the missions and timelines for the day. |
| 8:15 am | Another meeting. We review current and planned reconstruction projects and strategy to support the Afghan elections. |
| 9:40 am | One of our soldiers approaches me with a sense of urgency that signals something is wrong. A local office manager for a construction company that does quite a bit of work for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) came is at our gate. One of his employees was involved in an attack earlier that morning. The injured man was taken to the hospital in Lashkar Gah (the same hospital in which I'm renovating the OB/GYN wing). We quickly mount up (got into our vehicles) and drive to the hospital. |
| 10:05 am | As we enter the hospital compound, the scene is sheer pandamonium. A large crowd of people had formed outside the building and the mob continued down the hallways of the hospital. Many were armed with AK47s, but are slung on their shoulders. I immediately recoginze several of the armed men. Some are local police while others are police from a nearby district. Most of the onlookers gawk at a truck parked at the entrance to the hospital. Our small convoy of trucks pulls up to the entrance and US soldiers take up defensive positions. I grab one of the local policemen to clear the area. He doesn't have much trouble, since many of the men moved out of the way when they saw us arrive. I stopped to look at the truck everyone was so curious about and immediately saw why. Numerous bullets holes penetrated the front and one side of the vehicle. The windshield was intact, but you could barely see out of it. The passenger seat told a very grim story. It's occupant lost alot of blood. Bloody, unidentifiable material filled the rest of the cab.
A few of us, including one of our medics, enter the hospital. The chaos inside was worse than it was outside. Faces quickly turned to us as we entered the building and the sea of people part before us. On the other end, I meet my friend Dr. Aniatullah, the Provincial Minister of Health and chief administrator for the hospital. We warmly, but briefly greet each other and he leads me down the hallway to a room. Inside, medical personnel surround a man on a table and our medic joins them.
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| 10:20 am | I leave the room to speak with the local authorities to find out more information. I recognize more familiar faces...the deputy provincial intelligence chief, the local Afghan National Army investigator and other security personnel. The greetings with these men are sincere, but seemingly out of place for the environment in which we were in. I was thankful for the relationships I had worked on establishing in preparation for difficult times like this. Previous efforts were paying off. |
| 10:35 am | I soon learn that the man our medic was working on was actually the shooter involved in the attack. The man we came to see was in another room. The first man was in bad shape. He was classified as "urgent surgical" and the hosptial did not have the facilities to handle it. The injury met the requirements for a medical evacuation by US personnel to a US hospital (life, limb or eyesight) and we got on the radio and called it in. After completing an assessment of the first man, our medic was directed to the second man, the man we originally came for. A few moments later, our medic reported in that the second man met the same criteria for medical evacuation.
I coordinate with the local police to have all unnecessary personnel removed
from the hallways and the front of the hospital as well as the streets surrounding a nearby soccer stadium be blocked off. The local police respond quickly.
While waiting for the chopper, I investigate the incident further. It turns
out that there were three men in the truck that was parked in front of the
hospital. The attack was a successful assasination of a local Afghan Militia Commander who was working with us. We had worked together a few months ago to destroy illegal heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft guns. The Commander's son was the one who worked for the construction company and the second man we are evacuating. His nephew was the driver of the vehicle. He was visibly shaken, but unhurt. His clothes matched the passenger seat to the truck parked out front.
We collect the personal effects of the shooter and quickly learn that he truly was a bad dude. He was hard core Al-Qaida. He was ours. Our team's first capture! My primary job here is not to bag terrorists, it's reconstruction, but it was a nice feeling to take a terrorist off the street. |
| 11:55 am | We recieve confirmation that the helicopter is minutes away, I ask the Afghan hospital personnel to load up the patients into waiting ambulances and we escort them to the soccer stadium. |
| 12:20 pm | Another team of US soldiers have secured the inner part of the stadium. The sound of rotors blades hitting the air could be heard in the distance. A soldier pulls the pin on a smoke grenade to mark the landing zone. A large crowd forms outside the stadium, but the local police holds them back at a safe distance. An Apache gunship orbits overhead scanning the surroundings for threats while the Blackhawk medical chopper touches down. |
| 12:35 pm | After collecting the patients, the Blackhawk leaps into the air and speeds to Khandahar to provide treatment at the US hospital there. Another mission complete. |
The rest of the day is uneventful compared to the morning. The rest of the day's missions included visits to some school projects, a well that we are drilling and more meetings with local officials and contractors.
This will be my last newsletter from Afghanistan. I am on my way back to the US. I expect to be on active duty once I return for another month or so and revert to my reserve status again, but I won't know that until it actually happens. I am looking forward to getting back home in time to be with family for the Holidays. I am looking forward to some "downtime" to unwind from this tour. A few us were commenting on how nice it will be to jump in the car and not have to put on a kelvar vest and tote a rifle and pistol around!
Here's a couple of pics.
| The one titled "me and the boys" is with Sergeant King and our intepreters. Sergeant King was instrumental in getting the mission done. He embodies the term "quiet professional." |
| The second pic was taken at a nearby Special Forces forward operating base (FOB) just before taking off for my last helicopter ride to Khandahar. | |
I want thank everyone for their words of support and encouragement. They were very helpful in getting through this last year. I especially want to thank my wife Shannon for being a hero and holding down the home front.
Pe makhe dersha,
Jagran Mitch
(Pe makhe dersha is an Afghan farewell, literally meaning "face the good."
To the locals I am "Jagran Mitch" which is Major Mitch in English.)
Major, Civil Affairs Officer
Lashkar Gah Provincial Recontruction Team
Operation Enduring Freedom- Afghanistan
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Posted by Deb at 10:56 AM
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