Marine Corps Moms

Wendy McKay thought she had met someone special when the Marine colonel deployed to Iraq started chatting with her on the online dating Web site.

Someone claiming to be Col. Richard Bartch told her he was in Iraq for the first time after volunteering for duty. And like her, he was divorced. Chats quickly led to e-mails and within a day he sent her photos of himself in uniform.

In one, he stood in his woodland digital-patterned utilities, proudly holding up his Bronze Star citation and medal. In another, he's lounging in desert cammies in a chair, with his service pistol holster pulled taut across his broad shoulders just next to his name tape.

His e-mails were romantic, echoing the sentiment of a schmaltzy Hallmark greeting card: "I went to sleep last night with a smile because I knew I'd be dreaming of you . . . but I woke up this morning with a smile because you weren't a dream," he wrote to the 52-year-old British woman Oct. 21, just one day after they made introductions online. "Though miles may lie between us, we're never far apart, for friendship doesn't count the miles, it's measured by the heart."

The e-mails quickly picked up intensity. "[T]he feeling is getting stronger and stronger," he wrote the next day, Oct 22. " . . . think it will not be hard to LOVE you huh!"

By Oct. 23, his e-mails reflected he was sure it was love. "You awakened a part of me that had lay [sic] dormant all of life. [A'lthough [I] had loved and been loved before, never had it been so intense and so deep as what we feel for each other. [T]his much [I] am sure of, we share a love so true that [I] have never before experienced the true joy of complete empowering, soul-felt love as we share," he said.

McKay almost bought it. That is, until she realized doing so was really going to cost her.

Bartch - or more accurately, the con artist who had stolen the identity of the real Marine officer, from a family-oriented military Web site - wanted her to send him $5,000.

"This is the first M777 battery to deploy to Iraq, so we're looking forward to the experience," said Lt. Col. James C. Lewis, 3/11 battalion commander. "We can't wait to see how the capability is employed and we'll take lessons learned for future deployments if necessary."

An awkward feeling of gloom and excitement hung over the Combat Center Monday as India Battery said goodbye to their friends and families.

"I'm really sad," said Lindsey Ledbetter, wife of Cpl. Tyler Ledbetter, artilleryman, India Battery, 3/11. "I'll probably cry when he says goodbye to our daughter. It's very depressing he's leaving, but I'm very proud of him."

Ledbetter agreed with his wife, but said he's been waiting a long time to go to Iraq.

"It's going to be hard leaving my wife and daughter behind, but I'm really excited to get this show on the road," he said. "Chesty Puller!"

Sgt. Trevar Perkins, fire direction control man, India Battery, 3/11, also expressed his excitement to deploy to Iraq. He said he felt the message should be short and to the point.

"Let's do this," he said.

Overall, it seemed the Marines and sailors of India Battery were excited to deploy to Iraq, but would miss their friends and families.

"I'm excited, but I just want to go over there and come home as soon as possible," said Cpl. Matthew Beaudin, fire direction control man, India Battery, 3/11. "I want to come home to my family and move on to other things."

"But the thing that helped me pull out of that particular lifestyle was my father, God rest his soul, who passed away not too long ago, he had told me I didn't come from Mexico for a member of my family to be a burden on American society. He had earned his citizenship by serving as an Army Ranger for 20 years, and that really resonated with me. And I decided I needed to do something good, something productive, something that's going to help America. So I decided to join the Marine Corps infantry. And my father and mother were ecstatic, and everyone was proud that I had finally decided to do something worthwhile. "

Liberals often like to say that "violence is senseless."

That's wrong.

Violence isn't senseless. Senseless violence is senseless. And I should know. Before being awarded the Navy Cross and having the privilege of becoming a Marine, I was a gang member. Sometimes it takes having used violence for both evil as well as good to know that there's a profound moral difference between the two.

People often ask me whether I still support the war. I never hesitate when answering: "Absolutely I support completing the mission," I tell them, "Now more than ever."

I was honored to have been given the opportunity to fight in Iraq on our country's behalf. And it was that experience - and five things I saw firsthand - that illustrate the foolishness of those who would equate American military power to that used by thugs and tyrants.

1. Mass Graves

I was part of a group that was tasked with guarding Saddam's mass graves. And let me tell you something: anyone who could look straight down into those huge holes at the skeletons and remains and see what that monster did to 300,000 of his own people would have no doubt that we did the right thing in removing him from power. Saddam's henchmen would tie two people together, some with babies in their arms, stand them at the crater's edge, and then shoot one of the people in the head, relying on the weight of the dead body to drag them both into the hole. This would save on rounds and also ensure that both people died, one from a gunshot, the other by being buried alive.

2. Tongue-less Man

You never know how precious freedom of speech is until you meet somehow who has had it taken from them -literally taken from them. During a patrol we came upon two hungry Iraqi men scavenging for food. When our translator began speaking with the men I noticed that one of them had a stub for a tongue. Through the translator we learned that the tongue-less man had spoken against the regime and that Saddam's henchmen had severed his tongue. Saddam had quite literally removed the man's freedom of speech.

3. Adrenaline-Fueled Fedayeen Saddam

I couldn't for the life of me understand why the ninja costume-wearing terrorists we encountered in a series of hellish firefights just wouldn’t go down - even after being shot. Once my fire team and I cleared a terrorist-filled house in a close quarters shootout, I saw dead bodies all around the kitchen. I looked up at the countertops. Scattered everywhere were vials of adrenaline, syringes, and khat (pronounced "cot"), a drug similar to PCP that gives users a surge of energy and strength. That's when we realized that our zombie-like attackers were zealots who came to fight and die.

4. Human Experiment Pictures

I still can't shake the pictures out of my head. We discovered them inside a strange laboratory we found inside a Special Republican Guard barracks that had been plunked down inside an amusement park. When I cracked open the photo album, my jaw dropped. There in front of me were the most horrifying images of experiments being performed on newborn and infant children. Picture after picture, page after page, the binder was filled with the most extreme deformities and experimental mutations one could imagine. One baby had an eye that was shifted toward the middle of its head. We turned the books over to our lieutenant as valuable pieces of intelligence.

5. Bomb-Making Materials In a Mosque

Well after the invasion we were tasked to conduct city patrols and build rapport with local sheiks and mosque members. On one occasion we revisited a mosque where the sheik had previously been warm and friendly. Yet this time something seemed a little off. As we made our way through the mosque compound, we were told there were certain "praying houses" we weren't allowed to enter. But when a Marine walked through a side hallway and passed by a door that had been left ajar, he spotted a huge bottle of nitroglycerin and assorted bomb-making materials.

When I think about my gang member past I shudder in shame. But if there was one lesson I learned from my past it is that there is a profound moral difference between using violence to destroy lives and using violence to save lives. Terrorists do the former; soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines do the latter.

Antimilitary liberals need to learn the difference between the two.

I recently attended a showing of "Spiderman 3" here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorioum we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward.

The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter as everyone sat down and expected the movie to start.

Here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier stood at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand Soldiers:

And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.

When I was at Valley Forge Army Hospital in 1971, we had a theater and a good many flicks.

The first few rows of seats--which are generally on the flat part of the floor--had been taken out. Those were where the guys in wheel chairs sat.

They had each chosen a less wounded buddy to help them stand during the Anthem.

Damn.

"There was a long line, so I wasn't even looking up yet," Williams said. "It's really busy, he bought some stuff, and he had a hat on, so I didn't even recognize him." Gracin brought out a credit card but hadn't signed the back of it, so Williams asked to see his license. Then she looked up - and burst into tears.

Gracin, working on the dumplings later for his paprikash in a trailer behind the main stage, recalled the incident with a grin. "I said, I have a lot of fans, but they don't usually cry." He asked her why she was crying, and she told him how much she admired his music. "Are you coming to my show tonight?" he asked, and she told him the story: the purchased tickets, the work schedule, the tickets given away. "He said, 'Can I talk to your manager?'" Williams said. "I was like, what? Oh my gosh!"

A few minutes later, manager Charles Wines called Williams to his office and asked her why she hadn't told him she had concert tickets. "I said, well, I have to work,” she said," and he said, 'Well, you’re going. Josh said it made his day.'"

Gracin said he offered Wines tickets for himself if he would let Williams go. "He said, 'No need to do that, I'm sure we can work something out.'"

And, they did. Several hours later, Gracin's crew had enjoyed a fine meal of Chicken Paprikash and Michelle and her boyfriend had enjoyed the concert from the front row. Oohrah! Posted by Deb at 01:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack February 14, 2007 Love Story USMC Sgt. Ty Ziegel spent Valentine's Day 2005 at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. Not quite two months earlier, he was on patrol near Al Qaim and a suicide bomber detonated next to the truck he was in. One arm was gone and he lost three fingers on his other hand. His head was severely burned - both ears were gone and one eye was blinded. But when his tracheotomy tube was removed, his first words were to his girlfriend who had spent the last six weeks at his side. "Renee, will you be my Valentine?" And she was. Last October, they were married - she wore a beautiful white dress, trimmed in red. He wore his dress blues with his Purple Heart prominent among his combat ribbons and medals. Here's a link to their wedding picture - copyright restrictions prohibit posting it here. Happy Valentine's Day, Ty and Renee Zieger. Posted by Deb at 11:41 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack February 04, 2007 What Marines do in their spare time 1/7 Marines - LCpls Stomberg and Hegland singing and dancing during a bit of down time. This was taken during their third deployment to Iraq (they're home now). It makes me laugh every time I see it. Posted by Deb at 08:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack July 31, 2006 "We have democracy now, let him speak" LtCol Nick Marano sends this July update from the Syrian border: It’s hard to believe that another month has gone by, but it has. July has been another good month for the First Team as we continue to keep the enemy on the run in Al Qaim. Unlike other Sunni areas of Iraq, the First Team lives and patrols in the urban areas and has established a high level of trust and confidence with the locals. Your Marines and Sailors are truly winning this fight. The enemy won’t just give up and walk away, but he has been forced to the edges of the society here as most locals are happy with the security situation and have had enough of the chaos and violence. They are no different from us in that they merely want to be able to earn a living and raise their families. We began July with an important visit from the Al Anbar Governor, Maamoon Sami Rasheed al-Awani. All the local sheiks and municipal leaders attended the meeting and it gave the Governor a chance to talk about what he was doing for Al Qaim, and to listen to the concerns of the people here. This meeting gave the people here a view of what a return to normalcy here would look like under Iraqi-style democracy. These sheik meetings are always entertaining to be a fly on the wall for their theatrics, orderly chaos and emotional outbreaks. In a funny exchange, one minor sheik was complaining about an obscure issue to the Governor; everyone else attempted to shout him down. One of the most important sheiks looked at me, winked and said 'we have democracy now, let him speak.' July was a good month for police recruitment as well. We will soon have IPs on duty in every town in the Al Qaim region. The IPs, as they are known, have proven to be a valuable resource in the fight against the terrorists as they are all locals and have a vested interest in the security of their hometowns. Every line company has had success in working with the IPs and they have expanded our ability to take the fight to the enemy before he is able to attack us or our Iraqi allies. The enemy did not let up in July, and in fact has resorted to extreme measures as the partnership between the First Team, Iraqi security forces, local government and tribal leaders continues to grow. These enemy actions included the use of a female suicide bomber. Each time, your Marines and Sailors have proven to be more of a match for the terrorists. Every line company had heroic actions this month. Charley Company not only killed an entire IED Cell, but one brave Marine, LCpl Hiller, prevented a truck bomber from killing anyone but himself. Weapons Company has largely rolled up the entire IED Cell from last month which cost us three brave men from CAAT White. Please keep our wounded heroes and their families in your thoughts and prayers. I am hopeful that all our Marines wounded this month and in previous months will eventually make a full recovery. We celebrated the Fourth of July with a traditional BBQ and flew the meal out by helicopter to the Company Battle Positions. Congratulations to SSgt Escalderon, Weapons Company, who was awarded a Bronze Star this month for valor during the last deployment. The summer heat has arrived here as in 29 Palms, thanks to Navy Seabees, all Battle Positions now have air conditioning. We have entered our fifth month here; the battalion ADVON will be assembling for redeployment one month from now, followed by everyone else two weeks later. We are on schedule to turn over Al Qaim to 3/4 on 15 September and the battalion Main Body redeployment should begin soon after. I have told the Marines here to keep their focus and not let their guard down as the end of the deployment is now in sight. I ask our families to do the same so we finish this deployment as strongly as we began. Posted by Deb at 07:01 AM June 06, 2006 How anti-war demonstrations hurt the troops Currently deployed in Iraq, USMC Cpl. Anthony Ippoliti sent this letter to his hometown paper, The Ridgefield Press. I am fortunate enough to receive The Ridgefield Press every few weeks and enjoy keeping abreast of the local issues currently pressing in our small town. I am a U.S. Marine Infantryman currently serving in Fallujah, Iraq, and my mother usually includes The Press in the many care packages she sends me. Since we have very limited access to telephones, The Ridgefield Press is the primary means by which I receive local news. Almost every week, I open The Press and find an article or letter to the editors denouncing the coalition effort in Iraq. Invariably, the individuals behind these anti-war letters and rallies mask their political agendas by asserting that they "support the troops but not the war." People like Vince Giordano, Paul Sutherland and Anne Stubbs are pictured in the April 13 edition of The Press carrying a yellow-ribboned coffin and signs that say “Bring Them Home Now." They read off the names of the dead and claim to "show support for our troops" while urging lawmakers to “bring them home.��? They believe that the U.S.-led coalition should never have entered Iraq and that the current effort is a never-ending quagmire that has made no progress. They believe that things are progressively getting worse and think that our forces should just pick up and leave. They do all this under the pretense that they are supporting the troops. However, what they are really doing is using our lives and the issue of our safety and well-being as a means to achieve a political end. *** My primary concern is the assertion that these individuals support the troops in Iraq but not our mission. It boggles my mind that this logic is actually utilized on a large scale. Supporting the troops but not the war is like saying that you support filmmakers but not making films. One cannot claim to support an individual in a given profession but not support what the said profession entails. This is essentially a slap in the face to those in the service. How protesting the job we are doing in Iraq while demanding our withdrawal constitutes supporting us is beyond me. Furthermore, I am particularly interested in how these people support us, specifically. I have never once received a letter from an individual who claims to "support the troops, not the war." Not a single Marine I know has received anything that could be considered remotely supportive from any of these people or the groups they represent. We have received phone cards, hygiene supplies, food, etc. from members of state and local government, radio stations, schools, private individuals and organizations, but never once from any group claiming to "support the troops, but not the war." I ask again: How can these groups claim to support our troops while telling us that what we are participating in is wrong? How can they support us if they are essentially saying that our blood and sacrifices have all been given in vain? How can they support us if they say that our comrades and brothers who have been wounded or killed in action have done so for a hopeless and morally questionable cause? * * * I reply to the questions I pose with a simple answer: They can't. As a matter of fact, I assert with a considerable degree of confidence that their efforts make our already difficult job even more difficult. I'll go so far as to say that their rallies and protests cost more and more servicemen their lives and limbs every day. I support my assertion with evidence gathered first hand. I see the Iraqi people every day. The protesters do not. I speak with the Iraqi people every day. The protesters do not. I don't sit behind a desk and do paperwork or resupply efforts in the military. I am an Infantry Marine and I walk the sewage-filled streets of this city every single day. In Fallujah, the people watch Al Jazeerah. However, they also watch CNN. A lot of them fear that the United States will soon cut and run. The people of Iraq see when our country is divided. When they see rallies to "Bring The Troops Home," they see that as a sign that we will end our efforts prematurely. Furthermore, they know that the insurgents will not end their efforts early. That leads them to the conclusion that when we leave, the insurgents will still be there. Therefore, if they help us, their lives and the lives of their loved ones will be in great jeopardy the minute we leave - if we don't finish the job. Much that they see on American television leads them to believe that we intend to abandon our efforts before the new Iraqi government is capable of defending itself and its citizens. * * * The actions of these aforementioned organizations and the heavy media coverage their rallies often generate serves as fuel for the insurgency. Insurgents believe they can drive us out through the idea of "death by a thousand cuts." The longer they persist in their efforts, the more the American public becomes disenchanted with the coalition effort. The insurgency sees this as a result. These criminals will continue to kill Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Police, Iraqi Army and coalition forces so long as they see that their efforts are alienating the American public from its military. And for those of you that aren't up to speed with the situation in Iraq, the insurgents attack and kill established public services (such as Iraqi police and Iraqi army) more often than they attack coalition forces. As a matter of fact, an explosive-laden insurgent blew himself up last week outside the Iraqi police station that is attached to our compound. The insurgents aren't fighting simply to drive America out of Iraq. They are fighting to destroy any semblance of the Iraqi government so that they can impose their will on its people. Publicly protesting our efforts in Iraq fuels the insurgency. Doing it under the pretext of "supporting our troops" is disgraceful. * * * Let me now emphasize that I respect an American citizen's right to voice his or her opinion in a public forum. Such a right is granted in the U.S. Constitution. However, voicing one's opinion in such an irresponsible way is something I do not support. Additionally, using deployed service members as a mask to serve your purely political purpose is downright shameful. If your desire is to protest the war, then protest the war, but don't use me or any reference to our troops as a tool to bolster your purpose. I'll summarize by saying this: Organizations such as The Ridgefield Coalition to Stop the War do not support our troops. No matter what they say or what is printed on the signs they carry, they effectively do the opposite of support us. They downright hurt us. Such organizations damage the morale of the men and women in the armed forces and progressively cause them to believe less and less in the mission at hand. The conditions here are difficult as it is. Opening a month-old edition of The Ridgefield Press and reading an article about an anti-war demonstration that uses our troops in an effort to mask its true cause doesn't help. Please do not feign support while effectively telling us that we are fighting for an unworthy cause. I think I speak for an overwhelming majority of our troops when I ask organizations like The Ridgefield Coalition to Stop the War to discontinue using Marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors as a means to serve a political end. You are neither supporting us nor honoring us. You are doing the exact opposite. Well spoken. I hope it strikes at a few consciences. And, thanks to Jarhead Dad for sending it along. Posted by Deb at 10:18 AM | Comments (1) June 05, 2006 Letter from Iraq It's always a treat to get a letter from Iraq. My son has never enjoyed writing but there is little alternative - his platoon is at a location with no internet and only one satellite phone. Here are a couple of snippets from the letter I received over the weekend - first I got scolded for my description of Memorial Day camping, then he described his current living space: It's funny to hear you complaining about a tent. Could be worse - you could have to carry it all on your back, LOL. Camping is fun. First off, you have a tent, then beer, and real food, not to mention a truck and the scenery in Oregon. I think a trip to Diamond Lake will be in order when I get back. Maybe I'll have a bike too and John and me can go for a ride and you can take the truck. That works for me. And I do admit that even a tent sounds better than this: This place sucks. The walls are made of dirt so there is mold growing on them. No AC and 100+ degree weather. It makes for an interesting smell. Could you send me another head lamp? Someone acquired my last one. Hey, we have a 16 yr old Iraqi kid as our intrpreter. He goes on most patrols and is basically a part of the platoon. He would give just about anything to go to the U.S. and join the Marines. Maybe your friends could send him some packages - he's a good kid. I sent a Motomail, asking for clothing and shoe size, as well as family information. If anyone is interested in sending a care package to this Iraqi teen, let me know. Posted by Deb at 11:40 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack May 29, 2006 General Hagee: On Marine Virtue General Michael Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, issued this message to his Marines as a reminder of the Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment: Recent serious allegations concerning actions of Marines in combat have caused me concern. They should cause you to be concerned as well. To ensure we continue to live up to General Lejeune's description of a Marine as someone who demonstrates "all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue," I would like to review the importance of our core values. As Marines, you are taught from your earliest days in the Corps about our core values of honor, courage and commitment. These values are part of and belong to all Marines, regardless of MOS, grade, or gender. They guide us in all that we do; whether in combat, in garrison, or on leave or liberty. To a Marine, honor is more than just honesty; it means having uncompromising personal integrity and being accountable for all actions. To most Marines, the most difficult part of courage is not the raw physical courage that we have seen so often on today's battlefield. It is rather the moral courage to do the "right thing" in the face of danger or pressure from other Marines. Finally, commitment is that focus on caring for one another and upholding the great ideals of our Corps and Country. The nature of this war with its ruthless enemies, and its complex and dangerous battlefield will continue to challenge us in the commitment to our core values. We must be strong and help one another to measure up. The war will also test our commitment to our belief in the rule of law. We have all been educated in the Law of Armed Conflict. We continue to reinforce that training, even when deployed to combat zones. We do not employ force just for the sake of employing force. We use lethal force only when justified, proportional and, most importantly, lawful. We follow the laws and regulations, Geneva Convention and Rules of Engagement. This is the American way of war. We must regulate force and violence, we only damage property that must be damaged, and we protect the non-combatants we find on the battlefield. When engaged in combat, particularly in the kind of counterinsurgency operations we're involved in now, we have to be doubly on guard. Many of our Marines have been involved in life or death combat or have witnessed the loss of their fellow Marines, and the effects of these events can be numbing. There is the risk of becoming indifferent to the loss of a human life, as well as bringing dishonor upon ourselves. Leaders of all grades need to reinforce continually that Marines care for one another and do what is right. The large majority of Marines today perform magnificently on and off the battlefield. I am very proud of the bravery, dedication, honor, courage and commitment you clearly display every day. And America is proud as well. Americans, indeed most people around the world, recognize that Marines are men and women of the highest caliber - physically, mentally, and morally. Each one of you contributes in your own unique way to our important mission; I am proud of your dedication and accomplishments. Even after 38 years, I still stand with pride every time I hear the Marines Hymn. The words of that Hymn mean something special to me. Especially, "Keep our Honor Clean". I know that means something to all of you as well. As Marines we have an obligation to past Marines, fellow Marines, future Marines and ourselves to do our very best to live up to these words. As your Commandant, I charge all Marines to carry on our proud legacy by demonstrating our values in everything you do - on duty and off; in combat or in garrison. Semper Fidelis. Posted by Deb at 06:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 28, 2006 "It's one more rifle out of the fight." Photo and story by Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva No one is ever going to tell Cpl. Patrick A. Diener not to kick rocks again. The 24-year-old from Knoxville, Tenn., was kicking at some loose soil when he turned up a buried insurgent sniper rifle. Diener, assigned to B Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5, was on a "knock-and-talk" patrol in this rural area south of Fallujah when he made the find. It was the end result of patience, careful questions and a stroke of luck. "I looked around to see if I could stir something up," Diener said. "It was the third hole I checked out at that site and it looked like something could be buried there." Diener dug at the ground with the toe of his boot until he uncovered a smooth, black plastic surface. He knew he had a weapons cache. "I saw a bag inside and pulled it out and it was the rifle wrapped up," Diener said. Specifically, it was a modified Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle. It had a scope mounted on top and a crudely-fashioned sound suppressor over the barrel. For the small team of reconnaissance Marines, many of whom are trained snipers, it was an important find. "It"s important for me," Diener explained. "We don"t have much to work with, so for a recon team to eliminate a sniper rifle from the fight, it"s an accomplishment." The cache discovery was the result of a day's worth of work. Marines set out to patrol the area, gathering information. After several stops, one local Iraqi spoke of seeing men digging in a nearby farm field. Marines moved into the area based on that tip. "Sometimes, it feels like we're playing CSI," said Sgt. Aaron C. Torian, a reference to the TV show about crime scene investigations. "Sometimes it's more of a gut feeling. Everything here happens in the shadows." Torian, the 28-year-old team leader from Paducah, Ky., led his Marines to the area only to find they recently passed it earlier. They couldn't see most of the area, though, because of overgrown reeds in a canal. "When we walked by the first time, we saw only one male," Torian explained. "When we came back everyone was gone. The family that was left didn't even look at us." Torian reached into the black cylinder and wrapped his hand around the end of the rifle, wrapped in the burlap sack. "As soon as I felt it, I knew," he said. "I felt the scope. It's a big prize for our snipers. For them, that's a trophy." Torian said the find was the result of diligence and finding the patterns by which insurgents operate in this region. "It's not a lazy man's game," he explained. "It's like chess. It takes a lot of moves to get to where you want." It's long, monotonous work for the reconnaissance Marines. They'll patrol areas for hours on end, turning up empty on nearly every turn. It's frustrating at times, but every weapon they find is one less that can be used against them. "You go out for 10 days of boredom and its 10 minutes of excitement," said Cpl. Scott Ostrom, a 21-year-old from Plantation, Fla. "Right about the time you want to give up, you find something. It keeps you going." "It would be better to kill the dudes," Ostrom added. "You see the insurgent videos and it makes you feel good to get rid of those weapons." Diener said he couldn't be sure if the rifle was accurate or even effective. Still, he said getting the rifle out of the insurgents hands was the important part. "You constantly put yourself our there," Diener said. "Even though it's a little find, it's one more rifle out of the fight." Posted by Deb at 02:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 24, 2006 1/7 update - "your Marines are truly the hunters" 1/7 Marines from Charlie Company send along a few messages for their loved ones back home From 1st row left, Cpl Anderson, PFC Haag, LCpl Rodgers, and Sgt. Feeney 1/7 Battalion Commander LtCol Nick Marano has good news from the Syrian border: Families of 1/7, We are well into our third month now and you can really see the Marines and Corpsmen hitting their stride. The days and weeks spent in the field on predeployment training have really paid off for the platoons and companies. Iraq may seem on TV like a violent place with a faceless enemy, but your Marines are truly the hunters. They are taking the counterinsurgency fight to the enemy everyday, and winning. Every line company is aggressively patrolling their Area of Operations (AO) and everyday we are rolling up insurgents, discovering IEDs, weapons caches and keeping the terrorists off balance. In my last letter, I spoke about April being historically a violent month and it unfortunately remained this April as we lost three fine Marines. I pledge to you, as we have pledged to each other, that their sacrifices will not be in vain. We are committed to moving the Al Qaim region forward, and we are making steady progress. It will not be easy, this is a hot, dirty and dangerous job, but it is one we are capable of completing and we will all be safer for it. I could not be prouder of the Marines and Sailors I am fortunate enough to lead. Even in the midst of tragedy, their selfless devotion to each other and their mission is remarkable - and moving. In my letter following the rocket attack on BP Tarawa, I detailed some of those actions. Today, I am happy to report to you that the little girl who LCpl Simons and Cpl Kutner were so worried about has lived. We were able to get her treated and MEDEVAC'd to a hospital in Baghdad. She would have certainly died had it not been for two brave Marines; those Marines cared more about their comrades and a little Iraqi girl than they did their own lives. We continue to work with the Iraqi Army, and now the Police, to improve their capability and prepare them for the day when all Marines depart the Al Qaim region. This job, like every other in Iraq, is difficult. There are no easy problems here! There are many times that working with the Iraqi Army and Police has the "one step forward, two steps backwards" feel. We currently have Iraqi Police patrolling in Husaybah with Baker Company and soon will have them on the street with Alpha Company in Ubaydi. As the Marines have found out, it initially takes more work to patrol and work with Iraqi security forces, but in the long term these soldiers and police will perform the tasks that your Marines currently do. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the mothers a Happy Mothers Day. As you enjoy the day at Victory Field, please know that we couldn't do any of this without your strength, support and love. You are what make all of this worthwhile and we look forward to the day when we will all stand together on Victory Field in celebration. The story of what your Marines and Sailors do here has been written about in major newspapers around the world and the Al Qaim region is held up as one of the positive areas within the Sunni regions of Iraq. We have generated so much attention, that even Toby Keith is coming here to play for us. Yes, that's true, Toby Keith will be here on 29 May and I will do my best to ensure every Country Fan is here to enjoy it. He specifically asked to go to where the "real" Marines are, so he is obviously coming here. Thank you for staying strong and keeping the faith. This group includes LCpl Ruiz, PFC Santos, LCpl Bronson, and PFC McDaniel. Posted by Deb at 01:36 PM | Comments (1) May 21, 2006 Update from 3rd LAR Captain Michael Nakonieczny, CO of 3rd LAR, Apache Co. sent this update to the friends and family of his Marines: All is well here in West, Al Anbar. As of this moment, we are 33% done with the deployment. The weather is slowly beginning to rise and the temperature has consistently been in the low 90’s during the day. Fortunately, the increase in temperature is coming gradually and we have the opportunity to acclimate to the changes. There is also a major project in the works that will greatly increase the quality of living for our Marines. These improvements include better living quarters and air conditioning. Just in time as it will get very hot here, very soon. We have enjoyed more than a fair amount of success and continue to work with the Iraqi Army on a daily basis. It is a welcomed relief to see the Iraqi Army soldiers ready and willing to work beside us. They are brave, eager to learn, and want to do well. You can't ask more of a fellow soldier/Marine than that. More are on the way to the city we work out of and seeing their interaction with the Iraqi civilians makes me very optimistic. The insurgents in this city are like a cancer. They are small in number, but lethal to innocent Iraqis. We could go into this city at anytime and cut out those insurgents, but with out the proper treatment, the cancer will grow back. The Iraqi Army is that proper treatment. As these Iraqi civilians see more Iraqi Army soldiers stand up to these thugs, I have no doubt, they too will strive to be free. In fact, I am continually amazed at the number of Iraqis that are stepping forward and giving us information on the insurgents. That is how it looks here, at least, from the ground with your men. As for operations, we have been pretty busy here in Apache for the last few weeks. Forgive your Marine if he has been unable to call. We are proud to say that we have detained a number of known insurgents and have also been successful in finding and then destroying more than 11 weapons caches throughout our local area. 1st platoon (commanded by 1st Lt Gaitens) and 2nd platoon (commanded by SSgt Harper) have been doing a terrific job manning the traffic control points that lead in and out of the city we operate in. Their stringent attention to detail and mentoring of the Iraqi Army continues to ensure weapons and insurgent fighters are unable to get into our city. Third platoon (commanded by 2nd Lt Brobyn) and fourth platoon (commanded by 2ndLt Niznik, formally of Dragoon company) have been kept busy with maintaining security on the main road that travels through our area of responsibility and in patrolling the local area. Headquarters and weapons platoon have been keeping very busy too. Most of these Marines are responsible for maintaining the security of the companys forward operating base. There vigilance keeps us all safe and their job is very much appreciated by all. We rotate the units around so they are never on the same duty for more than a month or so. Updates: Congratulations to LCpl and Danielle Ohotnicky on the birth of their son, John Anthony. He was born on 11 April at 2344 in Joshua Tree, California. He weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds 15 oz. He is 19.5 inches long. Our very best goes out to you Danielle and John. Congratulations are also in order for LCpl Bobby Metzler and his wife who also were blessed with the birth of a child on 11 April. Avery Breane Metzler came into our world at 7 pounds and at 18 inches. As a proud father of a little girl, I have assured Bobby that his life and perspective of it will forever be changed for the better. Newly promoted Marines for the month of May:`(rank listed is their new rank): Congratulations to our executive officer Joe Shusko who was recently selected for promotion to Captain. Congratulations are also in order for: James Brobyn (3rd Platoon) promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant Isaias Hernandez (4th Platoon) promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. Nicholas Maxedon (4th Platoon) promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. Jose Calvache Jr. (1st Platoon) promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. Harley Bottoms (3rd Platoon) promoted to the rank of Private First Class. Parting shots: Be proud of your Marines. They are extremely tough, brave, resilient, and they never say no. It is with complete sincerity when I tell you they are an awe inspiring to watch as we execute our missions. Thanks to you all for your continued letters of support. Mail makes even the best day here better. Please keep it coming.. Posted by Deb at 10:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 18, 2006 3/1 Change of Command One of the benefits of calling a retired USMC colonel by the title "Dad" is seeing what goes on behind the headlines. Yarbz, from Juggernuts, shared a story from his father yesterday - here's a snippet and one of the pictures, but do visit Juggernuts for the full story. His dad is a wonderful photographer and has shared his pictures with our site before . . . something we very much appreciate! Photo by Col. BB Yarborough, USMC Ret. SgtMajor Edward T. Sax was relieved from his post as SgtMaj of 3dBn, 1st Marines, and assumes new duties of SgtMaj of a Marine Air Wing in Mira Mar, CA. Sax distinguished himself in 3/1, deploying as SgtMaj of 3/1 for 3 combat tours. His last tour was as a volunteer and at his insistence, otherwise he would have been assigned non combat duties more than a year ago. Before he left I asked him why he wanted to go for the third time, and he said that there were so many new officers and staff NCO's that he felt obligated to help indoctrinate and train them so that "his Marines" would have a better chance to make it safely through the tour. The Bn lost 4 men killed in action, tragic, but evaluated as an overall operation, excellent results. Thanks to father and son for letting us excerpt it here. Full story at Juggernuts. And, while you're over there reading the story, do leave a comment wishing Col. Yarborough a very happy birthday! Posted by Deb at 11:59 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 16, 2006 The Real Deal I've watched the NBC show, Deal or No Deal, a few times under protest - game shows based solely on greed aren't my idea of a good time. Last night, I made an exception as a Marine wife from Camp Lejeune was surprised with a video visit from her deployed husband. Sgt. Sara Wood, AFP reporter, filed this report: The wife of a Marine from Camp Lejeune, N.C., got more than she bargained for as a contestant on NBC's game show "Deal or No Deal" last night. Renee Stokes, whose husband, Marine Staff Sgt. Justin Stokes, is currently deployed to Iraq, was the second contestant of the night on the high-pressure show that allows people to try for cash prizes up to $1,000,000 in a game of odds and chance. Stokes was joined on stage by her best friend, her mother-in-law, and a family friend. The show allows contestants to bring family members and friends on stage to offer advice at crucial decision-making points. Stokes and the other three women were wearing "America Supports You" lapel pins. America Supports You is the Defense Department's program to recognize citizen support for military men and women and to communicate that support to members of the armed forces at home and abroad. At the show's beginning, Stokes said she and her husband had just celebrated their one-year anniversary, but it was a lonely celebration because he was in Iraq. She said if she won the $1,000,000 prize, she would buy herself a motorcycle to match the one she and her husband bought right after they got married. After Stokes had played the game for three rounds and had to make a decision of whether to make a "deal" and accept a cash amount instead of continuing with the game, she was given a huge surprise by host Howie Mandel. "This is a tough decision, a big decision, and I know you brought supporters and family. I also know that your biggest supporter is not here," Mandel said. "This is a time you have to make a serious decision. You've got to get as much help as you can possibly get." As Mandel finished saying this, Stokes' husband, Justin, appeared on a large video screen via satellite from Fallujah, Iraq. Justin's appearance was greeted by screaming and applause from Stokes, her family and friends, and the audience. "I already won my million," Stokes said, referring to her chance to see Justin. Justin was able to provide advice and encouragement to Stokes throughout the rest of the show, with the help of Marines from his unit who were assembled behind him. At one point in the show, "Tonight" talk show host Jay Leno made an appearance, presenting a motorcycle of the exact model Stokes wanted. The show's "banker" was throwing the motorcycle into the deal to try to convince Stokes to abandon her pursuit of the big money. After consulting Justin, Stokes said no to the deal, but Leno didn't leave without thanking the troops for their service. "I want to thank you for all your service," Leno said to Justin and the other Marines. "We really appreciate what you men and women are doing." Justin's mother, Judy, who was on stage with Stokes, then tearfully addressed her son. "Dad and I love you, and I have your Marine necklace on and your bracelet that you gave me," she said. Justin's father was in the audience and was also emotional as he spoke to his son. "We love you. Be good and get home safe," he said. In the end, Stokes won $28,000 on the show, which she said was still enough to buy her motorcycle. I'm glad she won enough to buy her motorcycle. But, she should have made a deal when Jay Leno came out on stage - $99,000 and the Harley AstroGlide that she'd dreamed of. That's the problem of understanding probability and risk assessment - and why I don't watch the show. Unless there are Marine families in the background. Posted by Deb at 12:27 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack May 13, 2006 "I want to tell everyone how great he was" On May 3, another hero fell. Captain Brian Letendre, deployed with 1/25 Marines, was killed on May 3 when a suicide car bomber attacked his observation post in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. A Potomac News story shares details of Cpt. Letendre's life: "He's a hero. This young man is fighting the global war on terrorism for other people to give them a chance to have a better life," said Bill Bann, a friend of the Letendre family and a retired Marine Lt. Colonel. "He was over there, saw it, experienced it first hand and wanted to go back because he believed in what they are doing." Letendre, a Marine since he graduated from Milligan College in Tennessee, made his family's friends proud, they said. "He was a fine young man, the best our country has to offer," said Bann, whose twin sons befriended Letendre in elementary school. "He was full of passion, a man of courage, conviction and integrity. He loved being a Marine." Since they were teens, Letendre and friends David and Brian Bann dreamed of becoming officers in the Marine Corps. They played G.I. Joe in the woods near their Woodbridge home, said David Bann. Letendre's father, Milton Letendre, said his son was strong, high mannered and moral. "He was looking forward to [his tour in Iraq]. He's a very motivated, very patriotic young man who believed in what his country is doing," said his father. Letendre, a 1996 Potomac Senior High School graduate, won a posthumous Purple Heart Medal and an Iraq Campaign Medal this week, said Gunnery Sgt. Pete Walza, DoD spokesman. Those medals add to Letendre's 14 other awards during his nearly six years of Marine Corps service. He joined in May 2000 as a second lieutenant and nearly at the same time married his college sweetheart, Autumn. She and their 3-year-old son live in Indianapolis. And last week, Autumn Letendre wrote a letter to the men of 1/25 who served with her husband.: Dear Friends and Family, I write this letter with a pain I never imagined could exist. It was just last week that I was telling you our story and what a story we have. Although I feel cocooned with extreme sadness I could not be any prouder. Brian loved the Marine Corp and all that encompassed its purpose. He believed that being in Iraq was right and that no one should resist the chance to liberate another human being even if that meant putting his life on the line. He leaves our three year old son Dillon- a blessing and mirrored image of Brian. I can not find a word with enough meaning, enough passion to explain how great of a father Brian was. Dillon loves his daddy so much and has truly lost an American Hero. I am smiling right now as I reminisce our first date, our first kiss, the day he told me he loved me, when he proposed etc. Wow, what happiness fills me with these thoughts and how I want to tell everyone how great he was. (To those of you separated by deployment) As our news shocks and terrifies you, please stay strong for your men. They need your strength as they must complete their mission. Do not let fear take away the great bond that deployment can create between you and your spouse. I encourage you to write them and write often. Tell them how you truly feel and live with extreme pride to be married to one of the few. I have no regrets as I always told Brian how proud of him I was and still am. I may have lost the love of my life, but I have gained a life and story that few in this great country have. Thank you for your prayers Autumn Letendre I am reminded of another example: The night before last at dinner, I listened to General Mattis speak of another helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Desperate for a replacement, he contacted Washington and obtained one from the command back home. Later he learned that, that evening, the young widow of one of the men who died in the crash, seven-months pregnant, showed up with fresh-baked brownies to bid farewell to the outgoing crew as it headed out to Afghanistan. Fallen Marines are often described as having given the ultimate sacrifice for a free country. That is certainly true. But their spouses give the penultimate sacrifice - the loss of the love of their life - as they assume the mantle of both parental roles. Think of the widows of those fallen heroes tomorrow on Mother's Day. Posted by Deb at 01:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack Update from Camp Fallujah Here's an update from Col. Larry D. Nicholson, commander of RCT-5 : Dear Families and Friends of the Regiment, Already May, and after nearly 3 months in Iraq, we are really starting to hit our stride and find our daily rhythm. So many great things being done by our Marines, Sailors, and yes Soldiers. Most of these things never make the news, but I am immensely proud of our accomplishments and the manner in which we are treating the Iraqi people. Currently we have 3/5, 1/1, 2/6, and 1st RECON BN on deck along with Tank, AAV, Engineer, and Arty Company's / Batteries from both coasts. Nearly 5 thousand folks on RCT-5 morning reports and this is just the US side. We also have 5 Battalions of Iraqis working under the RCT-5 banner, and with them our daily count is near 8 thousand. So as you might imagine, we are exceptionally busy moving all of these units and personnel in the same direction every day. We are also in the middle of unit turnovers for some of our Battalions, and this complex and challenging process is going very well so far. Life inside Camp Fallujah is "almost" comfortable in the sense that the weather is still nice, California like in fact, and the food and billeting for all hands is much improved from my last trip here. This does not mean however that we do not need care packages from home. We each look forward to the mail trucks arrival and just like kids at Christmas, can"t wait to rip into those packages. I am very encouraged by the great participation of our families back home in attending our sponsored events. Our family network is doing a wonderful job of keeping the lines of communications open and providing the critical support required for our family team. On a sad note we morn the loss of LTCOL Jay Bargeron and Capt Jason Freeby's fathers these past few weeks. Our prayers are with them, their families, and all of our Marines and Sailors who have suffered family losses or illness during this period. Thanks you again for your continued strong support of your Marine and Sailor, there is no way any of us could make this deployment successful, and stay focused on our important work, without the dedicated support of our loved ones back home. I very much look forward to writing to you again in June. Semper Fidelis, L.D.Nicholson CO RCT-5 Comfortable weather is a relative statement - other reports indicate that temperatures are ranging upwards of 100 each day. I'm adding powdered Gatorade to each care package - staying hydrated is essential in the desert heat and Gatorade helps. And, I'm sending a couple dozen pairs of socks a month since it is essential to change socks frequently - my son said he'd pour a pint of sweat out of each boot at the end of the day. The comfort of a new pair of socks cannot be overestimated. Deb Posted by Deb at 01:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 10, 2006 Update from the Al Anbar Province Major General Rick Zilmer, Commanding General of I MEF Forward sends this update from the front: The tough mission of securing the western province of Iraq and training our Iraqi Army partners continues to keep the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen busy, and focused on the task at hand. The Marines and Soldiers in Ramadi had a lot of success working with their Iraqi partners and rid the city of a large number of insurgents in the past couple of weeks. Slowly, but surely, the Iraqi Army becomes stronger and is more and more capable. This past week, a new class of Iraqi recruits graduated from boot camp and will join our efforts. The new recruits are the result of efforts to bring more Sunni Muslims into the Iraqi Army and Police Force to fight in the Anbar province, which is made up mostly of Sunni Muslims. We work hard everyday making sure that the service members are well equipped, well prepared, and well supported. Despite the rising temperatures -- we're just breaking 100 degrees now -- the operational tempo remains high. With the promising new leadership in the Iraqi Government, it is clear that Iraq is moving in the direction of democracy. The Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen, with their Iraqi counterparts, are unfazed, dedicated and are doing a great deal to move the nation toward their goal. Recently, a couple of visits from former heroes and entertainers gave the service members a much needed break from the seriousness of the task at hand. Two Medal of Honor recipients recently visited, sharing their war stories with our young warriors, and providing them an evening of camaraderie and inspiration. The Charlie Daniels Band also came out for a well-attended concert at Camp Taqqadum. A large part of our resilience and ability to continue the fight is due to your outstanding support! Thank you. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and continue to write, email, and MOTOMAIL. Please check back after May 15th to hear more news about your Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen doing a fine job out here in the Al Anbar Province. Until then, take care on the home front and Semper Fidelis. Good news . . . except for the hot weather. I just mailed a box of 48 Snickers bars for my chocolate-deprived son and his Marines. Sounds like they'll be Snickers Soup by the time they get there . . . but they'll eat them anyway. Life as an infantry Marine does have its challenges. Posted by Deb at 01:05 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 09, 2006 Lunch with the President - "It was just some motivating stuff" Most enlisted Marines rarely - if ever - talk with their battalion commander. Chains of command are there for a reason and messages are passed up and answers are passed back down. One of the high points of SOI for my son was the day he went through grenade training. He pulled the pin, threw the grenade and just then realized there was a full bird Colonel standing right behind him. As he hit the deck, he managed to throw his body into attention while saluting. He said the landing was a bit uncomfortable but he wasn't going to take a chance on not following protocol. Imagine having lunch with the Commander in Chief of all U.S. armed forces. It happened last week for the Marines of the Combat Center, 29 Palms. Cpl. Jesse Markel, recently returned from Iraq with 2/7 Marines, shakes the hand of President Bush. Cpl. Markel's mom (Nicole Markel who coordinated Operation Santa for 2/7 Marines last fall), commented, "Leave it to our son to get an opportunity to sit at the head table next to the President for lunch! He had a great time, said they talked about everything from Iraq to football. He said he is very down to earth, easy to talk to. Pretty cool!!!" Cpl. Evan M. Eagan, Combat Correspondent, reports on the day's events: President George Bush came to the Combat Center April 23, to visit Marines, Sailors and their families during a three-day tour of the Southern California area. Marking the first time a president has visited the Combat Center, Bush attended church services at the Protestant Chapel and ate lunch with the service members and their families at the 7th Marines mess hall, where he addressed those who assembled. During his speech, Bush expressed his appreciation for the Marines, Sailors and their families for the sacrifices they have made whether overseas or stateside. You represent the very best of America, he said. You represent men and women who volunteer to serve during dangerous and historic times. And because of your service, we're defeating an enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here at home. Because of your service, we've liberated people from the clutches of a tyrant. And because of your service, we're laying the foundation of peace for a generation of Americans to come. These are historic times, and your service makes me incredibly proud. And I also want to say something to your families, Bush continued. It's hard when your loved one is overseas. I respect your sacrifice, and want to thank you very much for your service to our country, as well. Many Marines who ate lunch with the president were excited to meet with their commander-in-chief. For Sgt. Daniel D. Reuss, an assault gunner with Weapons Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, meeting President Bush was a rewarding experience. I sat about 20 feet away from the president when I ate brunch with him, said the Redding, Calif., native, and two time Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. He said he was very happy to see us. He told us the Marine Corps was doing an excellent job. It was an awesome experience, which was worth a lot. Not everyone gets to meet the president. Lance Cpl. Christopher L. Parks, an infantryman with 3rd Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, wasn't seated as close to the president, but still had the opportunity to meet him. When he first came in to the chow hall, he became social with all of us who were standing in line,"said the Corpus Christi, Texas, native, and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. After eating, he walked around the whole chow hall to shake hands with everyone. When he got to our table, he told us how much of a good job we're doing. He also asked about our families and how things were going at home. It was a pretty motivating experience. He gave me inspiration to keep doing my job and doing it well. He really showed us he cared and he wanted us to know that. It was an honor to see him because it's something that I might not have the privilege to do again. Sgt. Matthew L. Barber, a machinegun squad leader with Weapons Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, was motivated by the president's visit. Eating with the president is an experience he won't soon forget. I was very motivated to even get to see the president," said the Olathe, Kan., native. "When he first got to the chow hall, he busted out with a Semper Fi. That was very motivating. We all were very happy to have the president come to our base, continued Barber. “He actually took the time from his very busy schedule to come see us for a day. I know everyone in 3/4 was honored to talk to him. It was my best experience here. It was just some motivating stuff. After spending time with the Marines, Sailors and their families, President Bush made his way to the Combat Center parade field where he boarded Marine One and departed. I'll send these pictures to my son, currently deployed in Iraq. He missed meeting President Bush by a few hours in Ireland last February, to his regret. And if he had to miss President Bush's visit to his home base, he'll be happy that his good friend, Jesse, was the Marine who sat next to the him, chatting about the things that are of interest to men everywhere - sports and combat. Posted by Deb at 12:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 04, 2006 24/7 Marine Professionalism Pfc. Andrew M. Kalwitz correspondent for the RotoVue at MCAS-New River, had this to say about Marine decorum, on and off duty: Since we perform our duties as a service to the American people, it is essential to the Marine Corps existence that we have their support. In order to gain this support, Marines must conduct themselves professionally; on and off-base. When recruits get off the bus and stand on the renowned yellow footprints for the first time, they begin a 13 week indoctrination to become U.S. Marines. Their training will take them from the parade deck to the rifle range and from the gas chamber to the swim tank. They also attend numerous classes to learn the history of the corps, how to provide first aid, customs and courtesies and the appropriate behavior expected of a Marine. These things are not to be forgotten. One man who owns a business outside the New River gate, retired gunnery sergeant Anthony P. Waters, co-owner of Muddys Coffee House, said there has never been a problem inside the coffee house, but he is aware of the inappropriate conduct Marines have displayed elsewhere. "I have seen some pretty bad stuff," he said. The majority of Marines is very respectful. However, many Marines seem to have become much too comfortable with the use of profanity. It isn't unheard of for them to use inappropriate language in public places and around children, said Waters. Waters said he recently witnessed a Marine wife speak to a master sergeant using profane language after her husband was corrected for wearing one of his green undershirts with his civilian attire. “The Marine did nothing to stop his wife,�? he added. Waters said he also saw a private first class walk into a sitdown restaurant in his blue coveralls. But that doesn't qualify for the number one spot. “The worst thing was in Wal-Mart. It was a lance corporal and he was wearing his Alphas,�? he started. “But they were unbuttoned and the belt was completely taken-off.�? In a military community like Jacksonville, where many retired and former Marines reside, there is a strong influence to ensure today's Marines maintain current standards. Retired Sgt. Maj. Ihor Sywanyk, owner of Sywanyks Scarlet and Gold Traditions night club, explained that Marines need to have a respectable appearance while in public. By dressing like a Marine, one is more likely to act like a Marine, he said. “I personally believe that when people dress better, they act better.�? Sywanyks Scarlet and Gold Traditions is the only place in Jacksonville with a dress code, he said. Aside from appearance, speaking professionally also says a lot about the Marine Corps as an organization. "I ask all Marines to be aware of their own actions and to take charge of themselves," said Sgt. Maj. Lewis Summerville, Station sergeant major. "We have to stop setting the wrong example to those that we serve and protect. Every Marine has to remember that he or she is part of the Marine team and that team is much bigger than any individual." Many young Marines also agree that using profanity is unprofessional and tarnishes the Marine Corps' reputation with the surrounding communities. “We are Marines 24-seven and it is unprofessional,�? said Lance Cpl. John D. Floyd III, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron weather observer. “We should be professional 24-seven.�? Floyd explained why Marines need support from the community. “We need their support. We wouldn't be here without them,�? said Floyd. “They pretty much put the money in our pockets.�? Sometime after the proud moments that followed the graduation of basic training, many Marines lost some of the professionalism and pride that had been instilled in them. If it was worth working so hard to become a Marine, it is definitely worth the effort it takes to stay a Marine. When my son is home on leave, he stays cleanshaven and his haircut is within regs. He wears a belt and his shirt is tucked in. Although, there was that one time when he had a two-day beard growout. I told him I'd wait for him to shave, but he didn't want to take time. So, I waited until we were in the Costco parking lot before acting. "Shane, is that Gunny Dukes?" He knew better than to take a chance on the senior recruiter for our region finding him in need of a shave. Nothing more painful than a dry shave with a dull razor in the front seat of Mom's car. And we bought an electric razor that same day with a car charger. No more excuses. Posted by Deb at 09:45 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack May 01, 2006 Finding peace in the middle of war I've always enjoyed reading messages from chaplains who minister to the spiritual needs of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Knowing that they are smack dab in the middle of the area that I used to teach my Sunday School kids about it is breathtaking. My son came home from his first deployment with pictures of Nebuchadnezzar's palace and the ruins of Babylon. Men from his platoon were baptized in the Euphrates River. And they gained a deep understanding of the longing for peace by people who had known mostly war in their lifetimes. Photo by SSgt. James Goodwin Cpl. Nick Duncan participates in an Easter Mass held at Al Asad Air Base. Cpl Duncan serves with RCT-7, 1st Recon. Here's a homily by Chaplain Mark Smith (CMDR, USN) that captures that human longing perfectly: I was walking back from the chow hall in the dark after breakfast the other morning. A lonely, wide, gravel path between encampments where armored vehicles sometimes wait for diners to return, it was rather quiet at this time. Keeping my eyes sharp to avoid stumbling, and always on the alert for the unexpected, I saw out of the corner of my eye a strange, quick movement above the berm. Something was scrambling rapidly and erratically over one of the synthetic canopies that stretch between poles to cover either small buildings or areas where people gather out of the sun and view. The creative ways Marines erect these often produce interesting rolling landscapes. This thing darted in and out of shadows, creases, folds, and over every synthetic hill created by a pole. I couldn't guess what it might be, since it seemed to barely dent the fabric at all. I suspected it was not a threat to me - across the concertina wire atop the berm - so I walked close to get a better view. It was a kitten. Or maybe more of a teenage cat, having the time of his life. He was running to and fro, capturing imagined prey, avoiding pretend predators. When he saw me, he stopped and stared, eyes and ears at full attention. When he soon became bored by me, he went back to the challenges of the acrylic hills. As I continued on my way to my office, I noticed the birds singing in the eucalyptus trees. They were not bothered by the sound of the cannons doing terrain denial around the base, nor the machine gun fire coming from the range. There is a war out here. But nature doesn't always seem to notice. The world goes on, and the wind whispers, "This too shall pass." Though we need to remain alert, aware of our surroundings and conscious of our purpose, we could also learn from the play of the kitten and the song of the birds. In the midst of all this, I too can find peace. The Christian communities have just celebrated Easter and continue in the next few weeks in the Easter Season. The Gospel reading on the second Sunday of Easter reports on some of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to his disciples and others. In that passage Jesus says several times to his disciples, "Peace be with you" - a normal Jewish greeting - but he says it repeatedly, even in the same visit. They may have been frightened by his sudden appearance, or even still rattled by witnessing such a momentous event. But what Jesus wished for them was peace. In their hearts, in their lives, in the midst of all the terror and loss of the crucifixion of their leader. Peace. If the one they called the Prince of Peace offers peace in times of trial, we might begin to recognize that peace is not dependent on the world's cooperation. Peace can be in our hearts even in the middle of struggle, pain, fear and war. A calm assurance that despite all that may assail me, I can have peace. Look to your sources of peace, whether it be your faith, your training, or your love and loved ones, and be at peace, even during war. Though we need to remain alert, aware of our surroundings and conscious of our purpose, we could also learn from the play of the kitten and the song of the birds. In the midst of all this, we too can find peace. Peace be with you. There's also a very interesting look at the life of deployed military chaplains in yesterday's Washington Post. Here's a snippet but do read the entire piece. It's Chaplain Jamie Deason's first night on FOB Diamondback. Alone at last in his seven-by-twenty-foot shipping container, Deason, a Southern Baptist, is unpacking his rucksack and praying about a mosque. Earlier over dinner in the chow hall, Deason met the outgoing chaplain he'll be replacing at the chapel. Major Michael Morehouse was charging through the long list of responsibilities he'll be handing off to Deason -- advising the FOB command on morale, caring for soldiers in units without a chaplain, humanitarian missions, Sunday services, meetings, reports, R&R briefs, and critical incident debriefs. During one of those debriefs, after a military police unit had been ambused and one of them wounded, Chaplain Morehouse sat with the 50 MPs in a big circle while they tried to come to grips with the fact that they could die here. As Morehouse ran through this list of responsibilities with Deason, he said, "There's a mosque on the FOB, and I've been trying to get some work done on it," as if to say this mosque, which was here long before the Americans, would soon be Deason's responsibility, too. That took Deason by surprise. "The Muslims on the FOB are all coming to clean up the yard day after tomorrow," said Morehouse. "They say, 'We can't believe a Christian minister is helping us clean up our mosque!' And I say, 'In America, we play nicely.'" "Mm hm," Deason murmured, as if he was still listening. But his eyes were already far away. Now he's praying for guidance. He's all for cooperation, he says. But helping a religion that is not Christian, if it's not a military activity, is a compromise he doesn't think he can let himself make. It's a long way from the west Tennessee hills where he grew up. You've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything. He heard that line about the same time he found Jesus, and he never forgot it, a line from a song by country musician Aaron Tippin. Outside, the nightly song that calls Mosul to prayer rises and falls in a minor key. Thanks to Grim for the link. . Posted by Deb at 03:07 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack April 19, 2006 A Letter to Military Children from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kids who grow up in military familes face their own unique challenges. It's hard to make lasting friendships when orders to new duty stations arrive with just a few weeks warning. Military parents can be gone for weeks or months . . . or years at a time. But families are important and it's nice to see children given special tribute from General Pace. I want to take this opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions of our Nation's military families, who have faced many challenges-from family separations to frequent moves-with great courage. I would especially like to acknowledge a special source of inspiration: children of military families. You are patient and understanding when duty calls and your Mom or Dad cannot attend a soccer game, music recital, birthday party, or other important family or school activity. You are heroes in a quiet, thoughtful way, and I am grateful for the unconditional love you give your Mom and Dad. Many of you have experienced the sad and sometimes frightening experience of having your Mom or Dad far from home, serving around the globe in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Through your personal courage and support, you serve this Nation too - and I am proud of you! Frequent moves are a way of life for the military child. It is never easy to say goodbye to friends and familiar routines, to begin again in a new school, a new neighborhood - and sometimes a new country! But your resilience and self-confidence are strengths that others admire, including your parents. Growing up in a military family offers some challenges, but it also provides some special rewards. You can be proud of your Mom and Dad for their brave defense of this great country. Your love and support sustains them. So thank you for being there for Mom and Dad. You are American patriots and role models for us all. PETER PACE General, United States Marine Corps Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Posted by Deb at 04:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack April 15, 2006 3rd LAR Delta Company Update Photo by 1st Lt. Nathan Braden Before they moved to the Syrian border, the Dragoons participated in a cordon and search operation near the Thar Thar Dam. Here, Sgt. Joseph L. Massey (left), a 26-year-old scout squad leader from Shelbyville, Ky. and Lance Cpl. Nathan D. Wagner (right), a 22-year-old scout from Fruitland, Idaho fill out detention processing forms. The 3rd LAR has landed and this latest update from the Delta company commander is a fascinating glimpse of what it takes to deploy a battalion of Marines: Dear friends and family of Delta Company "Dragoons," I am writing our first e-mail status report later than I had hoped because of an extremely busy schedule as of late. Let me begin by saying how proud I am of our Marines and their hard work up to this point. Including work-ups, pre-deployment ranges and classes and loads of field ops and vehicle maintenance, this has been a grueling period for everyone, one I am sure they will never forget. However, I am convinced their hard work and strong efforts will help us complete the missions we've been assigned and guard our troops against a difficult enemy. First let me tell you at the writing of this e-mail, we have kept everyone safe, there are no injuries or illnesses. The Marines are smelly and tired after being in the field twenty days, but morale is good. My e-mails are checked, so I will not speak of any combat related issues unless allowed to in this or future e-mailings. I will let the Marines tell you about those items when we get home. After our departure from 29 Palms MCAGCC we drove to March AFB. The USO had a great set-up for us with breakfast including coffee, juice and snacks. The volunteers were mostly veterans of previous wars who wanted to wish the troops a goodbye. Older men and women, they greeted our Marines with smiles and stories of "shipping out" for Americas previous wars. We were all flattered by their honest patriotism and dedication to the troops. After a few hours wait, we took off with World Air, a charter company that primarily flys for the military. They had flight attendants and played movie after movie to keep the Marines entertained. They seemed to be happy to make us comfortable, and 1stSgt Ward reminded me a round trip flight to Europe would usually cost us over $1,500, but this one was free. We landed in Bangor Maine first, and after a brief turn-around flew across the Atlantic to Shannon, Ireland. Many of the new Marines remarked that this was their first trip across any ocean, and were motivated by the trip. The Marines mostly slept on the flight. We were not allowed out of the airport in Ireland, but the Marines all seemed to enjoy the countryside through the windows. The Shannon airport is surrounded by lush green countryside, there was a sense that it had rained recently. Adjacent to the airport was also a golf course, and though it was the middle of the day, there were a few stalwart older gentlemen out on the links. We were not allowed to drink, but on our return trip I will waive that rule. The Irish folks waiting in the airport seemed confused by all the men in uniform, but some seemed happy to talk to the Marines and wish them luck. Most of the Marines took the opportunity to charge their video games in the airport outlets and get a meal paid for by the airlines in lieu of airplane food. No Irish food, but sandwiches, chips and sodas. Our landing in Kuwait wasn't nearly as warm a welcome. It was the middle of the night, and you can imagine the stacks of cargo, lines of vehicles and crates, and tight security. Having been on two deployments to Kuwait, I can assure you we weren't missing much, the area around the airport is not very interesting. After a few hours, we met up with our seabags and were bussed to Camp Victory. A small camp used for transients awaiting transport in and out of Iraq. I met up with one of my former Marines, now a Master Gunnery Sergeant, and one of my former bosses, now a Lieutenant Colonel and they explained some of the recent goings on and current operations in Iraq. This is a busy place, to say the least. Once our flights had been arranged we took a C-130 to Al Assad. Also a night flight, it lasted just over an hour. The Al Assad base was huge and sprawling, but had not received a mortar attack for more than six months. They had a PX and small fast food restaurants including a Pizzia Hut and Burger King. It's going to be hard to keep our Marines fit if they keep feeding us this way. Living conditions were tight, to say the least. Billeting is always a problem when moving around, especially with many other units coming and going also. We officially detached 3rd Platoon back to our Battalion for further tasking in Korean Village (KV as it's called). Lt. Niznik and SSgt Arbuthnot have them well at hand attached to Alpha Company for missions in Rutbah in the Western province. We were taught a few classes by the Regimental Gunner on current Rules of Engagement and the importance of picking our fights wisely. We do not wish to hurt innocent civilians over here. The Company boarded CH-53 Marine helicopters for our next link. Our destination was Al Quaim, a place very familiar to those in the Company who had been here before. For the newcomers, this was their first Helo ride, and it was eventful. The flight was amazing, and we passed through terrain that looked as ancient as its history. Our helo's flew low and fast over the landscape, and we passed over rolling deserts with sand dunes and rocky outcroppings. Much of the infrastructure, at least from the air, seemed intact, with damage to powerlines and some buildings. As we passed over the Euphrates river, a mass of green seemed to cling to its banks, and shrouded in the trees and high reeds we could see ancient palaces and small towns. Minarets, Mosques and arabesque portals and doorways were clearly visible outside the gunners bubble on the CH-53. It was easy to envision the hanging gardens of Babylon and the cities that used to make up the silk trade routes between Europe and Asia. Haditha Lake was the most unusual thing to see in a veritable sea of sand. An enormous body of water, there were islands of rock and green reeds. Storks or cranes flew low over the surface in the direction of our helos giving it a Discovery Channel, nature show appeal. The pilots and aircrew were uncommunicative, having ferried countless troops North, and my usual attempt to sit in the jump seat and listen to the pilots communicate with ground stations and other aircraft was sternly rebuked by the crew chief. The wing was all about business here, and wasn't interested in entertaining us grunts. Our landing in Al Quaim was dramatic and like something from an old war movie. I've landed in many bases around the world, but this one was unique. The base at Al Quaim is inside an old Rail yard. With signs still hanging over the massive railcar bays proclaiming "Royal Iraqi Railways." There were lines and lines of rail car and engines. Some seemed to still have cargo onboard, all appeared to be suspended, waiting for an engineer. Many had been stripped or blown up, but there are plans in place to get the railways back up and running within the next three months. An amazing feat in this war torn country. The first of many surprises in what used to be the hostile North West portion of Iraq. The base had HESCO barricades, a kind of foldable metal mesh that can be filled with sand and rock to make an eight foot tall walls to keep out terrorists. It was ringed with guard towers and cammie netting, and razor wire, helos landed and touched off regularly. We saw sweaty, dirty Marines with their gear and sea bags lining up, waiting for us to unload so they could get onboard and head back to the States. They practically pushed us out of the way, I am sure we will feel the same way in another six months. We had an opportunity to see some detainees. Wiry, black hair, tanned arms and faces, these were our enemy, at least the ones we'd gotten. They didn't look very threatening, and most of our Marines towered over them in size, stature and military bearing. Nothing is more convincing to me that we can win the war with just a handful more Devil Dogs. These people are ineffective against our rugged Marines unless they hide, cowardly, behind their IEDs, mortars and snipers. Many experienced their first dust storm. Much similar to the ones others had seen or I had experienced in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, they were enough to blast the enamel off our teeth. The temperature wasn't too hot yet, and along the Euphrates it's cold at night dropping to mid forties. The days are in the eighties, and increasing in temperature as we get closer to summer. We officially detached from 3d LAR and attached to Regimental Combat Team-7. Commanded by Lt. Col. Marano, we were welcomed and billeted in SWA huts (South West Asia). This was the last spot for Marines to use phones and send e-mail. We had ordered enough sets of E-SAPI plates and side SAPI plates for everyone. This is the newest generation IV and V armor your Marines will wear. The latest in Marine gear, it defeats some of the biggest enemy weapons when properly worn. The side SAPI plates protect our Marines from their vulnerable flanks. We also convinced the supply Sergeant to issue all Marines a pair of fire retardant gloves, called NOMEX and a hood made of the same material. This can really save the Marines trouble in the event of a fire on the vehicle. All this gear is, of course, heavy, cumbersome, and will be extremely hot, so I am ensuring our Docs keep a close eye on our Marines to ensure they are drinking enough water when the weather turns. This also marked the beginning of our operational phase, we were no longer in transit, being guided from airport to airport. From here on out we had our feet planted firmly on the earth as with generations of grunts before us. We are, however, mounted like the cavalry, and thereby just a little better than the average grunt. Smarter, faster, and better armed and armored. Our motto, "Dragoon," is defined as a mounted warrior who dismounts for battle. We have definitely earned that title here, as I will describe later, driving across half of Iraq. We boarded up in armored trucks and moved up North across the Euphrates. We passed IED holes and spent brass casings on our way to "Memphis bridge." Crossing through the various companies zones, we saw a profusion of construction. New schools, mosques, houses; the people up North are rebuilding with a fury. Once on the other side of the river, we were greeted with a huge surprise, especially for the old timers. Children sprang out of houses and waved and jumped up and down with huge smiles. Moms held their little ones up to see us passing, and all greeted us with warm and happy faces. There were many farms irrigated by the Euphrates, green and producing. Cattle and donkeys helped the farmers trim their crops, and farmers stopped their days work to wave as we passed. Children in schools ran to the balconies and waved at us, laughing and smiling. We were caught off guard by the "atmospherics." A new term in the working lexicon of the U.S. Marines, the term "atmospherics" is used all the time to explain how the locals view us. You'll hear an NCO talking to a new NCO saying "The atmospherics at Tinian were great, kids were smiling and waiving." We passed Iraqi Army soldiers standing post at check points. Their uniforms were clean and clearly marked, they wore sunglasses, and stood proudly. The Iraqi flag waived atop all their positions. They waved nonchalantly as we passed. We were shocked, expecting something more like the news had shown, with sporadic small arms fire and IED's detonating daily. That is a reality in other parts of Iraq as we would find out later. Here, there was peace and rebuilding that astonished most of us. We were assigned a battlespace, to be renamed AO Dragoon (AO is Area of Operations) for our arrival. Owned by Weapons Company (Warlord) of 1st LAR (the Highlanders) from Camp Pendleton, for the previous four months. We didn't know it, but we wouldn't be here more than eleven days before being ordered elsewhere, but for now it seemed livable. There were battlepositions in our sector named for famous Marine battles, we were honored by our new mission and took stock of our situation. My opposite from 1st LAR filled us in on the mission. The Marines in his company had been working tirelessly to get connected with the locals. We were driven to the houses of all the local sheiks and they offered chai tea and discussed their problems and issues. Most had projects ongoing in their areas, from new pumphouses for irrigation to water purifiers for drinking water. Unfortunately, there are no restrictions on Syria so they dump pollutants in the water and it rolls down river into Iraq carrying disease and industrial waste. The Euphrates in AO Dragoon had tested positive for intestinal worms, chicken pox just to mention a few. I hoped the Sheiks had boiled their water well enough before serving their tea, but custom prevented me turning down their sweet-tea mixture. After we finished with the Sheiks we drove to each of the battlepositions. I had attached to my command a platoon of thirty Marines from 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. They were eager, as were we all, to get to work improving our battle positions. Our HQ battle position was shared with the Iraqi Army, much to everyone's surprise. The partnership included an Iraqi Army Lt. Col. named Lt. Col. Najim. He and his troops would be partnered with mine in all things, and he was technically under my command. Every patrol was 50% American and 50% Iraqi. We were amazed. Could the system be working? We found the Iraqi Army soldiers to have varying levels of proficiency (one platoon was weak), with most fully capable of holding their own. The Marine Corps was definitely the enforcing power behind them, but they were professional and dedicated. It was unusual to have a HQ with an American flag on one side and our former enemies' flag on the other. I met and surveyed their troops and had a late night dinner with Lt. Colonel Najim. We discussed his plans and how we would continue the good partnership established by Highlander, 1st LAR. He asked for nothing and explained that he was very happy with the progress. He said he looked forward to a time when Americans were no longer needed, but not in a derisive manner. He said he looked more forward to when his troops were not needed to garrison the countryside, and could get to work defending their country against the Syrians and Iranians. He seemed authentically angry that they would threaten his homelands borders. He was gracious for the efforts Americans had expended to benefit his land, and looked forward to happier times with his family. We moved into our living quarters after an exhausting day. Wooded bunks inside sandbagged bunkers were the living arrangements. The food consisted mainly of Tray-Rations, called T-rats or Tray-rats by the Marines. They come in a tin heated in a steam heater and served with canned fruit and vegetables. They always reminded me of school lunches, nutritious, flavorful, but not something Grandma would save in her recipe book. These were augmented by a huge stock pile of "extras" the Highlander Company Gunney had been hoarding. It consisted of Gatorades, muffins, granola bars, cokes and non-alcoholic beer, etc. There was a gym with weights and some cardio machines and a T.V. that wasn't working, but had DVD movies playing for the Marines. It was here we finally accepted our vehicles. They were dirty and used, but we were glad to be Dragoons again. We accepted them, and the XO, company Gunney and Platoon Commanders Platoon Sergeants and I worked through the inventories to see what was broken missing or damaged. We assigned watch rotations for the Marines and began our "joint" patrolling and guarding post with the Iraqi Army and some of the men from Highlander. There was still enemy activity up here, but not as frequent as other places in Iraq. An occasional IED, and some "small arms fire," abbreviated in my reports as SAF. But during our ten days here we experienced little of it. The next few days we patrolled the area with our Iraqi counterparts, toured new schools, new water treatment facilities, and planned the way ahead for our Company. There was a lot of rebuilding, and Marines were the center of the construction projects. I felt more like a civil affairs officer than a ground combat commander, but if this was the new face of Iraq we were happy to have the Marines safe, and to be doing something that was useful and democratizing the people. Nothing solidified in my mind the amazing result of all our hard work in this zone than our meting with all the Sheiks of Al Quaim. There were twenty head Sheiks. Three from AO Dragoon, and seventeen from around the area. They sat with the Colonel in charge of the Army, and the new head of police (no permanent police had arrived, that's why the Army did many things consistent with policing duties). After about an hour of arguing and deep discussions I stopped my translator mid-sentence and went out to get some of my Marines. I briefed them that inside was a Sheiks meeting, and I was astounded by what I considered "Democracy in action," in its truest form. Leaders meeting to discuss the sewage, or electricity in their areas. Leaders meeting to make life better for their families and that of their communities. Leaders sitting opposite the military and police officials, unafraid of them, and willing to tell the Iraqi troops and police what to do to better support the people. The Marines and I were impressed. Two of them, Cpl Casillas and LCpl Rodriguez, had been here last year and remember Al Quaim (abbreviated AQ). They remember suicide bombers, nightly mortars, and a people angry at the imposition of a foreign army who they considered invaders. No longer. The Marines stood in the background and let them argue and discuss, much akin to a town council meeting back in the States. I was struck by their honesty with their issues, they still seemed greedy to have their sewage repaired before their neighboring county, they still seemed motivated to get contracts signed for new schools in their district first, but what American politician isn't doing the same thing for their constituency. If we can do the same thing in the rest of Iraq, this place will be buying Levis and opening McDonalds before five years are up. I saw no reason why, at least this portion of Iraq, could not be turned over to the Iraqis within the next four months. Our new peaceful side of the war was to change as we accepted new instructions. After ten days we were ordered to pack up everything we could carry and commit to the drive to Korean Village (abbreviated KV) in the Western Midlands of Iraq, on the Syrian border. This was the Headquarters of our faithful Battalion, the Wolfpack. A wide expanse of land called AO DENVER and AO WOLFPACK. We packed our gear and drove across the Euphrates for an evenings wait at the rail yard. Waiving goodbye to the kids and mothers as we passed the fertile farmlands one last time. The next morning we began the six hour long drive to KV. Our trip was uneventful. For parents of deployed Marines, hearing the landing and first few days described as "uneventful" is a very good thing. Best of luck to the 3rd LAR as they begin their tour of duty. Posted by Deb at 05:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack April 14, 2006 The bias of our media elite Embedded journalist Franklin Raff was asked the following question by an Iraqi Army officer of high rank: "Why do you people not tell our story? Why do you not say what is going on? Why do you come to our country and see what is happening, you see the schools and the hospitals and you see the markets and you eat with Sunni and Shia soldiers - everybody eats together, everybody works together -you see that Saddam is gone forever and we are free to speak and complain. You see we are working and eating together and fighting together - Sunni and Shia - you see what we are building here, you see the votes we make as one people. Then you say to the world about a great war and horrible things and how we are all killing each other? We are not animals! We are Iraqis. Look around you! Look!" His full reply is here, but the following excerpts reveal much about the truth behind the news presented to us by mainstream media outlets: It was hilarious at the time. So funny, in fact, I nearly wept. I will never forget the sight of my colleague, a well-known, market-leading radio reporter feverishly clutching his satellite phone as a Chinook transport helicopter flew by, half a mile or so away. He was standing right beside me as he dialed through the time zones to go "live from Iraq": We're right in the middle of the action! I'm sorry ... I can't hear you! There's a Blackhawk landing right behind me! I can't quite describe what's going on! This is unbelievable! At the time, you see, we were just outside an Embassy chow hall, quietly discussing the weather. We had just eaten a magnificent lunch. In this combat reporter's trembling right hand was the target of his desperate screams, the satellite phone - his listeners' link to the horror and chaos of war, the sweat and tears, the booming, blood-shod tragedy of it all. And in his left hand - I swear it - a chocolate milkshake. So, how do the troops react? What bothers them is that when we put pen to paper, we tend to stab them squarely in the back by misrepresenting and over-dramatizing our experiences. It is no wonder a "PRESS" tag will get you a few hairy eyeballs in the field: There's a general consensus that we are liars. And, just as important, how do these news reports set with Iraqis? Non-English speaking Iraqis are distressed and disheartened by American media bias. Many feel personally offended by what they read in translation and hear of in the foreign press. Do read the entire article. Raff's observations are consistent with what I hear from our troops - things are getting better, but you wouldn't believe it from front page stories and news reports from reporters who know better. We need more voices like his. Posted by Deb at 01:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack Welcome home, Marine. You're on our list Earlier this week, 26 Marines arrived home from eight months in Iraq. When they arrived at LAX, Northwest airlines allowed 25 of them to board their connecting flight to Minneapolis St.Paul airport. SSgt. Daniel Brown was informed that he was on a terrorist watch list and denied boarding. Never mind that he had spent the last eight months fighting the real thing. Never mind that this was his second deployment. His name appeared on a TSA list and he was grounded. From the St. Paul Pioneer Press: Everything seemed normal when Brown, 32, of Coon Rapids, and the other Marines, all wearing their uniforms, gathered at the Northwest Airlines counter in Los Angeles Tuesday morning. The unit had served in Al-Anbar province of Iraq, known as the dangerous Sunni Triangle. But when Brown tried to check in, there was a problem. "I was told it was going to take some time because they informed me I was on a government watch list," Brown said. "People at the Northwest counter said they had to call somebody to get me cleared." The clearance took time, and Brown missed the flight. He was scheduled to arrive in the Twin Cities at 2:30 p.m. but didn't get here until 3:45 p.m. All the Marines thought Brown should have received a better welcome from his country. "It didn't sit well with any of us. I wasn't the only one upset about it. We all were," Brown said. There's more. When the first 25 Marines arrived in Minnesota, they knew their familes were just a few miles away - families they hadn't seen for eight months. They also knew that SSgt Brown was on his way. They waited for him. "We don't leave anybody behind," 1st Sgt. Drew Benson said. "We start together, and we finish together." Just one more example of the esprit de corps that makes the USMC unique among our fighting forces Posted by Deb at 01:22 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 06, 2006 1/7 Marines arrive on the Syrian border 1/7 Marines have landed in Iraq and are settling in for seven months on the Syrian border. First reports are encouraging according to my Marine son who called this afternoon - no IEDs when they toured the town in their LAVs. It's all good. LtCol Marano, Battalion Commander sent this letter out to families shortly before they left: We, the Marines and Sailors of the First Team, will soon begin our deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07. I would like to share a few thoughts with you, our family and friends, as we leave home one more time. I am the most fortunate man in the world as I have the honor of serving with the bravest and most capable Marines and Sailors in our Corps - your sons and husbands. We have trained hard for eight months and I can report to you today that we are well-led and ready for what is to come. No two deployments are ever the same, and this one will be different from our last. Much has changed in our Area of Operations, and the situation on the ground has changed considerably since the First Team last patrolled Western Al Anbar Province. For the first time, I am optimistic that we are making a difference and will eventually succeed - and I base that optimism on a cold analysis of the facts on the ground. Large numbers of Iraqi soldiers and police are in place or will soon be. In fact, we have an entire brigade of Iraqi soldiers operating with us, not long ago there were none. We will soon have hundreds of Iraqi police operating with us, not long ago there were none. The platoons and companies of the First Team will conduct joint patrols with these Iraqi security forces; my goal is to start turning urban areas back to Iraqi control during our deployment. None of this will be easy. Training Iraqi security forces to do the job that US Forces currently do will be difficult, plus Iraq remains a violent and dangerous place even on a good day. Your Marines and Sailors, however, are up to the job. This battalion has a proud history, your loved ones will be writing a new chapter of it. I want all the families to know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers and know that we remain in yours. Despite the frequent separations, you have remained strong and have kept the faith with us, and each other, especially during periods of maximum stress and high anxiety. These deployments are much harder on wives than Marines. You must keep the family going by yourself, taking care of everything from children's grades to the leaking radiator while wondering and worrying about your husband and your family's future. Your strength is comforting to us and your support of each other forms the basis of what is a very strong support organization. I would like to recognize the fine work of the battalion's Key Volunteers. These ladies have provided us the love and support we need as we embark on this latest deployment. They have worked selflessly to make sure that every family has the information they need and is prepared for the hardships of this deployment. I want to thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart. Each platoon will be working directly with an Iraqi Army platoon. By the time 1/7 leaves next fall, these soldiers will have gained invaluable skills from our Marines - the best trained and most revered fighting force in the world. However, alliances are formed on arenas other than the battlefield. An early request from 1/7 is for baseball gloves, bats, balls, and other gear so that they can introduce their Iraqi brothers to this most American game. (They know they'll get their butts handed to them on the soccer field but this will help even the score.) One week down, seven months to go. Posted by Deb at 09:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack January 19, 2006 2/7 War Dawgs are coming home Photo and story by LCpl Michael S. Cifuentes There are no words that can adequately describe the anticipation that grips a waiting crowd of family and friends who are waiting to welcome warriors home from war. LCpl Michael Cifuentes was there yesterday as the advance party from 2/7 returned home to Victory Field at 29 Palms. Here's his story: After seven grueling months of carrying out combat operations in Iraq, more than 40 Marines of the advance party of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, returned to the Combat Center Wednesday to reunite with their loved ones and lives left behind. The party arrived to Victory Field in the afternoon where they were met by their families, friends and fellow Marines who expressed their enthusiasm by holding up banners and posters that read "welcome home." It was a long and nerve-wrackingwait for some wives and family members for their loved one's return. Tragically, the battalion lost 11 of its members who were killed in action during the deployment. For those who kept in contact with the Marines and Sailors of 2/7 who were serving in OIF 3, the deployment grew more and more difficult for them. "It was hard to hear about what was happening on the front," said Pvt. Robert R. Ribinskas, rifleman with Golf Company. Ribinskas, a Ft. Worth, Texas, native, remained behind with 2/7's Remain Behind Element. An important role the RBE played during 2/7's deployment was supporting the wives and families of the battalion by giving information of the battalion's whereabouts and helping out with any other issues the family members dealt with. "All of us in the RBE wishes we were there with them for the deployment," continued Ribinskas. "Still, I'm glad that they are coming home now. It feels like yesterday they left this field. I've actually been having dreams about them coming back." The wives and family members of the Marines and Sailors who were returning arrived on Victory Field early as they anticipated the party's return. "It was a long wait, and it was a bit harder for me than his first deployment because of our newborn son," said Teneyia Wilson, wife of Cpl. Darnel Wilson, field wireman with Headquarters and Service Company. Present with Wilson was her 4-month-old son, Darius, and 3-year-old son, Darnel Jr. "I was more worried for his wellbeing than his last deployment," added Wilson. "But, the RBE kept me informed of what was going on out there, and they answered all of my questions. I know he is hurt right now because he lost some of his friends. I can't imagine what that was like. As for now I am glad he is home and is able to spend time with his children, one whom he has never seen. We plan to go back to our hometown in Denver to spend time with the rest of our families." The experience was new for Marissa Silva, wife of Staff Sgt. Melvin Silva, Headquarters and Service Company. Present with her at the homecoming ceremony was their 3-year-old son, Alejandro, and her in-laws. "It was me and my husband's first deployment," said Silva. "The time away from him was nerve-wracking. I was always thinking about him and what he was doing. I did keep in contact with him mainly through e-mails. He assured me that he was doing well but in the back of my mind I knew he wasn't telling me everything. I am just really glad that I will see him here today. I can't sit still. We plan to go back to the Bay Area where we can relax and spend time together." The homecoming event was a success, and all who came out to see their loved ones return were filled with joy when the advance-party bus rolled up to Victory Field. The rest of the battalion is scheduled to return to the Combat Center and reunite with their loved ones in the near future. Posted by Deb at 03:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack January 18, 2006 Working Hand in Hand This picture, of the 3/1 Kilo CO and a Sgt.Major from the Iraqi Army working with 3/1, was passed along by Cris Yarborough from the always entertaining Juggernuts. His retired USMC father has more 3/1 pictures sent by the CO posted at http://imageevent.com/colbb/imagesfrom31iniraq Check them out - including proof that American Capitalism has truly taken hold in Baghdad. Anyway, back to 3/1 Marines. Last January 14, my son celebrated his 21st birthday in Iraq by being knocked off his feet, along with the rest of his 1/7 Bravo Company fire team, by a mortar detonated as they patrolled the streets of Husaybah. That no one was seriously hurt was a miracle. This year, a number of similar events were prevented through coordinative efforts between 3/1 Marines and the Iraqi Army they are working and training with. From Barwanah: Iraqi Army soldiers and Marines with 2nd Platoon, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, were conducting routine security patrols roughly 500 meters east of southern Barwanah Jan. 14 and heading back to their base after a long day's work. That is when Friday, one of L Company's interpreters, noticed a discoloration in the dirt. It appears that the bad weather depressed the dirt and, because of the recent rain, left it a different color. After digging around in the dirt, they started finding ordnance. "It appears that these munitions were hastily buried within the last couple of days," said Capt. Shannon Neller, commanding officer of L Co. The Iraqi soldiers and Marines conducted a thorough search of the area and unearthed a total of 11 buried weapons caches within a 300 meter radius that terrorists planned to use during attacks in the area. When all 11 caches were unearthed, they contained 139 artillery rounds, 56 mortar rounds, 47 122mm rockets, 94 14.5mm armor piercing incendiary rounds and 19 100-pound bags of propellant. "There were 12 Iraqi Army soldiers directly involved in finding and digging up these caches. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride in what they're doing," said 2nd Lt. Geoff Meno, 2nd Platoon Commander with L Co. Although these caches were found by Marines and Iraqi Army soldiers patrolling, citizens of the Haditha region have increasingly provided information to disrupt insurgent activities so their community will be safe from insurgent attacks. It's definitely a good thing that those munitions are destroyed. That the caches were noticed by a Iraqi interpreter and dug up by Iraqi soldiers is even better news. "Taking these caches out of the hands of insurgents puts a tremendous dent in their logistics. Every round that the Marines and Iraqi Army take off the streets is one less (improvised explosive device) ... one more saved life," said Meno. "This is a testament to the vigilance of the Iraqi Army soldiers and Marines. They've been doing a hell of a job out here. It is nice for them to see what they are doing occasionally comes with a tangible pay off," said Meno. One of the many things that are underreported by most media sources is the excellent working relationship between our Marines and the Iraqi Army. Trained by the best fighting force in the world, they are rapidly becoming capable of protecting their own country against outside forces. When that happens, our job will be done. Posted by Deb at 03:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack January 12, 2006 1/2 Marines: Waging war and peace Photo by LCpl Peter R. Miller Cpl Stephen Jordan, 1/2 Alpha, hands a young Iraqi girl a muffin as his fireteam provides security in the Hit area. LtCol "Drew" Smith, CO, Battalion Landing Team 1/2 sends this update: Greetings and best wishes to our families and friends, The BLT 1/2 continues to conduct combat operations in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq to provide for the security of the citizens and local government of Hit area and to disrupt insurgent activities in the 22 MEU Area of Operations. Operations are going well and the Marines and Sailors continue to demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and tenacity in their performance of duties. As was mentioned earlier, daily operations see the BLT conducting security patrols in their respective sectors to assist the local government and citizens and to disrupt and destroy insurgents and their resources. With regard to the latter, recently coordinated efforts between the BLT companies and the BLT's Combat Engineer Platoon have netted several caches of insurgent weapons and ammunition in the area. I won't go into the methods and techniques by which the caches are uncovered, but I will tell you that our combat engineers have achieved much success in identifying the enemy's techniques and are now exploiting that knowledge to rid the area of munitions and weapons that can be used against the coalition forces and, as we have found, can be equally dangerous to the citizens of the area. The diligent and courageous actions of our Combat Engineers are some of the many ways in which the risk to our forces and those around us is reduced. CEB is doing great work. I am also very proud of the courage, vigilance, and savvy our warriors are displaying every day in identifying improvised explosive devices (IED) the enemy emplaces in our AO. These devices are the enemy's feeble attempt to deter our efforts, shake our commitment and undermine the combined efforts of coalition forces and the local government in providing security in the post election period. In talking to the Marines and Sailors of that patrol the streets day and night, I have found their resolve to be "rock steady." On the rare occasion where a device does directly impact one of our patrols, the vehicles and personal protective equipment used every day is standing the test extremely well. Although no amount of material can completely prevent damage or injury from occurring, first rate gear and vehicles coupled with very vigilant warriors has-and the data bares it out-put the odds clearly on our side. Our warriors are getting right back in the saddle after the event to reassure the local citizens and keep the pressure on the enemy. There is more work to be done and this BLT is continuing to lean forward in planning and conducting operations that will address the security issues in our area of operations. Exactly how long we will be in Iraq remains to be seen. I would draw your attention to the recent update provided by the Commanding Officer, 22 MEU regarding the length of our deployment. As mentioned in the update, there is no indicator that we will be extended on this deployment; our return window remains in early May. Should there be a change to that picture, the most up-to-date and accurate information will be conveyed through our KV Network and 22 MEU and BLT 1/2 official web page. Once again, I ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Very best regard. Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks A recent story by GySgt Keith Milks provides more details on the CEB's success with IED discovery: In early January, a section of CAAT vehicles accompanied a platoon from BLT 1/2's A Company on a patrol near Forward Operating Base Hit, and was able to land a one-two punch on the insurgents plaguing Iraq's highways. "Every once in a while we'll dismount and walk alongside the vehicles," said Twigg as he shouldered his M-4 carbine and began walking along the road's shoulder as his Humvee kept pace. "We do this so we can get a better, more detailed look than if we were driving. By walking we get better (situational awareness)." No sooner had Twigg explained himself than the column of vehicles and Marines came to a screeching halt. Further ahead, the point element had discovered a suspicious pile of rocks and concrete covering an IED. Immediately establishing a defensive cordon around the site, the patrol leader, 2nd Lt. Davis Gooding Jr., called for Explosive Ordnance Disposal. "We'll bring EOD up to deal with it," explained the Henrico, Va., native. "Until then we'll maintain a perimeter around the IED to keep ourselves and the locals safe." While waiting for the EOD technicians to arrive, the Marines in the patrol kept a vigilant eye to the surrounding terrain, and after a few minutes, noticed a pair of men across the nearby Euphrates River acting suspiciously near another road. "We kept them under observation for a while then determined they were planting another IED," said Gooding. Using high power scopes and binoculars, the Marines correctly determined the pair's intent and engaged them, killing both just as EOD arrived on the scene. Working with time-honed expertise, the joint Navy-Marine EOD team destroyed the IED in place. Meanwhile, elements of the patrol jumped aboard a CH-46E Sea Knight from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (Reinforced), the MEU's aviation combat element, to get a closer look at the bomb placement site across the river. "There was a shovel and stack of rockets near the men," said Gooding, who examined the scene, "so we were able to stop them just in time." After the engagement and the IED was destroyed, the patrol continued its mission, knowing that danger lurks around every corner. "We just had some successes," said Twigg, commenting on the IED discovery and destruction of the insurgent IED team, "but we always have to be on alert and they (the insurgents) have to know we'll be ready for them." Posted by Deb at 01:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack January 11, 2006 Father's Day comes early this year DOD Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan C. McGinley, U.S. Navy Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Josh Stoneman cuddles his newborn son for the first time. Petty Officer Stoneman came home on Monday to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii after six months aboard the USS Chosin as part of the USS Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group. Posted by Deb at 10:50 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack January 09, 2006 Highlander Update - "Good things are happening in Iraq." LtCol Rob Kosid, 1st LAR, sent this update - not sure when it was written (or over what time period, since it references both the October 15 elections and Operation Santa) but it's a fascinating look at the success brought by the efforts of this force. Dear Friends and Families of the Highlanders, Happy Holidays from your Marines and sailors of 1st LAR Battalion (Forward)! We're doing well and continuing to make a difference in at least two Areas of Operations. More on that a bit later. Of course, we hope that all of you enjoying the Holiday season back home - at least as much as you can under the circumstances. Believe me, we think about you all the time and are eagerly anticipating our homecoming in a few more months. In the meantime, thanks for all the cards, letters and packages. Currently, the majority of the Task Force is conducting operations in our normal/assigned area of Operations near Ar Rutbah. Weapons Company, on the other hand, is currently working for 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines in the vicinity of Al Qaim. I speak with Capt Sucher on a regular basis and he reports that Warlord is doing very well and doing what they were trained to do. Am also getting many compliments on their performance from the Commanding Officer of 3/6. Their terrain is a little more urban than ours and they have the opportunity to do some great work in an area that has, up until last month, always been a thorn in the Coalition Force's side. Their Engineers have done a remarkable job turning an austere combat outpost into a functional Company firm base. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's "comfortable" but it's a vast improvement over what they originally moved into! For those who participated in Operation Santa back home, we have made arrangements to have Weapons Company's packages sent up to them. The rest of us have had a busy first half of December. On the 6th, we had the good fortune of hosting the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Hagee. He stayed with us for approximately an hour and a half and gave all of us more than enough opportunities to talk with and listen to him as well as numerous photo opportunities. SgtMaj Ward has even figured out a way for you to see all of the photos. If you hit this link: http://www.usmc.mil/cmc/photos/index.html and go to the Al Asad section of the December 3-9 CENTCOM visit, you can find our photos beginning on page 11. Our server's a little slower out here but there are lots of photos and the chances are good that your Highlander is in there somewhere! Following our visit, he took a flight out to our POE at Trebil where he visited Capt Jeff Goodell and our Marines and sailors of Alpha Battery - their pictures begin on around page 23 or so. All in all, the visit was a success and the Commandant had great things to say about what we're doing. While CMC's visit was certainly big news, our biggest event occurred yesterday - 15 October. We set up and provided security for two polling sites in advance of Iraq's election of a full-term Parliament. Alpha Company (Apache) teamed with two Platoons from our partnered Iraqi Army unit - the 2d Company 2-1-1 and established a polling site in the vicinity of Ar Rutbah. All was set on the evening of 14 October and I visited the site at approximately 0845 on the 15th. In short, as surprised as I was at the turnout in Barwanah on the 15th of October, I wasn’t prepared for yesterday's voter turnout - it was unbelievable. As you probably already know, we're in a heavily Sunni dominated area and the turnout for the previous two elections was minimal at best. Without getting into too many details - official results are apparently a week or so away - the IECI workers (poll site employees) ran out of ballots and the line of voters stretched, at times, at least a quarter of a mile. Our polling site that H&S Company (Hammer) and their partnered platoon from 2d Company set up in Akashat had similar success - over 350 women voted out of approximately 1500 very enthusiastic voters there. When we visited that site, there were many people in the area and virtually all proudly displayed their ink-stained fingers. We attribute much of the success - at least in terms of how security affected the turnout - to the great work done by all of the Highlander elements in the few weeks preceding the election. I could not be more proud of their efforts and the expressions on the Highlander faces yesterday spoke volumes. Good things are happening in Iraq. As I type this, we are in the process of sorting through the two tractor trailer-sized containers of mail brought to us by Combat Logistics Battalion - 2 last night as well as the four containers brought in by helicopters a few hours ago. Our company office is literally stacked to the ceiling with boxes from well-wishers. Both SgtMaj Ward and I cannot overstate how thankful we are for the wonderful generosity shown by so many of you. It inspires us! There are so many people to thank that I’m going to send a separate update and attempt to provide a proper "thank you" shortly after Christmas Day. Until then, thanks for your support! They've promised Operation Santa pictures - can't wait to see them! Posted by Deb at 11:10 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack January 01, 2006 Christmas in Afghanistan Happy New Year - we're still wrapped in Christmas spirit here, and this commentary by Air Force Staff Sgt. Jess Harvey will have you smiling too. When most people think of Christmas, they think of spending quality time with family and friends, sitting around a beautifully decorated tree, opening brightly-colored gifts and eating a feast of homemade goodies. Others say Christmas is all about giving. All of which I believe, but if you'd have asked me a week ago, I'd have said my Christmas was looking rather dreary, being deployed here in Afghanistan. After all, I wasn't going to be watching my two children, ages 4 and 1, awaken all excited to see what had magically appeared under the tree during the night. I wasn't going to be holding my wife and laughing as the kids tore into their gifts with a fervor that goes unmatched at any other time of the year. I wouldn't be eating all the freshly-cooked turkey, ham, dressing and pies, and smelling all the beautiful aromas that come with them. But, even though my Christmas lacked all of the things that normally inspire the Christmas spirit, if you ask me today, I'll tell you I had one of the best Christmas experiences of my life. Thanks to the diligent efforts of an Army staff sergeant with whom I share living quarters and the kind words of half a dozen Afghan guards who watch over us like guardian angels while we sleep, I experienced a magic on Christmas Eve like never before. The festivities started around 6:30 p.m., but as could be expected during a deployment and with my lack of enthusiasm this year, I arrived about an hour late to an underwhelming number of people and a total lack of Christmas Sprit. There was loads of food brought from all over, holiday cookies from home and individually packaged treats from a box, but the magic just wasn't there. Whether it was the sports talk on TV filling the void where holiday music should have been or the lack of children's laughter throughout the house, the mood just wasn't in the air. About the time it really started sinking in that this Christmas Eve probably would be best spent sleeping in my bunk, the staff sergeant caught my attention and said, "Grab some cookies. We're going to hand them out." In my confusion, I picked up a tray of cream-filled cookies and followed him past all the revelers, out the door, through the yard and into the alley behind our safe-house where Afghan guards work around the clock. We started handing cookies to each of the guards, who in turn, greeted us with salutations of "Merry Christmas" and their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for our being here in there country instead of at home with our loved ones. After our exploits as cookie Santas, we returned to our house accompanied by a few Afghan guards who had shown up early and were not on duty yet. In our back yard, their fire pit burned dimly. We all sat, warming our hearts and feet, to the crackle of the fire and laughter of good friends, some of which I'd met for the first time that night. The Afghan guards shared with us their tales of love, laughter and freedoms -- all gained, according to them, since the arrival of the coalition. We shared our own experiences, jokes and thanks with them in return. We also shared food, lots of food. When one of the Afghans, warming himself next to the fire, would grab an apple or an orange, he would always offer half of it to someone else, sitting nearby, as I later learned is their custom. The same went for the grape and apple juice we used to toast one another. Before long, all of my sorrows had departed and I started feeling as though I'd known these guys all of my life. As the guards started getting ready for work, and I prepared to climb in my bunk, one guard, who teaches English in his off hours, leaned over to me and told me something I hope will stick with me for the rest of my life. He said, "Tonight, my brother, you have shown me what Christmas means. Now I can go and teach my students about it." That's when it hit me square in the heart. This night the Christmas Spirit had become more vivid and alive than ever before in my lifetime, all because of the laughs, smiles and hugs shared with my new-found brethren. Christmas truly is about giving, whether it be a smile, a hug, a cookie or freedom. Christmas is also about spending time with loved ones, whether you've known them all your life, or whether you've just met for the first time. If I were given the chance to do it all over again, I would not have changed a thing. After all, my Afghan brothers helped me to truly understand the meaning of Christmas. Posted by Deb at 01:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack December 29, 2005 Notes on General Abizaid's speech - "We are winning" General Abizaid spoke recently to the Naval War College regarding the current status of the war on terror, and that speech was summarized by an unidentified student. The file was briefly available at C-Span, but is no longer available. Patrick, at Liberating Iraq, was kind enough to translate the PDF file into plain text - visit him for the full transcript, but here are talking points that need to be heard: The insurgency is in four of 18 provinces in Iraq, not all 18. You do not hear about the 14 provinces where there is no insurgency and where things are going well. The insurgency in Afghanistan is primarily in Kandahar province (home of the Taliban) and in the mountain region on the Pakistani border. The rest of the country is doing well. Iraq now has over 200,000 soldiers/police under arms and growing. They are starting to eclipse the US/coalition forces. Their casualty rate is more than double that of the US. There are more than 70,000 soldiers under the moderate government in Afghanistan and growing. He predicted that the insurgencies in the four Sunni provinces in northern/central Iraq and in Southwestern Afghanistan will be there for the foreseeable future, but they will be stabilized and become small enough so the moderate governments will be able to keep them under control. 2006 will be a transition year in Iraq and that will see the Iraqi forces take much more of the mission from the US forces. This is necessary to bring stability to Iraq. We need to be fewer in numbers and less in the midst of the people for the moderate Iraqi government to succeed. Our primary enemy is not the insurgency in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is al Qaida and their ideology. We are at a period now that is similar to the 1920s where Communism and Nazism had not taken hold in Russia and Germany. The ideology of Al Qaida is out there and it has not taken hold in any country in the Middle East. We need to make sure that it does not and we are doing that, but it will be a long problem with a long commitment. He said that we are focused on the things that we (Americans) have done wrong, like Abu Ghraib, and not talking about this enemy. We need to talk about this enemy. al Qaida is all over the world. Their goal is to get the US out of the region and come to power in the Islamic countries of the region. From there, their goal is to establish a Caliphate (under a single Islamic ruler) that goes from the Atlantic in North Africa to Indonesia in the Pacific. Fifty years after this happens, their goal is to rule the rest of the world. Since Desert Storm in 1991, US forces have not lost any combat engagement in the region at the platoon-level or above. al Qaida has no beliefs that they can defeat us militarily. They see our center of gravity as being the will of the American People. That is influenced by the media and they are playing to that. They don't need to win any battles. Their plan is keep the casualties in front of the American people in the media for long enough that we become convinced that we cannot win and leave the region. This would be tragic for our country. The battle against al Qaida will not be primarily military. It will be political, economic, and ideological. It will require the international community to fight too. We must not let al Qaida get hold in any country. It will result in our worst nightmare. Picture life in Afghanistan under the Taliban, that is what Al Qaida's ideology has as a goal. If you look at the geography (of al Qaida), there is no place to put a military solution. They are networked and they are all over the world. They are a virtual organization connected by the Internet. They use it to proselytize, recruit, raise money, educate and organize. They have many pieces that we must focus on: the propaganda battle in the media, safe houses, front companies, sympathetic members of legitimate governments, human capital, fighters and leaders, technical expertise, weapons suppliers, ideologically sympathetic non-government organizations (charities), financers, smugglers, and facilitators. A lot of their money comes from drugs. We are winning but we have got to maintain constant pressure over time with the international community and across the US government agencies. No one is afraid that we can't defeat the enemy. Our troops have the confidence, the courage, and the competence. We need the will of the American people to be sustained for the long haul. If only our politicians and media had the confidence our troops have. Posted by Deb at 02:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack December 25, 2005 "From your Marines in Iraq" From One Marine's View - here is Captain B's Christmas message to us: We are away from home this holiday season to complete our mission and to eliminate terrorists and defend our nation. It is unfortunate for us to be away from loved ones on earth and in heaven however, its probably the best Christmas gift Ive ever given. No family gatherings, snow drifts or missile toe. Just always on watch ready to go. Scumbags are scared and are on the run, regardless of wherever they go they will find us with lots of guns. While you are in the states celebrating the season know that we are on the front lines for a reason. As this war continues you may not always hear it, but we are full of American and Christmas spirit. As you celebrate Christmas, be thankful for what you have and where you are. Know its better to give than receive and be thankful you are with someone who cares enough about you to pick you up when needed. You don't need a lot of money and fame to have a great Christmas just the Christmas spirit is enough. Enjoy your health and enjoy life. In the states, on a rocky Afghani mountain or Iraqi desert, have a Very Merry Christmas and this holiday, have the time of your life. From your Marines, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah from Iraq. Captain B Posted by Deb at 02:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack December 21, 2005 Rest in peace, your Marines are on guard Here's an excerpted glimpse of Christmas in Iraq from Cap't B - he can't be with his own family, but he's with his other family. I take a walk outside to check out the weather as it starts to rain, this is the first rain Ive seen for a year here as it turns to hail. Im not at home anymore Im here still in Iraq, with a different family, the Marine family. Another milestone has been achieved and the elections are a success. A country is in motion with democracy and freedom and the last years work is paying off although we have paid a price. There are no lights here except for the few strings Marines have put up from care packages, and the occasional illume artillery round fired in the night sky. I guess there is a special glow from the chemlights that line the walkway but they definitely aren't the holiday type. There are no crowds except for the locals on the street in the city and they aren't shopping. The IEDs and other explosions echo though the area now days. Im not sure if it's the cloud cover or what but now when there is an explosion it echoes through the area for a few seconds unlike before. Counter battery rings out and dang that first one always gets ya, at least I wasn't in the head this time. Sporadic fighting continues around the area but nothing crazy. Marine's morale is high and everyone has accepted the fact that this is the only family they will be sharing the holiday with and actually that's not a bad thing. You could say it doesn't bother you to be away from home on the holidays . . . you could say you're a liar too. However, we are a disciplined force and know we have an important job to do. That job requires discipline, commitment and sacrifice. Sacrifice in the hundreds to those who won't ever go home, ever. Where ever there is injustice in the world we will go there. Wherever there is an evil dictator killing his own people, we will go there. Why? Because as US Marines that's our job and that's what Marines have been doing for over two hundred years. We will fight our nation's battles in any climb and place and anytime of the year. That young Marine standing post in the chilly desert night knows it's the holiday season as does that young Marine who is on his second dozen convoy mission through the worse area in Iraq. The Soldier on a lonely checkpoint out in the middle of nowhere with nothing but his team and gun truck, they know it's the holiday season too. The tanker, the pilot the warrior. They all know it's better to give than to receive. A simple concept that they and their buddy's have proven with blood and sweat. A simple concept that many "Don't get". We are a proud military, a volunteer military who take pride in what we do for a nation that is great. This holiday season, cherish what is yours, smell the trees, have fun with family, take walks, have some egg nog and a stoag for us and enjoy your holidays. Although we had rather be home, know that we will finish what needs to be done and you can rest in peace, your Marines are on guard this holiday season. Merry Christmas & Semper Fidelis Posted by Deb at 08:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack 1/2 Holiday Update LtCol "Drew" Smith, CO, Battalion Landing Team 1/2 sends this Christmas greeting to 1/2 friends and family: Happy Holidays On behalf of the Marine and Sailors of BLT 1/2, I want to extend to all of you "best wishes for a Happy and safe holiday season." As we continue in this deployment, and as our focus remains firmly on our duties, there will undoubtedly be thoughts of home and of celebrations that accompany this time of the year. Christmas Trees and decorations are going up without the assistance of loved ones that are deployed, families are gathering and kids are counting the days until school lets out and the jolly-little-red-suited-elf makes his rounds. During this time of the year, there are thousands of American service men and women forward deployed and serving their country. I need not go into any detail of their courage and sacrifice and that of their families. Please keep the BLT in your thoughts and prayers. We wish all an enjoyable and safe holiday season. Posted by Deb at 08:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack December 20, 2005 Holiday Letter from Major General Natonski Here's a holiday message from the 1st MARDIV Commanding General: Families and Friends of the 1st Marine Division, As we prepare for the upcoming holidays, I want to extend my best wishes to you during this joyous season. You have each made significant contributions to the success of our Marines and Sailors both here and abroad. Your dedication, understanding, and unwavering support throughout our intense training schedules and long deployments instills confidence in the men and women of the "Blue Diamond" division. Thank you. During this season let us also take a moment to remember those families who have lost a loved one or friend. We honor their sacrifices and our thoughts and prayers go out to them, let us never forget our country's heroes, those that paid the ultimate price for our country and Corps. I wish you all Season's Greetings and a Happy New Year. God bless the members of the 1st Marine Division and their families and friends! Semper Fidelis, R. F. Natonski MajGen USMC Posted by Deb at 07:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack December 17, 2005 "'Step on daddy's shoes, let him lead you" Photo and story details by LCpl Ray Lewis There is nothing that can transform a fierce warrior into a soft-hearted smiling daddy faster than one small girl. And that transformation happened several hunded times recently at the Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary School 2nd Annual Father-Daughter Dance. Marines donned their dress blues and escorted their daughters into the gymnasium for a night of dancing and relationship-building. And, for some Marines who will leave soon for deployment - and months away from their families - this was a chance to leave their daughters with memories of a very special night. "Who would wear their 'dress blues' if they didn't have to?" asked Lori DeMille, a second grade teacher at the school. "Be hot and stuffy for two hours; they have to love their kids to go through that. It takes a special dad." The dance was a chance for fathers to spend time with their daughters between deployments. It was a night of eating, dancing and bonding. And for those whose daddies were currently deployed, there were stand ins so that they would not have to miss the dance. "It might be small to some, but things like this are big for the hearts of the girls," said Gunnery Sgt. Samuel Reed, father of Mary Fay elementary students Michaela and Krystal Reed. "It brings unity and builds synergy. Synergy is the relationship." "I think it's awesome," DeMille said. "With the increase of deployments, we saw the need to do more functions like these with our kids." Principal Lynn Gilstrap also thinks the dance is an amazing experience for the children and fathers. "A lot of these dads are deploying within the next couple of months," Gilstrap said. "One dad just got home yesterday and another is deploying tomorrow. (He) deploys in the morning, but he said, 'I couldn't miss this night with my little girl,'" DeMille said. Most dads wanted to do all they could to make sure their daughter was as comfortable as possible. "To help his daughter dance I heard one dad say, 'step on daddy's shoes, let him lead you,'" DeMille said. Posted by Deb at 12:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack December 14, 2005 Report from Fallujah: Courage under fire Another email from the front (passed along by JHD), this one by a wounded Marine who provides excellent insight into the third iteration of this war as his men engage in "fighting the enemy, protecting the innocent, aiding the weak, defending one another". To All: I was growing concerned that the increasing tempo of operations leading to the December 15th elections would prevent me from writing home prior to this watershed event. Luckily and unluckily, events have provided a few days for me to reflect on my experiences and pen a few thoughts. For those who did not already know, I was wounded on December 8th. My platoon was protecting a logistics element inside Fallujah when we were caught in an ambush. A rocket struck my vehicle to no effect, the armor saving the two Marines inside from harm. Both walked away from the attack with just their "bells rung" and even the truck will return to duty in a few days. When the rocket hit I was outside the vehicle setting security with another Marine. We immediately came under small arms fire from a machine gun some blocks away. We were able to fight our way out of the ambush but in the process I was shot in the right thigh. I am in good physical condition, back with my platoon, just a little sore. The wound was clean, punching through my quadricep muscle without hitting femur or femoral artery. Unfortunately, I will be on crutches for at least a week before I can fully return to duty. Recent weeks have been very successful for the Battalion. Shortly after Thanksgiving we conducted a large operation resulting in a number of enemy caches uncovered and insurgents captured. The Marines are becoming increasingly proficient in our area of operations and with the incumbent tactical success, morale is very high, even considering the Holidays. As the recent pronouncements suggest, the enemy has identified our area as a strategic focus in the coming weeks. The October 15th elections, with the exception of Sgt. Adams's death, featured almost complete calm for the city of Fallujah. We defended a high voter turnout for both Sunni and Shia. While the vote was an overwhelming "no" to the Iraqi Constitutional referendum, largely due to Muj intimidation, so long as the populace chose to express their dissent through the democratic process and not with violence, than the election was a resounding success. I do not think that the Muj will allow December 15th to pass similarly undisturbed. Regardless, there are many signs of success here. One of the most notable is the Iraqi Army. I have operated with them and argue that the issues of administration and discipline they face are not fatal but merely endemic as in other Third World militaries I have trained beside. Not that our own military history has always enjoyed the same spirit of volunteerism, high morale, low desertion, rigid discipline and extraordinary combat efficacy as now. The Iraqi Army battalions here are very brave, almost to recklessness. They are always eager to tangle with insurgents and bring an enthusiasm for combat rivaling that of my Marines. The most valuable capability they bring though is their understanding of the cultural context of the people. Where we might search a home for hours or interact with a village for several days before we comprehend the inner workings of the village, an Iraqi Army patrol, as Iraqis, already know where to look for hidden weapons, they can quickly sift out the wheat from the chaff of information, the "head man" from the "loud mouth" and the "poor illiterate farmer" from the "local man of esteem." To best illustrate how considerable this is, allow me to explain some difficulties I routinely encounter. Day here begins before the sun rises and after it falls. We patrol in and out of the firm base to and from our assigned sector for the day, sometimes driving with no ambient light using only night vision goggles. It's exhilarating when through my left eye I can see the green of the goggles, the sides of the roads rushing by, the infra-red headlights illuminating everything clearly for several hundred meters while through my right eye I can only see black with the roller-coaster consciousness of blindly hurtling into darkness. The adrenaline rush rivals coffee to start the day. We normally patrol to sectors of the city or surrounding countryside where recent contact has occurred or where enemy presence is suspected. Experience makes it possible to template where the enemy likes to hide equipment and munitions. Experience has also made more apparent what is normal and abnormal, a difficult feat two months ago when literally everything seemed out of the ordinary. While mistakes still occur, my Marines can now look down a stretch of road and quickly point out the one or two things that are not quite right. The one challenge that experience has not yet made us equal to is working with the Iraqi population. I cannot speak Arabic beyond a few sentences but I have learned enough of the vocabulary and gestures that I can understand what I am being told. Many of our conversations are predictable. My favorite is the "I know nothing." It goes something like this (Arabic purists please forgive, I have written these phonetically): Me: "Salaam" (Arabic Greeting) Him: "Salaam" Me: "Shlonak" How are you). Him: "Zien" (Good) or "Mu Zien" (Bad - when they say bad they always point with their hand at our vehicles and Marines setting security around with a tone of annoyance). Me: "Wane Eish?" (Where do you live?) If he points at the ground or the area around I ask with an inquiring tone "Biet" (House), usually they point to their house. At this point my Arabic is almost exhausted so my interpreter, by far one of the bravest man I ever met, begins a pre-planned spiel on why we are here, and exchanges pleasantries, asking about local crime and any needs of the population. We ask about crime because one "black ski mask gang", native or foreign, is like another, bouncing between "Mujahadeen" (Holy Warriors) and "Mujarem" (Criminals) as the mood suits them. The wants of the population are always one of two things, either electricity or water. Water is usually the more prevalent of the needs. I listen politely to the requests for water, power and security and promise to do what I can to get these to him. Usually the man I am talking to thanks me (Shukran), and I say "You're Welcome" (Afwan). Pleasantries complete I ask him whether he has seen any strangers. The answer is always "No." At this point, any English speaking ability the man has immediately disappears, from "Oxford to Al Anbar" faster than 0 to 60. I then ask, "Have you heard any loud noise, seen anyone with guns or anyone acting strangely?" The answer is always "No" repeated multiple times, two hands waving in front of his face and head shook side to side. Usually he invokes Allah's name a few times to testify to his honesty. My favorite trump card to play is then to ask them what they were doing yesterday (the time of the attack) and then walk them to the crater of yesterday's attack, or in some cases, the still smoking crater from that day's attack. Of course, their response, now much more vociferous in its physical emotion is still "No, I know nothing", vocabulary I have learned well, coupled with an even more strident invocation of Allah. Eventually my interpreter uses the facts in front of us to verbally persuade them to admit what they saw. For an Iraqi Army unit, quicker to scent duplicity, these interactions are immeasurably briefer and often more successful. I do not mean to say that no Iraqis help us ever. Quite the contrary. There are those rare brave souls whose hatred for the Muj or for the situation in general, willingly step forward and help us. These men, like my interpreter, are true heroes. Usually though, most Iraqis will not assist without a relationship developed over time, trust gained by longevity and the provision of basic necessities. They do not want to risk all without demonstrated staying power and proof positive you can impact the local situation. My life was saved by one such man about a month ago. In some cases they request the impossible but often it is easy to make changes on their level. In one instance, I visited a water starved village. After an hour of the mayor recounting the figuratively and literally "dry" history of the village, he finally explained that their water source had been stolen by a neighboring town who had tapped into the piping to increase their irrigation supply. This was an easy fix, as people usually do not say "no" when ordered by a Marine patrol to turn off their pirated water flow. The second and third order effect of such fortunate interaction is immeasurable. With all this said, the challenge of working in the cultural context is a pleasant intellectual hurdle to overcome, possessing an intimidating and stimulating duality. Far more difficult to overcome are the daily battles my platoon contends against complacency and fear. It is easy to become complacent here. Creature comforts increase, familiarity breeds relaxed vigilance, Marines start counting down the number of days until we go home and suddenly the mistakes I mentioned earlier occur. Similarly, fear creeps into the subconscious. The difference between Marines new in country and combat veterans is that a veteran knows that unlike film depiction, you don't see the sniper, you hear a -crack- and a Marine falls. At the moment of detonation, you don't see the IED that explodes under or beside you. You never see the dramatic blaze orange ball of flame, just the terrifying mid-sentence thunder of the blast, the instantaneous cloud of dark smoke and the overwhelming force of the overpressure from the charge pushing through the armor and shaking your entire body. The wounded do not cry out when they get hit. It all happens too suddenly to say a word. It's this knowledge, that everything can change in less than a heartbeat that gives combat Marines a bit of an edge, a confidence tinged with alert nerves. What carries my platoon through these struggles is the courageous leadership of my Non-Commissioned Officers, my Corporals and Sergeant, hardened perfectionists. An example of the impact and heroism that these NCOs have is Sergeant Isaac Luna of Kansas. Sgt Luna is a vehicle commander in another platoon in the Company. In the last month we have had sniper attacks on stationary units. Several have been killed and injured by this threat. A few weeks ago while operating in the city, Sergeant Luna's crew came under fire from a sniper. Private First Class Kimungu of New Hampshire was wounded across from his vehicle, the round penetrating his helmet. Though the shot was followed with a burst of small-arms fire, without a moment hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Sgt Luna rushed into the open street, administering a pressure bandage to PFC Luna. Though completely exposed, Sgt Luna did not abandon his position until relieved by the platoon corpsman, HM3 Cruze from the Bronx. Throughout, Sgt Luna remained in the street, securing the wounded Marine. This courage under fire is what NCOs bring to the fight. Examples like Sgt Luna's are important to me because they defy the alleged norm of human conduct. A recent essay I read contrasted the artwork of Mary Cassatt, glorying in simple beauty, with the more aesthetically erratic work of Joan Miro. The author sought to disprove the theory of critic Theordo Adorno that the horrors of modern war, exemplified by the Second World War, had forever thwarted the ability of art to convey the wonder of everyday human existence. This argument, carried to its logical conclusion, would point that in the face of brutality, the triumph of the human spirit over evil is now rendered impossible; that no action or expression can ever again convey humanity's finest qualities. I bring this relatively obscure argument to light because I think it is emblematic of the mindset that no good could come of what we do here. I will not lie, there are days where the things I see, the things I do, infest my heart with doubt. No one said war was a pleasant thing. Time and time again though, it is Marines like Sgt Luna who cleanse my soul. They have seen death at its ugliest, in the face of the wrecked body of a child. They have seen their brother in arms carried away in their final moments. They have faced fatigue, fear, boredom, complacency, a lack of personal space and home-sickness. Yet for all their adolescence of years, they continue to soldier on as "warriors for the working day" with the dark humor of combat infantry. I don't know whether they understand or care about the politics of this war. I have never asked them. All I do know is that I have seen them at their best and worst, as they have me. As much as they would rather be home, enjoying Holidays with their family (for most of us this is our third Holiday season away in three years), they seemdemigods when they can see the difference they make. Whether it is fighting the enemy, protecting the innocent, aiding the weak or defending one another, they are at their highest when most directly challenged. While I cannot paint, I wish I could because in those often unheralded moments, I see something approaching the sublime, despite what all the naysayers, cynics and critics might claim. I know this was a very long e-mail, largely because I am stuck in my "dry dock" for a few more days. To everyone thank-you for the outpouring of thoughts, prayers, letters and packages I receive. Special thanks to the citizenry of Tinley Park, Illinois, whose generous outpouring of care packages have ensured yet again a Merry Christmas for the Marines here. I will try to use the next few days to write back to those who have sent letters and e-mails. Thanks again and God Bless. Semper Fidelis, Brian Donlon Not all painting is done with brush and canvas. Words can provide a rich medium with which to portray the sublime against a backdrop of gritty reality. That was accomplished in this e-mail. Posted by Deb at 10:38 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack December 09, 2005 Last minute Operation Santa request from the sandbox We're wrapping up Operation Santa for this year - over 12,000 stocking mailed so far - but we just got the following request: The problem is we have some units in Afghanistan and Iraq that will not receive their MWR dollars in time to plan a Christmas holiday for the troops. Don't have an exact number of troops, and the Master Sgt that e-mailed me from Afgan (whom I know personally) has not been able to re-email me since. But if some stockings could be sent to their unit commander that would really help. Please let me know for sure though so I can tell them to expect something. Thank you again, and bless you both for all you are doing for our service members and their families. I'll be working this weekend to fill this request - if you'd like to donate to help with the cost of filling an additional 250 stockings, hit the PayPal donation button here (if you're not concerned with a tax deductible receipt) or on the Marine Corps Family Foundation site (be sure to note that it will be for the 1107th AVCRAD effort) if you want to be able to claim your donation on your taxes. Posted by Deb at 06:39 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack December 06, 2005 2/2 Commander's Update Here's a December update from LtCol Minick: Warlord Family and Friends, Success continues throughout our area of operations, particularly in preparation for the upcoming government elections on 15 December 2005. Our Marines continue to do great work and are achieving the priorities I established when we first arrived to Iraq. Daily they conduct counterinsurgency operations, train and work with the Iraqi Army, and conduct Civil Affairs Operations. All of these move towards the goal of preparing Iraq to determine the future of their country and our eventual departure. I am confident that we are on the right path and I continually see results and evidence of our success in all areas. Locating enemy weapons caches has been a major part of our success lately. Platoons have located thousands of enemy munitions and weapons of varying types. Most importantly, we have stripped from the battlefield the required ingredients to build Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's). This is critical and removes a source of supply from the enemy hands. In doing so, we continue to disrupt their ability to attack coalition forces and effect the upcoming elections. Another considerable change for us has been the weather. As innocuous as this sounds, after the 120+ degree Fahrenheit days of summer, the current daytime temperatures of 60's and 70's and nighttime temperatures in the 40's is welcome. Of course, as was expected, the Marines already have started complaining about the cold and the wish for the warmer weather. In that regard, I suspect I will never keep them happy. Nearly every day we have clouds, but so far no rain. December is supposed to be the wettest month in Iraq but in looking at the historical statistics, "wet" is a relative term in comparison to Camp Lejeune and other areas in the United States. Thanksgiving brought us a great good spread of traditional food at the chow hall, for those that were able to eat there. Despite the holiday, operations continued unabated so we trucked out food to every company firm base for those available to enjoy. The chow hall provided a decent feast with turkey, stuffing, all associated side dishes and tables of different types of deserts. Though not at home, we were able to enjoy time with fellow Marines during the holiday. Care packages have been flowing in regularly and I suspect that will increase during the Christmas holiday. For all that send them, we thank you very much. These actions mean a lot to each Marine and provide him a moment of relaxation and time to reflect on home and those he loves. We may not be with you during Christmas but will think of you and be with you in spirit. The reality of the ever-present danger in this fight was felt again this month. We suffered two casualties. LCpl Shiavoni on November 15th and LCpl Troyer on November 19th were taken from us on the field of battle. They were great men and Marines. The Task Force misses them deeply and we all pray for their families as we all struggle with this tragic loss. The Men will fight on in respect of their memory, for that is exactly what they would wish and deserve. To help counter our heartache, I'm pleased to announce more additions to the Warlord family. The dedication of our Task Force and their families is unsurpassed. The following households are enduring a deployment without the luxury of being together during this momentous time. I'm unable to describe my appreciation for your continued sacrifice. The following Warlords had recent additions: Capt Corry and Whitney Murphy; Nathan; H&S LCpl Jason and Amanda Flagale; Rio; Wpns LCpl Salome and Danielle Garcia; Reehna; Golf During the upcoming holiday, we wish we could be with you and will turn our thoughts to you regularly. Nonetheless, we will continue to push hard to ensure the elections are safe and eventless for the Iraqi people as they exercise their right to vote and take ownership in their future. This is my 10th of 13 newsletters. I hope they help to keep you updated on the successes of our Task Force. They amaze and impress me daily. Thank you for your continued loyal support. I remain Semper Fidelis, James J. Minick Posted by Deb at 10:27 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack November 10, 2005 Happy Birthday Marines! The 230th birthday of the United States Marine Corps was celebrated today wherever Marines congregated. Last year, General Hagee authorized 2 beers and a ration of rum for each Marine in Iraq. Everybody was 21 that day. This year, here's how one deployed Marine celebrated: OK last year I got to wake up with my beautiful wife at Parris Island and go get a sweet Eagle Globe and Anchor Tat on the MC Birthday and I thought to myself this is the best one yet. I was wrong. Tonight I ran the gauntlet through Karmah a crappy little town next to Fallujah that keeps us busy taking care of Ali baba and all the Misters on a regular basis, not a good place. But it is a place that hold 4 small AO's with small detactments of Marines, who live the basic life and get 2 hot meals a week. BUT it the dang Corps Birthday, 230 years of taking the garbage out, so those boys deserve their cake just like all Marines around the world, ssooo tonight I hooked up with a buddy of mine from 2/2 and we went on a cake run. It was awesome, only had to stop once for possible IED's which was great because its usually 2-4 times a trip. made it to all for AO's and got to get Marines their frikken Birthday cake. THIS is the best birthday I have ever had. Happy frikken birthday Marines, go get your piece of cake( and drink one for us) From me and my Marines in Camp Fallujah Iraq. We had to wrap them in trashbags, because of the nasty dust. Happy Birthday to all Marines. And, a special thanks to the ladies of the Vancouver Washington Marine Corps League Women's Auxiliary who spent a day making and sending birthday cards for Marines around the world, including my son. Posted by Deb at 09:56 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack November 05, 2005 2/2 Warlord Update LtCol Minick, CO for 2/2 Warlords, sends this update from the sandbox: 1 November 2005 Warlord Family and Friends, Following a successful constitutional referendum, 2/2 continued to aggressively pursue the enemy throughout the area of operations. Data received indicates that a significant increase in the percentage of Sunnis voted in comparison to the January 2004 interim government election. Now that the people have accepted the constitution, another election in mid-December will be to elect a new government to serve for the next five years. Whatever final form the government takes, the important point is that the Iraqis are exercising democratic rights. A big part of counterinsurgency is separating the people from the insurgent, causing them to lose popular support. Our Civil Affairs effort is working to support that goal by identifying needs within each given area, coordinating with the Marine Company Commander and local Iraqi civil leaders and Sheikhs. The ultimate goal is to assist the Iraqis in developing their economy. Long-term employment will improve the lives of the populace and provide hope and reason to pursue peace for all. Our Iraq counterparts in the Iraqi Army continue to do an outstanding job in their assigned area of operations. Their competency and skill continues to improve and with their ability to conduct operations with minimal or no Marine support has furthered our ability to influence a much wider area. They are a major part of the future success of this country. As well, Iraqi Police forces are developing and will begin to provide the enforcement of laws as the new government develops. The rule of law is vital to achieving peace and security. With Iraqi Security Forces providing security, the people can feel safe to live their lives, educate their children, go the mosque, and work to improve the economy. Amidst our success, the Warlords suffered very painful losses. From Mobile Assault Platoon White, Weapons Company, SSgt Pummill, LCpl Russoli and LCpl Szwydek were killed in action. Easy Company lost Capt Swisher their company commander, Sgt Hodshire, Cpl Cockerham, HM3 Thompson, and LCpl Butler. We will miss them deeply and will continue to pray for their families that they may find peace and strength. The Warlords will continue the fight against insurgents while improving the daily lives of Iraqi citizens. By continuing to do so, we honor our fallen Marines. After such sobering and tragic losses the news of newborn Warlords help us recover and find hope in troubling times. I'm pleased to announce the additions to two families in Golf Company. Captain Joel and Lisa Schmidt Alexander Golf Corporal Michael and Nichole Donnelly Dylan Golf More great news for the Donnelly family. Corporal Michael Donnelly (Co G) was selected for meritorious promotion to Sergeant Nov 2nd. He was competing against a very competitive field from several other battalions and independent commands. We are extremely proud of him and happy for his family. The following Marines were promoted and I want to offer my congratulations to them. Maj Brandon Conway Weapons Company 1 October GySgt Keith Harris Golf Company 1 October Capt Stephen Musick H&S Company, Supply 1 November SSgt Michael Skinta H&S Company, Sniper Platoon 1 November GySgt Mike Smith (frocked) H&S Company 1 November In closing, I would like to express my continued THANKS for the great support our Men are getting from those of you back home. You are truly "force multipliers" as you pump-up the morale with care packages, letters and emails. Special thanks to our Key Volunteer Network, led by Jayme Alexander and her terrific team of coordinators. During these trying times as we deal with our casualties they have been superb. We are half way to the end of our deployment. We remain focused on the mission and each other and will not get distracted by approaching "Homecomings". We have too much to accomplish. To be sure, we all cherish the day we are home with our loved ones. I remain Semper Fidelis, James J Minick 2/2 Marines are one of our Operation Santa battalions - in addition to her Key Volunteer duties, Jayme Alexander is making sure that all 2/2 Marines have a happy holiday. If you'd like to help, contact us at operationsanta@marinecorpsmoms.com. Posted by Deb at 04:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack November 04, 2005 "And here they fly Old Glory proudly" - report from Fallujah Here's a must read from the American Courage Newsletter. It's written by a civilian employee who is in Fallujah, working with Marines. Hello all! I am now a resident of Fallujah. As I have found, this is a very different place from Victory, and a very different world. The Marines run Fallujah. Marines are different. Their way of life is different. More disciplined. More regimented. More austere. Harder. I'm surrounded by dozens of them when I go to chow or to the Morale Center (the MWR). Especially at the MWR, it's mostly the youngest of the Marines in what must be the closest thing to a purely social gathering they'll experience here. Few NCOs and fewer officers, just them and their buds. They're young men, mostly Privates, Lance Corporals and Corporals, between the ages of 18 and 22. They're slim and lean of build, yet muscular. Broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip, as Jimmy Dean would say. There are no chubby Marines here. Almost to a man, they wear their hair high and tight: buzzed on the sides with just a close-cropped shock on top to give their Kevlar helmet a lightly padded resting place. A few shave their heads altogether but most wear the sidewalls. Many have a white stripe on either side of their face, running between the eye and the ear, where their skin was shielded from the harsh Arabian sun by their sunglasses or dust goggles. All are clean shaven, though some don't look like they need it regularly. Some still haven't outgrown acne. They're good, honest faces. When they look at you or speak to you, you sense that there is no nonsense about them; no guile in their manner. It's as if their life is too busy and their spare time too precious to fritter it away on anything but straightforwardness and candor. Their life here revolves around linear thinking and linear action, going straight from Point A to Point B. And their demeanor shows it. Their behavior is more reserved than I've come to expect from a gathering of the same age group from any other service. No braggadocio and no trash talking. It's not that they're deathly grim, they're just not as boisterous as a typical group of American 20-year-olds. They're aware that their next appointment with fate is only a few hours and a few hundred yards away. And the only thing that keeps them alive tomorrow could well be that pimple-faced Marine sitting next to them. In this setting you truly can sense the depth of their camaraderie; the respect among those who've shared a common, life-changing experience. They behave as if they were family, a brotherhood of baby-faced warriors. The job of the Marines is different, which makes them different. They don't rely on all manner of 21st Century techno-wizardry, like the Army or Air Force. Sure, they have tanks and helicopters and night vision goggles and the like, but those do not form the core of the Marine's order of battle. To them, the perfect weapon is a gutsy Marine with a keen eye, a steady hand, and a rifle that shoots straight. These are serious people doing a deadly serious job. It's a difference they wear on their faces. The Marines make this place different. Frivolous living takes away the edge; hard living makes hard men. They pay scant attention to creature comforts and don't "waste" precious assets on it. Why buy a billiard table for the Unit's rec room when you could spend the same dollars on another 20,000 rounds of 5.56 ammunition? Besides, anything necessary for living already was issued to them but the Corps. Officer and enlisted, their entire world packs away into just two duffle bags and a ruck sack. Marines talk differently, too. It's a port, not a door, a deck not the floor and a head, not a toilet. Equipment or personal items aren't lost, they're adrift. It takes a bit of getting used to. Most everything they do for recreation involves athletic competition (it enhances both fitness and Esprit de Corps). And the equipment list rarely is longer than a football and an open field or a volleyball and a net. It makes no difference that it's only a friendly game; they still play like their lives depended on it. Here they fly the US flag. It always has been understood that Camp Victory was an Iraqi base, albeit with a large number of Americans residing on it. It would have been disrespectful to the "landlords" to fly an American flag there, so none were. The US flag was never flown on the installation where I lived in Honduras many moons ago, and for the same reason. There is no such concern for the host's sensibilities here. This was never a palatial compound. It was us -- the US -- who dislodged the terrorist vermin from this place and it is we who man this post. And here they fly Old Glory proudly. Basically the entire camp is as safe as a typical police station. Camp Victory butts up against some outlying Baghdad neighborhoods so certain areas of the camp have locals living right outside the wall. And they sometimes toss "surprises" over that wall and into the compound. Here at Camp Fallujah, on the other hand, the Marines have cleared back any semblance of vegetation or habitation for what seems like several hundred yards from the camp's outer wall. That cinderblock wall is pretty tall (I'm guessing 11 or 12 feet) and this place is so flat that there are very few spots where you can stand on the ground and see anything beyond it. Where you "can" see past the wall, the most apropos image I can think of to describe it is Hiroshima after the bomb. The ground is barren and strewn with destroyed vehicles, both civilian and military. There is nothing there but desert and rusted hulks, a barren and desolate monochrome brown as far as you can see. Marines man the numerous guard towers and scan the surrounding wasteland for anything approaching the camp. Anything that appears in that no man's land and looks to be headed toward the wall automatically is presumed to be hostile and reduced to just another piece of the lifeless landscape. It's a very stark image but it also is reassuring to know that none of the bad guys can get anywhere close to here without incurring the wrath of the bulldogs of the USMC. They guard their homes fiercely. The PX here is the smallest I've seen in Iraq. And come payday, the Marines descend on it like so many locusts. With that double-whammy, the shortages I've seen elsewhere are even more widespread here. When we first got here, they were out of practically all the items I needed to set up housekeeping in my new swingin' bachelor pad (aka "bunker"). I wanted a reading lamp to replace the one I'd abandoned when I left Camp Victory. The PX had the lamps but only 115 VAc light bulbs. The current here is 220VAc. They were out of fly swatters. And brooms. And buckets. And mops, er swabs. And extension cords/power strips. But they did have an impressive selection of decorative Christmas lights. When I moved in, my bunker... I mean my room... was filthy. There was dust a full quarter inch deep on the window sills. Not house dust but the brown stuff that passes for desert sand here. The walls and part of the ceiling were streaked with the same stuff. The room stank with the same earthen odor as a dust storm. Since this used to be a bath house, the obvious solution was just hose it down and swab it out. But the PX had no buckets. Or mops, er swabs. Or detergent (except liquid Dial hand soap). It took us three days to find a mop and bucket that we could borrow from the Marines. Then it took my roommate and me a solid eight sweat-soaked hours to scrub the grime out of the room. We worked from top down, naturally, and by the time the floor had dried, there was dust settled on the window sills again. Our site lead spends a lot of time trying to convince us it could be worse. If he's hoping to convince me, he's got quite a lot of ground yet to cover. P.S., If you think the invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with the greater international war on terror, you need to come here and look around. This place was West Point for the Islamo-Fascist terrorist crowd. Saddam hosted training for all the major flavors of Muslim terrorism in this place, including Al Qa'aida, the Taliban and the PLO. The dormitories and some of the military-style training facilities (obstacle courses, etc.) still are there. Some of the things I have seen here send chills down my spine because they are undeniable proof of the unholy terror that was grown here to be exported to the rest of the world. I think I understand the revulsion that the Allied liberators of the Nazi concentration camps at the end of WWII must have felt. Eventually I will post pictures that I think are conclusive enough to sway all but the Kool-Aid drinking anti-war crowd that Saddam was growing an infectious disease here to be loosed on the Western world in general and the US in particular. One photo in particular shows a dormitory wall painted with an Iraqi flag and a Palestinian flag waving over an American eagle, beside which is written in Arabic, "Death to America". That one shot pretty much says it all.If Chuckie Schumer or Cindy Sheehan or Teddy (hic!) Kennedy or any other of the anti-war moon bats were to come here, open their eyes and see what I've seen, they'd know better (thought I expect they'd never admit it). Posted by Deb at 07:14 PM November 02, 2005 2/6 update LtCol Scott Aiken, 2/6 Commander sends this update from the sandbox: I would like to reiterate that it is imperative for all friends and family members to maintain operational security. Please do not discuss any specific information over the phone or in letters, such as locations, troop movements, times, dates, etc. E-mails via the internet and chat rooms are non-secure sites that are easily compromised. Again, this is for the safety and welfare of all of the Marines, Sailors and Soldiers (both U.S. And Iraqi) of Task Force 2/6. We have had several "scrapes" with the enemy this week. Our men and the Iraqi soldiers we are partnered with performed well; you should be proud! The weather here is getting cooler but remains extremely dry. The country continues to observe the Islamic tradition of Ramadan, which will end in early November. Thank you all for your support of 2/6. Your gifts of e-mails, letters, care packages, and words of inspiration and gratitude are crucial. Have a happy halloween! 2/6 is one of our Operation Santa battalions. If you'd like to help by adopting a platoon or making a donation, e-mail operationsanta@marinecorpsmoms.com. Posted by Deb at 10:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack October 22, 2005 2/2 Marines - Commander's Update Via Jarhead Dad, here's a battleground update from LtCol Minick, battalion commander for the Warlords of 2/2: Yesterday the government of Iraq declared a national holiday to further support the turnout for the Constitutional Referendum. Our Marines did not allow the insurgents to circumvent the Iraqis march towards democracy. As always, your Marines performed exceptionally. I am proud to be here as part of the Warlord family that helped this new country forge its path towards a new tomorrow. Preparing for the elections was a tremendous task. The combined effort by the people of Iraq, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI), and the Coalition Forces ensured the success of yesterday’s referendum. Our higher headquarters, the 2d Marine Expeditionary Force, planned extensively with the interim government. However, it was the IECI and interim government that determined the Marines would not be directly tasked with securing the individual polling sites. Instead, we were postured ready to respond to any incident within our area of operations (AO). The companies and the battalion staff worked diligently to prepare and organize our forces to accomplish this task. Their hard work executing disruption operations prior to the referendum and their continued active security patrols yesterday ensured a safe voting environment for the Iraqi people. Also, the 1-4-1 Iraqi Army and the newly created Karmah Police contributed to a peaceful referendum. Not only did they help secure the poll sites, but also they actively took part in their new democratic government by casting votes of their own. As you may know, our AO is predominately Sunni. During the January election, this segment of the Iraqi population stayed away from the polls. This was not the case yesterday. Your Marines and the Iraqi Security Forces have clearly gained the confidence of the citizens in Karmah and Nasser Wa Salaam. Regardless of the outcome, the choice was the Iraqis to make. The fate of their country is increasingly in their hands. This historic election and promising future for the good people of Iraq did not come without a costly price. The Task Force suffered a tremendous loss. On the 6th of October our Warlords lost four of our bravest and best men. Cpl Cherava, LCpl Kenny, LCpl Frye, and PFC Cabino all from Golf Company, were going to the aid of their fellow Marines when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacked them. Words cannot describe how much they meant to us, or the magnitude they will be missed. At this time, we can only pray for their families as they struggle with this tragic loss. Their death will not be in vain, and we will continue the mission that we started together, as they would have wished. We will bring freedom and peace to the people of Iraq, and we will honor their memory with our deeds. The Marines continue to inspire me with their dedication and selfless service. I am fortunate to be surrounded by such men. Thank you all for your continued support of Task Force 2/2. We could not carry on with the mission without your letters, care packages, and words of inspiration and gratitude. Every day brings a new opportunity to preserve the freedom of a democratic Iraq. The Warlords are honored to have this opportunity, and I am humbled to lead them. Have a happy Halloween. I remain Semper Fidelis, James J Minick Posted by Deb at 11:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack October 11, 2005 2/6 Update From Iraq Lieutenant Colonel Scott Aiken, Battalion Commander of Second Battalion, Sixth Marines, sends along this update: Our sister battalion from the Sixth Marine Regiment is en route back to Camp Lejeune. They have done an outstanding job; we wish them a safe trip home. We hope they have a happy homecoming with their loved ones. The voters of Iraq are preparing to vote in their constitutional referendum on October 15. Our mission is to provide them a safe security environment so they can vote. The weather here continues to be warm and dry. Cooling spell is occurring with high eighties. The country continues to observe the Islamic tradition of Ramadan. Posted by Deb at 02:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack October 10, 2005 America's military as first responder Following natural disasters, the world looks to the United States to help out. After the tsunami last winter, our military spent weeks ferrying supplies, coordinating logistics, and being a friend to the people who have experienced devastation. The photo below shows the cargo bay of a C-17 en route to Pakistan from Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan. Our military presence in Afghanistan provided a head start on providing food, water, medicine, and blankets for Pakistanis affected by the earthquake. U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. James H. Cunningham From SPC Claude Flowers at Centcom, here's a description of current efforts in Pakistan: A United States Air Force C-17 delivered the first relief supplies here within 48 hours of the devastating earthquake that has left thousands dead and thousands more injured and displaced. The aircraft and its crew from the 7th Airlift Squadron, McChord Air Force Base, Wash., delivered 12 pallets - weighing almost 90,000 pounds - of food, water, medicine and blankets from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. With only a few hours notice, Airmen and soldiers at Bagram, successfully worked to palletize the humanitarian relief supplies and prepare them for the flight. Three aerial port specialists were also on the flight to coordinate and manage the cargo once it arrived at Islamabad. "This was a total team effort," said Col. Mike Isherwood, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Vice Commander. "Our hearts go out to all those affected by the earthquake and we are thankful we were able to help out." Pakistan Army Brig. Gen. Imtiaz Sherazi, director of logistics, is coordinating the relief efforts as supplies arrive and ensuring rapid distribution of assistance to areas that need it most. Said General Sherazi, "These items are very valuable to us because there are lots of people in great distress." As relief efforts are ongoing worldwide, United States Central Command will continue to identify and provide additional capabilities for airborne reconnaissance, heavy lift ground equipment, medical support, shelters, rations and water to aid and assist the people of Pakistan. Posted by Deb at 11:38 AM September 21, 2005 The kids of Iraq Photo by Cpl. Ken Melton LCpl John Anderson, deployed with 3/25 Marines, with 4-year old Afooie. When my son was interviewed by the local paper last summer while home on leave, he was asked what he enjoyed most about being in Iraq. Without hesitation, he answered, "the kids - they're just like kids anywhere". When the reporter asked for details, he mentioned setting up observation posts inside local homes and spending 24 hour or so with the family. During that time, they'd play with the children and show the "no better friend" side of the Marine Corps to the adults. Here's a story about 3/25 Marines in Hit who take much the same approach. While patrolling through the city of Hit, Marines with 1st Platoon, K Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment decided to rest in a nearby house to escape the sweltering heat. After asking permission to enter the house, the residents were nervous and unsure of their visitors' intentions. The smallest member of the household, though, approached the Marines and began to question and eventually played with them. The Marines, impressed by the child's courage answered his questions and responded playfully with him. After awhile, the 4-year-old child named Afooie left and later returned with his other playmates to introduce them to his new friends. "It was a relief from our day-to-day actions just to play with them," said 23-year-old Lance Cpl. John W. Anderson, an assistant team leader with 3rd squad. "It reminded us what we were over here for." An hour later, the Marines were once again back on their patrol, though the child and his parents asked them to stay awhile longer. "They seemed sad that we had to leave, but we had a job to do," the Delmont, Penn., native said. A few days later, his squad was in the same area so they decided to visit their friends again. Upon approaching the house, they were instantly recognized by Afooie, who greeted them and then ran off to retrieve his other friends. "Most of the Marines have younger family members back home and when they interact with these children it's like they're back home," the 2001 Franklin Regional High School graduate said. "Not only that, but it also gets the citizens used to having military personnel in the area." Since then, they have seen a positive change in the adults' attitudes in the area. Most admit they were scared to walk the streets because of the insurgents and now feel safer because the Multi-National Forces are in the area. Some even provide the Marines information about unusual activity and invite them to stay in their homes when they are on patrol. "People are upset that the insurgents are killing civilians in their attempt to hurt us," said Painesville, Ohio, native, Sgt. Peter J. Rivera, a squad leader with 3rd Platoon. "People understand that we are here to help and it makes these guys feel good that they are making a difference." The squad, along with the Iraqi Security Force, visits Afooie and his friends when they are patrolling in the area. When on these patrols, they often carry toys, hygiene items and candy for their young friends. "By doing little things like this, they are helping the country by befriending the younger generation who in years to come will view the military as friends," said Rivera, a 33-year-old father of four children and 1990 Harvey High School graduate. "When they get older they will help us help their country." Posted by Deb at 04:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack September 19, 2005 1/2 prepares for future deployment LtCol "Drew" Smith sends this update for families and friends of his 1/2 Marines: Greetings to the families and friends of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, Second Marines. At the time of the last update, the BLT was embarked aboard amphibious shipping and was fully engaged in the execution of the Expeditionary Strike Group Exercise (ESGEX). I am pleased to report that the exercise went extremely well with each company displaying very sound integration with our US Navy counterparts and demonstrating excellence in their core capabilities as each responded to simulated real-world contingencies. It is worth noting that the completion of the ESGEX represents a significant step in the BLT's overall pre-deployment training schedule. We now have our sights set on the Certification Exercise, or CERTEX; another combined “at-sea�? and ground training evolution that will begin in mid-September and will carry through to the first week of October. It is during this exercise that the BLT will be formally evaluated in its ability to execute special operations and conventional missions as the Ground Combat Element (GCE) of 22 MEU. The CERTEX has all the makings of being a very demanding and rewarding training evolution. The BLT has worked very hard up to this point and in a wide variety of areas to increase its tactical proficiency and enhance its overall ability to successfully accomplish assigned missions. I have complete confidence that the superb team of Marines and Sailors that comprise BLT 1/2 will aggressively meet and exceed mission objectives. I look forward to sharing the many stories of mission success with you in mid October. My hope is that the Labor Day Holiday offered a time for our Marines, Sailors and families to relax and enjoy a few days away from the training schedule. It is worth noting that the BLT, as the Air Contingency Battalion (ACB), had increased its alert posture briefly over the Labor Day Weekend in anticipation of supporting aid and recovery operations in New Orleans, LA. In the end, a fellow infantry battalion from here in Camp Lejeune was directed to deploy to New Orleans area, thus allowing the BLT and 22 MEU to continue its training schedule and prepare for the up and coming deployment. The BLT remains the ACB; however, it along with the other elements of 22 MEU will not deploy in support of the disaster relief operations in and around New Orleans. I want to add my personal "thanks" to all for the safe conduct of the holiday period. As you might suspect, longer holiday weekends allow for personnel to travel longer distances to see family and friends than what can be executed on regular weekends. As the Commanding Officer, I take great reward in seeing my Marines and Sailors enjoying well-deserved time off with family and friends. I can understand that I am also greatly relieved when my commanders report to me that they have recovered all their personnel safely after any liberty period, and particularly after a long holiday weekend. It is during the latter periods that personnel will often attempt to drive longer distances, at times with increased speed, in order to maximize the time with friends and loved ones. I have also found that some of our younger warriors tend to press the envelope in recreational activities. Speed, fatigue and mixing driving and recreational activities with alcohol continue to be the primary factors in injury and death to Marines and Sailors. Before my Marines and Sailors depart for the weekend, they are exposed to several different operational risk management (ORM) initiatives, ranging from safety briefs to vehicle safety inspections, and review of travel plans should they be traveling in their personal automobile. Leaders within the BLT are pressing home the message of safety in all that we do. I humbly ask that moms and dads, brothers, sisters and friends help us reinforce to our service members the importance of safe and responsible conduct while on liberty. The strength of this BLT rests in the health and readiness, faithful service and professional contributions of each of its members. The contributions to that end by our families and friends located in hometowns are invaluable. Please keep up the great work. The first and second week of September will find the BLT engaged in a variety of activities in preparation for the CERTEX and the impending deployment. The list of requirements and events is long and varied and ranges from a detailed maintenance inspection, enhanced rifle marksmanship training, medical and dental readiness, to instruction on ship-board fire fighting and thorough administrative review of individual's service records including updating of wills, powers of attorney and record of emergency data. We will be leaning forward in completing these very important requirements so that our Marines and Sailors can return from a successful CERTEX in early October, clean and ready their weapons and equipment for the deployment, and then ready themselves for a well-deserved pre-deployment leave period. With regard to the pre-deployment leave period, I envision the BLT being authorized to take leave from the 12th to the 31st of October. At this writing, I know of no circumstances, or contingencies that would prevent leave from occurring during the aforementioned period. I will add that there is always the possibility of developing real-world requirements impacting the leave period, so I would ask that you maintain good communication with your service member to receive any updates. For now, "it looks good" for the 12-31 October. Specific guidance will be provided to the Marines and Sailors on when they will be authorized to depart on the 12th and when they will be expected to be physically back and accounted for in the BLT area on the 31st. Finally, I want to extend my most sincere thanks to two groups; the ladies that make up the BLT 1/2 Key Volunteer Network and our families. The first group plays an integral role in the overall readiness of this organization. This group of over thirty ladies - spouses of our Marines and Sailors - serve as a conduit of information and referrals for assistance for both our married and single personnel. The second group, our families deserve the utmost appreciation for supporting their respective Marine or Sailor while they serve our great nation. "Thanks for all you do." Until next time, "best regards to all." 1/2 Battalion is comprised of three rifle companies, a weapons company, and a headquarters company. They arereinforced by a variety of forces from throughout the 2nd MARDIV, including tanks, assault amphibian vehicles, combat engineers, etc. Collectively, the reinforced battalion is referred to as a Battalion Landing Team. Posted by Deb at 11:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack September 12, 2005 New Orleans Marines ride out the hurricane When Hurricane Katrina hit, the base in New Orleans was evacuated and most Marines headed for higher - and dryer - ground, Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Davis and Sgt. Lorenzo L. Edwards were the only Marines among 25 troops who volunteered to remain behind at the Naval Air Station, watching the storm from a supply bay. "I have been through typhoons in Okinawa, Japan, but this was worse than anything I ever saw there," said Davis, 3/23 electronics maintenance chief. "I volunteered because I knew my family was out of harm's way and I could be more useful here," said Edwards, a mechanic. "Growing up in Alabama, I have been through many hurricanes, so I knew what to expect." As soon as the winds died down, they went to work clearing the Coast Guard landing zones of debris and fallen trees so that search and rescue operations could begin. Next, they loaded seven ton trucks with essentials - food, water, fuel and other supplies - for those in need. The troops ran multiple convoys each day and were, at the time, the only supply force on the west side of the river. In their spare time, they welcomed Marines from the 24th MEU, setting them up with work space and billets. "We helped in any way we could to get (the MEU) set up," Edwards said. "We gave them information on what was happening on and off base to provide them with better situational awareness." "I take pride in not only helping as a Marine, but as a resident of this community," Davis said. (Story details provided by Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis.) Posted by Deb at 06:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack September 08, 2005 2/7 Update from Fallujah Lt Col JA L'Etoile included this reflection in his latest letter to the families of his 2/7 Marines: Our sacrifices are not without gain. Every day the citizens of Fallujah are one step closer to self determination. The city is vibrant with reconstruction and the terrorists are finding our area of operations tougher and tougher to operate in. We have been successful in taking a number of the enemy off the streets and we have uncovered a considerable amount of weapons, explosives and other contraband. Each one of these events prevents violent acts of terrorism. Additionally, our partners in the Iraqi Army continue to make great strides. We are no longer the new Marines and Sailors on the block here in Fallujah. The 2nd Bn, 2nd Marines arrived recently and have taken their position on our flank. It's hard to believe that most of us have been here 55 days already. Regardless, there is much work left to be done. As the political and military events of Iraq play out you can rest assured that your loved ones are in the best company possible, the company of their fellow Marines and Sailors. Together we will accomplish what our Nation asks, and return to our loved ones. Semper Fidelis Posted by Deb at 09:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack August 12, 2005 2/7 update from Fallujah The families of 2/7 Marines showed their support as 2/7 Marines deployed from 29 Palms last month. Here's the most recent update from LtCol L'Etoile . The last of the 3rd Bn, 4th Marines has left and will be returning to 29 Palms any day. We now own our little chunk of Iraq and we are working hard to make it a better place. Our priorities right now are to learn the city, its people, and to gain a better understanding of the unique problems that we face. Fallujah and its surrounds are a complicated operational environment. At any given time our Marines are the cop on the street, ambassadors of America, combat troops, and general problem solvers for the Iraqi people. They are doing a great job. We have already established very good working, and in some cases personal, relationships with our partners in the Iraqi Army. The Marines understand how important the development of the Iraqi Army is to the success of our mission. For this reason, the majority of the patrolling and post standing that we do is in conjunction with the Iraqi soldiers. It is very encouraging to see our young Marines picking up key Arabic Phrases and the young Iraqi soldiers expressing themselves in English. In most cases the most productive thing I can do toward building the Marine and Iraqi Army partnership is to put our young men together with the Iraqis and then get out of the way. The rebuilding of the city continues at an encouraging pace. Everywhere you go there are piles of bricks and sand and hundreds of builders putting Fallujah back together. We have a long way to go before the wounds of terrorism and war are healed over, but our Nation's investment in Iraq is present everywhere you look, to include in the smiles of most of the Fallujahns. In my mind we have completed the first phase of our tour in Iraq, namely our deployment and settling to our battlespace. We have found our stride and we are getting better and better and finding our enemy and his caches of weapons. We have had some great early successes working with the Iraqi Army, and we are gaining the respect of the Fallujans one patrol and one Marine at a time. I am very proud of all our Marines and Sailors. We miss all of you and appreciate the support from the folks back home. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. Posted by Deb at 10:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack July 13, 2005 2/7 War Dawgs arrive in Fallujah 2/7 has arrived in Iraq - here's the first update from LtCol L'Etoile: Friends and families of the 2nd Bn, 7th Marines, We have arrived safe and sound and are currently conducting a relief in place with the 3rd Bn, 4th Marines in and around Fallujah. Soon we will be arrayed throughout our area of operations conducting counter insurgency operations and developing the Iraqi Security Forces. 3/4 is doing a great job showing us the ropes and setting us up for success. Lt Col Kennedy and the Marines of 3/4 have performed magnificently and should be proud of what they have accomplished in this troubled city. Much work remains to be done, but the foundations for success have been laid and 2/7 is up to the challenge. The movement to Iraq could not have gone smoother. The operations and logistics Marines of the Bn (S-3 and S-4) flawlessly planned and executed the movement of nearly 1000 Marines and our gear halfway around the world and delivered us to our Forward Operating Base here at Camp Mercury without a hitch. Of course it was the SNCOs of the battalion, as it always is, who ensured we arrived with all of our gear, organized, and ready to operate. I could not be prouder of our Senior Enlisted leaders. The Marines are in exceptionally high spirits and I have never seen a more cohesive and energetic team. Our small unit leaders have prepared our Marines well, the Marines are good and they know it! Certainly there are challenges ahead, but none that we cannot handle. If you have not heard from your Marine please understand. A relief in place of one battalion by another is a very busy time. Additionally, two battalions are currently swamping any phone and internet services available. Soon your loved ones will have time to catch their breath and write a letter, send an e-mail, or place a phone call. Until then, know that you are all in our hearts and that we look forward to your letters and e-mails. Semper Fidelis Lt Col JA L'Etoile Posted by Deb at 08:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack July 09, 2005 Greetings from 26th MEU Here's the message that Col. Tom Qualls sent to the family and friends of his Marines: Friends and family of the 26th MEU, All's well here out on the edge-the edge of the sword. Busy, but doin' well. The Marines/Sailors of the 26th MEU (SOC) are presently employed in eight different countries throughout the Central Command Area of Responsibility. We trust ya'll are enjoying the festivities of the 4th of July as we defend the principles of the 4th from far away. To give you a vague glimpse of what we are up to: you've got Marines/Sailors providing counter-terrorist training to foreign military forces in a nearby nation that will enable them to react to terrorist incidents better on their own; you've got Marines/Sailors conducting security reinforcements in another nation; in our biggest operational thrust to date, you've got Marines/Sailors performing recon/intelligence/surveillance ops deep in another country; here at sea we have Marines and machines who are working to defend critical economic areas and points of interest; and rounding out the many countries we are operating in, we have numerous logistical Marines scattered ashore at sites keeping the 2,134 Marines/Sailors of the MEU supplied with beans, bullets and band aids. While just a few of us will have the chance to celebrate, most will not. We are pretty busy operating, planning, and controlling today's, tomorrow's and next month's events. We have many opportunities to have an impact in our remaining months here. Rest assured though, each of us is appreciative of the support you are providing while we are supporting our nation, our "One Nation Under God, with Liberty and Justice for all." Today and tonight, think of us as the children laugh and play, and as the fireworks explode high above in a starlit sky. We will be thinking of you too knowing you are celebrating the very freedoms we are defending on this special day. You are helping us make a difference. See ya soon. Happy Independence Day! Semper Fidelis, Colonel Tom Qualls Posted by Deb at 12:19 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack July 08, 2005 3/25 passes the halfway point and reminds us that "You can't stop the clock" H&S Company sends this report: Hello again to all the friends and families of 3\25. The past two months have continued to be demanding for each Marine and the Company as a whole. Fortunately the pace only makes the time seem to move faster as they have little time to sit idle and think about home. They don't seem to mind the pace though. The oft-heard mantra of "You can't stop the clock" is getting louder. Sprits went up this month as we officially crested the halfway point of the in-country deployment. The weather is pretty warm now with temperatures consistently above 100 degrees. A dip below 90 degrees would probably trigger hypothermia. It's dust and wind season here as well. Although all we notice is the view from the top of the dam changes everyday. It's been amazing to watch the company adapt to new challenges each day. The intense multi discipline training the Marines accomplished in California prepared them well for the multitude of demands unique to this conflict. Most work within their specialties each day, but when the need arises they've proven their skills serving with mobile patrols, quick reaction forces, observation posts, and unfortunately corpsmen. They know now, that together, they can accomplish anything. The future of Iraq is upon us now as we move to integrate with the newly developing Iraqi Army. Marines in Hit were already working with the old ING (Iraqi National Guard) - since dissolved, but they are about to receive a company that will be based with them. The importance of working along side the [Iraqi] soldiers is not lost on the Marines. These will be [Iraqi] soldiers that assume our duties sometime in the future. The future of Iraq is ultimately in their hands. Operations continue on constant roll, as most of you are probably aware of from watching the news. What is typically hard to grasp from the media is the breadth of success we see during the operations. Again the training has paid off as the Marines negotiate rooting out the insurgents while protecting the innocent people of Iraq. The daily take of weapons caches and detainees is constant while the professionalism of the Marines has won the respect of countless civilians. The task at hand is typically difficult and stressful yet the Marines confidence and resolve is unwavering. There is no doubt that the pride that keeps the Company moving is bolstered by the support of our friends and families back home. The continuous e-mail contact, letters and care packages keep the Marines connected with a familiar outside world. They are constantly reminded of who they are, where they came from and why they are here. I am once again at a loss to describe just how proud I am of your sons, husbands and fathers. They are truly an inspiration to all. Posted by Deb at 10:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack July 04, 2005 4th of July at Al Asad Members of the Al Asad joint service color guard post the colors during the Independence Day observance here, July 4. Photo and story details by: Cpl. C. Alex Herron Here's a glimpse of Independence Day at Al Asad in Iraq where Marines gathered to celebrate in one of the world's newest democracies. Cpl. Alex Herron was there - here's what he observed: Following its adoption in July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read to the public in various American cities. Whenever it was heard, patriots erupted in cheer and celebration. In 1777, a year after John Hancock, the President of the 2nd Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphians remembered the 4th of July with ringing bells, firing guns, lighting candles, and setting off fireworks. When the Revolutionary War ended in 1783, July 4 became a holiday in only certain places around the country. In Boston, it replaced the date of the Boston Massacre, March 5, as its major patriotic holiday. Speeches, military events, parades and fireworks marked the day. In 1941, Congress declared July 4 a federal holiday. The second president, John Adams, would have approved. "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival," he wrote his wife, Abigail. "It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..." For Marines serving in Iraq there may not be pomp or parades, but the holiday was celebrated during an Independence Day observance here. "It is important to celebrate and not forget the importance of the Fourth of July," said Cmdr. Ron Brown, command chaplain for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing here. Following the sentiments of a fellow chaplain, Brown said, "Millions of people have served the armed forces in our country, but billions of people around the world have reaped the benefits of those service members." The observance was highlighted by guest speaker, Col. John T. Rahm, the chief of staff for the forward deployed 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, who spoke on the importance of preserving freedom for everyone in the world. Rahm, who grew up near Valley Forge, Penn., and spent his childhood visiting Carpenters Hall and the Liberty Bell, began with a brief history of how Thomas Jefferson and the other committee members put together their draft of the Declaration. Rahm further explained how Jefferson and John Adams had an argument and eventually decided Jefferson would write the rough draft of the historic document. After the brief history and some interesting trivia, Rahm got to his main point. He highlighted for those gathered the difference between the rough draft written by Jefferson and the final product we know today. "In Thomas Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration of Independence he wrote, ‘all men are created equal and independent and from that equal creation they derive in rights inherent and inalienables, among which are the preservation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,’" Rahm said. "When the Continental Congress made their changes they took out ‘the preservation of…’ and just made it simply 'among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'" "Well I agree with Jefferson his words were better," Rahm said. "We have preserved life and liberty. We have the right to be here in Iraq, Nicaragua, Grenada, Vietnam and Afghanistan." Serving in Iraq during this prestigious holiday is an honor for the service members here. "I feel like I am fulfilling Thomas Jefferson’s words," the Valley Forge, area native said. "We have the right to preserve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." "When we first celebrated our Independence we were in a struggle to maintain our own freedoms," Brown said. "And now we are doing the same. We are helping the Iraqi people gain and maintain the freedoms we have enjoyed for our entire lives." The Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on the Fourth of July are fighting a similar battle to the one fought more than 200 years ago. Although not fighting for their own freedom, service members here are fighting for the ideals Jefferson had intended in 1776; to preserve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all. Posted by Deb at 02:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack July 03, 2005 26 MEU - why training is critical in the WOT Here's an update to friends and especially family members of the 26th MEU from Col. Tom Qualls, Commanding Officer: The big ship pulled into port today. It's good to be back in Bahrain again. Believe it or not, we have Marines in 8 different countries as of today! This week we deployed another major training effort ashore into a foreign country. Training is critical in the War on Terrorism in enhancing other nations' ability to fight terrorism and to deal with contingencies on their own, without US assistance. This latest ashore event is focused on that segment. Our entry into other nations give us the opportunity to show goodwill and to demonstrate that our nation, our Marines/Sailors, and our people are trustworthy and cordial as well as fully capable to assist them raising their response capability. Next week we will launch another operational thrust, this the largest of our many. First, before we do that, we have more detailed planning to accomplish while in port; and, we need to gather up at least 2 other planning teams that were away for the past week. So there will be work to be done in port, but we will have a small amount of down time too. The need for balance will once again be very real---balance between down time and the need for professional attention to the combat preparations that are ahead of us. Hey, we are at the mid-point in the deployment! Keep the cards, emails, and care packages coming...and remember your Marines are going to need your continued support all the way to the finish line....which is still expected to be on time. Speaking of mail: Yes, mail has been delayed---but that's to be expected; the good news is that 18,000 pounds of mail is expected to be on-loaded today. That should be exciting! Hope everyone is enjoying their Summer! See ya' in the Fall! Semper Fidelis, Colonel Tom Qualls Posted by Deb at 12:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack July 01, 2005 The Three Rules of War Letters home from our military heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan describe the reality of combat from those who experience it with stunning clarity. Col. Brett Wyrick, Commander of the 154th Medical Group, Hawaii Air National Guard, is currely deployed as a surgeon in Balad with the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group. He recently wrote a letter home to his father, describing the valiant efforts of a top-notch group of medical professionals to save the life of a young soldier. Read the letter in full here. I thought his closing thoughts were a wonderful reminder of the price paid by heroes throughout the centuries so that we can enjoy a carefree holiday weekend. And, unfortunately, some will enjoy it without putting overmuch thought into the men and women who have made it possible. Col Wyrick's letter: The first rule of war is that young men and women die. The second rule of war is that surgeons cannot change the first rule. I think the third rule of war should be that those who have given their all for our freedom are never forgotten, and they are always honored. I wish there was not a war, and I wish our young people did not have to fight and die. But I cannot wish away evil men like Bin Laden and al-Zarqawi. These men are not wayward children who have gone astray; they are not great men who are simply misunderstood. These are cold-blooded killers and they will kill you, me, and everyone we love and hold dear if we do not kill them first. You cannot reason with these people, you cannot negotiate with these people, and this war will not be over until they are dead. That is the ugly, awful, and brutal truth. I wish the situation was different, but it is not. Americans have two choices. They can run from the threat, deny it exists, candy-coat it, debate it, and hope it goes away. And then, Americans will be fair game around the world and slaughtered by the thousands for the sheep they have become. Our second choice is to crush these evil men where they live and for us to have the political will and courage to finish what we came over here to do. The last thing we need here in Iraq is an exit strategy or some damn timetable for withdrawal. Thank God there was no timetable for withdrawal after the Battle of the Bulge or Iwo Jima. Thank God there was no exit strategy at Valley Forge. Freedom is not easy, and it comes with a terrible price - I saw the bill here yesterday. The third rule of war should be that we never forget the sacrifices made by our young men and women, and we always honor them. We honor them by finishing what they came to accomplish. We remember them by never quitting and having the backbone and the guts to never bend to the yoke of oppression. We honor them and remember them by having the courage to live free. Thank you, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who protect and defend us so that we can live free. May we never forget the sacrifice of this brave soldier and the hundreds of thousand of other troops who have bled and died in the name of freedom. Posted by Deb at 09:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack June 22, 2005 26th MEU is on their way From Col. Tom Qualls, CO of the 26th MEU: Many thanks for the Father's day gifts that have flowed into us in the past several days/weeks. This Father's Day finds many of your father's, sons, brothers, nephews, and even future fathers hard at work in the conduct of yet another intensive operational pulse-this one into yet another country that will bring new adventure and challenges to the Marine/Sailor team. This foray will be a training thrust and will prove to be exciting and full of adventure, and quite a bit of hard work in some quite austere conditions. Your Marines/Sailors, as always, are fully ready for this challenge. Perhaps once this exercise is over we will be able to reveal where it is located, and more details as to what we are doing. In the meantime, thanks for bearing with me in this journey which many times takes both you and us into the unknown. We appreciate your continued support. Rest assured your Marines aboard the Kearsarge are ready for our huge responsibility as the Theater Strategic Reserve. We are ready too for even more operational employment, in a multitude of locations across the Central Command Area of Responsibility. We had a great, motivating visit by our Commandant of the Marine Corps the other day. While here he had a chance to visit Marines on all three ships, and to speak and answer questions on the current and future state of our Corps. He thanked us Marines for what we are doing, while at the same time thanked you--the families--for all that you do to support the cause. He also made time to snap photos with your Marines; perhaps you've already seen many of those images. A good day. Happy Father's Day to all the dad's and grand dads at home. And, again thanks to all for making our Father's Day here a special one. The pillow cases are real winners. Photos of your Marines and their cases will be posted in the days ahead. Semper Fidelis, Colonel Tom Qualls Posted by Deb at 08:28 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack June 10, 2005 3/3 Marines are coming home, leaving the Kunar Province "one step closer to freedom" Captain Sweeney from India company recaps the last seven months: The Kunar province has undergone many changes in the 7 months India Company has been on the ground here. In Nagalam, 1stLt Bellman and GySgt Vannelli have turned a small Special Forces advanced camp into a full-blown Forward Operating Base capable of accommodating a reinforced rifle platoon and a company of Afghan Security Force soldiers. They have built several buildings from the ground up improving the operational capability and the quality of life on board the camp. If you can remember early on, phone calls and emails from the Marines of 2d platoon were non-existent. Camp Blessing now has full commercial and military Internet capability, phones, washers and dryers, an outstanding gym facility, chow hall and many other improvements. Quite honestly, living at Camp Blessing has become a rather pleasant experience compared to what it used to be like back in November and December. The Marines of 1st and 2d Platoons who have been residents there should be commended for their hard work aboard the camp. They accomplished all of this without slowing down their operational tempo "outside the wire." The Pech District, where Camp Blessing is located, was once compared to the "Wild West," but because of the Marines dedication to the mission, the security in the region has greatly increased. The schools are full, new mosques, medical clinics and district administration buildings are in place and the area is one step closer to freedom. Throughout the province the Marines and Sailors have touched thousands of Afghan citizens lives. We have provided humanitarian assistance in the form of food, blankets, tools, medical supplies, and many other assistance items. All of the Marines have worked closely with the Afghan National Police and Afghan National Army training and conducting joint operations. Their efforts have improved the individual and unit skills of the two forces, making them much more effective and ensuring the security of the people in the province well into the future. Their experiences here will be remembered for years to come, they have truly made history. The Marines will have some great stories to tell of their exploits in Afghanistan so in a few short weeks, sit back and enjoy. Here's a significant event that happened in April but I don't recall seeing it in print before. It's a sign that the times, they are a'changing and that the future looks bright for the people of Afghanistan. A former insurgent commander swore allegiance to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan April 14 in Asadabad, agreeing to turn in his weapons and cease hostilities against Afghan and Coalition forces. As Coalition forces have been hunting near the Afghan-Pakistani border for insurgent leaders, Najmuddin turned himself in to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, abandoning his run as one of the more elusive insurgent leaders. The Marines were informed by a message received the morning of April 10 explaining where the commander was located and his intent. The company leadership quickly moved to the designated location and, crossing over a bridge into the compound, finally came face-to-face with the man they were able to recognize only from an outdated photograph. He has been allowed to participate in the Allegiance Program, a program currently offered to Taliban and Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin fighters who wish to stop fighting and start participating in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. "We've been working on this guy for a long time," said 1st Lt. Justin Bellman, India Co. Executive Officer. "It was just a matter of time before either we captured him, killed him or he turned himself in. He made the right decision and we're going to hope that he becomes a positive force in his community." A ceremony which was attended by nearly 300 civic and religious leaders from across the Kunar province was the first step in the process of repatriation for Najmuddin who explained his reasons for turning himself over to the Marines through an interpreter. "I am tired of running," said the former insurgent. "I realized that my community was suffering because of [our] attacks on the Coalition and I did not want that any more." His participation in the Allegiance Program comes on the heels of extensive operations around the areas Najmuddin was known to frequent in the Pech Valley. Aggressively pursuing the detention of insurgent leadership in the area afforded Marines the success that had eluded other units. "This individual orchestrated several attacks against Coalition forces before we got here and began to conduct attacks against us in Nagalam from the moment we arrived. It did not take us long to let him know that we were not going to sit back and take that," said Lt. Col. Norm Cooling, commander of 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines. "Instead we took the fight to his backyard, to the difficult, cold and mountainous terrain of the Korangal Valley." The Marines of India Company, once tasked with eliminating the threat Najmuddin posed to stability in the area, applied constant pressure on him for two and a half months. "In that time, he didn't have time to conduct attacks against our installations," said Cooling. "He was too busy trying to survive and he finally got tired of it." While he said the constant presence of well-trained Marines was the ultimate reason he turned himself in, it was also the humanitarian outreach and rehabilitation projects in his area that Marines participated in that convinced the former insurgent leader to come forth. Bellman, who spoke with Najmuddin, said he expressed happiness with many of the good things he saw the Marines doing in the Pech Valley and that he knew his area was improving because of the Afghan and Coalition forces. The governor of Kunar, Asadollah Wafa, said the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan hopes the program will put an end to local insurgencies and further drive a wedge between Afghans and the foreign-national terrorists who have been operating in Afghanistan. By accepting former insurgent "middlemen" like Najmuddin, he hopes that the money and support that keeps the insurgency alive in eastern Afghanistan will dry up. The Allegiance Program is an effort to bring many formerly prominent Afghans back into the fold of the new government, Wafa said. As long as an individual has committed no crimes against humanity, he may get a second chance at citizenship. Posted by Deb at 04:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack June 08, 2005 "Be proud of them...they do great things for the right reasons" The HMM-162 (Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-162) has landed and the situation is well in hand. LtCol Diehl updates the friends and families of this Aviation Combat Element: It's been a little over two months since we departed Eastern North Carolina for Operations in the Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Operations (AO) and, as most of you probably know, the preponderance of the ACE is now in Kuwait. Over the past couple of weeks the Rotary Wing Marines of the ACE have been operating from the Udairi Training Area while our Fixed Wing and Intermediate Maintenance Level Marines continue to support operations from aboard the USS Kearsarge....it's all part of distributed operations...more on that later. While at the Udairi Range we continue to train and enhance our desert operational proficiency. We've been able to take advantage of some excellent live fire ranges here with both Rotary Wing from the land, and Fixed Wing from the sea. Additionally, the living conditions at both locations are not too bad either. Life on the boat has been made more comfortable because our "feet-wet" Marines and equipment can stretch out a bit due to their squadron mates and ground mates being "feet-dry".....more space...shorter lines...better living. Those of us on the beach can't complain either. We're living in tents but there's air-conditioning to ward off the daily 110-degree temperatures and the dining facility stocks Baskin Robbins ice cream, which the Marines tell me is only being consumed to regulate their core body temperatures. There's also a coffee shop, a fast-food restaurant, and even a PX...small, but it offers some of the things the Marines & Sailors miss from home...so life at Udairi is not too bad either. As the CENTCOM Theatre Reserve, the 26th MEU remains on-call for any mission within the AO. That means we will continue to conduct sea-based operations from the USS Kearsarge for the foreseeable future. The ACE has conducted operations in Iraq over the past week and will likely continue to do so in the weeks ahead. However, as the Theatre Reserve we remain ready to depart our current location on a moments notice to answer the call for assistance anywhere from Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa. The MEU and ACE are very flexible organizations that are designed to conduct operations from one location, or we can task organize and conduct missions from separate locations...."distributed operations". It is likely some of your Marines and Sailors will have the opportunity to go forward with elements of the MEU to conduct distributed operations as part of a military to military engagement program our government has with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Others will remain aboard USS Kearsarge to either stand ready as the Theatre Reserve, or continue to conduct operations within Iraq. Your Marines & Sailors will have the opportunity to work from various locations both "feet-wet" and "feet-dry". We all will participate in bringing the awesome capabilities of the combined Marine Expeditionary Unit and Expeditionary Strike Group to bear within the CENTCOM AO. Your Marines and Sailors stand ready for the challenges they will face shortly. They are trained, equipped, and continue to function as a tightly organized team...each member more concerned with the well-being and success of the Marine or Sailor on his left or right...then for themselves. Be proud of them...they do great things for the right reasons. As always, take care of one another & know you are always in our hearts and minds. Semper Fi, LtCol Kurt "BIG" Diehl Posted by Deb at 07:27 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack June 06, 2005 "We pray for the soldiers every night." Michael Yon is a writer currently travelling in the Kurdish area of Dohuk, Iraq. During a visit to the village of Yezdinar, Yon asked the Headman of the village a simple question: An Iraqi. A Kurd. A Yezidi. A village Headman. Whatever the label, more than forty years after his birth, this man came home. Only now, after the latest war, does Mr. Qatou finally have confidence in the peace, after more than a half century of life lived under orders or under sentence. This seemed like the moment to ask the question, "What do you think of the United States?" "We cry when America loses one soldier. We pray for the soldiers every night." Many Kurds had expressed the same sentiment. One had said poetically: "For every drop of American blood, we shed one thousand Kurdish tears." "What do you think about the United Kingdom?" I asked. "Also very good." His answer for some of the other countries, those that abandoned his people to get back to their beer and wine, was merely a quick frown followed by silence. Read more at his website. Posted by Deb at 11:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack June 04, 2005 The Better Beer Prayer One of the first things that many Marines look forward to upon returning from deployment is celebrating their homecoming with a few cold beers. And, LtCmdr Phillip Lee who serves as Chaplain for the 8th Communication Battalion, currently deployed, understands that tending to the needs of his Marines sometimes covers subjects never addressed in divinity school . . . and that spirit-filled has more than one meaning: I have been around Marines long enough to know Memorial Day was a challenge for many of you. A challenge because you were not able to share a beer with your buddies during a barbecue unofficially marking the beginning of summer. I have also heard many of you have discovered the "near-beer" (nonalcoholic beverages with beer-like flavor) available here doesn't quite measure up to. After PT in the hot sun or at the end of a hard work day, having a beer to relax probably sounds pretty good to many of you. I know some of you may lay awake at night dreaming about having a "cold one." Beer commercials on TV would be sheer torture to a few of you in your current mental state having been deprived of what you might Out of concern for your morale and well being as we enter into the hotter summer months, I wanted you to know I am praying for your emotional stamina and endurance. To represent my prayers for you, I have decided to reprint a prayer drafted about eight years ago at the request of a master sergeant in Yuma, Ariz. (another hot place). I was on a short deployment with Marine Aircraft Group 41. I arrived on station a day before the main body as the advance party. The master sergeant in the group sounded off after I entered the room where they were celebrating their success of having everything ready. He said, "Chaplain, you know what we need is a better beer prayer." He was half joking and probably trying to see how I would react. They do that sometimes, as many of you already know. We laughed and I replied, "That's a new request for me, master sergeant. Let me think about it and I will see what I can do." To be honest, my reply was about as serious as his initial request. In the next few days, I couldn't get his request out of my mind. So one night I took up my pen and wrote the following words: Dear God, Maker of the heavens and the earth: We know you are the creator of all good things. For that reason we come now before you to ask for a better beer. We request it have a taste like unto the sweet nectars of the Garden of Eden. May the blend of its flavor pour gently over our tongues and satisfy not only the thirst of our mouths, but the longings of our souls. Make this beer so good all who drink it will no longer drink the present beers which often lead people to bring injury to children, other drivers or themselves. Make it a beer that multiplies wisdom, instead of killing brain cells. Lord, you know we human beings really cannot afford to sacrifice many brain cells anyway. Finally, Lord we ask this beer would be so good its consumption would never cause us to jeopardize or sacrifice our relationship with others or you. May the camaraderie generated by this beer make the celebrations and special occasions of our lives even more special by helping us to fully appreciate one of the most sacred dimensions of life-fellowship with our friends, loved ones and you. Hear our prayer, oh Lord. Improve our lives with a better beer such as we have described and if you can think of any further improvements, by all means please act on our behalf. By Your Leave, Sir Written for U. S. Marines Semper Fi Since the first printing of this prayer I have kept my eyes open to see if such a beer has come into existence. I haven't seen it yet, but I am still hopeful. If nothing else has come from the master sergeant's request, may it be you find yourself thinking more carefully about the choices you make the next time you decide to celebrate. The reprinting of this prayer is dedicated to all the master sergeants of 8th Communication Battalion because it was a master sergeant who first requested such spiritual support. (Ephesians 5:15-20) Amen. Posted by Deb at 01:42 AM | TrackBack June 03, 2005 Memorial Day at Al Asad Photo by Cpl. C. Alex Herron Marines with the 6th ESB, currently deployed in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, took time on Memorial Day to honor one of their own - First Sgt. Michael S. Barnhill. He was killed on Saturday, May 28 by an IED explosion. Here are memories of 1st Sgt. Barnhill from his CO and the Marines he led, as reported by Cpl Herron: Maj. Sean J. Riddell, 6th ESB, Alpha Company CO: "Barnhill hated leaving the wire. But the only thing he hated worse was knowing his Marines were out there, and there was nothing he could do if something happened. World War II veterans define courage as being afraid, but going anyway. By that definition, Barnhill was a very courageous man. He hated leaving the wire, but he did it for the Marines. He was old enough to know he wouldn't live forever, but young enough to know he wanted to do a lot more with his life." Sgt. Justin Babbit: "He helped out his junior Marines even when he didn't have to. He was buoyant and loud. His personality was one of the defining personalities of our company. I had never met a bigger, tougher man who showed his love for his junior Marines." Cpl. James Peterson "My first meeting with [First Sgt. Barnhill] was at a company formation before the unit was to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. When he stood in front of me to ask me why my dog tag had not been placed in my left boot like he had instructed I responded that I was new and had not heard the order. Then he proceeded to explain why that was no excuse. His [Peterson's] noncommissioned officers should have passed the word. That is what he expected of them, to look after their junior Marines just like he did." Lance Cpl. Jared Tjaden: "He always found a way to make you laugh. He always made sure his Marines were taken care of." 1st Sgt. Barnhill was married to Joanna and leaves a legacy of three children, Michael, Michelle and Ashlee. He would have retired from the USMC in December. He will never be forgotten by the Marines with whom he served and the world is forever diminished by his death. Posted by Deb at 02:14 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack May 23, 2005 HARD Fighting Marines For those who are curious about the caliber of men who lead their sons into battle, here's LtCol Jurney's philosophy of leadership for his 1/6 Marines: My personal leadership philosophy can be captured in one phrase "Lead by Example." When in charge, take charge. Lead from the front and by example. All values and ethical behavior for leading Marines stem from this basic position. When maintaining the standard in both our words and our deeds we consistently establish clear standards of what is expected. Time gets wasted when a leader sends mixed signals. Our actions must support our words. To lead by example is to tell our Marines what the standards are; why the standards are important and how the standards will accomplish the mission and save lives on the battlefield. Personal example is the strongest and most persuasive tool in our leadership kit bag. I expect every member of this command to embrace this simple philosophy, and "walk their talk" to garner the loyalty and respect from those with which we have the honor to serve. Tenets of 1/6 "HARD": Marine leaders in 1/6 should always be doing one of two things; leading their Marines in combat or preparing their Marines for combat. Nothing is more fundamental to war fighting excellence than a solid base of character. We must have trust and confidence in one another’s actions and commitments: HONESTY If you say you are going to do something, do it. ACTION If you see something is wrong, fix it. RESPECT If you want to be treated well, treat others well. DUTY If you put the mission and the welfare of those with which you serve first… then our team will be second to none. Summary: Marines strive for excellence in everything we do. Our history records it, our appearance reflects it, our confidence and swagger state it. The essence of being a Marine is teamwork. That is what has won our battles and written our history. Therefore, we must work together to set the example and instill the spirit of teamwork in everything we do - our future success depends on it. Posted by Deb at 10:59 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack May 22, 2005 Mean Moms Make Mighty Marines Chaplain Ryan, ministering to the spiritual needs of Marines in Fallujah wrote this tribute for his mother - and all mothers who spent Mother's Day apart from their son. There is a day in the month of May when people throughout the United States take time to thank their Mother for all the love shown to them throughout their lives. There have been many years when I have sent the obligatory card to my Mom and not really thought much about all she has done for me throughout my life. For some reason, this Mother's Day seems different than others. Maybe it is because being away from home for a long time has a way of making a person realize what is truly important in life, and so I think more about how special my Mother is to me. Maybe it is because my Mother has been very sick lately and I cannot help but think about what life would be like without her. Or maybe it is because I realize all the overtime that my wife has to put in as a Mother while I am away, and I appreciate all of her hard work. My Mother is one of the greatest respected Kindergarten teachers in Nashville, TN. She has taught Kindergarten at the same school for over 30 years. She is an incredible woman, and an even better Mother. However, I think you need a little insight into what my home life was like. My Mother was the meanest Mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, I had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess my Mother fixed me a dinner that was different from other kids, too. Mom insisted on knowing where I was at all times. You’d think I was a convict in a prison. She had to know who my friends were, and what I was doing with them. She insisted that if I said I would be gone for an hour, I would be gone for an hour or less. I was ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the Child Labor Laws by making me work. I had to clean my room, wash out the bathtub, take out the trash, vacuum the floor, iron my clothes, and occasionally do the dishes. I think she would lie awake at night thinking of more things for me to do. One time she even told me that the reason she had a son was so that I could do work around the house. She always insisted on my telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time I was a teenager she could read my mind. Then, life was really tough! Mom wouldn't let my friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, I had to wait until I was 16. Because of my Mother, I missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. I have never been caught shoplifting, vandalizing other's property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. I never got drunk, did drugs, stayed out all night, or a million other things the other kids did. Sundays were reserved for church, and we never missed once. I knew better than to ask to spend the night with a friend on Saturdays. Now that I've left home I'm a God-fearing, educated, honest adult. I'm doing the best I can to be a mean parent just like my Mom was. I want to say thanks to all the "mean" Mothers out there. You helped to make us into the men and women we are today. We miss you. May God bless all the work you do and have done to raise your children. Posted by Deb at 08:27 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack May 21, 2005 Update from 1/6 Marines at Camp Baharia LtCol Jurney sends greetings from Camp Baharia. As expected our Marines and Sailors have picked up the ball and have made significant strides in our area of operations. In just a few weeks we have conducted operations which involved finding, capturing or killing insurgent elements. Everyday we continue to work hand in hand with the Iraqi Security Forces to degrade the enemies' ability to instill fear and intimidation among the people of Fallujah. This integrated concept has paid big dividends by way of successful offensive operations and winning the trust and confidence of the people of Iraq through our civil affairs projects. On a daily basis I move around our area of operations and see our Marines and Sailors hard at work conducting countless missions. On any given day - I observe our Marines putting blackboards up in a school that we are rebuilding; to finding unexploded ordnance or booby-trapped explosive devices; to engaging hard core insurgents in a one on one firefight . . . it's the textbook example of what we call a "three block war." Our Marines and Sailors are constantly on the move and they are routinely having to make life and death decisions in a matter of seconds. They are truly amazing young men and I couldn't be prouder of what they are accomplishing out here. As I mentioned earlier, we are working hand in hand with the Iraqi Security Forces who are eager to restore peace and prosperity throughout Iraq. The establishment and training of Iraqi Security Forces is a major part of our mission. As part of that effort we have just graduated a number of young Iraqi's from our first Iraqi NCO Training Course, known as our Combat Leaders Course. Additionally we put together our own mini Iraqi boot camp that held its first graduation a few weeks ago. As mentioned above, the operational and training integration of our forces has been key to our success. Our Public Affairs NCO has done a tremendous job on getting the stories out to the local papers and on the Marine Corps Website. When you get a chance log-on to www.usmc.mil and read about your Marines and Sailors and how well they are performing in this very complex and dangerous environment. They are truly making a difference and are helping Iraqis take charge of their country. Posted by Deb at 06:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 18, 2005 Operation MATADOR report from the front From LtCol Mundy in Al Qaim: Friends and families, I think it was Mark Twain who once said, "Never put off till tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow." Thankfully Mr. Twain is not running this Task Force, chasing the enemy, or keeping you updated of all that's going on. From the news reports of last week, many of you are aware of what happened during Operation MATADOR and now know why you did not receive that Mother's Day call from your son or husband--they were out showing the world why there is no better friend and no worse enemy than a United States Marine. As their Commanding Officer, I wanted to personally share with you why I'm so intensely proud of YOUR Marines and Sailors of Task Force 3/2. Operation MATADOR was a great success. It was my privilege to lead the men of Task Force 3/2 into enemy territory to conduct combat operations against anti-coalition forces situated along, and north of, the Euphrates River. During the weeklong operation, I saw our Marines and Sailors conduct themselves with the height of honor, depth of courage, and breadth of commitment indicative of the world's finest warriors. I couldn't be prouder of these men and all they accomplished. I know you must feel the same. Let me explain why this operation was necessary: The war on the terrorists came late to Al Qa'im. This area is isolated by distance and cultural idiosyncrasies from central Iraq . For centuries, this has been a corrupt trade route area on the Euphrates. For decades, not even Saddam Hussein truly controlled the crime, corruption, and disloyalties. This abnormal, different area became the natural safe haven for some foreign fighters. They transit the area and use it as a staging ground for insurgency and terrorist actions in other areas of the country. We didn't have a good ability to cross to the north side of the Euphrates and stay for longer than a raid. In the last six to eight months, the foreign fighter presence and activity grew in the area north of the river. Task Force 3/2 is situated in the midst of this volatile area, and believe me, none of your sons, brothers, husbands and/or fathers shrink from the challenges we find because of it! There is a dangerous enemy here, but your Marines and Sailors know their jobs, and they do them well, so we can handle the threats. Our RCT headquarters planned offensive operations under the name MATADOR to clear the area of insurgents and to prove to the foreign fighters that they had no safe haven north of the river. Your men proved just that! We were joined in the fight by several units: Bravo Company, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Battalion and Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25 th Marines. While we have always been superior in individual fights in the area, we increased the strength of the Task Force to clear through the strongholds in the north and maintain security in the south. Our two rifle companies, Kilo Company 3/2 and Lima Company 3/25, reinforced by one Warpig mobile platoon fought bravely with entrenched insurgents in the towns of Ubaydi and Ramana. Their tenacity to take the fight to the enemy resulted in a significant number of enemy kills and captures, thereby hampering enemy ability to move at will in this region. Bravo Company, 2D LAR and Alpha Company, 4th AAV provided protection on our flanks, much need flexibility in the field of battle, as well as the ability to quickly move large numbers of our men across enemy territory. The men of India provided a blocking position in support of the operation, and also continued their fight around Camp Gannon , while the Warpigs of Weapons Company also manned the key blocking position as well as provided effective fire support during the entire operation. Needless to say, there were many moments of fierce fighting. Many Marines demonstrated heroism and accomplished extraordinary feats. I don't need to provide details of firefights-trust me when I say your men performed as I expect them to perform when they carry the title of United States Marine. They were awesome! As we continue our mission in this region, we humbly ask for your prayers and thank you for the faithful support you've given this Task Force. We could not do what we do without all of you. Our thoughts are also with the friends and families of the 9 Marines who died protecting their brothers in arms. I held a memorial service in their honor Sunday evening, 15 May in the orange light of a setting sun. These are the names of our fallen comrades: SSgt Anthony L. Goodwin, Regimental Combat Team-2, attached to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines SSgt Kendall H. Ivy II, Regimental Combat Team-2, attached to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines Cpl Dustin A. Derga, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines LCpl Lawrence R. Phillippon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines LCpl Wesley G. Davids, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines LCpl Nicholas B. Erdy, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines LCpl Jonathan W. Grant, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines LCpl Jordan L. Grez, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, attached to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines PFC Christopher R. Dixon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion 25th Marines There really is no greater love than he who lays his life down for his friends. They lived as warriors, died heroes, and will forever be honored. May God bless their memories and comfort their families. We also had wounded Marines who will require, in some cases, lengthy recovery times. Keep them and their families in your prayers as well, as we wish for a full recovery and return to 3/2. I've said this once before and it bears repeating: Mail and care packages from home continue to be a weekly highlight for our men. Anything you send from home reminds us of your love and support and really boosts morale. The generosity of all who've given does not go unnoticed. Posted by Deb at 10:03 PM | Comments (4) May 15, 2005 Honoring Mom LtCmdr Lee, Chaplain for 8th Comm, wrote this message for the Marines under his pastoral care. I have often heard it said, "A woman's work is never done." This statement is especially true for women who have children. Most mothers get little rest because they invest countless hours in supervising the well-being of their children. Observing this deepest of passions, "a mother's love". I have discovered that such love focuses on at least three primary concerns. A mother doesn't seem to rest until she knows her children are satisfied, situated, and safe. These primary concerns begin to appear in a mother's care for a newborn. Mom makes sure that the baby is satisfied with plenty to eat and regular diaper changes. This is not to imply that Dad cannot contribute to these needs, but Mom will make sure these essential needs are met so that the baby isn't crying all the time. With the infant satisfied, Mom works to get the little one situated. This may involve cradling the child close to her body or laying it in a comfortable place, wrapped in a warm blanket. As the newborn's sleeping patterns change and it grows older, Mom seeks to satisfy the child by providing toys, friends to play with, and eventually a good school to attend for educational purposes. Mom's concern for a child becoming situated may explain why the first day of school or leaving for college is such a big deal to her. I am positive it has something to do with why mothers push to make sure everything goes well at weddings and then cry through much of the ceremony. They simply love their children and long to see them situated well in all categories of life. Having their children satisfied and situated is not yet enough to convince mothers to rest a bit. They are going to labor at guaranteeing a child's safety before they lean back at all. I once visited a habitat for the largest bears in North America, the Kodiak Brown Bears. As we walked through the bears' territory, the guide told us, "The last thing you want to do is get within 100 yards of a female bear with a cub." Any hint of threat to that cub would spark an intense reaction from the "mama bear" that would have devastating results. Little compares to the fury of a mother's protection; this is among the most intense instincts. I have seen this kind of behavior in a few Moms as they protected their young and in most cases they were not going to relax a bit until they sensed their child was safe. This concern for safety is what prompts many Moms to practice a tireless prayer effort, building a perimeter of spiritual protection around their child so that the devil can do no harm. This concern is also the reason why Moms encourage us to have a right relationship with God. Mom is just trying to protect us from any harm. Realizing these factors are so important to a mother, honor your mother today by calling her and letting her know that you are being satisfied with access to the best chow the Marine Corps can offer and clean clothes on a regular basis. Tell her that the Marine Corps has situated you with lots of equipment, plenty of new friends and a learning environment that exceeds some of the best classrooms in the world. Then tell her you are as safe as possible in this environment, surrounded by the best war fighters in the world, coupled with the never-ending watch care of God. She will rest a bit better tonight and her motherly duties will be less taxing having received these assurances from you. After you hang up the phone, remember to thank God for the blessing of a Mom who did her best to keep you satisfied, situated and safe. If you can't talk to your Mom today because she has already finished her living on this earth, then honor her memory by telling someone about the great ways she showed her love for you: fixing your favorite meal, sending a card, hearing about your hurts. Per chance you haven't had a Mom that bothered herself with these primary concerns, learn to observe them in others and make sure your children receive such love. Duplicating such love in others is the ultimate honor to a mother (Exodus 20:12). Happy Mother's Day! We love you, MOM! Thanks. We love you too. Happy Mother's Day to deployed 8th Communication Battalion Moms: SSgt Sabrina B. Sgt Christina C. Sgt Sara M. Posted by Deb at 07:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 13, 2005 33 KIAs, 400 Purple Hearts If you're not reading Juggernuts, you're missing out on a unique view of the world in general and occasionally the military in specific. Sometimes, Cris posts something that takes my breath away . . . and this picture, taken by his father (retired USMC Colonel) is one of those. Visit his site to read the accompanying e-mail from his dad (snippet below): I was an invited guest for the memorial dedication honoring the KIA's of 3dBn, 1st Marines. The CO, LtCol W. Buhl, a very impressive officer. This shot shows the formation of the 33 KIA's, with helmet, rifle, boots & name tags. There was a final roll call, where the name of each of the 33 was called out by the Sergeant Major, and answered with a single toll of a bell. A piper in formal kilts played "Taps" and then a firing squad gave a 21 round salute. In addition to 33 KIA, the Bn awarded some 400 Purple Hearts. Visit Juggernuts for the rest of the story. Posted by Deb at 09:17 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack May 11, 2005 Iron in the blood of the Betio Bastards My son called me this morning - it's always nice to hear from him, even at 5:30 a.m. He was watching news reports from the Syrian border and remarked, "It's great to see that Husaybah is finally getting the attention it deserves." He speaks from experience, having recently returned from seven months at Camp Gannon. While 1/7 Bravo company had great success in keeping insurgency controlled while it was there, it was clearly time to clean house, USMC style. Marines excel at cleaning house and this battle is no exception. General Conway answered questions at yesterday's press briefing - here is an excerpt: Let me give you some geographical context, if I can. Of course, Husaybah butts up against the Syrian border. Just southeast of there is the town of al Qaim. We've had a battalion out there for a long time now. Recently, I think it's fair to say that the commanders have evaluated that the center of resistance in the Al Anbar has moved further west since the fall of Fallujah, and now is in what we would call the Ramadi-Hit corridor, extending westward, as opposed to Ramadi-Fallujah. About 72 hours ago, U.S. forces, the 2nd Regimental Combat Team, effected a river crossing at a place called Ukedi (ph), and they established a blocking position at a little townlet called Rommana, and put forces across the river to flush what had been reported as groupings of insurgents there. They were decisively engaged; a fairly significant battle followed. Use of close air support and combined arms have been employed. And at this point, the fight continues. There are reports that these people are in uniforms, in some cases are wearing protective vests, and there's some suspicion that their training exceeds that of what we have seen with other engagements further east. So, at this point, the fight continues. Question: At this -- right now it's a U.S. operation. From what we understand, there aren't Iraqis there. Does that pose a problem as far as a U.S. face being on this battle along the border, that Iraqis have been very concerned about -- (off mike)? GEN. CONWAY: No, your assessment is correct based on my knowledge, Bret, and my observation of the task organization. I think as you know, we do have Iraqi forces based at Habbaniya that are working both the Fallujah and the Ramadi area. At this point, those operational forces have simply not extended their reach far enough west to join the U.S. forces there. There are Iraqis operating in border forts along the borders. But in that interim area, they're simply not there yet. And I want to offer that the fight's not finished. We saw where the Iraqis provided tremendous value to us in Fallujah. And if the fight continues, if it does involve fighting in built-up areas, that's not to say you won't see Iraqi forces involved. Question: Can I follow up on that? Can you say whether or not you've seen any evidence of some of these foreign fighters, as you've described them, crossing back over the border? And are the Syrians in any way involved in this or in any way cooperating? GEN. CONWAY: I don't think I used the term foreign fighters. I don't think we know that yet. Certainly it's in proximity to the border. There is a major crossing site there, Husaybah, and again, there's smugglers' routes both north and south of that location. So it's not unrealistic to expect that there could be foreign fighters engaged. At this point, we simply don't know if the there is movement across the border associated with this, because the preponderance of our forces are engaged in this fight. Question: Has there been any contact with the Syrians or any sort of effort to get them to help out, any -- GEN. CONWAY: From an operational perspective, I can only say that there is low-level contact that goes on, on a continuing basis. The captains and the field grade officers of that battalion have a fairly routine dialogue with the Syrians. I cannot speak to whether or not it transcends that. Question: Assuming that this operation is successful, what do you expect the effect will be? You said that the center of the insurgency has effectively moved west. If you are able to succeed in this mission's objectives, what do you think the result will be? Will you have broken the back of the insurgency? Will -- GEN. CONWAY: No, I think it's way too early to say that. I think, as we have experienced in every fight up to this point, where we find the insurgents, we will attack them, to capture or kill if they resist. If you look at what happened -- what has happened in the region up to this point, we have had a fairly significant Special Operations operation south of al Qaim, where we captured or killed 54. We have had two engagements in Husaybah, one the attack on Camp Gannon where they attempted to breach the perimeter with a large explosive device, the fire truck. We've had a Zarqawi sighting, and now we have this fairly significant gathering of insurgents. So where we find them, we will fight them, to take them -- Bill Roggio and Chester are doing a fantastic job of blogging the battle. Here's an excerpt from Chester's methodical accounting of on-ground operations - visit his site to view the referenced map: Numbers on the map correspond to the listed event. There are in chronological order as best as can be determined. 1. Sunday, early morning: The bridge crossing(s) that began the operation were supposedly slower in progress than planned. Did this give a tip-off to the enemy? Mortar fire hit the bridging sites from Ubaydi and on the south side of the Euphrates at another site. 2. Sunday morning: Insurgents were spotted driving to rural houses in the north of the area of operations in Ribat, retrieving weapons stockpiles, then driving back to the cities. 3. One squad of Lima Co, 3/25, spent the better part of Sunday clearing a particular house in Ubaydi. The enemy had hidden in the basement and fired armor-piercing bullets through the floor at the Marines. Most of the day was spent destroying them, by this one squad, reinforced with heavy machine guns, a tank, and F-18 airstrikes. The list goes on and on, but this point is fascinating to me: 10. Tuesday night? Marines engaged a vehicle that did not stop at a checkpoint SE of Ubaydi. Two civilians were killed, but the survivors asked the Marines to please attack the city, stating that the terrorists were forcing the men to fight. The Marines are doing what they do best - fight. It's hard on the families back home who are alternating between refreshing the CNN website and channel surfing to catch the latest news about their Marine's location. But the Marines who command the troops also care about the families. 3/2 Commanding Officer LtCol Mundy recently sent this message to the families of his Marines: President Theodore Roosevelt once wisely noted, "Thank God for the iron in the blood of our fathers." I can say with full confidence, were it not for the iron in the blood of your husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers, our effectiveness here would be significantly diminished. Vigilance and attention to detail continue to win the day and foil the many traps the enemy attempts to place in our path. Mines and IEDs are discovered and destroyed before they cause harm to our men. Furthermore, as the result of some successful raids and the pressure put upon the enemy because of our presence, terrorists continue to be captured or killed. I am glad to say that our enemy now realizes why we're called "The Betio Bastards!" Since the attack on Camp Gannon a few weeks ago, things remain as they once were: still dangerous, but the strong advantage remains with the Marines. India Company continues to be challenged at Camp Gannon, but strikes back with precision and effectiveness. Lima Company continues to expertly conduct their security missions around Al Asad. Kilo Company was detached from 3/2 for a short period to battle alongside another battalion in Haditha, and executed their attack fantastically. Weapons and H&S Companies had to cover the vast areas around Al Qaim, and did so with professionalism, keeping the enemy in this area at bay. I'm proud to say that all the Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers attached to Task Force 3/2 are working as a cohesive unit, overcoming any obstacles in their path, and are making significant progress in our area of operations. That being said, it's not hard to be cautiously optimistic! The dangerous work of stopping the enemy must continue until the mission is complete, and at times we're conducting very important operations. That means it may be necessary from time to time to minimize our regular contact with you at home and I trust you can understand why. Unfortunately, our current mission means that mothers might not get a well-deserved Mother's Day call from your grateful sons. Please know that they are thinking of you and thankful for you. I'll also take this opportunity to thank you mothers for raising such fine men. May God bless each of you and fill your Mother's Day with joy. I know you must be proud of your sons. Before we hung up this morning, I asked my son if he thought the U.S. troops would ever be able to clean out the insurgents and foreign fighters. His assessment was that while it was unlikely, we would eventually achieve success in training the Iraqis to complete the mission. That's what it's always been about, but it's good to hear it again. Posted by Deb at 11:29 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack May 05, 2005 A nation under God The National Day of Prayer was observed at Al Asad today as the Marines, soldiers, and sailors paused to exercise their right to freedom of both religion and speech. Here's a report form Cpl. Rocco DeFilippis (who also took the above picture). Chaplains, religious program specialists and chaplains' assistants from the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and the 326th Area Support Group organized the breakfast and allotted times throughout the day for service members to partake in specific prayers for family, government, military and the people of Iraq, among others. Prior to the meal, those in attendance enjoyed musical selections from the 2nd MAW Band and a praise team. Army Sgt. Daniel Estinfort's saxophone soothed the crowd with hymns as they ate. After the meal, Lt. Cmdr. Terry Eddinger, Marine Aircraft Group 26 chaplain, lead the gathering in prayer for our nations leaders. Following the prayer and a brief introduction, the wing commanding general gave an inspiring speech. The guest of honor at the prayer breakfast, Brig. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr., commanding general of the 2nd MAW (Fwd), quoted from "America the Beautiful" and spoke of the importance of prayer and God's grace. "We are not only blessed as individuals, but as a nation," Milstead said. "Our country is truly blessed with freedom and prosperity unparalleled across the nations." "We join together this morning, people of different faiths, but serving one God," Milstead punctuated. "As servicemen and women we are called to not only stand for our nation but our faith." Milstead said the theme of this year's National Day of Prayer, 'God Shed His Grace on Thee,' highlights the importance of God's grace in our daily lives. During a difficult time for the people of Iraq and America, Milstead said the importance of prayer and faith should not be overlooked. "From the earliest days of our founding, we have been a nation under God," he said. "Today we ask God to shed His grace on us and the people of Iraq, and just as He promised, we will receive it." Milstead's words echoed those of President Abraham Lincoln, who said, "it is the duty of nations as well as men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God." After Milstead's speech, and prayers for military personnel and family, Capt. Christian Pappas concluded the ceremony by playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. Amen. Posted by Deb at 09:22 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack May 04, 2005 Safety Letter to Marine Parents LtCol S.D. Aiken, 2/6 Marines Commanding Officer recently sent this reminder to the parents of his Marines. Dear Parents, As your son's Battalion Commander, I sent a letter dated August 1, 2004 in which I provided you with some information and requested your assistance. I would like to provide you an update. As Spring arrives, the Battalion will receive all of our deployed Marines and Sailors back from Afghanistan and Iraq. Thus far, every Marine and Sailor has performed exceptionally well in these series of antiterrorism missions; their efforts have been vital in the prosecution of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Upon completion of these current deployments, the Battalion will deploy next Autumn to Iraq for seven months. Therefore, the Summer will be busy with predeployment preparations and training, culminating in a three-week exercise in California. We have scheduled a leave period for August, so folks can start making vacation plans. You can rest assured that our predeployment preparations and training will be realistic and thorough. Additionally, your son is in the process of receiving the best equipment that money can buy. The Battalion will be well prepared when we deploy. During my last letter, I asked your assistance during periods of liberty and annual leave. Specifically, I asked that: After periods of liberty please urge your son, if he is traveling by car, to depart early enough so he can safely make his required 6:00 PM formation or check-in time. Encourage him to drive at posted speed limits and, most importantly, to wear seat belts. To date, our safety record has been good; our Marines and Sailors have been conducting themselves in a professional, mature manner. With Springtime around the corner, the Battalion will be shifting the focus of its safety efforts to include the safe conduct of outdoor activities. I would like to thank you for your past assistance and ask for your continued parental efforts in keeping our Marines and Sailors safe. Posted by Deb at 11:39 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack May 03, 2005 3/3 India Company accomplishing their mission Captain James Sweeney, 3/3 India company reports from the Kunar Province of Afghanistan: The deployment will soon be over for the Marines and Sailors of India Company 3/3. Even though there are only a few short months before we are back home, we still have a mission to accomplish here in OEF. The Marines are as focused as ever and continue their extraordinary efforts to accomplish that mission. The change in the security situation here in the Kunar province has been tremendous. Many of the projects planned by the Army's Provincial Reconstruction Team have been able to commence and be completed unimpeded by the activity of the Anti-Government Forces. It seems that there is a new school, clinic, district house, bridge or well opening up every week. Your Marines hard work, spending days on end living and working among the communities has really paid off. The relationships and trust that has been forged between the Marines and the Afghan communities is tremendous. After all, it is that trust that has proven to be our most effective weapon against the people who want to see the reconstruction effort fail. Our cooperation and training with the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) and National Police (ANP) has come leaps and bounds from where we were in November. Your Marines are playing a huge role in shaping these two forces that will be tasked with defending Afghanistan's future. Everything we do now involves participation from the ANA and ANP in a joint effort to stop the terrorism against the communities. Because of this cooperation and constant presence in the areas most frequented by the Anti-Government Forces, many of the terrorists have given up the fight, no longer wishing to go up against the coalition and Afghan forces. We are working hand in hand with the Government of the Kunar Province to continue these efforts and take a new step towards stability as we approach the summer months. The base here in Asad Abad has now started up a weekly flea market where the local vendors can come and sell goods. The Marines can find many high quality crafts made by the local workers at low, low prices. We try to allow the Marines the opportunity to purchase small souvenirs of their deployment when we can. Of course, our mission comes first and there is not exactly an ATM on every corner. But, hopefully, the Marines will be able to bring back some small trinkets as reminders of their heroic efforts here in Afghanistan Posted by Deb at 06:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack April 28, 2005 Welcome home, 1/3 Marines After months in Iraq, the Marines of 1/3 are coming home to Hawaii, via Okinawa. Here's a tribute from 1stSgt John Armstead, H&S Company: As the Company First Sergeant, I want you to know how proud I am to have served with such fine Warriors. In my opinion they all are heroes for their actions in Fallujah, but the true HEROES are you all at home. We know you spent many sleepless nights wondering what was going on; you took on both duties as mother and father. You handled all the financial responsibilities for the home, and you had to endure all the unfortunate memorial services by yourselves. Your contribution is truly remarkable and inspiring. We could not have done what we did without you. We went to a country with a determined enemy, who was willing to sacrifice his life just to kill one Marine or Sailor. What they didn't realize was the determination, the dedication and the Esprit de Corps a Marine and Sailor possess. On D-Day the enemy found out quickly that the Lava Dogs were an elite fighting force ready to conquer terrorism. Your loved ones made history by enabling a country the right and the freedom to vote. For most in the company this was their first time in combat, and just like a new recruit standing on the yellow foot prints for the very first time at either MCRD San Diego or MCRD Parris Island, he looks young and unsure of what he is about to embark upon. For me, I noticed those same things with my Marines and Sailors like I did with my recruits. They looked so young and unsure of what they were about to conquer. Now, when we return I'm sure you will see a difference in how your Marine or Sailor carries himself. He has aged some, he has a certain confidence about himself, and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Warrior. Posted by Deb at 03:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack April 21, 2005 Getting it right A few weeks ago, we ran a story about the Salem-Keizer school district decision to alter a photo of an active-duty infantry Marine in order to remove the weapon he carried. This generated a national response and the principal and superintendent received hundreds of e-mails and phone calls. They backed down. In contrast, Aaron Cooke, a teacher at Lebanon Union High School, recently invited USMC recruiters into the school to speak to his Military History class. They brought their weapons into the classroom, escorted by Lebanon Police Officers, and provided an educational view of military life. Kudos to this teacher. This morning, LCpl Shane Conrad, recently returned from Iraq, also visited the school at the request of his cousin Barbie McGehee who is a LUHS junior. I'll post details about Shane's question & answer session with the students soon . . . but I couldn't resist posting this picture of my handsome son and beautiful niece tonight. If you're wondering why his right arm is wrapped in plastic . . . he got his first (and hopefully last) tattoo a few hours ago. Pictures soon. LCpl Shane Conrad with cousin Barbie McGehee just before Shane spoke to Barbie's 1st period Military History class at Lebanon Union High School. Posted by Deb at 08:59 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack April 17, 2005 Pope John Paul II remembered in Fallujah Photo by LCpl Evan M. Eagan Chaplain John Hannigan leads more than 40 Marines and Sailors in prayer at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, Friday during a memorial service held for Pope John Paul II. Here are a few snippets from LCpl Evan Eagan's description: Those who gathered shared in some of the pope's favorite prayers, songs and readings from the Holy Scripture. A slide show highlighting his life was scheduled, although due to an electrical problem, it was not played. Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) John Hannigan, II MEF Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) presided over the 45-minute service. "The pope wasn't into ornate, flowery types of things," said Hannigan. "We wanted to do something simple in keeping with the pope, who was a simple, down-to-earth man. He stood for what God wanted him to stand for: truth, justice and peace." For those attending the service it served as a way to pay their final respects to the pope who passed away April 2, at the age of 84. "I didn't get a chance to see the funeral on television so I came here today," said LCpl Joe McGinty, information operations, Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division. "He was the epitome of the perfect catholic and leader, and he helped a lot of people and countries," added the Augusta, Ga., native. For LCpl Lawrence Hurtado, heavy equipment operator, II MHG, the pope was an inspiration. "He did a lot of good things that people could strive for," said Hurtado, a Pueblo, Colo., native. "He set a lot of goals and he accomplished them." Posted by Deb at 01:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack April 16, 2005 Two Causes: to never forget our brothers and to tend to their families LtCol Mark A. Smith, CO for 2/24 Marines reports that all Mad Ghosts are back on U.S. soil. I've heard from several very thankful parents this week and look forward to sharing their homecoming photos with you soon. Greetings and well wishes. It is my profound pleasure to report to you today from sunny Southern California! Additionally, I can report to you that 100% of the Mayhem Battalion is back from Iraq. Now, while I know this is not news to any of you, I did not want to send an update until I could report 100%, and 13 of our Marines were designated as pallet riders and did not arrive back until Monday. These were the Marines who accompanied our unit gear back on Air Force Cargo Planes. I know the magnificent and sharp families of 2/24 well enough to know that at this point you are saying, "well, if you had 100% of the Battalion back on Monday, it is now Wednesday, so what happen to the update on Tuesday?" The answer: yesterday was our Battalion Memorial Service and that dominated our attention, and rightfully so. I will come back to the Memorial in a few minutes, but right now, as is my practice, I would like to bring you up to speed on the current status of YOUR Mad Ghosts. The last 10 days or so in Iraq were spent aboard Camp Striker, on the grounds of Baghdad International Airport. YOUR Marines during this time were essentially guests of the US Army, and we could not have asked for better hosts. The Marines were afforded, for the first time in the deployment, a virtual vacation. They had access to some phenomenal chow 4 times a day, much rest, as much physical training as they desired, and the opportunity to see every movie that has been captured on film for the last 20 years. I could not have been happier for them for this time that was allotted to them, and as is usually the case with the Mad Ghosts, they pressed on, took full advantage of the situation and maintained their sturdy professionalism the entire time. Since returning to Camp Pendleton in successive waves, the Marines have been executing the tasks required to demobilize the Battalion. Things here have gone extremely well and both the work that had been done by the advance party as well as the outstanding support we have received from the 1st Marine Division have been nothing short of outstanding. So, I can report to you that your Battalion is healthy, happy and EAGER to return to you. Flight times have been published and I know final coordinating measures for the Homecoming celebrations are underway! The PWST staffs will be publishing all required information shortly, if they have not already done so. I know for each Homecoming there are some "concerns" over varying matters. Ladies, what I can honestly tell you is that every decision that is made is being made for the best benefit for the most people, and with "what is best for the Marine and his family" being the standard against which all decisions are based. That being said, I would ask for your understanding in the enormity of the tasks, logistically and administratively, that are part and parcel of events like homecomings, and to think about the million or so moving parts behind the scenes that must be executed to make these things happen. Throughout this entire process I would like to think that a nugget of wisdom or "line to live by" to put on my wall would be from some historically famous General or great Warrior, but in reality, the line of knowledge that has dominated my life lately actually comes from the famous comedian Bill Cosby: "I do not know the key to success. I just know the key to failure is to try to please everyone." No intention here of slighting anyone, but just hoping to assist in the management of expectations and hoping that all can understand how issues sometimes of simple mathematics, i.e., a finite amount of space of arena floor versus a large number of people who want to be on the floor. Such realities require decisions. These decisions will not please everyone, but are made with the best available information and with the aforementioned standard as the measurement device. Now, for yesterday. At 1430 hours we commenced a Memorial Service in tribute of our fallen heroes. I can truly only describe it as a beautiful and heart touching event. There was much sadness in the auditorium, but there was more love. Love of our brothers who gave all. Love of our brothers who have left behind family and friends. Family and friends who are now OUR family and friends, and will be for life. There was a dedication of two causes: one - to never forget our brothers, and two - to tend to their families. For the first is the Warrior bond, and the second is our charge. We can not and we must not forget that our brothers have left behind broken hearts and shattered dreams. We honor them by tending to those hearts and helping to build new dreams. The fallen and our wounded MUST become integral parts of our lives now. We must care for them, we must assist them, we must ensure they are part of this magnificent family from now until every last one of us has breathed our very last collective breath. Anything less is unacceptable, and anything less would be less than the Mayhem standard. This Battalion and its families have never failed in combat, and I know as sure as our fallen were with us yesterday from their post in Heaven, this magnificent Battalion and its families will not fail in a lifetime of peaceful and tender service to our wounded and the families of our fallen! Following the memorial service, we had some VIPs who made some presentations and received gifts from the Battalion. Chief among these was Peggy Kane, a 71 year old lady from Fountain Valley, CA, who has no connection with the War save one: SHE IS AN AMERICAN PATRIOT! She had been one of our biggest supporters and sent countless cards, care packages, letters and posters (very motivational ones such as autographed posters of the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders, a Mad Ghost favorite). She is representative of so many Americans who have shown support is more than verbal, it is action. It was a thrill to recognize her in front of the Battalion, and she, through her words and actions, demonstrated for the Marines the beginning of what they have not quite grasped yet: that their exploits are both known and deeply appreciated by many, many Americans who they know not. For that, I am eternally grateful to Peggy Kane, and all the citizens like her. Oh yeah, another huge thing Peggy did, she brought one of the greatest examples of athletic gentleman this country has ever known: Rod Carew, Hall of Fame baseball player for the Minnesota Twins and California Angels. Mr. Carew is the quintissential example of a gentleman, a very private man, and one who honored YOUR Marines by attending our memorial service and then personally autographing baseballs and taking pictures with our Purple Heart recipients. If all athletes were like Rod Carew, there would be no resistance to them being called heroes! Ladies, in closing, I should thank so many. The families and their support, the unknown Amercians who sent us so much, the Generals and Colonels and staffs who supported us and helped us win our fight, my XO, S-3 and entire staff who were tireless and relentless in their duties, my Company Commanders who led the fight against evil, the attachments from Trucks, Engineers, HET, CAG, EOD, Comm Company, K9s and their handlers, our Navy brothers who tended to our wounds and our spiritual needs, all who made an absolute all-star line-up. I could thank the Marines of 2/24 proper, the greatest Battalion. I could attempt to thank all these, but the reality is my inadequacy and my words would fall woefully short. All I can say to even try to express my gratitude is this: I have as my wife one of the most beautiful women on the planet, and two daughters that when I look at them I see two angels in training, and I am as excited as I can be to see them. But, with that said, and I know my wife and daughters will forgive me for this, these days passing right now are some of the saddest of my life. I know with certainty that never again will I be surrounded by such men accomplishing such feats. Never again will I experience both the realm and intensity of emotion that I have for the past year. Never again will I be so honored and humbled all at the same time. No, the only thing I know for sure is soon, and I suspect very soon, I will find myself beginning that Warrior's road to slowly fading away and longing and wondering in my mind's eye: "where has the Mayhem AO gone...and where, where are my Mad Ghosts?" For no man was ever as honored as I to have shared time and space with these unbelievable men, these unbelievable Mad Ghosts, these MARINES! Wishing you the most joyous of homecomings and long, healthy, prosperous and God Blessed lives. Posted by Deb at 06:50 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack April 14, 2005 2/6 Golf Company tribute They're home, but their work in Iraq is worthy of praise. Here are some good words from Golf Company CO, Captain Wardman: At this time, I’d like say a couple of words about YOUR Marines. They have done an incredibly difficult job with poise and tact. I will tell you this; there were a lot of ‘nay-sayers’ out there that did not think that ‘an ordinary company of grunts’ could perform this mission. I will agree with that, because your Marines and this company are not ordinary. They established themselves as a force to be reckoned with as soon as we set foot in country. People around here quickly understood that we were not ‘ordinary grunts’ and that we meant business. Your Marines controlled everything here: access control, policy enforcement, physical security, and crisis management, which included casualty treatment. Your Marines were always the first out the door, the first on scene and the first to establish order and security in the midst of chaos. In short, when everyone else ran away, your Marines were running in. In an environment where the actions of a single Marine could affect international relations, your Marines performed flawlessly. The decision-making ability of every Marine, from PFC to Sgt, was tempered by good judgment and conviction. When Marines stood their ground on an issue, they were right every single time. For six months, whether it was dealing with an irate foreign ambassador or near misses with rockets and mortars, your Marines were flawless in their duties. Your Marines did those things everyday, without complaint and with complete diligence. They did things that impressed and astounded people. Not a day went by that I did not receive some sort of praise for the way a Marine stood his post, did not back down while being challenged by senior officers, and/or conducted themselves professionally even when their challenger did not. Every single day, people in other branches of the United States Military told Marines how much safer they slept at night just knowing that Marines were out on the line. Your Marines did this. Immediately, local residents were frantic to know what they had done wrong to deserve Marines in their sector. In an area known to be a "hot spot", your Marines established themselves as hard but fair and completely professional. We started to notice a trend in our area. It was always quiet when we went out on patrol. Other units weren’t always as lucky. I think that the populace knew the difference between Golf Company Marines and the Army units that also operated in that sector. There is no higher form of respect than that of your enemies. Your Marines earned their respect and held them in check. I am proud of them. All of them. They did a job that was not glamorous and, at times, flat out boring. They did this job with absolute professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty. I cannot say enough about them. On a more somber note, the Company sustained a loss during this deployment. Corporal Joe Ayala had a stroke while he was here. He had a previously undiagnosed blood vessel deformity in his brain. The blood vessels ruptured and he was medevaced from Baghdad back to Bethesda. Initial reports were not promising and many doctors did not expect him to make it, but Joe proved them all wrong. He is currently amazing the doctors with his will and drive to get better. Despite the doctor’s prognosis that he would never walk again, he can now walk with a walker and has recently started walking with a cane. Doctors said that he would probably never talk again, but Joe can speak slowly and is getting better everyday. Our hearts and prayers go out for him and we want him back because he is a fine Heavy Machine Gunner! All words of comfort can be directed to his father, Joe Sr., at: joe_r_ayala@raytheon.com His father, a retired Marine, would be extremely grateful for any prayers or words of encouragement! Welcome home and thanks for a job well done. Posted by Deb at 11:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack April 11, 2005 Small Craft Company honors LCpl Parrello Last January, a hero from 2nd MARDIV's Small Craft Company was laid to rest. LCpl Brian Parrello was killed in action on January 1st in the Al Anbar province. His brothers held a memorial service for him on the shores of Lake Habbaniyah. His funeral service at home was equally fitting to a hero's memory. An attending Marine sent his brothers in Iraq this description: To the Marines of Small Craft Co, Brian Parrello was laid to rest today at 10:30 EST in a very solemn and dignified ceremony in his home town. The funeral mass took place at his church. It's a small church in West Milford on elevated ground with a cemetery on the hill behind it. I for one find it comforting that he'll be in his home town, near his church, where his family can visit him. Several hundred people were in attendance and the church couldn’t hold that many people. Many stood out in the rain or waited for the mass to end in an adjoining building. The weather was to say the least, crappy. It was cold and wet and the ground was covered with snow and ice and mud on the hill where Brian's grave site was located. Only a Marine would appreciate the hump, uphill in the rain and the cold through snow and mud to bring Brian to his final resting place near the top of the hill. Most of the attendees walked more than a quarter mile in that nasty weather to make it to the graveside. They did so with no complaints. The Marines of the I & I staff and the Marine Reserve Unit 2/25 at Picatinny Arsenal did a fantastic job from beginning to end. Major Paulus and his staff had everything covered down to the finest detail. Brian's family was escorted every step of the way that I could see. The graveside ceremony went off without a hitch and was conducted with precision and grace. The Parrellos were surrounded by friends and family as they laid Brian to rest. The entire hill was silent as the Marine pallbearers carried his flag draped coffin to the grave. It was no easy task as the ground was slippery and uneven, but they covered the ground silently and without incident. They made it look easy. They placed his coffin over the grave and stood at attention on either side as the graveside ceremony took place. The rifle detail stood in the distance, looking sharp and executed the 21 gun salute. While almost everyone else had umbrellas or stood under the tent, they stood out in the pouring rain leaning into the icy hill. Anyone who’s stood at parade rest for a prolonged period of time can appreciate how hard it can be, especially when you’re leaning into the hill and in the cold and rain. Their feet had to be numb after just a few minutes of standing there. But the Marines of the rifle detail stood there, unflinching. Some things never leave you and as a Grunt I swear I could hear the M-16 rusting as they stood there in that unrelenting rain. At the designated time they executed the salute with perfect precision. The pallbearers folded the flag as a bugler played taps. The graveside ceremony concluded with 16 pipers and drummers from two bands playing the Marines Hymn in a slow solemn tempo. I never knew Brian, and I regret that. I find similarities in that we're both from north Jersey, we both joined the Corps right out of high school and we both fought for our Corps and Country. As I said to Brian's brother, while we're all saddened by his loss, we can all take solace in the fact that he died a hero, doing something he loved and believed in, and in the company of great men. Marines, and other servicemen and women have been making the supreme sacrifice since the birth of our nation so that we may live free. Brian has reminded us once again that freedom isn't free and that Brave men and women are the reason we are the greatest nation in the world. He's our inspiration and we're all better people because of him. I offer all of you my sincere condolences for your loss, and my sincere admiration for carrying the torch. Semper Fi Marines! And his name lives on in Iraq. The name of the base camp is now known as FOB Parrello. Posted by Deb at 09:15 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack April 06, 2005 Another request from the front - no more books! Last month, we printed a request from Sgt Morgan asking for donations of books for his Marines. You came through and your generosity is overwhelming - Sgt Morgan is now spending his limited free time building bookshelves and cataloging donations. They have enough and do not need more - if you still have books or DVDs to send, consider Books for Soldiers. It's highly recommended. Here's Sgt Morgan's e-mail thanking you for your support: I first want to thank every one of you, your friends, family, and fellow supports that have supported us here at the Prison. The library I have set up with your support is doing very well, and we have so many books, my free time goes to sorting them, building book shelves, and writing you wonderful people. Which is one of the reasons why I am emailing you all today. I try to pride myself in answering everyone of your emails and letters, but there is one that has slipped through the cracks. Before I had the chance to write down his Address someone cut it out of the box and burned it for security reasons. I am trying to reach a man by the name of Jim Bromely. He was a SSgt for 10 years in the 60's and 70's and was one of my very first donors. His letter is the only one sitting on my rack gaining dust because I don't have an address for him. If any of you know him I would appreciate his address so I can mail his letter. Furthermore, I am so pleased to be a Marine, especially in these hard times. I have seen nothing but the Honor, Courage, and Commitment we so tightly hold on to from these Marines stationed here. I just want you all to know that the Marine Corps. is making me very proud and I hope they are doing the same for all of you. There isn't another organization in the world I would rather be apart of. I have been in the Marine Corps. for almost 6 years and this being my first combat tour has made me understand what all the hype is about the Marine Corps. When in reality it's not at all hype, it is the real thing. We play hard, work hard, train like we fight, and kick A$$ when were told. Semper Fi and God bless you all for your personal dedication to the corps. Sgt Morgan USMC THE MARINES HAVE LANDED AND THE SITUATION IS WELL AT HAND! Update: Jim Bromley and Sgt. Morgan are in touch. Posted by Deb at 11:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack 3/2 Marines ride the thunder LtCol Mundy, 3/2 Commanding Officer sends an update from the Syrian border: I hope this update finds all of you well, and having enjoyed a happy Easter. April is here, which means we're ticking off the months until we return home! Your Marines and Sailors are continuing to do a fantastic job in the Al Qaim region, including Al Asad and Camp Gannon . The battalion task force has been conducting many operations over the past month. Kilo and Weapons companies succeeded in capturing several important enemy leaders in the area, and have continued to discover mines and IEDs that threaten our movement. The threat of enemy mortar fire continues, but we are getting quicker at firing back at him to destroy his weapons and crews. The work of H&S Company in supporting the task force in all camps, and running convoys back and forth to Camp Gannon is crucial to our success. The Security Platoon from H&S has also been as busy as any platoon in the battalion. In Camp Gannon , India company has also pushed out into the city near their base and conducted operations that captured and killed enemy personnel that have been harassing them. The security and protection of Camp Gannon is very good, so even though they are fired at by the enemy, most times that is nothing but an inconvenience to the men. Lima Company is doing a fantastic job around Al Asad, conducting security missions very similar to the rest of the battalion out west. They have done patrols, vehicle check points, and are certainly doing a critical mission. The Battalion Commander and Sergeant Major they are currently attached to have talked to me and SgtMaj Mennig, and they rave over the professionalism of your Marines and Sailors. Lt. Wingate's 3d Platoon, Lima , is continuing a fabulous job as the Regimental Combat Team-2 Quick Reaction Force, involved in quickly springing onto insurgents when they are detected in the area. They were mentioned specifically in an article on www.usmc.mil , the Marine Corps Website. Lima Marines and Sailors are getting their mail, but again I encourage you to use this LAAD Battalion (the unit they are currently attached to) address to make sure it goes straight to them. Rank and Name Lima Company 2d LAAD Det-A Unit 78087 FPO AE 09502-8087 As you can tell, everyone in the Task Force is involved in sharing the dangers here, and everyone is a vital member of the team. I can't accomplish my mission without the hard work of all your husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers. I am exceptionally proud of the job they are doing here, and you should be as well. We have continued to get large deliveries of mail, and we appreciate it very much. I think we've had great success across the board with keeping in touch via the Segovia internet and phones, but it is always special to receive the hand written cards and letters, and the boxes with treats from home are a great morale booster and make many days here seem like Christmas again! I would also like to thank the numerous churches and support groups who have “adopted�? men in 3/2 for letters and care packages, and others who just send packages in support of the entire Task Force. The encouragement we get from knowing we have the support of our families, but also so many of the American people, is tremendous. There continue to be stories written and posted about your men in 3/2. Most appear on the Marine Corps website, at www.usmc.mil . But, about ten days ago, we had a CNN crew that did several live interviews from Camp Gannon , and two stories about 3/2 Marines and Sailors in western Iraq . We're also getting a Chicago Tribune reporter coming to visit us soon, so keep watching the news to see information about your warriors in action. Unfortunately, since the last time I wrote to you, we've also suffered a few casualties, and while everyone here understands the nature of combat means we will have them, that knowledge doesn't make it any easier when we lose comrades or see them hurt. We held a great memorial service on 22 March in honor of our first Marine KIA, LCpl Kevin Smith, Security Platoon, H&S Company. He is a hero, and we'll miss him. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Posted by Deb at 12:48 AM | Comments (9) April 05, 2005 More from 3/3 . . . "missions still to accomplish and a war to win" Kilo Company Marines sends holiday greetings, thanks to correspondents Capt Mallicoat and 1stSgt Santiago: Greetings once again and Happy Easter from Afghanistan. The weather has begun to ease with the onset of spring and we have begun getting outside the base more often despite the odd blizzard every few days. Our operational tempo has increased as the snow has retreated, but the run-off has produced another obstacle -- flooding in lower areas. Nonetheless, aerial assets have become more reliable and we have taken advantage of this increased support. In the last months, we have conducted or taken part in at least 1 battalion-level, 2 company-level and 9 platoon-level operations resulting in multiple caches discovered, medical care given to over 700 Afghans, and humanitarian assistance supplies given out to dozens of villages in 3 provinces throughout Afghanistan. First, congratulations are in order for Corporal William and Mrs. Dove Mitchell in the birth of their daughter Lauren born on 19 March 25, 2005. Lauren measured a petite 19 inches and weighed 7 lbs, 2 oz. Both mother and daughter are doing well and are looking forward to Daddy's return. Congratulations to both happy parents on this newest little blessing. The last two months have seen quite a few promotions to the next rank here in-country. Those Marines promoted in February were: Corporals David R. Myers, Michael J. Pruitt, Troy M. Arndt, and Jason O. Valencia; and Lance Corporal Michael A. Madalena. Those Marines promoted in March were: First Lieutenant Steven J. Boada; Corporal Ajuna A. Montano; and Lance Corporals Arden M. Wright, Chase A. Snyder, Stephen C. Richardson, Joshua P. Ott, Colin C. Nelson, Daniel L. Moss, Christopher L. Monsegue, James Meeks, Daniel J. Mariakis, Edward L. Holloway, Kristopher L. Giuranna, Emmanuel Diaz and Orlando Carrasquillo Jr. Congratulations to these Marines in their achievements in attaining the next rank. Kilo Company also had 3 Marines reenlist in March. These Marines are: Sergeant Robert R. Campbell, Corporal Jon K. Burns and Corporal Michael J. Rowland. Sergeant Campbell will be changing assignment to Marine Forces Pacific on Camp Smith, Hawaii; both Corporals Burns and Rowland will be transferring to Weapons and Field Training Battalion aboard MCRD Parris Island. Congratulations, good luck and Godspeed to these Marines as they embark on another chapter of their careers. Kilo also recently recognized a few Marines for receiving the Good Conduct Medal, which is awarded to Marines who serve 3 years without any incidents resulting in company non-judicial punishment or higher. These Marines are: Staff Sergeants Jose M. Giron (third award) and Robert A. Meyer (fourth award); Sergeant Thomas J. Hood (second award); and Lance Corporals Robert D Berve and Joseph E. Brinker (first awards). Our family and friends have been very good to us throughout the deployment by sending much-needed supplies, from baby-wipes to bibles, from candy and pens for the Afghan children to cards and letters for the Marines themselves. In fact, our supporters have been so good to us that we no longer need any boxes to be sent to us for 2 reasons: 1) we will never use all the supplies we have and so intend to turn a lot over to our relieving unit, and 2) we will soon reach a point where we will be back home before boxes arrive. These last months serving with your Marines and Sailors have made me proud to be called their commander and I feel a sadness in knowing I will soon give up that position. This deployment has changed a lot of us including myself, but we hold our freedoms more precious for it. For some of us, this will mark a time of transition as we become reacquainted with each other and, in some cases, prepare to move on to our next assignments. That light at the end of the tunnel is getting steadily brighter, but it is still a little ways away. Until we stand in that light, we in Kilo know that we have missions still to accomplish and a war to win. Until next time, take care and God bless each of you. Posted by Deb at 10:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack April 04, 2005 3/3 update from Afghanistan Captain Sweeney updates us on his India Company Marines: As India Company nears the halfway mark in our deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, we have taken the time to take a step back and evaluate our impact on the country of Afghanistan thus far. Since arriving here in November, there have been some noticeable changes in the security of the Konar province. Your Marines and Sailors have been conducting a wide range of operations--capturing known terrorists and anti-government forces, recovering many weapons caches, clearing the roads so international workers can continue to build the infrastructure, and providing support to the local populace in the form of medicine, clothes, tools, and food. I need not say that they have been extremely busy and have all been doing an outstanding job. Our months ahead will prove to be just as productive as we continue to press the attack into the spring and summer months. February has served as our coldest month thus far. Of course, a little snow is not going to stop your Marines from continuing their mission; however, it is quite a change from the warm tropical breezes of Hawaii. The weather has had an impact on some operations, but we continue to adapt to our environment. Not allowing rain to pace us, India Company has moved throughout our area of operations and recovered several caches. Along with the caches, 2d and 1st platoon detained several individuals with ties to terrorist groups. Those individuals will no longer hinder the progress this country has made. We saw snow for the first time in Asadabad on the 17th of February. With conditions worsening in the later days of the month, 3d platoon set off for an eight-day field operation that followed a very wet four-day operation the week prior. Also this month, the company conducted a relief-in-place between our 2d and 1st platoons at Camp Blessing. 2d platoon now calls Camp Eggers, Asadabad home after a very successful three months at Camp Blessing. 2d platoon's outstanding performance in the Nangalam area has caused the most dramatic changes in the province. In an area well known for supporting anti-government activity, the coalition has now gained the support of the local populace. 1st platoon will continue right where 2d left off, and I'm sure they will do great things too. If you have a Marine or Sailor in 1st platoon, don't be surprised if the frequency of your loved ones calls lessen and their e-mails stop altogether. Camp Blessing has very limited commercial communication capabilities. For those of you with 2d platoon Marines, they should now have the opportunity to get behind a computer on a regular basis and catch up with all that is going on at home. Although there are a few more amenities in Asadabad, the Marines of 2d platoon are sure to miss the smaller, quieter, and more remote spoils of Nangalam. I must mention again the support we have been receiving from home is incredible! Just yesterday the company received over 200 bags of mail. A lot of it has been stuck in Bagram for the past couple of weeks because of the weather. Please KEEP UP THE SUPPORT! As the company commander, I cannot stress enough the impact on the Marines’ morale when they receive a package or letter from a loved one. Many of the packages have come from support groups and India company alumni from all over the country. To those of you that have taken the time out of your busy days, I cannot thank you enough. As the Marines say, you truly are Great Americans! I only hope the Marines of India Company continue to make you proud as we continue the mission here in Afghanistan. From the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines of India Company 3/3, Aloha. Posted by Deb at 04:31 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack March 28, 2005 Operation Iraqi Freedom II: Oregon Marines Proud Marine cousin Amy Fascholtz-Ames sent this update from Major Anthony Randall who serves with HMLA 367. She reports that cousin Tony graduated from Bonanza High School (Bonanza, OR) and OIT (Klamath Falls). Grandparents Louis and Maren Randall own and operate the Circle 5 Ranch in Langell Valley. Several other family members still reside in the Bonanza and Klamath areas. The family is very proud of their Marine! Right to Left: Major Tony Randall, Bonanza; LCpl Ryan Smith, Canby, Sandpoint ID; LCpl Aaron Reed, Corvallis; 1stLt J. D. Callicoatt, Grants Pass; Cpl Jose Elias, McMinnville, Beaverton, Eugene; Cpl Anita Strahl, Portland, Medford; Cpl Ryan Pecknold, Durham Cpl Karl Kriegh, Eugene; Sgt Mike Moore, Capt Robert Cox, Bend; Capt Cris Faught, Grants Pass Not pictured: SSgt Thomas Greggory, Portland; Sgt Anthony Gay, Gresham; Cpl Michael McCain, Bend; Cpl Matthew Sowder, Gresham; LCpl Joshua Gray, Medford; 1stLt Todd Shuck, Grants Pass, Eugene As the Aircraft Maintenance Officer for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367, it has been my intention to write on this subject for almost six months now. As our time in Iraq draws to a close I guess it�s time to put the idea on paper. In our squadron of approximately 345 Marines and Sailors, 260 of which work directly for me, there are 17 proud serving Oregonians. It�s not my intent with this to be self-serving in any way. I will always have my own personal memories of the time that we spent in Iraq and that is all I will ever want. This is written is to bring to your attention, the quality of young men and women that the state of Oregon has produced and what some of them have accomplished. Our deployment to Iraq started back in August when we departed from our home base, at Camp Pendleton, California. For the past seven months we have been living and conducting flight operations out of Al Taqaddum Airfield in central Iraq. Al Taqaddum is located in the lower, western corner of the Sunni Triangle between Ar Ramadi and Al Fallujah. During our time here, both the �Battle of Fallujah� and the Iraqi national elections were conducted. To say the least, our time here has not been without excitement. For the majority of us that time has been hours and hours of pure boredom broken up by moments of sheer terror. Some of us are lucky enough to be pilots or aircrew on the AH-1Ws and UH-1Ns that the squadron flies. We have seen the Euphrates River Valley and the green fields that run along it. We have flown to places like An Najaf and Baghdad. We were the lucky ones. The majority will spend the whole of their seven plus months within the confines of Al Taqaddum Airfield. This entails a six-minute walk each way from the living area to the hangar where they turn wrenches, bend metal, chase trons, repair weapons or load ordnance on helicopters. Most have seen the map on the wall showing the Euphrates River one mile to the north and Habbaniyah Lake one mile to the south and west, but as neither of these are visible, they have no concept of what lies beyond the main camp. For most of the Marines in this squadron, Iraq is a pile of sand and dirt with a runway down the middle and some hangars and tents. It�s sort of like being at camp for seven months. There is a very small exchange that is adequate for most living items, a chow hall, whose quality rises and falls like a sine wave, a tent with a bunch of donated books (thank you American public) and a gym with a strange assortment of both commercial and homemade weights and machines. Overall, pretty good for a deployed Marine base. The biggest difference between this and a bad summer camp is that here, the tents have standing water inside every time it rains, the dust storms restrict visibility to less than 100 yards, and rockets and mortars occasionally fall on the base. During the build-up to the Fallujah battle the number of rocket and mortar rounds that impacted the base rose until we were getting hit every day. I believe that on the worst day there were 21 impacts and they all came within the space of about two minutes. Nothing worse than being in a chow hall with 100 other people who are trying to crawl under the table; unless it�s walking out in the open on the parking ramp with no cover anywhere. Once the Fallujah battle was over that number fell significantly until we only received incoming about once every two weeks. We experienced a small buildup again leading up to the elections, but since then, our little piece of the theatre seems to have calmed down a bit. I hope it continues to stabilize. Do I think that the Marines in this unit have had it hard? No. They all signed up for this and I think will all be better for it. As a pilot, I have been in direct support of those Marines whose pictures you have seen on the magazine covers and I know very well that they have had a much harder time then we ever did. It�s like life; there�s always someone who has it easier and always someone who has it harder. The Marines in this unit spent their time keeping aircraft in the air in order to support the Marines in the thick of the battle on the ground. At the peak of the Fallujah battle most of them were working 14-hour days at a minimum. They had total focus and dedication for the task at hand. This squadron has flown over 1000 hours per month for the past six months. To put that in perspective, most HMLA squadrons fly in the neighborhood of 650 hours per month during peacetime operations. These young Americans, and a couple who aren�t, have persevered in an austere environment month after month and of the complaints I have received, none have been about the job that we must do here. Some are of the opinion that the military is a place for those who had some sort of problem trying to go to college or get a real job, but I would tell you that is the thought process of a generation that was raised with a military of the draft. An all-volunteer force is a wondrous thing. The people who are here want to be here. They are a cross section of the rest of you. They just happen to wear their country�s uniform to work every day. They are no different than the young men and women with whom I attended college, with the exception of the rules and regulations that they are required to live under. They have come to a war zone and performed admirably. I am proud to be a Marine and I am proud to serve with each and every individual in this unit. But I am extremely proud to be one of the Marines that claim Oregon as their home. Some of these Marines, maybe all of them, will return to Oregon one day and continue to contribute as they have done here. If those contributions are equal to the level of performance I have witnessed here, Oregon�s future is bright indeed. Be proud of these young people and if you happen to have the good fortune to run into one of them on the street in the next couple of months, please welcome them home. Posted by Deb at 09:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 25, 2005 MGen Natonski wins the hearts and minds of a few 1/7 Marines As 1/7 Marines waited through the last few hours in Kuwait prior to boarding planes for home, a few Bravo Company Marines were picked to load the plane. General Natonski walked over to them and asked them how they were so lucky to be selected as the work party. He then told them, "You'll ride 1st class on the way home. My officers can sit in coach". Here is one of them - LCpl Aaron Henehen on the right. My son, LCpl Shane Conrad is on the left. He wasn't part of the work party but spent some time visiting the Marines riding up front. I think they would have cheerfully ridden in the baggage compartment just to get back to the U.S. Here is CG Natonski's latest message: During the next few weeks, elements of the Division will be redeploying back to home station. The past year has challenged us in many ways and in each endeavor the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Division have risen to the occasion. I cannot express my pride in the accomplishments of every member of the 1st Marine Division. In cities such as Al Qaim, Husaybah, Hit, Hadithah, Ramadi, Nukhayb, Ramadi, Habbiniyah, Fallujah, Karmah, Mahmudiyah, and Iskandariyah, we have faced a determined enemy and on every occasion the courage and spirit of the men and women of the Blue Diamond have carried the day. The capture of Fallujah and the Iraqi elections that followed in January can be viewed as turning points for the future of Iraq. In recent months we have seen hope and freedom begin to take root and we are optimistic that democracy will take hold. This is due in no small part to the hard work and perseverance of the members of the Division. On many occasions I have used the phrase �One team, one fight� to describe our efforts in Iraq. The Blue Diamond was at times composed of Marines from all four Marine Divisions, the Army�s �Strike� Brigade of the 2d Infantry Division, the �Blackjack� Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division, 2-2 Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division, Army Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units, Special Operations Forces, and the 24th and 31st MEUs. We would not have enjoyed the success we had without the support and efforts of these distinguished units. Our success has come with a price. We will forever remember our fallen comrades who have given their lives in our mission. Our thoughts and prayers go to their loved ones. I want to extend my thanks to the many volunteers who maintained the Division�s Family Readiness network. Your sacrifice and hard work throughout the deployment was critical to ensuring that our Marines and Sailors were able to focus on the tasks at hand. Your mission was vital and you executed it with professionalism and compassion. We all eagerly anticipate our reunion. Every member of the Division will be afforded the opportunity to take leave in order to rest and adjust to life at home again. I ask your assistance in ensuring that everyone returns safely back to their home station after their leave period. We deserve to celebrate our accomplishments and our return home to families and friends, but we need to do it in a safe and smart manner. May God bless the 1st Marine Division and its families and friends. Posted by Deb at 08:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 19, 2005 One country closer! 1/7 is closer to home - they've left Kuwait. Hooray! My son called an hour ago and said he would see me tonight. I am a very happy mom right now. Posted by Deb at 07:28 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack Finishing Strong The Green Side is updated - RCT 1 is coming home. In one of his last second-tour letters home, LtCol Bellon describes the difference brought through the efforts of his Marines. As I have said before, Fallujah is now thought of as a "safe zone" by the citizens. The atmosphere of fear and intimidation is now lifted. People move about during the day without fear. The curfew remains at night and frankly, that is just fine with the people. Iraqis outside the city talk of how safe they feel when they come to Fallujah. Talk about a truly incredible turnaround. Last night we went up to the roof of the building where we stay and looked out over the city. Many lights are back on and more come on each night. It was quiet as could be. Perhaps the best description I can offer is "peaceful." There is no doubt that the muj will continue bring episodes of violence and terror to Fallujah. It is inevitable but they cannot undo the hope that is growing inside the people that things are getting better. While the men have been working inside the city, other Marines have been relentlessly chasing and attriting the enemy outside the city. We have had more success capturing high value targets in the last week than perhaps during any other during my 22 months here. Once again, the Marines continue to exceed expectation. Instead of coasting in and playing it safe, they are pouring on the coal and finishing strong. The result has been a number of indicators of insurgent leadership seeking to open a dialogue with the Iraqi Government. Again, not to put too rosy a picture on it but it really is encouraging to the guys who have been here grinding away. The bad news for the enemy is that fresh legs are here and it is about to get worse for them. Read the rest. Posted by Deb at 03:14 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 14, 2005 "We made a difference" My son will soon be home. Seven months ago, he left for his second deployment to Iraq and has spent those seven months in one of the most remote locations, at the end of the mail and supply lines. His phone call yesterday (3:00 a.m., sitting on the back porch in my pajamas to get the best cell phone reception) brought some very good news. He said that after having been isolated for seven months, seeing what has happened to mainstream Iraq is incredibly encouraging. Democracy is taking hold. There is positive optimism. And, that makes it worth the sacrifice. At 21, Shane has spent almost 6% of his life in Iraq, helping to bring freedom and democracy to people who wish to live in peace. And he can see that he and the thousands of other Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen, and others who have given their sweat, tears, blood - and in some cases their lives - have made a difference. They're coming home, but they are leaving a legacy of freedom behind. Posted by Deb at 11:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 10, 2005 12 heartbreaks, 12 cuts to the soul Another hero falls - and we all mourn with his family. I have the address if anyone would like to send condolences. Here is LtCol Mark A. Smith's tribute to Lance Corporal Andrew W. Nowacki: It is with profound grief that I report to you the death of Lance Corporal Andrew W. Nowacki, Truck Platoon, H&S Company, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, United States Marine Corps. LCpl Nowacki was killed when an improvised explosive device detonated on his motorized patrol while he was operating as a machine gunner in the turret of an up-armored security high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle. LCpl Nowacki was immediately secured by his platoon mates and air-medevaced to the Combat Surgical Hospital in Baghdad where he was pronounced dead. LCpl Nowacki was a crushing loss for this Battalion. A crushing loss for the fact that he had joined the ranks of our fallen heroes, and for the impact he had on his fellow Marines. As I attended the memorial service, I was overwhelmed by the words spoken by his closest friends and fellow Marines during the teammate remembrances portion of the ceremony. All of them spoke of his unbelievable spirit. They spoke of his ability to never be down, no matter what the circumstances. They spoke of his always smiling, always laughing and always being the one that everyone else leaned on when the going was rough or uncomfortable. They simply made it clear that he was the rock upon which so many drew their strength. Such men are the leaders around which other men find steadiness and courage in dark times. Now, one of the unfortunate parts of being the Battalion Commander of over 1,100 of the World's finest warriors, is that you just do not get the chance to know all of them in personal ways. You know all of them by face and name, and usually some glowing characteristic about them, but to understand them all at a deep level is just not an option. LCpl Nowacki was just such a Marine for me. However, on the day he achieved authorized entrance at his new post in Heaven, something happened that I shall never forget, so long as air fills my lungs, a song fills my heart, and thoughts of thanks fill my head for having been so lucky and honored to have shared the earth with such MEN as LCpl Nowacki. To understand what it was that happened on his last day of earthly existence, I have to paint a bit of background, so bear with me. Now, Marines by nature are a cocky bunch; that is one of the things that makes them run to the sound of gunfire when everyone else is running away from it. And, part of being cocky is being "macho" in your bearing. In my numerous travels about the AO, I am always asking the Marines why they never wave at each other. I mean, when we pass one of our many checkpoints, where the Marines on duty are doing deadly work, living hard and suffering great discomfort, I fail to understand why their fellow Marines fail to give them a quick wave or a thumbs up. But, you should see them. As the sentry at a checkpoint waves a patrol of vehicles through, the ritual of "I am badder than you are" begins. Each Marine stares the other one down through any number of brand names of ballistic goggles and covered in pounds of armor and high tech killing gear. As they come abreast of each other, the tolerant scorns are exchanged and no words spoken. It is as if each one is trying to communicate to the other via telepathy the same message: "you wussy, you don't have it half as bad as I do." Now, when they actually are around each other and not on some combat duty, well, then it is high fives and hugs and banter and jokes! But, on duty, the ritual seems rigid, inflexible and a violation of some unwritten code if it is broken. So, back to the day when a piece of my heart was broken and part of my soul was crushed forever, Feb 26. The day that will always be remembered and honored in the Smith household as the day LCpl Nowacki departed gate 3 at FOB St. Michael, and later that day met St. Michael face to glorious face. On this day, we were scheduled to take the leadership of the unit that will replace us on a tour of the Mayhem AO. Now, we have our procedures down to a science, but as can be expected, when joining units unfamiliar to our ways, some confusion reigns. The confusion on this day led to some delays in our departure and a shifting of the "timeline." Any time the "timeline" shifts, Mayhem 6 becomes a not so nice person to be around. So, our vehicles were staged, our Warriors armored, locked and loaded and waiting for departure. This of course meant, the ritual of the "game face" was underway. I was standing next to my vehicle monitoring the radios and waiting for the final elements to fall in place when a second motorized patrol began to make movement passed our staged vehicles. By the combination of armored HMMWVs and 7 Ton trucks, I knew instantly it was "Heavy Roller" (the tireless Marines of Truck Platoon and Marines from H&S who move about the AO daily in support of hundreds of tasks supporting the Battalion, and who does so with their own skilled and self-provided security that has engaged many a Muj with the skill and precision of any of my infantry elements). And, at the head of the column was a Marine standing behind his machine gun in the turret, with the largest smile on his face you had ever seen, and waving. Waving at every one of our vehicles that he passed at 5 mph as they followed their ground guide to the dismount point. I watched this and knew this was a Marine with a special heart! He was dispensing with the ritual. He had no need for pretention, no need for "badness." He was a Marine "comfortable in his own skin," as it were, and among those he loved. Something struck me as I was watching this Marine wave: he was living every day as if it might be his last, and he did not want to leave any unfinished business. You see, when we think of waving, we assume it is to say hello. But in this case, he was also waving goodbye, for the Marine who struck me on this day was Lance Corporal Andrew W. Nowacki. And hours later he would be dead...but no doubt, born again to new life. In eulogizing their beloved brother, LCpl Nowacki's platoon mates reiterated the theme that he was ALWAYS the one that every one else clung to when they were at their worst, because he was always at his best. He was always joking, always laughing, always smiling. He was described as "the most unprofessional professional Marine" they had ever known. Far from being oxymoronic, to all Marines, that is the description of the Warrior upon whom so many have leaned on since the Corps was established. All Marines and Veteran Marines reading this will instantly know what I am talking about and will remember a Marine from their platoon who had the same quality and spirit of life as LCpl Nowacki. As this week has gone on, as all weeks do, and I thought about how I would speak about LCpl Nowacki's death, I received news both here and from home of several children's births. That is always a cause for celebration. But what I really was thinking was: I wonder; I wonder how many of these parents who have just received the greatest gift God has to offer will teach them? Will they teach them of the deeds of men like LCpl Nowacki? Will they teach them that life is precious, and freedom it's greatest gift and deepest desire of mankind? Will they teach them to be prepared to either repel the evil doer or support those who do? I wonder? For I know one thing, 12 times every year, from here on out to my final rest, my wife, my daughters and I will stop on the 12 dates that some of the finest men the planet has ever known breathed their last, and we will say "thank you." We will say thank you by name. We will say thank you by name and we will light a candle. We will say thank you by name, we will light a candle and we will pray for our fallen heroes and their familes. Then, we will reflect on our lives. Our grand and wonderful lives lived free, and we will remember. We will remember that no matter how distasteful, no matter how much the mind does not want to believe it and no matter how much the body rejects it, freedom has a very great cost! And that that cost is borne by young Warriors from generation to generation. We will remember, and we will say thank you again! So, in closing, my heart has 12 breaks and my soul 12 cuts, and time will not heal them. God willing I will return home and I WILL be the same man I was for my wife and my daughters, as I believe we all will be. No, scratch that, we will be better men for the lessons we learned from those 12 breaks and those 12 cuts. And, on the day of my death, should the Lord be willing and I make it home, I know exactly what I am going to do when I see Lance Corporal Andrew W. Nowacki. When I see him...I am going to wave! I am going to wave at him and then I am going to salute him. LCpl Nowacki: you waved that final fateful day, and I truly believe you were saying both hello and goodbye. So tonight, and in this letter, on behalf of all the Mad Ghosts, upon whom you had such an impact and have left such a hole: goodbye sweet Warrior! May the light of Jesus surround you, may the touch of his hand heal you and may you never know another tear, for ours flow freely for loss of you! May God Bless and be with the Nowacki Family in this time. The Mad Ghosts are here for you. May God Bless and Keep the Magnificent Families of 2/24. Mark "For those who, in a dark and terrifying hour, saw what needed to be done- and did it." - Lynne Jonell, Bravemole Tim Carroll sent along this note describing how LCpl Nowacki was honored upon his final arrival home: LCPL Nowacki served his country two fold, United States Marine and a Police Officer for Grand River, Ohio a suburb of Cleveland. Accordingly, when he arrived home last Friday night (3/4) some 50 - 150 Police and Military vehicles escorted him to the funeral home where at the funeral home waiting in chilling night air were about 100 people who came to pay their respects. On Monday, as is custom in Police Funerals, Officers from all over the area, the US and Canada came to honor him. God Speed Officer Nowacki and Thank you. Posted by Deb at 07:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 08, 2005 One step closer to home My son called at 3:00 this morning - he's one step closer to coming home. No more helicopter rides, so another worry crossed off my list. After 7 months on the Syrian border, living in very spartan conditions, the variety of options available on the interim base is overwhelming. There is fast food after months of MREs. A PX where he's gone shopping for the first time in months. There are women who are not wearing burkas. And, when he comes home, we'll continue the culture shock in Las Vegas. I am driving down to 29 Palms next week and will be there when the bus comes in. Right now, I'm overwhelmed with emotion - after seven months of anxiety, homecoming is almost here. Posted by Deb at 12:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 07, 2005 Request from the front - send books! UPDATE - April 6, 2005 - Sgt. Morgan thanks you all for your generosity and requests no more books. He's running out of room and spending his free time building bookshelves and cataloging donations. If you still have books to send, consider Books for Soldiers. It's a wonderful organization and the troops are very appreciative. Here's the original post: Here's a worthy request from Sgt Morgan who is looking out for the morale of his Marines. If you have a few extra books or magazines lying around, put them in an envelope, send them to Iraq, and make a few Marines happy. And while you're at it, put in a few extra care package items - they'll appreciate it. I am trying to set up a Marine Corps library for the Marines on this base. This place is out in the middle of nowhere and is at the end of the supply chain in Iraq. If the Marines here need anything they have to take a 30 to 45 min convoy for books and stuff. The less traveling we have to do the better. If there is any donations you like to send in way of books or any reading material, the Marines and on this base would greatly appreciate it. If there are any other companies that you know of that might want to donate reading materials please share this address. Sgt Morgan follows up with this suggestion: I feel it's important to have books on motivation and Marine Corps history for young Marines to read. They get inspired knowing that in the past there have been men and women that have done the same things they are doing in the present. My son also suggests any kind of magazine . . . but Marines will especially enjoy those dealing with bodybuilding, truck and car, and other men's magazines (no porn - it's against regs - but they do enjoy Maxim). I also send hometown newspapers, news magazines, business and investment news. There's not much opportunity to spend their paychecks while deployed, so entrepreneurial magazines go over well. Paperbacks - check out the new books table at Costco and load 'em up. They'll feel the love from home . . . especially if the box contains a few treats (non-melting candy, snacks, and a card or letter from you). Posted by Deb at 11:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 05, 2005 Five Outstanding Marines 2nd LAR Apache Company is filled with outstanding Marines. Here are four of them from 3rd Platoon, plus an essential addition to any combat unit - a Navy corpsman, as related by 1stLt Joshua M. Phares. Lance Corporal Phillips LCpl Phillips is from VA where his family currently resides presently. LCpl Phillips is the platoon mechanic and in my eyes just short of a god. Some how he has managed to keep all of our vehicles running and combat effective in the harshest environment. LCpl Phillips is another one of my Marines that can speak two languages, English being his primary language and country being his second primary language as he would say. Justin is well liked and highly respected in the platoon and has earned the respect of his NCO�s and leaders above him. If it were not for LCpl Phillips the very nice house we live in, relative to Iraqi standards, would still be with out lights. He has only been shocked a handful of times and it is said to be healthy for him. I am not sure who said it but it makes him feel better each time he gets shocked, I think. Justin is expecting a baby girl at the end of March and is very excited to see her when he gets home. LCpl Phillips' goals after the Marine Corps are to live at home and have his wife take care of him, a plan still in the works; he has not run it by his wife yet. LCpl Phillips is a one in a million Marine and has been a pleasure to work with the entire time. Justin wanted to say hello to his family back home in Virginia and he will be home in time for striper fishing. Private First Class Griffith PFC Griffith is the squad automatic machine gunner for 1 and is an asset to have on the vehicle. PFC Griffith is from IL where his family currently resides. He is also expecting a baby girl shortly after he returns home from deployment and is very excited about seeing his new daughter. PFC Griffith is a very versatile Marine. He has the ability to kick in the door and keep his cool under pressure one minute and turn around and tell you a joke the next minute. He is the source of many people laughing much of the time and can always be counted on to keep peoples spirits up. PFC Griffith has performed outstanding the entire tour and is excited to get home and see the Cubby�s play ball in the spring. PFC Griffith has been an outstanding diplomat from the US always handing out candy to the kids while on patrols only making fun of them half of the time. PFC Griffith has undeniably gained the confidence of every Marine in the platoon to watch their 6 and the respect of all his leaders, even though he is usually making fun of the Platoon Commander. PFC Griffith is still undecided about his future in the Marine Corps. There is no question in any of his peers or leaders minds though that he would be an asset for this organization to hold on to. PFC Griffith has outstanding leadership skills and will succeed in what ever he does in the future. His Platoon Commander is confident in that, again even though Griffith makes fun of him. Lance Corporal McGing LCpl McGing hails from OH and is the gunner for 2. This is a vital role being that 2 is the point vehicle for most of the company operations and all of the platoon operations putting him up front. He is the first person to see much of what lies ahead and the first person to be able to detect any threats that the convoy may encounter. LCpl McGing can give early warning to his platoon and follow on forces about possible enemy threats and obstacles. LCpl McGing has handled this responsibility well and continues to impress his vehicle commander, Sgt Shaw. The noteworthy accomplishment of LCpl McGing is that he is originally a 0311, infantryman. He had the pleasure of being put in a drivers billet the last time he came over here in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 and remained a crewman because of his success. He has performed outstanding throughout his transition from infantryman to driver and from driver to gunner. LCpl McGing has proven himself in all aspects of being a Marine, both in Garrison and in Combat, time and time again and has earned the trust and respect of both his peers and leaders appointed over him. He would like to say hello to his family back home and to his son. He does not like to brag about it but he has also successfully read the trilogy of the Lord of the Rings for the 8th time since arriving in country, a feat for not just any man. Lance Corporal Fairchild LCpl Fairchild is from RI and is the squad automatic machine gunner for the crew of 2. LCpl Fairchild takes his job very seriously and is always professional and trustworthy. As a scout LCpl Fairchild provides security to the flanks and rear of the vehicle. He also conducts dismounted patrols and vehicle and house searches. LCpl Fairchild is a very valuable part of the platoons operations as the translator. LCpl Fairchild went to a month long school prior to deployment in country that focused on the Arabic language and prepared him to intermingle with the local population. A very important part of security and stabilization operations. Among the previously named qualities of LCpl Fairchild, he is also the duty expert on just about everything from ancient history to politics. Much of the time he leaves his crew with confused looks on their face, kind of like when you try teaching your dog a new trick. He has a few good conspiracy theories, brought on by the horrific punk music he listens to, or at least that is what his vehicle commander and platoon commander think. LCpl Fairchild is thinking about making the Marine Corps his career choice and would definitely do well. LCpl Fairchild has proven himself under fire and in many stressful situations. Matt would like to say hello to his beloved girlfriend, his also loved Mom and Dad, and the rest of his family back in Rhode Island. He would also like to say hello to the other 10 people that live in Rhode Island as well. He will see you soon. Corporal Basso Cpl Basso is from NJ where a majority of his family still resides in the immediate area. Cpl Basso is the lead scout for Bravo section (one half of the platoon) and is directly responsible for 8 scouts. Cpl Basso rides on the Platoon Sergeants vehicle. This is the 2nd time he has deployed with SSgt Keisler so things run pretty smoothly, meaning he knows when to argue and when to shut up. SSgt Keisler, Cpl Basso�s vehicle commander has known him since he was a PFC in the Battalion and has been with him as he progressed up the ranks. SSgt Keisler continues to push him past his limits encouraging him to excel and preparing him for the next rank of Sergeant. Cpl Basso has all the confidence from his leaders that he will have success at this rank as well. SSgt Keisler has many stories on Cpl Basso, most of them he keeps to himself as leverage. He could not think of any that he could write in this with out damaging any chances of Cpl Basso having a political career in the future. Cpl Basso is a very resourceful Marine who can be tasked with acquiring almost anything that the platoon needs. Cpl Basso is looked up to by all the junior Marines for his wisdom and experience as well as respected by his peers and seniors for his ability to accomplish the mission. His future plans are still open, wavering between reenlisting or in his words �sitting back after he gets out and chilling for awhile and then getting a job at a casino. SSgt Keisler personally hopes he decides to reenlist and continue to give his knowledge to Marines of the future. He would like to say hello to all his friends and family back home and to keep on sending him packages. HN Cannon HM Cannon is from CO and is the platoon�s corpsmen. He is referred to simply as �DOC� among other things that the very loving Marines in the platoon call him. It is not easy being one of the few Navy personnel in the company and the only Navy personnel in the platoon but there is no doubt of his ability and is trusted by every Marine in his platoon that he will take care of them if injured. Doc Cannon rides on the Platoon Sergeants vehicle and as everyone knows is not an easy task due to having to go on many re-supply runs. Coincidently, Doc finds someone that needs medical attention many of those times. Doc Cannon is very energetic, motivated, and always ready to pull the trigger if need be. Doc has progressed a long way since first joining the platoon. In his Platoon�s eyes, Doc is the best junior corpsman in the entire company and at times of conflict rises to the occasion, a trust that has come through treating the injured under fire on several different occasions. His ability to treat patients in a timely manner gives them more of a chance for a healthy recovery and he has not let anyone down so far. Doc seems to have a sixth sense, appearing many times with his medical bag ready to go without even being briefed. Doc plays a big part in winning the hearts of the local population giving children candy and treating everything from eye infections to broken bones. Doc was promoted from HA to HN while being over here and is currently studying for his Fleet Marine Force pin, a very good accomplishment for corpsmen who work directly with the Marine Corps. Doc says that he misses hanging out with friends from home and he is looking forward to seeing friends and family upon his arrival back in the states and it will not be much longer. Doc Cannon�s future goals are to go back to college and finish school when he gets out. Posted by Deb at 09:42 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 04, 2005 Mad Ghost Families: THEY GAVE, AND THEY GIVE! In which LtCol Smith pays tribute to his wife (grab a tissue - you'll need it) and the amazing families of the 2/24 Marines: I trust this update reaches you while you are in OUTSTANDING spirits, full of motivation and singing the Marine's Hymn as you go about your daily duties! If not, let's work on that, for all three are now standard requirements for the families that comprise the Mad Ghost Mayhem Battalion. This week I have decided to forego any details of the adventures of the Mad Ghosts. I can assure you that this week MANY ENORMOUS enemy weapons caches were uncovered and safely detonated, MANY of our most high value targets have been watching their Lieutenants and Operations Officers find themselves in the custody of the Mad Ghosts, and the Iraqi citizens of our zone ever increase their cooperation with us in rooting out the evil insurgents, terrorists and criminals that have repressed them and brutalized them for decades. Yes, we march ever closer to total victory and a safer world for all through the establishment of democracy and freedom in a zone of the world that has not known it, and blamed us! No, this week I am going to discuss the exploits of another very special group of Mad Ghosts; the Mad Ghost families of 2/24. For in the last 6 months, I have come to witness, through selfless acts, through phenomenal patriotism, through unbelievable support and through unbridled dignity the most Amazing collection of human beings one could ever hope to be associated with: the Mad Ghost families of 2/24. I have seen more beauty, more love, more compassion, more support, more inter-connectedness and more of Heaven than any poor gun toter from Indiana should ever be allowed to see while in earthly existence! Now, it would be virtually impossible for me to detail for you ALL of the amazing things I have been witness to of the Mad Ghost Families of 2/24, and even if I had the time and space, my words and descriptions of the accounts would be insufficient to do justice to those acts, so if you will bear with me and allow me to beg your indulgence, I will focus on a few. Those few are representative of so many, of the collective you might say, and without a doubt the Mad Ghost families of 2/24 proved the social philosophy theory of THE WHOLE IS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF THE PARTS. For together you have cried, together you have laughed, together you have loved, together you have missed and been longed for, and together you have helped and supported the families of my fallen heroes! For all these, but in particular for the caring of our wounded families who have buried their beloved and bade them God's grace, well, for that you have one unrefined LtCol in the USMCR at your every behest, your every beck and call. I have always tried to deflect attention away from me in these updates, for it is the Commander who reaps both the credit and blame of a unit. But, in 2/24, ALL credit for the unbelievable success of your Mad Ghosts, rests with the Mad Ghosts themselves, their amazing Company Commanders and my tireless Staff. Me, I have been but the luckiest SOB on the planet just to observe it all in action. However, I am going to have to take a little bit of the spotlight myself tonight, sort of. See, for as lacking as I am, one thing I executed perfectly, one judgement that I cannot be questioned on is the choice of a spouse. My wife Sheila, has a strength and beauty that exceeds her physical beauty, which is something in itself to behold. Now, this lady who accepted my hand in marriage, after my active duty time in the USMC, has struggled with me through the times that have left lesser marriages in the dirt. All the way, she taught me and mentored me that the marriage is first and foremost about the committment, and exemplified that in her many days of stress over my chosen occupations. Her answer was always one of support. She has seen more than her fair share of separations, and through them all, she stands at the end of it with a smile on her face, an embrace in her arms and heart, and a home and family both in far better shape then when I left them. She has taught me so much, and doesn't even know it. For that, I am to blame. But this time, and in front of all the Mad Ghost families of 2/24, I am going to thank her properly and give her her due. You see, all she has done for me could fill a Dr. Phil book on loving, but nothing more than what she did for me a little over a month ago. Unbeknownst to me, my wife had suffered a herniated disc in her back. The pain so excrutiating, she could rarely sit. She was forced to either stand or lie. Her answer to this dilema was to continue to tend to our daughters, our house and all the duties that you all know too well that accompany managing a family solo. And, when the pain was almost too much, and at our Doctor's begging, she had surgery. Surgery that would lay her out for a couple of weeks, with many more weeks of extremely limited duty. She executed all the planning required to ensure our girls had rides to their Catholic school, that homework would still be done, that they could get to gymnastics, that there would be lunches for them and meals at home and every other stinking detail of raising kids that makes planning combat operations appear as child's play. She does all this so she can have the surgery and know her duties as a mother have been accounted for. Then she has the surgery. And she begins her recuperation. All of this I am made aware of AFTER THE IRAQI ELECTIONS. Now, for my personality, or lack thereof depending on your perspective, I wanted to rage with anger, but when you hear "I just did not want you to worry, because you had such important things going on," well, the selflessness of the act overwhelms you and there is but one emotion: humility. Humility and bewilderment as to what it is that you have ever done to deserve such a woman. That bewilderment will last a lifetime. So, to my wife, and let me say for all the 2/24 Marines who have who have wives like mine, I RESPECT YOUR STRENGTH, I ADMIRE YOUR COURAGE, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND I LOVE YOU! Oh, and one other thing my wife did, was to bear me two angels. Two angels straight from Heaven. How else do you explain an 8 year old and a 6 year old who donated hundreds of toys to Toys for Tots, and who got the only Christmas present they wanted: a framed picture of LCpl Daniel Wyatt, (killed in action in Iraq with 2/24) and a letter from Mr. Wyatt. That is what adorned their tree last Christmas; but I believe as a result, Daniel protected them and the Lord adorned their hearts. So, to Nichole and Brittani, and all the Mad Ghost children just like them, let me say on behalf of all Mad Ghost daddies: I AM PROUD OF YOU, YOU ARE PATRIOTS AND I LOVE YOU! Next: Joannie Watson, my niece. 21 years old and full of life as a 21 year old should be. Currently in Rome. What does she do with her time? Party? No. Shop for fine Italian clothes? No. Seek the best Italian restaurants? No. She climbs the concrete stairs that in the Catholic tradition are believed to have been the steps Christ climbed to be condemned by Pilate. She climbs those stairs to pray for me and the Mad Ghosts. She climbs stairs and prays for us, at 21. Oh, by the way, she climbs them on her knees! Unbelievable. Unbelievable, and again, humbling. To Joannie and the amazing and faithful Watson family, from all the Mad Ghosts, Thank You and May God Bless You. Sharon Semrow, Key Volunteer Coordinator for Fox Company. Sharon Semrow, or call sign: the Semrow, mother of 6! Gives so freely of her self in service of others as a Key Volunteer, that the VFW submits her for an award, and she wins! National Key Volunteer of the Year. Sharon is representative of all of our Key Volunteers and their selflessness in the face of adversity. Who in their right mind could expect a mother of 6 to be a key volunteer coordinator? Nobody! Nobody that is except the spirit that drives the soul of Sharon Semrow and those like her. Unbelievable. Unbelievable and humbling. To Sharon, and all the volunteers that are the Key Volunteer Network, Thank You and May God Bless You. Regina Simon, wife of Chad Simon. Chad is a SSgt with Golf Company who was critically wounded in an IED that took the lives of three of our magnificent Marines in October. Regina, who maintains a bedside vigil with her husband in a VA hospital in Minnesota, and who has children who are still being raised. She takes the time to send me an email offering her prayers for me and the Marines and families of 2/24. Unbelievable. Unbelievable and humbling. And, although my heart wants to break for her so bad, it does not. It does not because she is an absolute pillar of strength and hope. So strong indeed, she keeps YOUR heart from breaking. There is no such thing as doing too much for Chad and Regina, as she is a light for all the world of faith, hope and love. To Regina, the prayers of an entire battalion of Marines are with you, Chad and your family, and I believe a legion of Angels surrounds you and admires you for what you are and for what you have shown us all. To Regina, Chad and all our wounded and families of our wounded, May God be with You. Cpl Prenning's mother and father. Cpl Prenning KIA of 2/24. They send me emails congratulating us on our successes, wishing us well and praying for us. The selflessness stymies the mind. They would have every right to close out the world, and especially the Marine Corps; but in their selflessness, in their LOVE, they reach out and they bring peace to us with their words, and their strength. Unbelievable. Unbelievable and humbling. That the Lord be always by your side, that is our wish for you. Cpl Hammond's parents. Cpl Hammond KIA of 2/24. They send their son's platoon commander the story of going to Camp Pendleton and of meeting with President Bush. They talk of how the President knew much about their son, to include calling him "Nate." The talk of the President crying with them, and of his genuine pain for their loss. They talk of the pride of receiving a personal Presidential Bronze coin, and of the burden of the President. What about their burden? No mention of it. Just talk of their pride in their heroic son, and of well wishes for his mates that are 2/24. Unbelievable. Unbelievable and humbling. The Warns family. Family of Robert "Bobby" Warns KIA of 2/24. The family who produced a video so moving, so incredible, so deeply touching that to this day I have been unable to complete a viewing of it in its entirety due to my need to control my sobbing. Now, please, no attempt at anything but sincerity here, but the Bobby Warns video should receive an academy award for its power, its majesty, its tribute to Bobby. I have NEVER seen anything as painful, yet as beautiful as that video. If you think about it, kind of the absolute analogy of this War. Right and beautiful in its cause, unbelievably painful in its violence and loss. The Warns, all of them, routinely email me with prayers and well wishes. Unbelievable. Unbelievable and humbling. Now, these are but some of the amazing events the last 7 months of my life's history have touched me with. Many is the day I have asked myself what is wrong with me? I used to be basically emotionless, and now can cry at the drop of a hat. I mean, I should have season tickets to the Oprah show. But, as we close our time on our deployment, it hit me. It is that I have been touched by the hand of God over the last 7 months, touched daily and touched deeply. And as is always the case with God, he has used the people in our lives to do it. He has done it with the Mad Ghosts of 2/24 and the Mad Ghost families of 2/24. He has done it through all of you! Why do I say it is God? Well, pretty simple, because if you look at the snapshots I have described above, they all have one unmistakeable characteristic in common. SELFLESSNESS! The absence of self. They are a continuum of acts for which those acting received nothing. THEY GAVE. THEY GAVE, AND THEY GIVE! The absolute antithesis of what our "modern" culture tells us we should be. And the amazing thing, when the self is gone, the end result is not the reaching of personal goals, but the touching of interpersonal souls! Now, no matter what or who your god is, that has to be the ultimate goal, else this is all for not. And, I for one, will not believe that. So in closing I have attached two items. One are the poems that Sheena wrote for the funeral of her brother, and our hero LCpl Wichlacz. Now, get your tissues ready for it is painful reading. But more than painful, it is beautiful. It is the tribute of love and honor between and brother and a sister, that CANNOT and WILL NOT be broken by death. And I dare say, Sheena could write these words for she let go of self. She gave all for her brother, and you will be, like I was, touched and forever a better person for her selflessness expressed in her words. God Bless and Keep You Sheena, you are amazing. Then, after you have gathered yourself and feeling the sting of death, open the second attachment. For it will be living proof that in losing of self, peace and healing DO follow the suffering. For the picture is the fiancee of PFC Vroman, KIA 2/24. The picture needs no words. God Bless PFC Vroman's fiancee, whose name I will not use, for right now, and in her selflessnes, I believe she would prefer to be called: PFC Vroman's fiancee. After you view those, and reflect upon this update, you will know why I live every stinking day of this deployment in utter disbelief that I could be granted such a glimpse of heaven. If I never achieve it for real, it will be for my own failures, but if I ever do get there, it will be much like my life is now and will be full of people like the amazing Mad Ghosts and Mad Ghost families of 2/24. Yeah, as I ponder our last couple of weeks fighting the Muj and bringing freedom to Iraq, I find the words of that famous philospher Rod Stewart most appropriately describe my life this last 6 months: "some guys have all the luck." May God Bless and Keep the Magnificent Families of 2/24. LtCol Mark A. Smith, MAYHEM 6 CO, Task Force 2/24 "Mayhem from the Heartland" or as the terrorists call us "The Mad Ghosts" Mahmudiyah, IZ 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, H&S Co, Bn Cmdr Unit 43495 Here's the dedication to LCpl Wichlacz: A DEDICATION TO TRAVIS ... MY BIG BROTHER ... MY MARINE! The Strength Of My Soldier You Are The Strongest ... Of Those I've Met And Known. You've Progressed So Much, And I'm Proud - Of The Way You' Grown. You've Succeeded - In All You've Done, And It's Clear To Me Now ... That You Are The Chosen One. My Angel - My Strength, And The Tears In My Eyes. I Know Deep Down In My Heart ... You've Never Left My Side. Through The Smiles I Smile, And The Tears I Cry - I Known That God Is Not One To Lie And Though This May Seem - Like A Goodbye - I Want You To Know ... That It's Really Hello. As Your Little Sister ... I Refuse To Let Go. And As The Tears - Drip Down My Face, I Realize You've Been Taken - To A Better Place. Your Presence Is Felt, Though You Are Not Here. Behind The Beat Of My Heart ... You'll Always Be Near. R.I.P. Big Brother ... My Marine! I Know You're In Heaven ... Watching Down Today, And I Know ... That Is What You Would Want - So, I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way ... I've Watched You Struggle, I've Watched You Fight � And Even Surpass ... All The Obstacles That God Has Set In Your Path. But, Through The Hard Times ... I Never Left Your Side. I Was There When You Smiled, And Always When You Cried I Was Even There - When You Needed To Confide. And When People Said You Couldn't - Or Even That You Wouldn't ... I Gave You My Faith And Believed In You. I Gave You The Courage - To Carry Through. In The End ... You Made Me Proud All On Your Own. You Succeeded - And Reached The Top - All Alone. And Though I Will Miss - All The Conversations On The Phone ... I Will Reminisce Without Hesitation - About The Way You Have Grown, And The Love You Have Shown. See ... When In Heard The News � When I Saw The Marines Staring Back At Me, Through The Screen Door ... It Felt It - A Pain, Like None Other I've Experienced Ever Before. I Couldn't Believe My Eyes. My Ears. It Was Like I Was Drowning - In My Very Own Stream Of Tears, And As The Hours Pass ... I Just Pray For You To Reappear, But You Don't - And I Know You Won't. So Now, After My Own 20 Years, I Realize I Need To Face � One Of My Biggest Fears ... Your Absence. And At Times I May Cry - Or Question Why, But I Will Never Be Ashamed, Afraid - Or Even Too Shy To Admit --- That You Are My Life, My Joy - My Pride! And, I Will Love You Forever � Until My Own Life Turns Dry, But I Need Your Help Now. And, Since This Is How We Are Destined To Be ... I Know You Are Up There - Watching Over Me. I Need Your Help, Your Strength - And Guidance ... To Not Give Up. Let Me Feel Your Touch, And Help Me To Survive � Through The Presence ... Of Your Spirit, And Your Love. And Please ... Hear My Last Words - As You Watch From Above. I Would Give You The World, My Life. I Would Give You My Soul, If I Thought For A Second - That It Would Bring You Home. But Since It Won't ... I Gave You My Words � And If Give You This Poem. Travis, My Big Brother - My Marine I Want You To Know ... That You Are - My Inspiration, My Motivation. And, As Appreciation I Give To You ... The Rest Of My Life. This Is ... My Dedication. Posted by Deb at 02:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack March 02, 2005 3/2 Marines arrive in Al Qaim LtCol. T. S. Mundy, CO for 3/2 Marines, sends this report from Al Qaim, Iraq: I am writing this update to you on the last day of February, as Task Force 3/2 is currently settling into our new home in Al Qaim, and areas around Al Asad, and learning about the environment from the battalion we are replacing. I just watched the last Marines and Sailors arrive out here in Al Qaim, and two days ago the men of India Company moved into their base at Camp Gannon. The battalion task force has now gotten completely moved to the areas in Iraq where we�ll work for our tour here. I referred to �Task Force 3/2� now, because the unit is much larger with the addition of some great Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers, that give us additional capabilities of armored firepower, engineering, truck and armored transportation, explosives detection and handling, and intelligence. This is a great team, and I additionally have responsibility for the numerous other units that are here in Al Qaim to support us, including helicopters, an advanced medical capabilities team, civilian contractors, combat service support Marines, and even military working dogs. We are well prepared and well supported to do our mission here in Iraq. We are working closely with Task Force 1/7, and their Marines and Sailors are bending over backwards to conduct a thorough turnover with our men, so that we learn all the lessons they have gained in their time in Iraq. Their battalion task force has done an exceptional job here, and I am very pleased to be getting the instruction we need from true professionals from such a fine unit. They are teaching your men how to recognize and avoid improvised explosive devices and mines, and how to fight against the enemy we face here. That doesn�t guarantee we won�t suffer some casualties, but it certainly better prepares us for the dangers. Lima Company, 3/2 has started doing their mission in several sites around Al Asad, and I am comfortable with the arrangements for their important work over our deployment here. They will be well taken care of by the battalion they are joining for their security mission at Al Asad, and I will also keep tabs on them and keep you updated on their progress. And with 3/2 on the ground, the First Team is ready to come home! It's been a long seven months and I can't wait to see our Marines come off that bus next month. Oohrah!! Posted by Deb at 03:39 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack Moonbeams 1stLt Z Philpott from 2nd LAR Apache Company sent this anecdote: The other night on guard post one of our Marines calls the Marine in charge of the guards. �Corporal, I�ve got something bright in the air that is glowing out here.� �What is it?� asks the Corporal. �I don�t know. It is glowing white to the Northeast.� The vigilant Marines reports. �I�ll be right up.� After careful inspection and deliberation, the Corporal has to inform the young Marine. �That�s�the moon, bud.� Posted by Deb at 02:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack February 26, 2005 2/10 Marines return home Photo and text by Pfc. Christopher J. Ohmen USN Corpsman Raymond W. Culver, serving with 2/10 Lima Company greets his wife Briana after returning from a seven-month deployment. 2/10 Marines are home after a seven-month deployment to Iraq. �The Marines did a great job,� said 1st Lt. Steven C. Allshouse, Headquarters Battery commander. While deployed, they completed numerous security operations to include providing security for firm bases around Iraq, patrols inside and outside of the firm bases, and convoy security for third country nationals. According to Allshouse, some of the units were under constant small arms fire while doing their job. One incident with insurgents turned into a four-hour firefight, but the Marines handled the situation effectively. Some Marines from the battalion were put in charge of security for one of the voting polls during the democratic election. Others were used as security for workers at one of the polling sites. In addition to providing security, the battalion spent time helping the surrounding communities. The Marines participated in several construction projects restoring running water, plumbing and electricity to several villages near Camp Taqaddum. The Marines also distributed clothing and school supplies improving relations with the local populous. �The local contractors and villagers were hired to improve the housing in the villages,� said Gunnery Sgt. Patrick T. Patton, information and operation chief with the battalion. The battalions mission required extra personnel from Combat Service Support Battalion 1, 1st Force Service Support Group and several Army units. Many of these Marines joined the unit right before the battalion deployed. Within a few weeks of the deployment, the new Marines got to know the rest of the battalion and many new friendships were born, according to Allshouse. The Marines of the battalion now receive a well-deserved block of leave to spend with their families and loved ones. After helping and protecting communities in a foreign country for seven months, these Marines now get to relax with the ones they protected at home. Posted by Deb at 01:17 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack February 25, 2005 Midweek update from the Mayhem Marines Here's another update from LtCol Mark Smith - if I weren't already a fan, his comments about the Oregon National Guard would have tipped that balance. A mid-week "update" of sorts. As we continue to press the attack against our evil and cowardly enemy, and since chopping from the 2 BCT to the 5 BCT, we continue to receive enormous support and forces in the Mayhem AO. Some of those forces are from a National Guard Battalion, a company of which is from Oregon and depicted in the below article, who was chopped to the Mayhem Battalion a couple of weeks ago. Now, these Warriors have been OUTSTANDING. I say that for two reasons: I have seen much press bashing the National Guard. I can tell you this. Since chopping to the US Army Command, we have had significant contact with National Guard Units, particularly support units. They have gone out of their way to support the Mad Ghosts. They have always crashed through the walls of bureaucracy and provided maintenance and logistics support with a sense of urgency, based out of respect for the fight the Mad Ghosts are in. As Warriors, A and C 2-162, of which A or "Angel" Company is depicted below, have been dedicated, professional, and tactically proficient Warriors. THEY HAVE BEEN AN ABSOLUTE WELCOME ADDITION TO THE MAYHEM BATTALION, AND FOR ME, I HAVE NOTHING BUT RESPECT AND ADMIRATION FOR THE NATIONAL GUARD AND THEIR SERVICE TO THEIR NATION, THEIR PATRIOTISM, AND THEIR DEDICATION TO THE NEVER ENDING CAUSE OF FREEDOM. Second reason, they have fought side by side with YOUR Mad Ghosts. And, anyone that does that, well, HE is my brother...for life! May God Bless and Keep the Magnificent Families of 2/24, now inclusive of the families of A "Angel" and C "Cajun" Companies of the 2-162. Oregon just became part of the "Mayhem from the Heartland"...all the way from the Left Coast! LtCol Mark A. Smith, MAYHEM 6 CO, Task Force 2/24 Posted by Deb at 10:07 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack Oregon National Guard working with 2/24 Marines Photo by Major Arnold V. Strong Capt. Eric Riley calls for covering fire. Major Arnold V. Strong, Public Affairs Officer for the Oregon National Guard, has been a lot of help to the Oregon Marine Corps Moms with past projects. Here's a story he recently released about the Oregon National Guard in Iraq, currently attached to the Mad Ghosts: Six Roadside bombs. Three days. No casualties. An enemy on the run is a good enemy. A sure sign that the insurgency is on the run and the coalition is continuing its progress. Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry, of the Oregon National Guard is currently attached to the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, a Marine Corps Reserve unit that can relate to the citizen-soldiers of Oregon in more ways than as foot soldiers. Since the day these soldiers have arrived in the sector, they have been in contact with a hidden enemy. In the past three days, six of the company's vehicles have been struck by Improvised Explosive Devices. In a testament to the strength of the equipment they are fielded with and the training they have borne by experience, none of the soldiers have been injured in the attacks. All but one of the vehicles, after a brief term in the maintenance shop, has been returned to the line. Led by Capt. Eric Riley, 35, of Roseburg, Ore., and Sgt. Maj. Randall Mefford, 42, of Medford, Ore., Alpha Company is a unique element of the Volunteer battalion. True volunteers, the great majority of this unit are not native to the battalion but volunteered as augmentees from the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry out of Southern Oregon and 1st Battalion, 162nd Infantry out of the Portland area. Many of these soldiers have already served on Active Duty since September 11th, 2001, either as peacekeepers in the Sinai Peninsula, with the Multinational Force and Observers mission of 2002 or as ground infantry in Operations Iraqi Freedom I in 2003. When the chance to again serve in combat alongside their fellow Oregon Guardsmen came, hundreds of Oregon citizen soldiers volunteered to join the fight. This company is a shining example of that Volunteer spirit. For most of the soldiers in this unit, the change in pace from Baghdad is refreshing and an opportunity to close this deployment on the high point of targeting the enemy and destroying the resistance of the insurgency in the last few weeks they serve as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. "At least it doesn't smell like burning garbage and raw sewage out here," said Lieutenant Michael "Corey" Jones, 27, of Grant's Pass, Ore., of the change from urban sprawl to rural farmland on the first day the unit served here in the Babel province, south of Baghdad. By the end of the third night here, his assessment was far more direct. "Forget the IEDs. It is just a sign of how desperate these guys are. I want to go house to house, tell these people that we are here to find the bad guys and I want to get these guys that are killing our trucks and trying to kill us," he said to a dark room full of battle hardened noncommissioned officers. "This is where it's at," he told his squad leaders. "This is the best place to be for all of us right now. It is the last chance we have to get the bad guys, tell these people that we mean business and that we are not going to tolerate their nonsense," he concluded. The company has been doing just that. In taking the fight to the enemy, they are moving, platoon by platoon, building by building, room by room, mounted in HMMWVs or dismounted on foot through thick marsh-filled farm lands, across this rural landscape; establishing their presence and informing the local farmers and village merchants of their purpose: to stop the insurgency that is exploiting the people of Iraq, to confiscate the means to destroy coalition forces and to capture or destroy the terrorists. It is a purpose that these soldiers take very seriously. Eight of their brothers in arms have made their final journey home since this battalion arrived in Iraq last year and with six roadside bombs detonated in the past three days, many of these war weary troops want to destroy the enemy with extreme prejudice, move themselves and their equipment North for the final withdrawal from Iraq and get home to their families, friends and communities in the next month. "It is clear that we have the enemy on the run," said Capt. Riley. "I just returned from the (Marine) battalion command and they want all of us to know that, as dangerous as it has been in the past days, this is a sign of the desperation of these insurgents that their only method of attack is with these IEDs," he said in describing a meeting with the staff and commander of the 2-24 Marines. "Beside all of that, you need to remind your men of the great work they are doing. This is the best way we co