1st Item: the "information" flying around the network about the LVS Trailer roll over and burning full of mail is true. However, it happened a month or so before we left for Iraq. So rest easy, your packages and letters will arrive. :-)

Even though our email is back up, a large percentage of the Battalion is operating forward from the Forward Operating Base. Myself and the Command Staff move virtually daily about our battle space checking up, planning and supporting the different elements as they close with and destroy the enemy in their assigned zones of action. They do it very well, and are only getting better each day. In addition, they truly are bringing stability, freedom and peace to people who have known nothing but terror and oppression. The town of XXXXXXX had not had any government presence for months and the terrorists had absolutely dominated the people and their lives. Randomly killing and demanding money and youth service for anti-coalition fights. NO MORE! Now they must deal with the Warriors of 2/24. That is a deal they are losing, and losing in a big way. They have thrown every sinister attack you can think of, including multiple attempts at suicide car bombers. All have been thwarted with only the suicide bomber being killed in the process. The saddest part is how they have seriously injured several Iraqi children. Children who have life saving first aid applied to them by the very Marines and Corpsman who just seconds before were engaged in full-scale combat to destroy the terrorists. To see that in action is to see the battle between good and evil played out before your eyes. And to the entire anti-war, anti-American crowd, I ask them; where else do you see such disciplined and proper violence, followed by such compassion and mercy. I guarantee you it is uniquely American! And there are no better ambassadors of it than the WONDERFUL Marines of 2/24. They absolutely humble me and everything about my existence, and you should feel nothing but extreme PRIDE in them. They are amazing.

2nd Item: I understand we are rock stars in the media. Our current operation has received press in the Chicago Sun Times, the New York Times and extensive coverage on FOX News. That is good. Task Force 2/24 is doing great work here in Iraq, sought contact with the enemy from the minute of our arrival and has performed remarkably well in the face of the enemy. Every technique you have heard about this sinister enemy using, VBIEDs, IEDs, indirect fire (mortars, rockets), Small Arms, etc they have attempted against 2/24. We have suffered some casualties, but thank God, so far, all have been relatively minor with good prognosis for return to full health. The enemy however, does not get such a good report. Most of them have ended up dead! The Marines have been very disciplined in their application of force, and on two occasions when the enemy attempted a VBIED attack, it was thwarted by the alert Marines of this Battalion. I would love to be able to tell you that this is Disney World, but again, reality strikes. This is combat. That being said it is what we trained for and what we are here for. The terrorists would love nothing more than for us to be scared. Wrong answer! There is a healthy fear of mortality, as there should be, and there is constant longing for loved ones left behind. But when things start blowing up and bullets start flying, these magnificent Marines run forward, past all those who are running away. IT IS UNBELIEVABLE TO WITNESS. But it is also why the terrorists can never win. They can't terrorize those who bring "the Mayhem!"

That said, currently many of them are without the standard comforts and are living Spartan in support of the mission. We are working non-stop to push them mail, hot chow, ice, fruit and all we can possibly support. We also are pushing a couple of satellite phones around so they can attempt at least some 5-minute phone calls home for an update. PLEASE BE PATIENT! The focus of the day is combat. But, everywhere I am I see the Marines with pictures of their loved ones.

YOU ARE NEVER OUT OF THEIR HEARTS OR MINDS.

As I already said I am nothing but humbled by these magnificent Warriors, citizens and Marines; and I can ensure you that MANY fanatics who dreamed of one day destroying innocent "infidels" on the streets of America have met with a violent end at the hands of the disciplined, precise HEROS of 2/24. God Bless You All and Thank You for your continued sacrifice.

Yours in service to the Nation and in never ending thanks for your sacrifice,

LtCol Mark A. Smith
Commanding Officer
Task Force 2/24