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July 16, 2004
2/7 Marines update
Battalion Commander of 2/7, LtCol Phil Skuta reports from the Al Anbar province:
The Marines and Sailors of 2/7 continue to perform magnificently as they help the Iraqi people re-build their lives, villages, cities, and livelihoods. The battalion is just past the scheduled halfway point of the deployment. I couldn’t be prouder of our men and women. Their efforts and dedication to mission, each other, and most importantly all the loved ones back home is inspiring. It is a privilege of a lifetime to lead and watch this battalion perform. The battalion has taken to heart a quote spoken by T.E., “Lawrence of Arabia,” Lawrence, who said, “... Better the Arabs do it tolerably than that you do it perfectly. It is their war, and you are to help them, not win it for them… It may take them longer and it may not be as good as you think, but if it is theirs, it will be better.” These simple, sensible words sum up how we will be able to achieve success in our mission and return home to you, our loved ones.In an effort to have the Iraqis play a leading role, the battalion has established a Joint Coordination Center (JCC) at Camp Hit, one of the first of its kind to be operational in the area. Through the JCC the combined efforts of the Marines, Iraqi Police, and Civil Defense Corps are brought together to help maintain security. You would be proud to see the anticipation in the eyes of these brave Iraqis as they work side by side with the Marines and Sailors of the battalion, patrolling the streets, and manning roadside checkpoints. We will know we have succeeded in our mission and our time away from all of you was for the benefit of the Iraqi people when they say to us, “Thanks, but I think we’ll handle this situation and let you know what happened.” Due to the tireless efforts of your Marines and Sailors, we are closer each day to achieving this goal.
Our local jobs program building playground equipment and furniture for schools has been a tremendous success. To date, we have provided three schools with new equipment and have turned the project over to the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, who will continue distribution. When school reopens many students will find new desks and chairs thanks to the efforts of your Marines and sailors.
Many of the families in this area are very poor and food is not always easy to come by. The battalion has begun to purchase sheep from local farmers, which are then distributed to needy families in the area. We have conducted these deliveries with our friends in the Iraqi Police who help identify those most in need. The glee in a child’s face is fleeting when you give candy, because it never lasts. But providing a family with enough to feed them for a week is what builds the bonds of trust and confidence in the minds of our Iraqi friends.
I would like to extend my heart-felt congratulations to all the families who have experienced a birth since I last wrote. I ask all of you to keep these young families in your prayers. I also ask everyone not to forget those brave young men who have suffered injuries and those heroes we have lost bringing the opportunity of freedom to the Iraqi people. Please say an extra prayer for them and their loved ones.
Thank you for continuing to share the courage.
Sincerely yours,
LtCol P.C. Skuta
Posted by Deb at July 16, 2004 01:05 AM
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Comments
My marine husband stopped contacting me after he was hit for the 2nd time with a bomb. I have exhausted all my resources on coping and finding out when they return from Iraq. Is there any way that you might be able to help me. I live in Riverside and I am worrying constantly day in and day out.
Posted by: roxanne at January 4, 2006 09:27 AM