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.