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September 05, 2004
General Mattis thanks the families behind the 1st Marine Division
One of the hallmarks of excellent leadership is knowing when - and how - to express thanks. Carrie Costantini, pulling double duty as both a Marine wife and mom to a Marine recruit, sent along this letter from General Mattis to the families of the 1st Marine Division.
COMMANDING GENERAL
1ST MARINE DIVISION (REIN), FMF
AR RAMADI, IRAQ20 August 2004
COMMANDING GENERAL’S THANK YOU TO THE 1ST MARINE DIVISION KEY VOLUNTEERS AND FAMILIES
It is time for me to leave the 1st Marine Division and I cannot do so without thanking each of you for your support over the last two, tumultuous years. Since our country was attacked on 9-11, 2001, you and your loved ones have endured uncertainty and heartache. Since November, 2002 most of you have dealt with long separations as your spouses brilliantly and effectively carried out their duties overseas. Through it all you have stood by us, and stood by each other. You have never been out of our thoughts and prayers, and I know we have been foremost in your hearts and minds.
For your unflagging support, I thank each of you. I regret that my own time overseas has left me little opportunity to get to know you individually. But your support, expressed through so many letters, e-mails, and kind words have made all the difference. Unmarried myself, I stand in awe of your courage, selflessness and compassion for our Navy-Marine Family. I am so proud of you that I believe I would have asked to marry each of you ladies, had your husband not found you first.
I share your immense pride in the Sailors and Marines of our National Treasure that is called the 1st Marine Division. As my time in the Division ends, your memory will remain with me. I will fondly recall this time together and keep you in my prayers. We could not have done our duty even half so well without your fortitude in adversity and your love.
To the Key Volunteers I send my sincere respects for your leadership and devotion beyond any expectation. Your service to our team has been priceless.
Thank you, each of you, and Semper Fidelis,
James N. Mattis
Major General, U.S. Marines
I'll bet this charming letter brought a smile to a few faces. The families of 1MARDIV will miss him.
Posted by Deb at September 5, 2004 01:15 AM
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