Happy holidays and happy New Year to all the family and friends of the Apache Nation! We hope that everyone enjoyed his or her holidays - all things being relative, we did as well. All of the platoon positions were covered in holiday cheer from all of our loved ones back home. Myself, the 1stSgt and merry bunch of camouflaged elves, in a green armored 7-ton truck went to each platoon CP to serve chow. The 1stSgt wore a red hat that day. Pretty festive although I thought a green fuzzy costume with a small dog and big moose horns would have been more appropriate for him. But getting him to wear something that is not in keeping with the Marine Corps uniform regulations was a big win nonetheless. We probably received 100s of Christmas cards and letters from numerous children and schools across the nation. The children's honesty, innocence and sincerity were heart felt and quite often - just down right humorous. One card in particular was adorned with patriotic symbols and colors as well as Christmas cheer with two simple sentences - "Merry Christmas. I hope you don't die." I can say across the board - we agreed.
Speaking of platoon positions, I have to say sorry to my Marines for this one, but do not, do not let them pull the sympathy card with you. If they have been trying that since 25 Nov - shame, shame, shame. When we first arrived on the peninsula, I chose a location for the company CP for tactical reasons. I gave the platoons their missions and told them to choose platoon CPs that met the tactical guidance. I am not sure who can learn from whom on this one - but I can tell you my platoon commanders picked the nicest houses on the peninsula and they are living in mansions. Now yes, there may be some barb wire, sandbags and machine gun bunkers around, but there is no getting around that these guys pulled a page from the Better Homes and Gardens into their decision making process. If anyone is crying sympathy because of their living conditions - please, please, tell me their names and their exact quotes. I could really have a lot of fun with that one.
It is hard to believe that almost six weeks have passed since I wrote to all the people back home whom I consider part of the Apache family. My apologies. A counter insurgency war is weeks of boredom mixed with minutes of chaos. The past weeks have become just that. November has come and gone and regardless what the path of this country takes, we know we did our part
- and that is all we ever asked.
Following the fall of Fallujah, we assumed a mission on the flank of the city protecting the regiment and we have been executing that mission ever since. It is a good mission and it puts us in a position where we are still taking the fight to the enemy. Only this time, we are taking it into his home. The Marines of this company have been doing a tremendous job working with the local population. The tide has definitely turned in this area and we are seeing more and more Iraqi citizens coming to us with information about the insurgents. They have provided us with information that has no doubt saved many Marine lives. We have uncovered hundreds of pieces of ordnance, discovered and defeated numerous IEDs waiting for a convoy or patrol to come by and we have detained and put away many insurgents. It is very satisfying to drive out in the middle of the night or even in broad daylight sometimes, surround an insurgent's home and rip him from where he thought was his safe place. He believed he had refuge and sanctity. And just as he had taken that from the people of Iraq, we are now doing that to him. To see his face, knowing he is caught and defeated, humbled as he sits on the floor while we secure him and search his house is extremely satisfying. He is no longer the brazen thug who intimidates the population, uses terror as his weapon and masks himself behind a veil of violence. He is now exposed for what he truly is - a coward. And we in the Apache Nation have delivered him to the Iraqi authorities where he will sit and rot for the years to come and not receive what he thought was an honor to die for the cause.
The elections are close at hand and I can only imagine the spin the media is making this out to be. All of us here look forward to the election because it will truly mean mission accomplishment. Even if only a small minority of citizens comes out to vote, the message will be historic and revolutionary. The path of this country will be in the hands of free Iraq and regardless of the path they chose, be proud for we gave them that opportunity to chose. Regardless if we agree or disagree with their decisions, particularly if you disagree, be proud. They are realizing a dream world that we as Americans take for granted - a government elected by the people. But remember, as well, that a legitimate Iraqi government will take time. In this day and age of instant everything (remember when Tang was exciting because the astronauts drank it), instantaneous governing is unrealistic. Remember that it took the United States 14 years to ratify its Constitution and we started with a failed form of government in the Articles of Confederation. Let us not be hypocrites.
The countdown is on as we head down the deployment highway - about 80 exits to go. Celebrate life because it is special. You do not realize how good the life you live is until you see others who never had it. I think the MEF commander's guidance is right on target. This is a three star general who is in charge of 20,000+ personnel and a big piece of land in Iraq - one his leadership principles is: Who did you make laugh today? There is a guy who has it figured out.
Until next time, pray for peace and God bless America.
Semper Fidelis.
