Dear CSSB-7 Friends and Families;

I am happy to report that this will be the final letter for this deployment! As I mentioned in a recent letter, the majority of CSSB-7 personnel will return stateside *****, with twenty-five percent arriving ******. That will bring a close to Operation Iraqi Freedom II-II and your loved one’s assignment to CSSB-7.

When we first arrived in Iraq last August I set some clear and challenging goals for this battalion. First, I wanted us to quickly come together as a team, as we came from around the Marine Corps and around the world to build this battalion. I used the analogy of an “All Star Team” where we have ties to great units, places, family and friends, but for these 6 months, we would build something special that we could be proud of and remember for years to come. Second, we would set high standards and maintain them throughout the deployment so we could show the younger Marines what it is to be in a truly great unit. Third, I said that we would become the Best Combat Logistics Battalion in the U.S. Marine Corps. Lastly, and most importantly, by achieving these lofty goals, we stood the best chance of succeeding in our mission and bringing everyone home alive.

As of the date of this writing, we have met and exceeded these early goals. You will not be surprised to know that your Marines and Sailors excelled at every turn and are deserving of the title “hero”, although none of them will want to be referred as such. While the challenge was significant, and the enemy cunning and persistent, we have shown the tenacity and wherewithal that Marines and Sailors have shown for over 200 years. We did not come away unscathed, as this is war, and war has high risk and costs. We continue to pray for all our brothers and sisters from all services who were wounded or killed in combat, and we pray for continued strength for their loved ones who have sacrificed dearly. We particularly remember our brothers from Charlie Company, 6th Engineer Support Battalion from Peoria Illinios who suffered greatly in a suicide vehicle attack on December 22, 2004. Your courage and sacrifice is not forgotten.

We thank each of you and the thousands of Americans who have supported us throughout this deployment. The cards, care packages, letters from schoolchildren, prayers, and well wishes were phenomenal and gave us immeasurable strength. A heartfelt Thank You also goes out to the Key Volunteer Network who gave so much of their time and care to the families of this battalion. You are Awesome!

It has been an honor and a privilege to command this wonderful battalion of America’s finest. I look forward to returning to Twentynine Palms, California to rejoin my family and friends, and begin to prepare CSSB-7 for the next time we are called upon to serve in combat.

May you have a wonderful reunion with your loved ones, and may God continue to bless you in the months ahead.

Thank you for your untiring support.

Sincerely,
Drew T. Doolin