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July 12, 2004
Update from 3/7
LtCol Lopez reports:
The Marines, Sailors and Soldiers of Task Force 3/7 are doing an incredible job establishing security and bringing a better life to the people of Al Qaim. We have seen a very violent and dangerous area develop into a relatively peaceful area where governance, Iraqi Security Forces and a blossoming new freedom have been born. The market areas of all our cities are flourishing like never before. There is new construction everywhere you look. The school year ended with the students taking their advancement exams without incident – children play in clean streets. Our area is starting to emerge as an example of success as we conduct the transfer of authority that will give self-governance to the Iraqi People.This is still Iraq, so we will still face danger and uncertainty in the months to come, but we are well on our way to accomplishing our mission. The Iraqi Security Forces and local Government have become our allies in the fight against terrorism in our area. Living conditions for our Marines and Sailors have improved dramatically over the past months. Non-existent in our last deployment, air-conditioned living space is the norm – thanks to Master Gunnery Sergeant French’s ability to create electricity. Every Marine and Sailor now has a real bed to sleep in. Care packages and mail from home is still a highpoint of the week – we are averaging a delivery every other day now, thanks to our CSSD brethren. Our telephone and computer capability remain our lifeline back to loved ones in the states – thanks to Gunny McGraw’s technical expertise for keeping it running. Although we are still eating tray rations in the chow hall, believe it or not, we now have our own pizza, kabob, chicken shack on camp Al Qaim and the Gunny Veigh chicken shack at Camp Gannon. Master Gunnery Sergeant French says we’re going to make the Marines soft!
Despite rumors, all indicators are still pointing towards this being a 7-month deployment. The lead elements for 1st Bn 8th Marines have arrived to replace 3rd Bn, 4th Mar. This is a great sign that things are still on track.
We look forward to the arrival of the advance party of our replacements. I still remember how happy the Marines were to see the Bulgarian advance party last August. As always, I assure you - we will keep you informed. We are still planning our return for mid to late September. Our return will always remain mission dependent!
We have re-named Camp Husayba in honor of Capt Richard J. Gannon.
Posted by Deb at July 12, 2004 08:37 AM
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