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April 24, 2004
Spirit of America Challenge - Days Three and Four
The competition continues with the Fighting Fusileers of Freedom in the lead:
| Blog / Coalition | Amount Raised | |
| Castle Argghhh! Fighting Fusileers for Freedom! | $10755.5 | Donate |
| The Victory Coalition | $7718 | |
| Liberty Alliance | $3314 |
Here's the button - you know you want to click it.
So, how can I make this competition more appealing? Here's today's offer. With the help of my two lovely and culinarily talented nieces, I'm baking biscotti today for Sgt. Hook- we'll send them with a couple pounds of Dunkin Donuts coffee. These are not just ordinary biscotti. Several years ago, I took second place at the Oregon State Fair with my secret biscotti formula. And why didn't I take first? Because my son, now a United States Marine, took my recipe and tweaked it. He took first. As Matt at Blackfive noted, ". . . if it ain't nailed down, GI's will steal it". And, he wasn't even a Marine at the time - just practicing. With my recipe.
So, I'll auction off a box of delicious second-place biscotti with a bag of coffee (not Dunkin Donuts, it's all going to Sgt. Hook) and a USMC travel mug to the highest bidder. We'll keep the auction open for a few days via the comments section - bid early, bid often!
Check back later for pictures of the biscotti-baking process.
Posted by Deb at 08:50 AM
April 22, 2004
A Mother's Wait
As a mother of a US Marine serving heroically for our country, waiting is just part of the game. But when the conflict in Iraq changed dramatically last weekend, the waiting game changed as well - it was a constant need to hear my sons voice and to know that he was fine. But, the waiting went from moments to minutes to days, ultimately three days later, Monday evening at 10:00pm actually. I answered the phone and heard his voice, "hi mom" . There was a sudden glorified relief and then the realization of are there words to express both my happiness and my sadness for him. He had lost five fellow Marines and it was evident that the aftermath of Saturday's battle was heartwrenching. His voice was low and he seemed a little disoriented, 'what time is it, and what day is it?' His number one request was to pray for the families of these brave and giving men. Once again, we are reminded that freedom is not free, and all of us as Americans living free should count the many blessings, even a phone call.
As, our conversation continued, it was short and the conversation was limited to making sure his family was doing OK, unselfishly focused on others in his life, both in Iraq and at home. He shared that being in a remote area of Iraq mail is very slow. Many Marines still are not receiving mail. And, communication is limited at a time when our troops need to hear the encouragement from the American people that they are supported and recognized for the job they are doing for people who are having a hard time adjusting to a new found freedom. I asked my son what can we do? He said that Marines are without socks, please send socks. Every package that arrives is like someones birthday. They all stand around and watch to see what is opened up and then they share the goods. Today, I will send a package that I know will be a present to someone, one that will be shared with many and appreciated more than I will ever know. A small token of my appreciation of the freedom I have everyday. God bless our US Marines! God bless my son!
Posted by Deb at 12:17 PM
Spirit of America Challenge - Day Two
As of this morning, this friendly competition has raised almost $11,000 to assist our Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here are the current standings:
Fighting Fusileers for Freedom - $6605
The Victory Coalition - $2977
Liberty Alliance - $ 1285
If you haven't donated yet, this is a significant opportunity for you to help our Marines win the peace in Iraq. Why? It's very personal for us. We are two Marine Corps Moms who each have a huge investment in the future of Iraq. Connie has a son currently deployed with the 3/7 Marines. Deb has a son with the 1/7 Marines who will return later this year. Both our Marines were there last year and brought home stories of how the newly freed Iraqi citizens appreciated the work of our troops. This year, there is much unrest. Humanitarian efforts, like those supported by the Spirit of America foundation will help win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi citizens who suffered under Sadaam's reign. And, it just may keep our Marines safer.
Here's the button. You know what to do.
And, don't forget the added inducement of a hand-knit summer scarf for the first 5 donations of $200 or more through any of the Fusileer links. Here's a picture of a work in progress (dog not included):
Posted by Deb at 12:05 PM
April 21, 2004
Thank you to the Spanish Army
When the 1/7 Marines came home from the An Najaf province last year, the Spanish Army took over. For the past year, they've engaged in humanitarian and peace-keeping operations in one of Iraq's holiest cities. Now, they are returning home - not by their choice but because of politics.
Last year, a couple of my friends - all Marine Corps Moms from Oregon - worked with me to send over 5,000 lbs. of school supplies to Najaf, Iraq to benefit the schoolchildren. We purchased and filled almost 700 backpacks with school supplies, and sent 50 teacher bags with classroom supplies. However, our Marines came home before our supplies arrived. With no one to receive the supplies and distribute them to the schools, we were stymied. But, Army Civil Affairs Sgt. Katie Utecht gave me an e-mail address for Major Pepe Perez Ucha, battalion commander for the Spanish Army in the Najaf province. Despite his responsibilities, he agreed to pick up our shipment in Kuwait City and transport it to Najaf. Without his assistance, the schoolchildren would not have been helped. He has worked very hard to ensure a better life for Iraqi children. Here is an e-mail I received last year that describes some of his activities:
Dear DeborahMy complet name is Mayor (Major) Jose Lis Perez Ucha. The e-mail addres is the best way to reach me. We are working a lot of rebuilding schools, and Social Affaires building. I want to tell you we are inagurated the school of Blinds and Deafs in najaf and the Orphanis. We visited the primary and secondary schools and Kufa and Najaf in order to fix it. We are about to buy two buses for the orphans to resolve the probleme of transportation of the children. Another day we organize a travel of 30 girls, these girls belong to the primary school which located in the city center of Najaf, 9 years old for Granada (Spain). These girls right now at Spain for touring and entertainement, eighteen days, to see amusement parks and Arabics monuments at Spain.
Best regards for all
It wasn't his choice to leave. And while he was there, he accomplished much good. Thank you, Major Ucha.
Update:
Tim Blair posted a link yesterday to a news item on the Spanish Army.
Aside from the military code of honour and their desire to finish the job, some Spanish troops said they were also sad to be leaving some of the Iraqi friends they had made in Diwaniyah.Three soldiers manning the checkpoint at the entrance of the base were laughing with an Iraqi labourer who spoke to them in broken Spanish.
"I will miss these guys very much, I have gotten used to them," he said.
Posted by Deb at 02:55 PM | Comments (1)
April 20, 2004
Spirit of America Challenge
As part of an overall support effort for Operation: No Better Friend, the Spirit of America foundation is fundraising to provide equipment for at least seven television stations that are being refurbished by coalition troops. This will combat the propaganda spread through Al Jazheera television and showcase the humanitarian efforts that our troops are engaged in to bring a better life to those who were oppressed under Saddam's rule.
From the Spirit of America website:
US Marines seek to equip seven (7) television stations serving local communities within Al Anbar Province, Iraq. The Province includes the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi. These stations will offer information that is more accurate and balanced than existing alternatives. The goal is to improve understanding between Americans and Iraqis, build trust and reduce tensions.
Current TV news in Iraq often carries negative, highly-biased accounts of the U.S. presence. Unanswered, its effect is to stoke resentment and encourage conflict. The Marines seek to ensure the Iraqi people have access to better, more balanced information. By equipping local television stations and providing the ability to generate news and programming, the Marines will create a viable news alternative - one owned and operated by local Iraqi citizens.The donated equipment will be the property of the Iraqi stations. The stations can create their own news and choose their own programming with the agreement that they will prohibit airing of anti-coalition messages that incite the local population. The stations also agree to sell airtime at a fair market price so that the Marines can communicate their information efficiently and quickly when needed.
For example, images were recently broadcast of a mosque in Fallujah damaged during fighting. With these stations the Marines could have provided the full picture by airing video of combatants firing on them from the mosque grounds. These stations would have enabled Iraqis to understand the complete picture. News of reconstruction projects and humanitarian assistance that balances the news of conflict will also be provided on these stations. The stations will be free to criticize the Coalition.The Marines say, "this was started with the idea that information is key to success. It builds greater knowledge, understanding and ultimately, trust." They add, "As Operation Iraqi Freedom carries on, this venture becomes more and more important. The lack of accurate news reports during this rebuilding phase undercuts the good work being performed throughout the majority of Iraq. Instead, news is being passed by word of mouth and becomes more and more distorted as the tales are retold. It is essential to success of the Marine Corps' mission in Iraq that the Iraqi people understand our sincerest desires to help them rebuild their country and lay the foundation for a viable and free democratic society."
Here's how you can help:
Donate any amount of money to the Spirit of America foundation by clicking on this button:
So, who are the Fighting Fusileers of Freedom and why are they pointing at Kevin and Dean? It's a friendly competition between three groups of bloggers with big hearts. After considering each of the groups, Marine Corps Moms decided to go with the guys in Fusileer uniform - they're irresistable. And, they've got bigger guns. Check out the individual Fusileers, led by the fine folks at Castle Argghhh!, here:
The Imperial Armorer
She Who Will Be Obeyed
The Imperial Animatrix
Right Wingin-it!
Loyal Reader Calliope!
Un-named Left-of-Center Blogger Not Appearing in this blogroll*
Triticale
Darthvob
A Soldiers Blog
Practical Penumbra
Road Warrior Rules for Survival
Brain Shavings
The Bejus Pundit!
Blackfive - The Paratrooper of Love!
Technicalities
The Anti-Idotarian Rottweiler
Democrats Give Conservatives Indigestion
Bloodletting
The Politburo Diktat
The Mudville Gazette
Geeklog
The Common Virtue
The Ghost of a Flea
Grim's Hall
Feste, A Foolsblog!
LC Glen, Imperial Longbowman
Dawn L, the Non-Commenting Commenter!
Loyal Reader "Brass"
Loyal Reader "Bill" (Constructive credit for already donating)
Marine Corps Moms!
Colorado Psycho
Wasted Electrons
Citizen Smash!
As an added inducement, this Marine Corps Mom will knit a fashionable summer scarf for the first five people who donate $200 or more through one of the Fusileer links. It's a great cause on its own - but in the spirit of NPR, I'll make you an irresistable offer. After all pledges are posted, I'll e-mail the first five qualifying donors to find out color preference. Watch this site in the next few days for pictures of sample scarves.
Posted by Deb at 08:53 PM | Comments (1)
April 19, 2004
Tough Chicken
A USMC 1st Sgt. e-mails from the front lines:
I have just a few minutes to write before I must go back to my boys in Fallujah. It is going on week 2 of operation "Vigilant Resolve"..Who thinks of these names anyway?...Give this job to a LCPL and he will really name this operation...Anyway, Sad to say **** */* has over 23 wounded and 2 KIA's....This place is really nasty, but as always, my men are motivated and ready to carry on the next order. We hope it's to go into the heart of the city and erase most of the cancer that is left. I'm really over-whelmed to have so many folks email me with good thoughts and prayers...It is fitting that my men will emulate a phrase in the first verse of the Marines' Hymn.....FIRST TO FIGHT FOR RIGHT AND FREEDOM....We will never forget why we are here, and the loved ones back home who are living a free and healthy life..Key word....FREEDOM....Also, I would like to share a funny story that occurred...A 500lb bomb was delivered about 100 meters from our post and it rocked us but what was funny was there was this white chicken that was launched in this explosion...The chicken flew about 100 meters and then landed...The %$# thing got up fluffed his feathers and ran off...Tough Chicken......Love to all...
Posted by Deb at 02:39 PM
Last letters home
Marines are writing letters home. Not to their own parents, wives, sweethearts, but to families of fallen brother Marines.
"Your husband/son/brother was an excellent Marine, admired by his peers, respected by his superiors, and he died doing his duty," many of the letters will say, or versions thereof.Among the fallen Marines is Lance Cpl. Robert Zurheide, 20, of Tucson, whose wife will soon give birth to their first child. His buddies want to make sure that someday Zurheide's child will know of his sense of humor, strength of character and bravery.
No law requires these letters to be written, only custom. In the Marine Corps, custom is a potent call.
When my son was in Iraq last year, two men in his battalion died of non-combat injuries. Their families received letters, not only from officers but from the enlisted men who lived side-by-side with their sons and husbands.
Letters from officers are being collected here at the Marine encampment on the city's outskirts. They are being typed and corrected for spelling.But enlisted Marines, some hunkered down in bullet-riddled homes awaiting orders to begin an assault, also are encouraged to write down their memories. Some use scraps of paper, others the sides of cardboard boxes that carry Meals Ready to Eat.
Troops remembered Zurheide's sense of humor, his love of singing and playing guitar, his occasional displays of dancing and his joy at showing the ultrasound picture of his unborn child.
"We want his child to know his dad was a good Marine. He never balked, he always volunteered, he went out of his way to help others," said 2nd Lt. Ben Wagner, commanding officer of Zurheide's platoon.
Last year, my son called me each time there was a Marine casualty to let me know he was all right. Even so, my breath stopped everytime there was a knock at my door. And the same thing will happen later this year when my son returns to Iraq. It happened to a friend earlier this week when news of the battle on the Syrian border came across news wires. We collectively held our breath until we knew her son was safe. And we mourn for the fallen, knowing that they died heroes. Each Marine is like one of our own sons. And the Marines feel the same way about the families of their fallen brothers.
"I hope what I wrote will at least let them know their sons didn't die in vain," (Capt. Zambiec) said. "They died trying to bring peace to a violent and chaotic part of the world."The letter-writing process helps the surviving Marines as well. They take comfort in the thought that the missives are helping a dead friend's family.
"That's how Marines grieve," said 1st Sgt. James Madden, who has been in the Corps for 22 years. "We take care of our own."
Posted by Deb at 01:39 PM
April 18, 2004
3/7 Marines Battle in Husaybah
Yesterday, I was walking down the waterfront in Newport, Oregon when another Marine Mom called to see if I'd heard anything about a firefight on the Syrian border. Her son serves with the 3/7 Marines and is currently deployed in Iraq. A report from embedded reporter Ron Harris from the Saint Louis Post Dispatch provides a few details on what the 3/7 faced yesterday:
In some of the fiercest fighting in recent weeks, five Marines were killed and dozens of Iraqi insurgents slain in a daylong battle that began early Saturday in Husaybah. Marines beat back the offensive by what was reported to be hundreds of Iraqis from another area who had slipped into this city just 300 yards east of the Syrian border.According to Marine intelligence, nearly 300 Iraqi mujahedeen fighters from Fallujah and Ramadi launched the offensive in an outpost next to Husaybah, first setting off a roadside bomb to lure Marines out of their base and then firing 24 mortars as the Marines responded to the first attack.
At least nine Marines were wounded and more than 20 Iraqi fighters were captured in the 14-hour battle. The Iraqi prisoners were taken to the Marines' main base, Camp Al Qaim, 22 miles east of here, for questioning.
Reading between the lines, the mujahedeen are being run out of Fallujah and Ramadi and are retreating to Syria. They may stop along the way for a fight, but they will not win, even with cowardly tactics:
At one point, many of the insurgents reportedly had gathered in a local mosque, and Marines were preparing to bomb the building. They decided not to attack, however, when they couldn't positively identify the occupants of the mosque.According to Marine snipers reporting to their commanders by radio, some of the insurgents fired at Marines and then hid behind children.
"We're trying to get the snipers in position for a shot," Major George Schreffler told the other commanders through tactical radio communications. "They're looking at guys in blue uniforms and others with black clothes and black masks. Some are using children to shield themselves. We will not take shots in which we could possibly hit children."
The battle started at 8:30 a.m. By 6:00 p.m., our Marines "had the insurgents on the run".
No better friend, no worse enemy. It's not a question of "if", it's "when". In this battle, it took less than ten hours. We'll grieve with the families of our fallen heroes, knowing that their sons and husbands made a difference. Semper Fi.
Posted by Deb at 02:43 PM