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September 04, 2004
Rumsfeld speaks
On August 26, Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, visited the Marine base at Yuma, AZ. When asked by the media what his message for the Marines and Sailors at the base would be, he replied:
It was to say ?thank you.? You just have no idea how important what they are doing is in the world. It is difficult work. It is challenging, and it?s dangerous. And they are doing it so well, and so professionally, and so courageously that it is important from time to time for people -- not just people in government ? but people outside of government, to be able to look them in the eye and say thank you -- that we value them. We value the fact that they are all volunteers. That they put their hands up and said ?send me.? And that?s a wonderful thing that our country has their service.
Posted by Deb at 09:54 PM
September 03, 2004
Double Digits
New York: For the first time since the Presidential race became a two person contest last spring, there is a clear leader, the latest TIME poll shows. If the 2004 election for President were held today, 52% of likely voters surveyed would vote for President George W. Bush, 41% would vote for Democratic nominee John Kerry, and 3% would vote for Ralph Nader, according to a new TIME poll conducted from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2. Poll results are available on TIME.com and will appear in the upcoming issue of TIME magazine, on newsstands Monday, Sept. 6.
Posted by Deb at 01:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
President Bush, Commander in Chief
He had me at "Mr. Chairman, delegates, fellow citizens: I am honoured by your support, and I accept your nomination for President of the United States". But when he talked about the personal cost of serving as Commander in Chief, it was an electrifying moment. I'm printing this out and mailing it to my son, currently somewhere in Iraq.
One thing I have learned about the presidency is that whatever shortcomings you have, people are going to notice them -- and whatever strengths you have, you're going to need them. These four years have brought moments I could not foresee and will not forget. I have tried to comfort Americans who lost the most on September 11th -- people who showed me a picture or told me a story, so I would know how much was taken from them. I have learned first-hand that ordering Americans into battle is the hardest decision, even when it is right. I have returned the salute of wounded soldiers, some with a very tough road ahead, who say they were just doing their job. I've held the children of the fallen, who are told their dad or mom is a hero, but would rather just have their dad or mom.And I have met with parents and wives and husbands who have received a folded flag, and said a final goodbye to a soldier they loved. I am awed that so many have used those meetings to say that I am in their prayers ? to offer encouragement to me. Where does strength like that come from? How can people so burdened with sorrow also feel such pride? It is because they know their loved one was last seen doing good. Because they know that liberty was precious to the one they lost. And in those military families, I have seen the character of a great nation: decent, and idealistic, and strong.
The world saw that spirit three miles from here, when the people of this city faced peril together, and lifted a flag over the ruins, and defied the enemy with their courage. My fellow Americans, for as long as our country stands, people will look to the resurrection of New York City and they will say: Here buildings fell, and here a nation rose.
Thank God we have one candidate who is strong, resolute, and can look to the future with clarity of vision. I have no doubt that he will continue to keep his eye on the ultimate goalpost. And I really hope he's given the opportunity to do so in his second four-year term.
Posted by Deb at 11:20 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
A Navy Doctor Returns to the U.S.
A surgical team doctor is rotating back to the United States. Here is a snippet from an e-mail she wrote, listing her memories of serving in a field hospital and caring for Marines wounded in combat. It's an amazing list. And if you can get through it without tears falling, you are made of much stronger stuff than I.
Here are some of her good memories:
But most of all, The United States Marines, our patients...Walking, every day, and having literally every single person who passes by say "Hoorah, Ma'am..."
Having them tell us, one after the other, through blinding pain or morphine-induced euphoria..."When can I get out of here? I just want to get back to my unit..."
Meeting a young Sergeant, who had lost an eye in an explosion...he asked his surgeon if he could open the other one...when he did, he sat up and looked at the young Marines from his fire team who were being treated for superficial shrapnel wounds in the next room...he smiled, laid back down, and said, "I only have one good eye, Doc! , but I can see that my Marines are OK."
And of course, meeting the one who threw himself on a grenade to save the men at his side...who will likely be the first Medal of Honor recipient in over 11 years...
The list comes from Blawkhawk's site. Do visit his site to read her complete list, including events that she'll remember with both joy and sadness.
And to the author of the list, thank you for caring for both the fallen and those who serve with them and love them as brothers. As a mom on the other side of the world, it is comforting to know that the Navy is there for our Marines.
Posted by Deb at 10:41 AM | Comments (1)
General Mattis Moves On
USMC MajGen Jim Mattis (recently promoted to LtGen), who has provided stellar leadership to the 1st Marine Division as they liberated Afghanistan and Iraq, has transferred command to MajGen Richard Natonski who led the Marines in Task Force Tarawa who fought valiantly last year in Nasiriyah.
During a change of command ceremony at Asad air base near Ramadi, Iraq last week, MajGen Mattis shared these remarks with the Marines who came to honor him:
Friends and Comrades: For two years, the story of the 1st Marine Division has been one of honor. Today, my message is one of thanks: Thanks to the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who have stood the test, .and proved to the world that our experiment called the United States of America will survive; Thanks to our families who have stood with us through thick and thin, .and bore unbearable tragedy with a courage that has humbled me; Thanks to the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing whose warriors have always come through, and painted the Blue Diamond on their wings and carried us in their hearts; Thanks to the 1st Force Service Support Group who committed to doing the impossible, and then exceeded the best we could have hoped for; Thanks to our Division's veterans, whose spirits have marched with us since we crossed the line of departure, .and whose example reminded us that there was nothing the enemy could throw at us that we would not overcome; And thanks to countless others whose commitment and loyalty made us what we are- .Who allowed us to achieve what we achieved, .Who allowed us to develop the character of No better friend, No worse enemy. Today I haven't the words to capture what is in my heart as I look out at these beautiful Grunts who represent thousands of cocky, selfless, macho young troops of our infantry Division- infantry - infant Soldiers, young Soldiers, young Soldiers of the Sea, who have given so much, and who have taught me courage, as they smiled, heading out to risk their lives again, to destroy the enemy. So lacking the words, I will close with a warrior's prayer from a man who understands:Give me God, what you still have, Give me what no one else asks for; I do not ask for wealth Nor for success, nor even health- People ask you so often, God for all that That you cannot have any left. Give me, God, what you still have; Give me what people refuse to accept from you. I want insecurity and disquietude, I want turmoil and brawl, And if you should give them to me, my God Once and for all Let me be sure to have them always, For I will not always have the courage to ask for them. AmenThank you, my wonderful young Soldiers, Sailors and Marines May God be with you all as you head out once again into the heat of the Iraqi sun, into the still of the dark night, to close with the enemy. Beside you, I'd do it all again. Semper Fi.
And his Marines would do it all again for him with no hesitation. My son said that the grunts would love to see Mattis as the Commandant of the Marine Corps. I asked him if he thought it was likely and he replied that, unfortunately, the Pentagon wants polished gentlemen serving as Joint Chiefs, not rough and rugged warriors. That is, indeed, unfortunate. MajGen Mattis would be the first choice for many of us.
After the change of command ceremony, Mattis returned to Quantico, VA where he will take charge of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.
Posted by Deb at 06:00 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
September 02, 2004
The Last Marshall - Now Playing at a Station Near You
In August, the Marine Corps Moms had an opportunity to meet Adam Marshall when he played for the Marine Parents United convention. We wrote about it here, asking for your support in helping Adam gain a coveted CD review at Country Line Magazine. Adam is a former Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom last year. Now, he's back and launching his first CD.
Adam's single, Come Home As Fast As You Can has now been released nationwide. You can help him again by requesting air play on your local country station.
Adam's explains how:
Hey there all, I was writing you guys to let you know that my CD is out now!!!! Please call or E-mail your local radio station and ask for "Come Home As Fast As You Can." It's on CDX Volume 351, Track #14. Thanks again for all of your support and help. I couldn't of done it without the Marine Corps Moms.
Semper Fi
Adam Marshall
This Marine Mom has her local country music stations on speed dial. Adam put his life on the line for me last year; making a few phone calls is the least I can do to say thanks.
Posted by Deb at 05:57 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Update from 3/1 at Al Ghurayb
LtCol Buhl reports on the Thundering Third:
Dear Families and Friends of the Thundering Third,Greetings again from Camp Abu Ghurayb. This is my fourth letter to you as we prepare to begin the month of September, and the third month of our deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2.
The big news that has already reached many back home, and is included as an attachment to my letter, was our recent tactical deployment to positions south of Fallujah. Responding to emerging threats from Fallujah, the Thundering Third was assigned two traffic control points south of the restive city. Immediately upon occupation of these positions, enemy forces from within Fallujah began to attack us. We responded with heavy firepower ranging from aircraft to artillery, mortars, tank main guns, heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, TOW missiles, AT-4 rockets and our Marines and Sailor's personal weapons. Over a week-long period, the Battalion performed magnificently, defeating every attack the enemy could muster. This was a team effort that included Forward Air Controllers, Artillery and Mortar Forward Observers, Combat Engineers to dig us in, tank platoon attachments, a forward Battalion Aid Station (BAS), logistics sustainment, motor transport, communications, and other capabilities resonant in a reinforced Marine Infantry Battalion. Wherever attacked, your Marines and Sailors delivered precise and devastating fire on the enemy. While Kilo Company is described in the attached news article below, India Company was also in on the action, relieving Kilo after several days of combat there. India Company completed a magnificent battlefield handover with Kilo, while still in contact with the enemy. Throughout the next few days, the Marines of Company I carried on in the proudest traditions of our Battalion, engaging the enemy at every chance. Despite the heat and potential for danger, morale was high - Sergeant Major Sax and I couldn't be more proud of their performance.
Following the events described above, the Thundering Third conducted an operation to locate caches of ordnance, explosives, etc. Over a 48-hour period, the Thundering Third, reinforced with Iraqi Special Forces soldiers from the new Iraqi Army, searched a large area of agricultural land and small towns adjacent to rivers and canals in our zone. The operation was successful in a variety of ways, from locating a number of significant caches, to integration with host nation forces, to cross company coordination, and integration of civil affairs personnel who handed out over 1,000 soccer balls to parents and children. Temperatures during this operation hovered around 120F and the conditions were demanding. Again, your Marines and Sailors performed at the "3/1 Standard" and conducted a safe and successful operation maintaining initiative in our zone. In my next letter, I will highlight some key points about the new Iraqi Army and the Specialized Special Forces that have been attached to us and are doing a tremendous job alongside our Marines and Sailors.
The operations above were supported by the men of Weapons/George Company, who were busy firing in support, patrolling, screening, leading Iraqi National Guard Forces, and a host of other tasks that the Company has been doing here since arrival in Theater. Of note was the work of our CAAT Platoon, who provided very accurate TOW Missile and Heavy Machine Gun fire support south of Fallujah, and our 81mm Mortar Platoon that fired responsive, precise, and lethal indirect fires whenever the Battalion was fired upon by enemy weapons systems. Our Weapons/George Company Marines have continued to punish enemy forces whenever presented with the opportunity. Among a number of successes enjoyed by Weapons/George Company and the entire Battalion was that Sergeant Robert Hankins was meritoriously promoted to the rank of "Sergeant of Marines" after winning the 1st Marine Division Meritorious Sergeant Board. As you can imagine, competition within the Thundering Third alone was extremely keen. This outstanding young NCO's accomplishment as the number one Corporal in the entire Division is even more noteworthy because 3/1 is a relatively new arrival in Iraq. Sergeant Hankins is a native of Port Huron, Michigan and is an OIF I Veteran, having distinguished himself in action on a number of previous occasions. Hearty congratulations go out to Sgt Hankins and the Marines and Sailors of Weapons/George Company.
Our Lima Company Marines and Sailors have conducted multiple operations in their portion of the Battalion's zone. They recently put a stop to an illegal weapons market in a city in their area of responsibility. Security precautions preclude me from elaborating on details of the operation. Suffice it to say that Captain Alex Echeverria, 1st Sgt Wayne Hertz and their men performed a text book cordon and search using speed, surprise, and precision execution. Lima Company has been very successful in their assigned sector and the work they are doing is a model for our efforts in Iraq. Included in their area is India Company of the Iraqi National Guard (ING). India Company is also among the most successful ING Company in the Al Anbar Province. Cooperative efforts between our Combined Action Platoon (CAP), led by 1stLt Zach Iscol and his Weapons/George Marines (with support from Lima Company) have facilitated the creation of a very capable Iraqi ING Company led by very patriotic and dedicated Iraqi Officers, SNCOs, and NCOs. This unit has had a number of successes to date, including killing and capturing insurgents, locating caches and IEDs, etc. A testament to the success achieved by our Marines and Sailors at India Base is the many dignitaries have visited over the past two months to see what they are all about. Continued success to Lima Company and CAP India!Headquarters Company continues to superbly support the entire Battalion and is involved in every operation we conduct in some regard. All of our staff sections are doing great work and all of our support platoons continue to keep the Battalion fed, paid, supplied, communicating, and rolling. Sergeant Major Sax and I were recent guests of our Motor Transport Platoon, where I had the great honor and pleasure of reenlisting Sergeant Jonathon Ferguson, our shop chief, who has stepped up to fill the Maintenance Chief's billet (normally filled by a senior SNCO') in absence of Staff Sergeant Alan Steer, who is unfortunately home on emergency leave. Indeed, another fine sergeant, Sergeant Jack Pierce, is holding the billet of Platoon Sergeant in absence of Staff Sergeant Spink, who is gone but never forgotten. Together, these two outstanding sergeants of Marines are keeping the Thundering Third rolling with a motor pool of nearly 200 tactical vehicles. Our motor transport platoon commander, 1st Lieutenant Ed Malinowski, beams with pride whenever his Marines are mentioned. Invariably, our motor transport Marines are the subject of compliments and appreciation. They have done incredible things since our arrival in Iraq and have a very squared away motor bay where they conduct daily maintenance. Aside from the businesslike arrangement of parts and tools, one unique item of decor inside the motor bay is a plywood table set for 12, surrounded by HMMWV bucket seats. The table is square but one immediately conjures up thoughts about King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table. The HMMWV seats became available when we replaced them with Kevlar blankets to protect our Marines.
Our Logistics Marines led by Captain Mike Stehle and his very capable team of Officers, SNCOs, and NCOs have overcome every logistics challenge in fine fashion from generators, to gravel, water, fuel, rations, barriers, and even misters provided by OPERATION MIST. A kind friend of the Thundering Third, Ms. Sue McCormick, founder of "Cool Our Troops", even enlisted the aid of our Assistant Commandant, General William Nyland to deliver 900 misters to our Marines summering in Iraq. Captain Stehle and his team have kept your mail flowing, supported by our Postal NCO, Corporal Alexis Gonzalez and the rest of 1stLt Mike Beames' S-1 Staff. Indeed, we are receiving large quantities of mail and packages and many of our Battalion's Veterans are generously contributing. Among the many sending mail are familiar members of our family to include: Sgt and Mrs.Dan Frydrychowski, Major and Mrs.Tex Welch, Sgt and Mrs.Tom Enos, Major and Mrs.Bob Camarillo, LtCol and Mrs.Dan Quick, Cpl and Mrs.Paolo Demeis, Cpl Dick Rogge, Ms. Peri Mooty, Ms. Catherine Clark, John Wintersteen, Seamus Garrahy, American Legion Posts, VFW Posts, Marine Corps League Detachments, real estate firms, schools, church groups, library groups, and many others. As you might imagine, the many packages of food, books, and hygiene items that have been sent to our men have been most welcome. Sgt Major Ed Sax has established a distribution center out of his quarters at the firm base for all the company 1st Sergeants to pick up and bring items out to the field. We also take items with us wherever we go to deliver to our Marines, and sometimes to Iraqi children. I cannot tell you how good it feels to know how many people are behind us back home. These packages and the inspiring messages contained within really make a great difference to our Marines and Sailors... all are deeply, deeply appreciated. Another great event within the Battalion was the combat promotion of 1stLt Derrick Lane earlier this month. I shared the honor of pinning Derrick's silver bars on with 1stLt Terry Horton, our S-4A, who is a three-deployment Veteran with the Thundering Third, and Capt Mike Stehle's right hand man in the Logistics Section. Congrats again to 1stLt Derrick Lane, our Maintenance Management Officer and Combat Operations Center Watch Officer. A "Mustang" Officer of distinction, 1stLt Lane has been doing 1stLt's work since he joined the Thundering Third.
Folks, this letter would not be complete without an update on Lance Corporal Jonathon Ashley's latest upgrade from the improvised donkey cart he began operations with in June. Yes ladies and gentlemen, Lance Corporal Ashley has moved up in life to a sporty KIA "J2 Bongo." This racy machine has twin sets of 12" wheels in the rear, reminiscent of your lawn tractor back home, and a 14" get up and go set in the front. Two bullet strikes in the windshield add great character to his utility truck, which was impounded when its occupants were discovered to be smuggling a large quantity of 82mm mortar rounds hidden in sacks of grain at one of our vehicle check points. Being the innovative Marine that he is, Lance Corporal Ashley uses an eyewash machine loaded with a solvent solution that he has invented himself using a combination of industrial salt and cleansers, in order to prepare generators for a final wash conducted with a locally purchased pressure washer. His innovations in the use of available transportation and equipment have been Instrumental in keeping the camp's generators running. Among the many things young Ashley carries on his craft are an industrial fire extinguisher (very important!!) known as the "Mother Of All Fire Extinguishers" or "MOAFE", welding tanks, a tool set, and all the items required to keep our generators serviced and perform maintenance projects around our firm base. Lance Corporal Ashley has an indomitable spirit, a keen wit, and plenty of good old American G-2, using all the tools at hand to get the job done. As he described his utility truck to me, he proudly included the fact that he was able to get the stereo working and inserted a tape entitled, "Old Country". Sure enough, C.W. McCall's song, "Convoy" came piping through the loudspeakers. I wish you could have shared Lance Corporal Ashley's ear to ear grin with me.
For those wondering how our injured Iraqi National Guard Soldier Ali is doing, Lieutenant Matt Shepherd and our BAS has superbly supervised his sustainment care. Ali continues to make great improvements and is better every time I see him. On a related note, Mr.Shepherd was recently joined by a welcome addition to the Thundering Third, Lieutenant Robert Sobehart, our Assistant Battalion Surgeon. Mr. Sobehart hitched rides on a variety of government aircraft to reach us here in Iraq in record time upon completion of his hospital residency. Mr.Soberhart is a very welcome addition to the Battalion Staff and has hit the ground running here, making an immediate difference by his leadership presence and technical expertise. Additional great news for the Thundering Third's BAS was HM1 Richard Tomlinson's selection to Chief Petty Officer. Serving as an Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC), "Doc" Tomlinson has been a stalwart member of our BAS in the Thundering Third. IDC's are capable of rendering advanced medical skills just short of those of a Battalion Surgeon. Congratulations to Chief "Select" Tomlinson and the motivated and dedicated "Devil Docs" in our BAS - best in the 1st Marine Division. Our BAS and indeed the whole Battalion are also following the progress of HN William Embessi, and HM3 Jose Ramos, who were wounded in action and are recovering at home with their families. They are missed by their brothers out here and our prayers go out to them daily for speedy return to full duty.
Like their forebears in the Thundering Third from WWII to present, our Marines and Sailors have continued to serve with fortitude in the face of adversity. As you must know, we continue to sustain casualties here in Iraq. Due to great combat leadership and training, a high percentage of our wounded are returning to duty. Unfortunately, as noted in previous letters home and the comments above, we have had a few men hurt enough to be medevaced back to the USA. On this note, our Marines and Sailors have been blessed to be visited by a number of the Battalion's Distinguished Veterans. From Weapons/George Company, several of our Chosin Reservoir Veterans, Col Clark Henry, Maj Bob Camarillo, and Cpl Jim Byrne recently visited our men at Balboa and Camp Pendleton Naval Hospitals. We have also had 3-1 Veterans from Vietnam, Col's Dan Quick, Larry Moran, and John Regal, visit and contact our wounded men and their families. These visits mean the world to our men and their families, and mean the world to the rest of us in Iraq, knowing that our lads are being well cared for in the rear. If any of our Battalion Families or Friends would like to visit wounded men in the Camp Pendleton area, please contact Gunnery Sergeant (Select) Ray Ortiz, at the 3/1 Rear Command Post [Blackfive note: email me if you want Gunny Oritz's contact info].
It is also my sad duty to report to you that we have lost three of our brothers killed in action here in Iraq. Corporal Nicanor Alvarez from our Combat Engineer Platoon, and PFCs Geoffrey Perez and Fernando Hannon from India Company, gave their lives for their brother Marines and Sailors here, and for all Americans in defense of the freedoms we are all privileged to enjoy. America owes these Marines and their families an endless debt of gratitude. They are greatly missed by their brothers here and by their families back home. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their Families. We continue the mission we began here together, as Corporal Alvarez, and PFCs Perez and Hannon would have wanted.
I will conclude this letter with all of our best wishes to you at home, especially to the great Ladies who continue to do great things in our Thundering Third Key Volunteer Network. A number of family related events have occurred over the past two months back in the USA, and our Key Volunteers have been there for our Battalion Families in EVERY circumstance. I do not have the words to express how important the compassionate work our Ladies are doing is for all of our Marines and Sailors and their families. Ladies, THANK YOU from all of us forward deployed for the continued superlative support - we all cannot wait to be home with you again soon.
As time permits, I will write again. I hope that this update has provided you with an insight into the Battalion's recent accomplishments and progress. In addition to your support for your Marines and Sailors over here, I also respectfully ask that you keep the families of our lost and wounded Marines and Sailors in your thoughts and prayers. The 3d Bn, 1st Marines honors the sacrifice of Corporal Alvarez, and PFCs Hannon and Perez, who are gone but never forgotten. John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends."
God Bless and Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Willy Buhl
CO, 3d Bn., 1st MarinesPS. Please check out the USMC Official Website to view a recent article on the Thundering Third's Civil Affairs Detachment. Our Marines and Sailors are working hard every day to make Iraq a better place.
Also, check out this update on the Thundering Third's Operation Clean Sweep in Fallujah.
LtCol Buhl noted afterwards,
"Our Marines and Sailors performed at the 'Three-One Standard,' accomplishing the mission above expectations.Sergeant Major Sax and I couldn't be more proud of them, as should our families and friends back home - we're doing great things for our nation, the Marine Corps and the Iraqi people."
Posted by Deb at 11:26 AM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
September 01, 2004
A Marine Mom Speaks Out on the NYC Demonstrations
Theresa Bonopartis is the mother of a United States Marine. Her son is one of the brave men that protect and defend the rights of all Americans to exercise their right to both free speech and peaceful dissent, including the protestors in New York City. After watching news reports of the protestors carrying flag-draped cardboard coffins through the streets, many of us were appalled that these protestors would use the deaths of our brave men and women as political capital. They do not understand the meaning of sacrifice. One has to be able to sacrifice to understand its meaning.
Here is Theresa's editorial that appeared yesterday on MichNews.com. It speaks for many of us.
I am a new Marine mom. I must admit, although I always thought I respected the military, I had no clue about the extent of the sacrifices these families make to give us the freedoms we so often take for granted. I also did not know what an emotional roller coaster I myself would be on once my son made the decision to serve our country as a United States Marine. I admit, I do not understand all of the thinking of the military, and I probably never will; what I do know is these young men and women made the decision to serve, to protect and defend, and that they are well trained to do so. Over the past few months I have been blessed to correspond with many families of the Marines as they guide us new folks on the road of being part of the Marine family. I have celebrated with them as their sons or daughter received promotions. I have worried with those whose sons or daughters are in the sandbox. I have prayed with them as they voiced their fears and relayed serious wounds that need to heal and I have cried with them, when they have experienced that terrible knock at the door telling them that their children are not coming home. I have learned it truly is a family; one I am not always glad I now belong to because many time it is just too painful. The more time passes however, the prouder I am, and as I learn how amazing these military men and women are. Of course, I am most amazed at the degree of self-sacrifice, even to the point of death. A sacrifice that enables us the freedoms each one of us enjoys each day. A sacrifice that has bought with its blood over the years, the right to free speech and to demonstrate, as we will see over the next week. As I watched the “Anti-war” demonstration Sunday, I kept reminding myself of that as I read the hateful signs directed at our Commander-in-Chief. I strained to read as many of them as I could…”NO Draft”, “Keep Abortion Legal”, “Gay Marriage”, “Money for AIDS not for War” etc., etc. We all have the right to voice our opinions, that is what this country is all about, that is what the men and women in the military are there to ensure, however, when I saw the flag draped coffins in the midst of those signs, I have to admit, I became angry and it took me a while to remind myself that even this right soldiers have died for. Yes, being the parent of a military person is not easy, especially when you think of the people that exploit them like Michael Moore, or one of the many who voice concern for our troops but by their actions hurt their morale. You can’t help thinking they really do not care about the troops but only their own agendas. Personally, I hate the thought that my son may die for Michael Moore and his rights or the right of others who are so self-serving. Then I remind myself again, that this is the freedom our military is fighting for, yes, even Michael Moore. I know that many who read this will not like what I have said, but hey, I have a right to free speech too, and my son is risking his life for it.Copyright ©2000-2004. MichNews.com. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.
Posted by Deb at 01:34 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
August 31, 2004
From Iraq to NYC
A very dedicated group of athletes is training for the New York City Marathon on November 7, 2004 - and they face conditions that go beyond arduous. My son is one of them.
Lance Corporal Bill Riecke, is a US Marine serving in Iraq as part of a Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT). He and seven fellow Marines have formed a team and are training for the New York Marathon. They are: 1st. Lt. Isaac Moore, Wasilla, Alaska, the platoon commander for CAAT Blue; Sgt. Ryan Harnett, New York, a section leader for CAAT Blue; Cpl. Kris Benson, Columbus, Ohio, CAAT Blue section leader; Cpl. Bill Riecke II, Salem, Oregon, vehicle commander for CAAT Blue; 1st. Lt. Dave Flemming, Lansdown, Pennsylvania, platoon commander for first platoon of Kilo Company; Cpl. Austin Clancy, Salem, Oregon, squad leader for Kilo 1; 1st. Lt. Chris McManus, Manhasset, New York, platoon commander for CAAT White; and SSGT. Alex Carlson, Chicago, Illinois, platoon sergeant, India Co.
As with their daily operations, this group of Marines came together to focus their energy and abilities in order to achieve their goal to run the New York City Marathon after returning from their mission in Iraq. They are diligent in pursuing their goal despite the high temperature, a mere 130 degrees on most days, unending sand storms, and poor training facilities, along with daily combat operations. Their marathon training ground is a .44 mile route within the perimeter of their firm base, a track they built themselves. The team members train by running in circles for a very long time and usually in the wee hours of the night to avoid the high temperatures.
Operation Iraqi Freedom is their mission and is always their first priority so they train whenever they can. As a CAAT unit, they are always on standby, just like the fire department. They train between missions and the heat and get called to go out at any time.
A few days ago they had been running for about forty minutes and had to go to the assistance of other Marines that had been hit by a roadside bomb. There were casualties which meant securing the helicopter landing zone then transporting the injured Marines to the helicopter. Since they were running when this happened and were dressed in shorts and T-shirts when the call came in, there was only time to put on flak jackets and helmets and grab their weapons before racing out to the vehicles to help their buddies. While definitely out of uniform, they still performed their mission with the dedication and professionalism expected of all members of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Their athletic aspirations provide them with a focus to briefly take their mind off the war and to make a connection to the life they left behind. Sometime in September or October they will return home and training for the marathon will continue. They have been accepted by the marathon as the USMC Team.
We would like to find sponsorship of these very courageous Marines. Airfare and hotel expenses while in New York, as well as running apparel and shoes would be highly appreciated, although I'm sure they would be grateful for any sponsorship. These Marines have spent the past seven months bravely fighting for the liberty for the people of Iraq and the security of all Americans. For most of them this is their second trip to the sand box. If anyone reading this post has suggestions on how to gain sponsorship for the USMC team, please contact Connie Riecke at riecke@marinecorpsmoms.com.
Posted by at 07:31 AM | Comments (3)
August 30, 2004
3/24 reports from Najaf
Matt at Blackfive received a second e-mail from a Marine scout sniper in Najaf - it's an excellent summary of what our Marines have been dealing with. It confirms other reports that the some - not all, but more than previously noted - insurgents currently engaged in hostile conflict are well trained and are sighting in and aiming. It's not just a few local guys with AK-47s.
If you'd like to read his first e-mail, visit the Blackfive site and view it here. I tried to excerpt this second e-mail but I had a hard time deciding what to cut. So, here it is in total.
Family and Friends, First, I want to say that My Marines and I are safe! The power of prayer is amazing!Several days worth of fighting, negotiating, planning, and peace talks came down to three days of intense fighting around the Mosque. Several days prior to the 25th we were ready to go......on standby........tonight's the night........stand down. (you get my point!).
The early morning of the 25th my platoon was attached to Alpha Compnay, ¼ to support the fight in Najaf. 1/4 sniper platoon was supporting Charlie Company with Special Forces. Charlie Company was to advance first and establish a foothold east of the Mosque. Once they had done this, Alpha Company was to advance and establish a foothold northwest of the mosque. With 1/5 and 2/7 surrounding the mosque from the south and north.
At 2300 Charlie company begins their movement with Tracks! At this point we are getting ready at FOB Baker with A Co. by the time we get settled in (we are O/O for movement) we get the call......get your s@#$... the tracks are on their way to pick us up. Charlie Company had little resistance, but Tanks are taking heavy fire (enemy is rolling IED's down the street in barrel's at the Tanks). Within 20 minutes the entire company is loaded up in Tracks ready to go! (Did tell ya that Murphy lives on my shoulder? As we were loading the tracks, we were to load in the last tack, Number 8. Number 8 went down right there in front of me! Damn! I have 16 people, and now I have to spread load my Marines. A very uneasy feeling. I keep the majority in one track and I take myself and a team and we get into another track.
At, this point I will not lie. As we moved toward our objective in the back of the tracks, I thought to myself, "This is it". I prayed for the safety of all the Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors and our families and I even prayed for the ENEMY, for what was coming their way I would not want to be on the receiving end of!
We stopped at our consolidation point and within minutes we took Mortars. They had the placed pegged. While we waited you could hear the fighting going on at the Objective. We got the word, and in we went. Tracks picked up their pace and they menuvered quickly. The entire time I am thinking to myself.....I hope they drop us off at the right spot, but if they don't how can I link up with my teams? Hell, at this point I thought we have a plan go with it and hope for the best. I was the last one on and the first one off.
As the ramp dropped I could hear the weapons being fired all over........I get off and I see that we are on the street (phase line corvette) by the cemetery (the right spot!) We take cover along side the street and you can see the remains of the prep that arty and air had done in the days prior of fighting. It takes several minutes and my platoon is finally together.
The Marines start clearing the bldgs. Once they are done we move in to take up positions. I attached myself and a team with 3rd plt, and 1st team with wpns, 2nd team with 1st plt. All three taking up different bldgs north of the Mosque. As soon as we get into the bldg we start taking fire from the south. Fighting starts at the top of the bldg, we cannot move to the top because it is still not clear. Then we take our first KIA, A marine is shot in the head from a bldg between us and wpns? Finally we get the go ahead and establish two poistions south/north. We literally fight until sunlight. I found a small (what looked like a closet) room for a hide over looking the cemetery. Myself and my spotter were cramped into this spot for two days.
Because once the sun came up.....The enemy snipers had our position dialed on! No kidding, I give these guys respect (and you do when they start shooting through walls at Marines) It is a MOUNT Environment and you try and record the shot, but with the adjacent bldgs the sound gets thrown around and it is hard to tell where he is shooting from (this is good if you are the shooter!) They were not using the tops of the roofs (totally different from Fallujah) they were set up just like us! Inside the bldg shooting through loopholes. However, we had three snipers shooting at us all day and it took several hours to find and record their position. Once we did, we called AIR strikes and leveled the bldg! By the end of the day we did not have sniper fire on our position.
The night came and weapons were being fired all day to the point you tuned it out, unless it was specific to your location. Like an RPG being fired at your location or a mortar round hiting your bldg. The next morning as the sun came up Machgun fire came into our bldg. My little room became my fighting hole and sucking the deck was normal. The entire time I was hoping someone would be stupid and raise there head, it did not happen that day.
Same thing starting off the day two. I get word that one of my teams took heavy fire and they medivaced one of my Marines?? My youngest Marine (19) took a hit in their bldg and knocked him out and broke some ribs. He would be ok but his team leader saved his life by being aware of weapons systems being fired at them. By day three we had one KIA and 14 WIA. We had leveled several bldgs and had the mosque surrounded.
Day three we moved to another bldg and it gave us a better field of view. We could see the outside entrance to the mosque and several people around it. However, they put us in a cease fire??? During this time we saw enemy militia carring mortar tubes and RPG's to a position. We requested to fire, but was told to stand down??? Several minutes later we were all sucking the deck when an RPG (likely the one we saw) and Machine Gun fire ripped through our bldg. Our Machine Gunner was ready and got the guy shooting the RPG.
Night came and silence for the first time. By morning little fire but they called a cease fire and arranged for the militia to move out and turn over the mosque to the people. By noon we were pulled out and south two blocks from the mosque at an intersection watching the people who we had fought for three weeks leave and the Iraqi National Guard rolling in like they did all the work themselves!
I am thankful to be back with my Marines and to have only have minimal casualties for the entire fighting. We will leave the fighting to the Najaf people.I tried to shed light on the event's that took place but it is hard to do in a short time on a computer. Overall, we did our job well. We surrounded the Mosque, the people got it back and we are now leaving to go back to our base.
Alpha Company Gunny told me, "Your reservist right"? Yeah! "You guys don't act like it. You fought well and you’re better than our sniper platoon!”
The Marines were proud to hear that. He also wanted to put one of my Marines in for an Award. My Doc, took care of the KIA and did a wonderful job (he is a EMT back in Chicago).
The prayers were answered and we are coming home.
To everyone who has responded and give their support......I thank you and the Marines thank you. It's not over yet, so I will leave it at that.
Continue to pray until we hit deck in the states. Then continue for the ones who are still here!!!!
Love,
Kevin
Amazing. These are awesome men.
Posted by Deb at 08:38 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
More good news from Iraq
Arthur Chrenkoff has compiled another outstanding summary of things going right in Iraq.
Posted by Deb at 01:05 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
August 29, 2004
ATT and me
I really liked my cellular phone service provider (Cellular One) and was a bit miffed when they sold out to ATT last spring. Cell One had great customer service and each time my son came home on leave, the local store would loan him a phone and add him to my account for a few weeks until he left again, so that he wouldn't have to change his plan or pay roaming charges. So, when I dropped into the newly renamed ATT store that first month to pay my cell phone bill and was informed that they didn't accept payments at the store level but I could mail it, pay it online, or call it in, I wasn't very happy. Not unhappy enough to change providers but not happy.
Last week, I dropped my phone into my dog's water dish. It was toast. Since my son was deploying to Iraq within days, I needed a phone immediately. I stopped in to see if I could get a loaner until a replacement phone arrived under the warranty and was told, "Oh, we don't do loaners."
You do not mess with a Marine Mom whose son is deploying within short order. Especially if she is PMSing. 15 minutes later, I walked out with a loaner phone. And one day later, I realized that the reason it was a loaner phone was because it would not hold a charge. Twenty minutes of talk time drains the battery. Last night, I was in Salem when the battery started beeping. My car charger wouldn't work and so I stopped in at yet another ATT store, 15 minutes before closing, and asked if they could charge it for a few minutes. They not only charged it but sent me home with a loaner car charger - this one worked. They didn't take my name or ask for a deposit. They trust me to bring back the charger and I will.
What a difference a store makes. And while I still plan to switch my plan to Sprint - they have the phone I want - I do appreciate the Salem store's helpful clerks. They not only support our troops but troop families too and that means a lot.
Posted by Deb at 09:37 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
A Marine's Marine
Marines and family members came together on April 12 to say goodbye to Gunnery Sgt. Elia P. Fontecchio, 3/7 Marines, Kilo Company. He died in combat in the small town of Husaybah on the Syrian border of Iraq. He left behind a grieving family; his wife Kinney and two year old son, Elia. And he left behind brother Marines who feel the loss keenly even as they keep on with their mission. He would have been home very soon. Instead, he came all the way home - he now stands guard at the gates of Heaven with those who have gone before.
The men he has lived with and fought beside for the last six months could not be here. They have a mission to complete in Iraq. They were represented by Captain Buster O'Brien who served with GSgt Fontecchio last year during OIF1. He spoke for them:
"I'm speaking here today on behalf of Gunny's brothers in 3/7," started O'Brien, fighting back tears. "I can tell you that though there are many of them here today, the vast majority could not be here-for they are paying their respect to their beloved Gunny by going back out on patrol and doing their job the way he taught them to-with courage, competence, discipline and, when necessary, a smile."O'Brien, like those who spoke before him at Saint Sebastian's by the Sea in Melbourne Beach, shared stories depicting "Gunny"' as an incredible mentor, teacher, father, husband, friend and Marine.
The thing that made O'Brien's speech stand out were the words, penned by Fontecchio himself, weeks before his death and given to his friend and fellow Marine in Iraq, Capt. Jeremy Graczyk.
"I loved every one of you," Fontecchio wrote in a letter to be read in the event of his death. "You will forever be my brothers in arms."
Before he finished, and fighting for composure, O'Brien addressed young Elia, sitting in the pew next to his mother.
"Elia first of all, we'll have time later on to talk about your Daddy, and we will," he said, tears flowing again. "But today please know that your Daddy was truly a courageous warrior. We were overseas in combat, and at least once a day he took out pictures of you and said, 'Come on, you gotta admit it, is he the cutest kid you've ever seen?' He was so proud of you. You were literally the pride of his existence. He will always be with you. And whenever you need anything, just call on one of Gunny's brothers-in-arms."
Posted by Deb at 08:39 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack