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February 05, 2005



". . . returning home with our heads held high and our arms wide open"

The 24th MEU is coming home - here is Col Johnson's final message to the families and friends of the Marines he commands:

Dear Families and Friends,

We are at last coming to the end of our mission here in Iraq. While we are looking forward with great anticipation and excitement to reuniting with our loved ones, we are departing with mixed emotions. Our indescribable joy will be tempered by thoughts of our fellow Marines and comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget them. Their names and faces will be etched in our memories forever. Even when we are old and gray, they will remain young and at the dawn of their lives.

We have learned much about ourselves since we've been gone, and for that we will be better men and women. The experiences here in Iraq have taught us that we must not take life for granted, that we must cherish every moment of every day. We have also learned that our country has much to offer, that with great power and abundance comes great responsibility.

I cannot thank you enough for the tremendous lift you've given us these past eight months. We have ridden that wave of support through exhaustingly endless days and nights, and it will carry us home. I want you to know that your thoughts, prayers, letters and packages were what we needed most when we were lonely and tired. They were indispensable in the accomplishment of our mission. Each and every one of us feels that we have made a significant contribution to the rebirth of Iraq. We are enormously proud of our efforts and grateful for you who made them possible.

While we mourn and honor those we lost, we will also bear in mind those we leave behind. Please remember in your thoughts and prayers the brave men and women who will fight and toil on, trying to bring peace and democracy to a land that for too long has known little of either.

We are returning home with our heads held high and our arms wide open. We are ready to turn our full attention back to those who mean the most to us. We are eager to share in the reward for our long and difficult separation. And we are more appreciative than ever of our many blessings, foremost among them you.

Semper Fidelis,
R.J. JOHNSON
Colonel, U.S. Marines

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After-election report from MSSG-31

LtCol J. Alex Vohr reports from Iraq:



I hope this letter finds you well. It has been a busy month for MSSG 31 with all of the events leading up to and culminating in the historic Iraqi election yesterday. Every Marine and Sailor played a large role in the setting the stage to allow for election success by either working to support the I MEF efforts to provide a secure environment or by helping put together polling sites that were a secure place for Iraqi citizens to vote. It was pretty incredible to see and nothing less than the result of a tremendous amount of hard work on the part of many people.

I am truly in awe of the Marines and Sailors of MSSG 31. When I assumed command in June 2004, I was struck by how many junior personnel we had in the unit. Most were Privates First Class and Lance Corporals. In the time we have been here they have all become experienced professionals. The exposure to operations in a combat environment has transformed them all in a positive way. During the elections we were responsible for the movements of significant amounts of barrier materials and building the force protection barrier plan for a large polling site. The Marines of the motor transport detachment and landing support moved all of this material without a hitch. The engineers worked an entire day and throughout the night to build the site, adjusted it all during the following day, and then stepped up to the task of being active members of the security force during the actual elections. The female Marines and Sailors of the MSSG served as searchers for female voters, demonstrating tremendous courage at the point of greatest danger. Every other Marine and Sailor of the MSSG contributed to the efforts to include an entire platoon acting as provisional infantry to bolster security through the crucial time period. In short, they were and are unbelievable!

The Executive Officer, Sergeant Major and I often comment on how good they are and how what they are learning now will make the difference as they mature and assume leadership roles in the Marine Corps or in a civilian role if they choose to go that way. With Marines and Sailors like these, the future of the nation is well in hand.

It will not be long before MSSG 31 heads towards home port. Until then, we will keep doing what we are doing and I will keep you posted.

Until next time and as always, I’m proud and you should be proud of the Marines and Sailors of MSSG 31. It is an honor to serve with them.

Thanks for all your support


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11th MEU after-election update

The 11th MEU reports from an Najaf:

Success! After much preparation and planning, elections in Najaf and Karbala went off without a hitch and with a festive air. As expected, the day was violence free in both Shi'a holy cities as Iraqis eagerly turned out in droves to vote. Iraqi police, army soldiers and border police provided security around polling sites and checkpoints throughout the urban centers, with 11th MEU Marine forces never having to leave their bases in support. Iraqi security forces had everything under control, and didn't need our assistance.

At 7 a.m. the polling sites opened, and Iraqis arrived dressed in their best clothes. They were ecstatic and all smiles, congratulating each other on the vote, and holding their purple index finger up in the air as prideful evidence that they had voted. Since driving was forbidden across the country, the majority of voters walked to the polling sites, while some rode in donkey carts. The elderly were transported in wheelbarrows or wooden carts, while other Iraqis led the blind to the sites. Whole families entered the polls so the children could watch their father, as well as their mother, vote. The polls closed at 5 p.m.

The Iraqi security forces, trained by 11th MEU Marines, did an outstanding job and proved that they could handle the situation on their own. Their performance, in addition to the high voter turnout and air of festivity in the two Shi'a cities, was heartening to all. Ultimately, the successful elections have validated all the hard work and sacrifice that has been made here. 11th MEU Marines and Sailors, and their family and friends, have much to be proud about.

It is remarkable that Jan. 30 marks the first free elections in Iraq in more than 50 years. And quite possibly, today's elections may result in the first time in 80 years where the Shi'a people will have a say in their governance equal to that of their majority status in Iraq. These definitely are exciting times.


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February 04, 2005



The All Star Team heads for home

CSSB-7 is coming home to 29 Palms! Here is the last update from LtCol Doolin,
Commanding Officer:

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

It looks foggy but it's a sandstorm. We're again recruiting volunteers to sew sand scarves - strips of t-shirt material that wrap around the lower face to protect against the invasive sand. And if your Marine needs them, let us know. We have a small supply that we'd like to get over there. As always, these are done on strictly volunteer basis so there is no charge for the scarf.

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February 03, 2005



Waiting for this day...

The hero returns, welcomed by a proud Marine grandmother and brother

Proud Marine Mom Carol Hutchings recently welcomed her son home from the sandbox. She captured so perfectly the emotions that parents experience during redeployment:

The phone call came at 0330hrs to the hotel room, the plane had landed. They were at the airport. Hallelujah!!! Into the SUV (with our bumper sticker- United States Marines) we drove into the darkness with great anticipation. Hurry go faster...the gate waved us through, they knew where we were headed. The darkness hung with us. The excitement began to grow as the families gathered in the big room with the joy and excitement building with each announcement of their movements. Our Marine Homecoming shirts proudly displayed. Sharing hugs with families we did not know. Waiting waiting. Finally, the announcement came the buses are moving. Some of us were drawn outside stretching our necks to see those great buses bring in our loved ones, Our hero's, our Marines. The lights in the darkness were moving toward us, waiting waiting. Our American flags were waving high, the sounds of our cheers echoed into the night, here they come, here they are, in front of us. Our Hero's. The buses stopped and doors opened. Out poured our Hero's.
Hugging, kissing, welcoming our Hero's home, who we prayed for everyday, who we hoped for everyday, they were finally here. Searching for my Marine, looking for that tall figure and that proud walk. Shaking hands, hugging Marines, thanking them all, as I tried to find my Marine. They were dressed in their fatigues worn and faded from the sweat and sun of the Sandbox. Some looked so tired, some so happy to be home. One Marine holding his baby for the first time, was so moving. What joy. The rain came down on us all, but I don't think we even noticed the cold or wet. The tears of joy flowed from our eyes, and there he was standing in front of us, grinning from ear to ear. A site to behold. He had seen the hell of war, and made it home. My son was home, he was safe for now. So proud of my Marine, so filled with overflowing joy, he is a true Marine. He made it home, however, he did not let me fail to remember those who did not make it home. The hugs that I wanted to last forever around his disciplined body, were also for those hugs that would not be felt by some. My heart ached for those families who were not able to feel what I was feeling. My Marine will not forget his brothers that came home with him, and his brothers that did not. War is hell. Thank God for our Marines who did make it home, and I pray for all the families of those who lost loved ones in this war. What a great great homecoming for me.

God bless all our United States Marines and their families.




Now, if I can only keep him from driving 100mph in that darn Orange Mustang.

Good luck on that one, Carol


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February 02, 2005



SecDef on the Iraqi Election

DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Klein, USMC
Members of the Iraqi Police and U.S. Marines (3/5 India Company) keep a watchful eye over the lines of Iraqi citizens waiting to cast their ballots in Iraq's first free election in over 50 years at a polling station in Jolan Park in Fallujah, Iraq, on Sunday.

Here's Donald Rumsfeld's message to our troops:

On January 30th in Iraq, the world witnessed an important moment in the global struggle against tyranny, a moment that historians might one day call a major turning point. America's men and women in uniform, who were instrumental in the liberation of Iraq, were there to witness this moment as well.

During the struggle to bring freedom to Iraq, many of you have faced difficult times far from home. I suspect there have been moments along the way when some of you may have wondered whether or not the effort would be worth the cost, or whether, even, the people you were trying to help truly stood with you.

Last Sunday, the Iraqi people answered those understandable questions in a resounding way, just as voters had in Afghanistan last October. The world is experiencing a global struggle between freedom and fear -- and you are on the side of freedom. That's the side to be on. And the people of Afghanistan, and now the people of Iraq, have chosen to stand with you.

Consider the courage it took for the Iraqi people to go to the polls when they had been warned that the act of voting could cost them and their family members their lives. Think of the determination they must have possessed to risk becoming targets for bombings or beheadings.

And yet the Iraqis voted -- millions of them.

Voters arrived on crutches and donkey carts, passing by graffiti warnings on the walls that said: "You vote, you die"; Iraqis came to a polling station to vote even after a rocket attack had killed three people several hours earlier; children waved Iraqi flags as they witnessed the birth of their new, free system; elderly women with tears in their eyes held up their voting cards; and voters displayed their ink-stained fingers as badges of honor in the fight against extremism.

Iraq's security forces also deserve recognition for their bravery and their willingness, despite the threats, to wear their country's uniforms and to provide security on Sunday for both the millions of voters and the thousands of election workers.

These are times of consequence. In the past few months, 50 million free people in Afghanistan and Iraq have begun to build new futures. They have rejected the extremism that fuels attacks on civilized people. And you have made that possible. Have no doubt: the courage and sacrifices of U.S. forces have helped to create the environment in which Afghans and Iraqis are developing the ability to take hold of their countries.

Now these free people continue to seek your help in building free, democratic and peaceful nations in some of the world's most violent regions. No one treasures peace more than you who have endured the horrors of war.

So to all of you who are serving on freedom's front lines, and to your families, I offer my deepest appreciation and respect. To those who have lost friends or loved ones during this conflict or who have been injured in defense of our freedom, find comfort in knowing that your sacrifices have historic meaning. And know that one day, the people of Iraq and Afghanistan will find a way to thank you, as I do, from the bottom of my heart.

May God bless you and may God bless the United States.

Donald H. Rumsfeld Secretary of Defense


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The price paid for freedom

Last week, when television networks broke the story of a helicopter crash with Marines on board, each family of a Marine in Iraq held their breath, mentally evaluating where their child or husband or sibling was located, what the odds were that they might be on that chopper, trying not to think of what might be on the other side of a knock at their door. For 31 families of Marines on that helicopter, that terrible calculus was proved. Their loved one will not be coming home.

Darrell Ankarlo, whose son LCpl Adam Ankarlo serves with 1/3 Marines, has posted his son's account to his website. The following is an excerpt:

As most Americans know by now, we lost 31 of our boys last Tuesday when the CH-53 Sea Stallion they were flying in went down in an Iraqi field about 200 miles west of Baghdad. When the incident first crossed my news wire I was only seconds from going on the air. It took my breath away and I prayed a quiet prayer for all of the families but, to be honest, I never even considered that Adam, a Lance Corporal in the Corp, would be in that part of the country. Days earlier he told me his team would be moving out but even he was uncertain where they would land.

As the day progressed and the news said the guys were from Charlie Company I became even more concerned. My wife, Laurie, and I awaited word but it didn’t come. As the minutes ticked into hours every devastating thought a person can have ran through my mind. As Laurie paced and emailed, I sat in my office working on the next show. I had to stay busy. I had to keep my mind off the “sandbox” and the tragedy that had just changed families’ lives forever. Finally, 17 hours after the accident we heard from a source that our son had been spotted on the ground and that he was okay. We breathed for the first time all day.

I’m a pretty strong soul and a man who doesn’t often express emotions, but since that fateful day I find myself tearing up as my mind races to that point in time. Today, though, was the worst. Today, I heard the full story. It broke my heart.

The full story is heart-stopping - do visit his website and read the full story. Sheila Smith, wife of a deployed soldier in Afghanistan, shared her reaction to Darrell's account.

I was at Kaneohe Marine Corp Base yesterday with my son. We had gone there to look at cars and stop by the commissary to pick up a couple of things for dinner with a friend. As I entered the gate I noticed the Marines in their formal attire and then my heart sank. I looked to my left and there was the statue of the Marines as they were raising the United States Flag and gathered around this statue were families, friends and loved ones of the 27 Marines who were killed in this helicopter crash. I can only tell you that my heart stopped and all the trivial things of this world didn't seem to matter. What mattered was that someone had lost a husband, father, son, brother or best friend. I too felt a strange sense of guilt like this man's son felt. I know our guilt was different but I thought Lord I have lived my life why these young men? How can I be so blessed that my husband has seen combat and death but will be coming home to me? Lord what does it all mean? I pulled over on the side of the road and I looked at each face of those standing there, I looked at the flag as it blew in the wind and I realized the price that these young men and the numerous others had paid for the freedom we experience. As I say that flag blow freely in the wind I cried and I ached at the price that had been paid for it and I remembered what my husband said "It's what we do Shelia, it's what we do". I ask my self at that very moment what do we do? What do we do with the freedom that these lives have afforded us? I never want to forget that moment. I never want to forget the price that has been paid for our flag to fly across this great country.

Take a moment today. Forget about those things troubling you and fall to your knees and pray for these families and lift up the loved ones of every military member in prayer. Then make the decision to make each day the best it can be. Love more than you have ever loved before. Help that stranger. Say I'm sorry. Hug your husband, child, mother, father and know that you are blessed to have them near. Look into their eyes and rejoice at what you see. Live like there is no tomorrow because there are no guarantees. Live your life to bring honor to those who gave theirs so that you and I could be free. Bring honor to them and to their families by making each day the best it can be.

I love each and every one of you and I thank you for letting me share my heart with you today. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you for your prayers.

God Bless and Keep Each of You - God bless and comfort you Adam!

May God bless and comfort all the 1/3 Marines - Darrell's son, Liam's brother, each and every one. I will attend the memorial service for Cpl James Moore - one of those 30 Marines - from Roseburg, OR tomorrow afternoon. If anyone would like to e-mail condolences, I'll include them in a sympathy card for the family.

Posted by Deb at 03:57 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack





After-election report from Mamudiyah

Here's the most recent message from LtCol Mark Smith, shared by Marine Mom Linda Kelly:

As you are all probably already aware, the polls have closed in Iraq. Due to the historic significance of this day and YOUR loved ones role in it, and while I have just a few minutes, I must communicate a few things to you.

First, the fight is not over! Much work remains to be done, and the Mad Ghost Marines and Sailors of TF 2/24 will slacken not one inch in our cause. Second, I violated my own rule. I'm sorry, I could not resist. I just had to know how the media was portraying this day. I turned on the dust covered TV in my "office" at the FOB and caught the initial lead in to a network broadcast from their main anchor. It took all of about 30 seconds before I had hit maniacal rage stage, known around here as "oh crap, they tripped Mayhem 6's switch again." Moral of the story, in Cliff's Notes version, is this: after describing both the violence and the turnout, this anchorman said that the best way to handle the coverage of what has actually occurred is "to do it the same way we do in the states, and wait until all the facts are in," or words to that effect.

Well...knock me over with a feather, slap my face and call me a stupid hillbilly! "do it the same way we do it in the states." Did I hear that right? You have got to be kidding me! This was not an election in the only country that has known true representative democracy for 229 years. This was not an election in a country that has overcome the human inidignity of slavery, survived a civil war, slowly and, to our shame, took hundreds of years to bring the vote to women and minorities, has fought through TWO World Wars, all in the name of evolving and perfecting the human condition. THIS WAS AN ELECTION IN THE HEART OF THE ARAB WORLD, AND BY AN ELECTORATE THAT HAS NOT ONLY SUSTAINED DECADES OF REPRESSION, BRUTALITY AND TERROR, BUT VOTED UNDER THE THREAT OF DEATH, AND THE ACTUALITY OF VIOLENCE!

No, I quite disagree. The only FACT of interest in this election is that ANYONE showed up to vote. And they did, and to my initial understanding, they did in droves. That, I get from the web; but what I know, is that tens of thousands VOTED in our zone. And, they did, mulitple times while the enemy was firing mortars at the polls. YOU HEARD ME, WHILE THE ENEMY WAS FIRING MORTARS AT THE POLLS! We did have some Iraqi's injured. On each and every occassion, YOUR Mad Ghosts returned fire and pursued the enemy. I take no displeasure in telling you that while some of those enemy awoke this morning with the intent of slaughtering innocent men, women and children, the destiny of their day was that IT WAS TO BE THEIR LAST!

And, what did the Iraqi citizens do, they waved at YOUR Marines, they smiled
at YOUR Marines, they kept the hands of their children gripped tighlty and held them close, AND THEY KEPT RIGHT ON VOTING!!!!! There are many things to not understand about the Iraqi people from an American perspective. There are some that can easily lead one to hate. But there is so much more to respect and admire. TODAY, in the Mayhem AO, the enemy has earned even more of our disdain, but the people, well the people, they have earned our undying RESPECT and ADMIRATION! For today, in the Mayhem AO, and under the watchful, compassionate and professional cover of YOUR Marine, they demonstrated courage to a degree that would, and rightfully should, shame lesser people!

Unfortunately, due to our election set, I cannot shake the hand and manly hug each and every Marine of this Battalion, who today have humbled me beyond belief, and therefore, with the wizardy of some of my computer Devil Dogs, we produced a Power Point to be shared electronically. As the most magnificent KVN in the USMC, it is sent to you as well. There should be nothing but unstoppable pride in your soul for the performance of YOUR Marine.

God Bless 2/24, God Bless the wonderful families of 2/24, God Bless the USMC, God Bless America, and God Bless Iraq!

Unstoppable pride, yes. Absolutely yes.

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February 01, 2005



"Would I vote if I thought I might be killed for doing so?"

In another message posted just before the elections, LtCol Mark Smith passed along a message from one of his officers, Major David Durham.

It is far too momentous an occasion for you not to share in the lives of YOUR Marine at this point in time and space. What I can tell you is we are in our election set. We have prepared for every possible, conceivable act our cowardly and evil enemy might throw at us, and the Iraqi people. There is electricity in the air! This must have been how the Minutemen felt.

Below is a letter that our S-4 Maj Durham sent out tonight and was kind enough to cc; me on. I think its eloquence speaks for itself. It is followed by the message I sent to all hands of 2/24, to all the Mad Ghosts as we are on the dawn of a new day; as the beginning of the end of terror is announced. A long, hard slog remains, but after tomorrow, there shall be no doubt as to its outcome.

May God Bless and Keep the Families of 2/24, as His Providence begins anew
tomorrow!

From Maj David Durham:

All,

I'm sure a few of you disagree with some if not all of what I have written you over the course of the last 6 months or so, and have been very kind and polite not to respond with your thoughts and opinions - I do appreciate your restraint - and I do respect your opinion. You have probably shown more wisdom and maturity than I have been able to muster when my passions flair - I'm trying to be a reserved man, but being in a war zone gets you going some times. All that to say thank you for letting me vent from time-to-time. Having said that, I'm going to violate my own admonition and ask you to think about something on the eve of the Iraqi election.

Lieutenant Colonel Smith asked a question tonight and I think it is worth repeating, passing the question on for you to answer. How many of us would vote if there was a good probability that the polling places would be mortared? How many of us would vote if there were gangs of thugs threatening to kill you in the street - today, next week, a month from now - if we are seen voting?

Tomorrow - which will be tonight for you at around 10 pm US Central time - the Iraqis will begin to leave their houses on foot to vote. They have been told by our enemy that they will die if they do. I don't know if tomorrow will witness a "large" voter turn out - or a "small" voter turn out – I don't know if Kofi Anan of the United Nations will be sufficiently impressed by the turn out to bless the elections he and our "friends" have done nothing to facilitate - or not.

Tomorrow will witness the birth of a new freedom in Iraq - you will see newly free Iraqis exercising their "inalienable right" to self govern.

There are many things I don't like about Iraq and many things I do not like or respect about Arab culture - I could fill a book. But I know courage when I see it, and I can only guess if I would have the same courage for me to risk my life to exercise my responsibility as a citizen.

From my previous e-mail you know I've been reading about our nation's birth (Christmas presents from my Dad,) I have often wondered if I would have had the courage to risk everything for a principle - or an idea. Tie that in with our current situation. I hear the arguments against what we are doing in Iraq - those types of arguments generally come from the same quarter they always have - time immemorial. It's so easy to be a critic - a cynic – a spectator - a drop out - and so difficult to stand up and do the hard thing - to work - to fight - to strive - to get knocked down and get back up - over and over - and make no mistake - this is hard - this is tough stuff - not so much for me, but for our young Marines. They all have the courage to risk everything - and some have given everything - "the last full measure," for a principle - for each other - for our nation.

I've copied and pasted below a list of 56 men - the Gallant 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence - the Band of Brothers and what happened to them. Those who signed below this statement: "We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor." Read this list and again ask yourself the question - "would I vote if I thought I might be killed for doing so." Tomorrow - as you witness the Iraqis shake off the chains that have for all time so tightly bound this region of the world - have some respect for their courage.

The last thing I would ask of you is this, tomorrow the polling places will be visibly guarded by US Marines and Soldiers who will have set up a small cordon of protection around the polling sites. The next time you go to the polls at home - please realize that they also are guarded by US Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guard and Policemen --who have a very large protective cordon around you. Understand the enemy that seeks to kill and destroy the new democracy here in Iraq has sworn before god to destroy you.

I wish you could see them - I really do - they want so much for you to see them - to understand them - so many times I've seen them around you at home - at Family Day - or some parade - like my own boys wanting my approval so badly - they so desperately want you to be proud of them - and I know that you are. If you could only see them now - so brave - so confident – such MEN!

Keep our Marines in your prayers - Stay the Course.
David

Continue reading for Major Durham's list of gallant men who risked all to ensure a free country for their descendents . . . and reflect on his question: "would I vote if I thought I might be killed for doing so."

  • Carter Braxton of Virginia, wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas. To pay his debts he lost his home and all his properties and died in rags.
  • Thomas Lynch Jr. who signed that pledge was the third-generation rice-grower. Aristocrat. Large plantation owner. After he signed his health failed. With his wife he set out for France, was never heard from again.
  • Thoraas McXean of Delaware was so harassed by the enemy that he was forced to move his family five times in five months. He served in Congress without pay, his family in poverty and in hiding.
  • Vandals looted the properties of Ellery and Clymer and Hall and Gwinnett and Walton and Heyward and Rutledge and Middleton.
  • And Thomas Nelson, Jr. of Virginia, raised two million dollars on his own signature to provision our allies...the French fleet. After the war, he personally paid back the loans, wiped out his entire estate. He was never reimbursed by his government.
  • In the final battle for Yorktown he, Nelson, urged General Washington to fire on his...Nelson's own home, which was occupied by Cornwallis. It was destroyed. He died bankrupt and was buried in an unmarked grave. Thomas Nelson, Jr. had pledged his "life, fortune, and his sacred honor."
  • The Hessians seised the home of Francis Hopkinson of New Jersey.
  • Francis Lewis had his home and everything destroyed, his wife imprisoned. She died within a few months.
  • Richard Stockton, who signed that Declaration, was captured and mistreated and his health broken to the extent that he died at fifty-one. His estate was pillaged.
  • Thomas Heyward, Jr. was captured when Charleston fell.
  • John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside while she was dying. Their thirteen children fled in all directions for their lives. His fields and gristmill were laid waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves and returned home after the war to find his wife dead, his children gone, his properties gone; he died a few weeks later of exhaustion and a broken heart.
  • Lewis Morris saw his land destroyed, his family scattered. Phillip Livingston died within a few months from the hardships of the war.
  • John Hancock history remembers best due to a quirk of fate rather than anything he stood for. That great sweeping signature attesting his vanity towers over the others. One of the wealthiest men in New England, he stood outside Boston one terrible night of the war and said, "Burn Boston, though it makes John Hancock a beggar if the public good requires it." He, too, lived up to the pledge.
Of the fifty-six, few were long to survive.
  • Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes. ..from Rhode Island to Charleston...sacked, looted, occupied by the enemy, or burned. Two lost their sons in the army. One had two sons captured.
  • Nine of the fifty-six died from the war, from its hardships or from its more merciful bullets.

Posted by Deb at 10:49 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack





More from the Mad Ghosts of Mamudiyah

Here is an e-mail updates from LtCol Mark Smith from proud Marine Mom Linda Kelly. It's the first of two from him - he's quite a writer and I sincerely hope he puts these into book form someday.

Very good evening to all of you. It is my sincere hope that this letter continues to find you in high spirits, good health and filled with motivation for the challenges that lie ahead. I fully realize that with over half of the deployment behind you, the stress grows even more intense as your longing for your loved one morphs into an intense desire. This is ultimately good, but also can bring with it side effects that can be very challenging. Well, just for example, my email in-box was filled this week with hate mail for me on decisions that I had made, that several wives and girlfriends were in bitter opposition to. Now, I have always shot straight with my beloved ladies of 2/24, and have always said to feel free to contact me with questions or concerns, but I do wish that when I receive hate mail that it be based on facts, and not on decisions I never made! See, many people were spun out of control by a rumor concerning liberty in Germany. This rumor, and the emails that bombarded my wartop computer as a result are but a bug's flatulation in the grand scheme of life, but are symptomatic of a larger, and potentially more devastating effect. The effect of lack of understanding. You see ladies, I will be addressing redeployment and homecoming within the next week or two. And, I have no doubt that some of the decisions and RESTRICTIONS that will surround the Battalion's redeployment will not be welcome news for many of you. But, what I need all to understand, is that like all other decisions, the manner in which we handle redeployment and reunion issues will be based on what is best for the Marines, and what is best for the families. Even if it does not appear that way, that is what it will be. It will be that way because, despite my boyish looks (HA!), I am forty years old. And, in that forty years, I have twenty three in the beloved Corps. I have mobilized three times and deployed to war twice. In that time, I have learned a few things from my master, the USMC. And folks, I have to tell you, my master is very good at what she does. And, one of the things she does is deployment and redeployment. We know what we are doing. AND AGAIN, we will do it in a manner most beneficial to the YOUR MARINE and to YOU! Even if it does not appear that way to you. However, the details of which will have to wait for a few days, because total focus right now, hate mail notwithstanding, is the elections.

Now, for the elections. Rest assured that your Mad Ghosts are working hard to shape for successful elections in our Area of Operations. They will bring to the people of the "triangle of death" there first chance at self-determination. With our brothers-in-arms at large, we will bring to the Arab world, for the first time in history, its chance at self-determination. Did you hear that? For the first time in its history, this region of the world will experience its FIRST CHANCE AT SELF-DETERMINATION! Imagine that. Very hard for you to do, isn't it? Very hard to imagine because we take for granted the RIGHT to determine our government. Very hard to imagine because we take for granted that the social contract MANDATES that people be governed by consent, not by decree and force. Very hard to imagine because as Americans we make assumptions about the rest of the world being just like us, when in reality they are worlds apart, literally and figuratively. Well, for the Iraqi people, it is very hard to imagine as well. It is very hard to imagine for them because they HAVE NEVER HAD THIS OPPORTUNITY! Their entire lives they have been governed not by rule of law, but by law of force. Brutal, unrelenting, unmerciful force! And, as they seek to break the chains of oppression, the vacuum of Sadam's henchman has been replaced by the maniacal and insane philosophy and violence of Osama Bin Nothing and Abu Musab Al Zarpunkery! They are faced with the hate and terror that brought you Sept 11 and a declared Jihad on everyone in the world who dares think like a rational, free human being. Why just today an IED detonated in our zone that killed two Iraqi citizens and critically wounded eight others. Posters were placed in one area that said that anyone that voted violated the laws of Allah and would be killed for it and to remember that "the Americans and Bush will not be here for long." Yes, once again, this enemy shows his hand for what he is, an absolute COWARD whose only goal is to terrorize and break the will of the people. The Iraqi people and the American People. He is an enemy who fights 4th Generation Warfare, which has as its core belief that it accepts from the outset he cannot win militarily, so he targets the will of the people! Now, to be brutally honest, I could not for one milli-second question the Iraqi people if their wills were broken. They sustained thirty plus years of unspeakable brutality and oppression at the hands of Sadam and his EVIL empire. That has been followed by two years of occupation by foreign armies, and a relentless and deadly assault from radical and maniacal groups led by AMZ, his Wahabi bretheren, and a consortium of thugs, bandits and criminals. After that, saying "uncle" would be understandable. But, they are not. Now, we will see, but I believe on Sunday they will come out and they will vote. They will come out and vote despite all of this, because they have seen something they have never seen before. They have seen compassion. They have seen generosity. They have seen strangers risk, and lay down their lives for them. Why? They have asked this question of me. They have asked me as the "American Commander," why do your Marines protect us. They say we are told that the Americans are only here for the oil. Yet we see them. We see them living in our towns and we see them living very hard lives. We see them out on patrol and raiding houses of what we know are "Ali Baba." We see them bandage our wounded, play with our children and try to help. We know that they have families that they love and miss, and yet they are here.

Why? Boy, that is the million dollar question, isn't it. Well, I think I know why. And, I know the attacks will come at me fast and furious. But the why is BECAUSE THIS CAUSE IS RIGHT, AND IT IS FRONT AND CENTER ON THE WAR ON TERROR! Simply said, if the Arab world tastes freedom, even so much as gets a whiff of what self-determination is all about, it will be the beginning of the end for the terror network. If for a fraction of a second they can break the chains of oppression and life by edict, those who have held sway over them for so long will be on the run. They will be on the run from a people who now have the most powerful weapon known to mankind, the weapon of freedom. For all men, regardless of religion, race, color or creed have an unqueachable thirst to live free, to choose their own destiny, to walk their own path. The Iraqi people have seen this. They have seen it in your Marines! They have seen men who do not worship as they do, who do not speak as they do, who do not eat what they do, but have bled, killed and died for them. They have realized that they do this for the Iraqi people, and not only for themselves. These Marines have done this to show the Iraqi people, and more importantly THE WORLD, that the only hope for humanity in the long run is free people seeking to live, not dominated people seeking to survive. There is no attempt by anyone to convert the Islamic world from their religion, just a sacred attempt to lift the saddle of tyranny from the backs of the Arab world so that they may seek peace. For in this, the War on Terror will ultimately be won.

This is a two front War. Violence against the combatant, liberty to the oppressed. We carry forward the Flag, and in the end, success will depend on two visions: for the people of the Arab world the Flag must represent the best of who we are; for the enemy, the Flag must represent the violence we can bring. Those two fronts are being fought simultaneously by your Mad Ghosts, and their success on both fronts will bring out the people, and they will vote. They will vote and they will choose essentially a "Constitutional Convention" that will lay the cornerstone for a free Iraq. It will be the first step, a milestone, in a long journey that will set this part of the world on an unstoppable move towards freedom, and with freedom will come tolerance and progress. But, they will choose more than a constitutional convention, they will choose a destiny. One where rights will mean more than religion in governance. One where law will mean more than Jihad!

In thinking about this and YOUR Marine's place in it, let me offer you two quotes. The first is from Abu Musab al Zarqawi (Zarpunkery)

(AMZ): January 24, 2005; Al Qaeda leader Abu Musab al Zarqawi has released an audio tape on the Internet, where he declares, "We have declared a bitter war against the principle of democracy and all those who seek to enact it." He declared that anyone who voted on January 30th would be seen as an infidel (non-Moslem).

The second is from Thomas Jefferson on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence:

"May it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition has persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government.....All eyes are opened or opening to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few, booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others; for ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them."

On whom do you want the hope of the world to rest? AMZ or Thomas Jefferson? For me, this is a no-brainer! The Arab world must be shown freedom. This is their "signal of arousing men to burst the chains...and to assume the blessing and security of self-government..."

I fully realize that this stands in stark contrast to other's opinions, and squarely calls out most of what is portrayed in the mainstream media, but YOUR Marines are not fighting and in some very unfortunate cases, dying, for anything less than this. Let this final story be the final truth. I know most of you probably saw many news stories about a week ago concerning a suicide car bomb dressed as an ambulance that detonated on a wedding party in our zone, near Yusufiyah. The bomb killed 18 Iraqi's and severely injured several more. This wedding was not unlike any wedding you would go to in the good ole' US of A. It was a feast. It was a celebration. It was a gathering of family and friends to toast the union of a man and a woman. There were men, women, boys and girls. They were outdoors eating and celebrating. Yup, not at all unlike a reception in the good ole' US of A, save an ambulance drove down the canal road in front of the house, turned into the drive and detonated a high explosive. Not at all unlike a reception in the good ole' US of A, except for those milli-seconds of violence when shrapnel flew through the air at thousands of feet per second, and accompanied by a shock wave that pounds anything in its lethal path with a ferocity you cannot imagine.

Now, what you did not hear reported in the news was that it was YOUR Marines that responded to the scene. It was YOUR Marines that conducted the scene analysis. It was YOUR Marines that apprehended several terrorists STRONGLY believed to have been involved. No, that ain't news. However, to the Sheikh of the tribe, who is a very powerful Sheikh, the Marines are a BIG part of the story. I, Maj Mann and CWO5 Roussell met with him days after the attack. What he told us would not square with the reasons the media told you the wedding was attacked. No, when I asked him why he thought his tribe was attacked, he looked at me with the look that let you know why he is the Sheikh, and said: "because I have prepared my tribe to vote. I have educated them. I have signs throughout all my villages telling them to vote. We do not want a Shia government, a Sunni government or a Kurdish government. We want a government of the people."

First picture is of the blast site. This could have been anyone's family!
Second picture is the Sheikh's reception of us days after the attack. Notice the spread he provided us. Think his will has been broken? Then why should ours even be in question.
"A government of the people." Where have I heard that before?

Pray for the success of YOUR Marines and their historical mission! 30 Jan is the first step in a journey of a thousand paces, but it will chart the course of a ship destined for free waters, and will ensure your children and grandchildren never hear the words terror or terrorists. I don't know about you, but I see that as my sacred duty for my two Angels!

May God Bless and Keep the Magnificent Families of 2/24.

LtCol Mark A. Smith, MAYHEM 6
CO, Task Force 2/24
"Mayhem from the Heartland"
or as the terrorists call us "The Mad Ghosts"


Posted by Deb at 10:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack





Look! I'm an Action Hero!

An Islamic Jihad website posted a picture, claiming to have abducted a US soldier. Here's the ABC news story:

Iraqi militants claimed in a Web statement Tuesday to have taken an American soldier hostage and threatened to behead him in 72 hours unless the Americans release Iraqi prisoners. The U.S. military said it was investigating, but the claim's authenticity could not be immediately confirmed.

The posting, on a Web site that frequently carried militants' statements, included a photo of a man purported to be an American soldier, wearing desert fatigues and seated on a concrete floor with his hands tied behind his back.

A gun barrel was pointed at his head, and behind him on the wall is a black banner emblazoned with the Islamic profession of faith, "There is no god but God and Muhammad is His prophet."

A U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, Marine Sgt. Salju K. Thomas, said he had no information on the claim but "we are currently looking into it."

So far, no soldiers are missing and the picture bears a strong resemblance to "Cody", an action figure produced by Dragon Models USA for sale at U.S. bases in Kuwait.

AP Photo

I'm going to feel really bad if this turns out to be legit, but I sincerely doubt that the terrorists would get more than a name, rank, and UPC number out of this guy . . . and that only from reading the box he arrived in. Sheesh.

Posted by Deb at 09:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack



January 31, 2005



E-mails from the Syrian border

Here's my son's thoughts on Saturday, before the election:

I feel its going to be a dangerous mission to secure those people voting. The local insurgency is planning attacks. That's nothing new. But this is the best trained fighting organization in the world and we will accomplish this mission.

And Sunday night, after the election:

People around here actually went out and voted So thats cool. Despite death threats and mines placed in the roads. That's pretty cool.

Very cool indeed - especially when you consider that those brave Iraqis had to travel to another town, 12 miles away, over one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Iraq, in order to vote. Way cool.

Posted by Deb at 10:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack





A legacy of a free and democratic Iraq

Carrie shares this message, sent to friends and familes of the 1st Marine Division from the Commanding General.


On 30 January 2005, the 1st Marine Division assisted the Independent Electoral Commission-Iraq (IECI), the Interim Iraqi Government, and Iraqi Security Forces in making the necessary preparations so that all citizens of the Al Anbar province were afforded the opportunity to vote in a safe and secure manner. We saw mixed voter turnout across the province. The election could not have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication of every member of the Division. I cannot begin to describe how immensely proud I am of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines of the Division. Once again your warriors accomplished what many skeptics said would be impossible and turned it into a resounding success. The number of citizens who actually turned out to vote is inconsequential. What does matter is those who wanted to vote could, and those who chose not to vote were exercising their free and democratic choice not to.

Together with the Iraqi Security Forces and the IECI, the Division assisted in the establishment, security, and retrograde of 30 polling sites throughout the province. Our operations kept the enemy from affecting the security at each of these sites. Our mission was not without sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those coalition and Iraqi forces who gave their lives on this historic day. A free and democratic Iraq will be their legacy.

Although the election is behind us, our operational tempo remains high. We will soon begin the relief in place with the 2d Marine Division and begin our redeployment back to home station. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Although elements of the Division will return home soon, we will to continue to have units in Iraq with many more important tasks to accomplish.

May God bless the 1st Marine Division and it’s friends and families.

Amen.

Posted by Deb at 09:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack



January 30, 2005



I am a Marine mom and I couldn't be prouder....

Carrie Costantini has added another title to her list - proud Marine Mom to PFC Zack Costantini. That smile in the picture below will bring memories to Marine Moms everywere, including proud Marine grandmother Pat Costantini who is the mother to the other Marine in the picture - Carrie's husband, LtCol William Costantini, who commands the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

On this particular January morning, I was thinking to myself that I had been a Marine wife for 19 years. 19 years of deployments, birthday balls, key volunteers...in other words..seen it, done it, bought the t-shirt.

Until that day. The day my son became a Marine. I had butterflies in my stomach. I wondered what Zack would be like after his experiences at MCRD San Diego. Would he still be the same kid that we all called "King Kamehameha"?

We stood with all of the other anxious parents in front of the theater. A drill instructor with a microphone had a running patter of do's and don'ts. Frankly, that got on my nerves. It got on my husband's as well. As India company returned and formed up after their motivational run, we scanned the crowd of recruits looking for Zack. We moved to the other side of the theater and I found him. It seemed to take forever for his father to find that face but there it was. Three rows back and two men to the left, my son's face. At last!! A sighting.

We still couldn't talk to him. They all had to shower and form up for the presentation of the eagle, globe and anchor pins. After waiting almost 13 weeks to see him, the hour or so that we still had to wait seemed to drag on and on. Finally, they marched out and stood at attention. Well..sort of. Their eyes darted around, trying to find their families. Cameras clicked...parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers all yelling, "I see him!!"

As their drill instructors presented the e,g,and a pins, I was thankful for dark glasses and wished I had put kleenex in my purse before leaving the house that morning. The crusty Marine sitting next to me was not much better although he flatly denies it.

When their drill instructors finally released them, families surged out of the stands. We were in that crush too. Who cares if I'd been a Marine wife for 19 years???? I was going to hug that kid and nobody but nobody was getting in my way...not even him. He wasn't quite sure what to do when I grabbed him but he put up with it pretty well. I guess that was change number one.

The rest of Parents' day was spent trying to keep him fed (I can not believe how much this guy eats...it's almost superhuman) and catching him up with family and neighborhood news and hearing bootcamp stories. Change number two...our usually reticent son talked our ears off...between bites of food, of course. He called me "maam" about five times but then again, he also dropped the f bomb as many times. Changes three and four..and although both of those changes have disappeared, I have no doubt that his stint at SOI will bring them both out again. Oh well...

As for graduation day, perhaps I should just let the pictures speak for themselves. God knows I have sent them to everyone I know.

I am a Marine mom and I couldn't be prouder....

Posted by Deb at 12:47 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack