Two Seeds

Lori Holman from Norman, Oklahoma is pulling double duty with two Marine sons. She recently sent this message written straight from her heart. If you can get through it without tears, you are made of stronger stuff than I.

Just a few days ago, I walked slowly in downtown Norman on an uncharacteristically warm winter day. That bright afternoon, the town's teens and collegiates were out in force; absorbing the sun's energy, enjoying the rare warmth. I smiled, scanning the crowd and trying not to think of my 46th birthday. I found myself drinking in the younger peoples' enthusiasm for the day and I steered away from thoughts of advancing age. I chided myself for feeling old and decrepit, and wryly realized I sstill have time left to enjoy. Besides, how can one think of life's approaching end while surrounded by so many young souls?

I rolled my eyes at my silliness and focused again on the young people laughing and having fun. Such young faces! Twinkling eyes, smiles flashing as quickly as Oklahoma summer lightning, faces radiant and happy. Youthful exuberance bubbles up from spirits freely riding the winds of hope. The faces of young America, I thought to myself - the future of our nation resting so easily in their strong hands. So much promise, so many dreams cradled in their arms, waiting only for the chance to run.

Our next generations' dreams for the future might be widely different but the enthusiasm with which they embrace those dreams seems universal. The faces are as different as are wildflowers in a meadow, yet their eyes shine with the same brightness of possibilities.

My thoughts turned to my own sons; two of them serving their country as United States Marines. My firstborn, just starting out as a newlywed, he and his young wife together again after his deployment to a war zone in Iraq. My middle son, newly engaged and so vibrant with life, his own deployment on the very near horizon. Their youngest brother, so intelligent and creative, still undecided on how he's going to leave his mark in life, but ever thankful of his brothers' contributions toward the freedom of his own future.

Less than one week later, I sit in front of my computer, tears slipping down my cheeks as I think on our next generations. I am contemplating two young lives in contrast, lives out of sync. Two young men on the edge of forever, ready to cultivate the fields of tomorrow with their best efforts. How each young spirit chooses to plant their seeds in the fields of tomorrow can be so greatly different. And oh, how differently their offerings do flower.

I'll call the first James. James is twenty-three. He is a bright young single college student, well-liked and enthusiastic about life. He grabs every golden opportunity America gives him. Not much thought is given to the inner workings of these opportunities, and James avails himself of his birthright to complain about his government and voice his criticism freely. James considers himself a patriotic American. He like so many proudly proclaim discontent with our country, and he never has to miss the chance to share those views. No problem with that, right? If you see something you don't like, isn't it a responsibility to say so?

Our second young American is named Steve. Steve is about the same age, married with a new young baby. He could have gone to college right out of high school, but felt a need to do more with his life first – to give back to the country he so deeply loves. He became what few Americans can ever dream of becoming - a United States Marine. He said goodbye his loved ones and deployed to Iraq.

Two men, two choices, each with the freedom to choose what path they can walk to make our world a better place.

Steve was critically wounded while in combat, suffering among other injuries a broken back and blindness. He saw his friends, his Brothers, maimed and die from the same roadside bomb that altered his life so drastically. Steve had times when he felt down, when he worried that he would be unable to lead the kind of life he and his young bride had planned so hopefully. But after talking and just being grateful that he was alive, they realized that no matter what this
turn of events brought on the horizon, they would face it bravely and together. He took great delight in doing simple things and was still proud of his service to his country. He told people, "I have seen everything I need to see. I saw my son being born, I saw my Drill Instructor smile at me when he said congratulations Marine. I saw a lot of sunsets in places that they talk about in the Bible. I saw a lot of my friends go home from over there, I saw a lot that didn't. I saw the Iwo monument in Washington. I saw how proud my dad was when I graduated boot camp. I'm satisfied with that. I don't hold a grudge or
anything like the doctors told my wife she should prepare for. I wish I could still be there obviously, but I feel like I have done a lot while I was there. I know I'm glad I didn't die there, and that when I do go I'll be able to say that I gave more to this country then I took from it. Thats all you can ask for in the end…I really am grateful for all the things I have. I missed alot while I was gone. I may never see my son smile, but I can still tell when he is happy. I love smelling his hair after (my wife) gives him a bath. Those are the kinds of things, along with your prayers, that get me through the day."
Back to James. He and his buddies often spend time in town, enjoying the sights and getting away from the "pressures" of college life. They decided to get a bite to eat. By chance, Steve and his wife were in the very same place. Steve and his wife had finally gotten the chance to go out to have dinner, something they hadn't been able to do since before Steve was injured. Their paths converged. Steve, using his walker to carefully navigate his way across the room, bumps into a chair. James and his friends think this is hilarious. They nudge each other and laugh, as James makes fun of the young man using a walker, and they mimic him bumping into objects.

I got a call last night from a close friend, a call I really didn't want to receive. Our Marine Corps Family has suffered yet another loss. Steve has died. One moment, our world had a hero – the next we were irrevocably poorer as a nation. When Steve passed on, his wife held one of his hands, his commanding officer the other. Nestled on his bed, close to his heart, was his little son.

My head bows and I begin to sob loudly. My tears rain down harder, and I long to be able to reach out and gather his sweet, brave young wife in my arms. I search for words to comfort her, to pass along some kind of decent tribute. What words can I possibly use that will tell their son that his daddy was among the best of men? Anything I try to say falls far short. I want so badly to be able to make things better, but there is nothing I can do to heal their pain. I know all too well that it could be my son this happens to, and I have cried with many others who are dealing with this kind of suffering and loss. This is our reality, and it is what our loved ones have chosen to risk. How it can be a matter of amusement and unconcern to any young American is something I cannot comprehend. God forbid that our society sinks once again into ingratitude, heartlessness and shameful treatment of our heroes, as happened in the bloody throes of Vietnam. I do not think we can stay sane as a country if our next generation sinks so low once again.

When Steve checked in online before his final surgery, he was immediately beseiged by his fellow Marines. His Brothers gathered him close, put their own bad memories on the back burner and proceeded to take care of him in the way only Devil Dogs can. They even teased that if they kidnapped him for a party, he wouldn't even have to be blindfolded. They closed ranks and took care of their own. Would James be able to count on such tight bonds from his homeboys if he needed them? I find myself doubting it. James probably wouldn't go out of his way for anyone else, either. But this Marine did, and thousands like him, so James and his friends wouldn't have to worry about fighting in their own hometown; so he could be free to make fun of the man who had given so much for him. That horrible meeting of those two young men
keeps nagging at me – and it epitomizes the difference between James and Steve. I think on one of our nation's young heroes struggling to comfort his weeping wife as he put his own embarrassment and fear aside. Steve's not here to grace our world as he used to, every chance he got. Yet good 'ol James and his clueless posse no doubt continue on, uncaring of the pain they inflicted on a young couple's heart, unmindful of the damage they've done to their own tarnished souls.

They have no idea what we've all just lost. I wonder if they'd be smart enough to care even if they knew?

Such young faces. The faces of young America, the future of our nation resting so easily in their strong hands. So much promise, so many dreams. How each young spirit chooses to plant their seeds in the fields of tomorrow can be so greatly different. And oh, how different their offerings do flower. What will spring forth from these seeds?

Will it be a waste of fertile ground sown with weeds of selfishness…or the hardy blossoms of freedom, gently and lovingly planted in hope for the next generation? With these Marine mother's eyes, I focus on the sons and daughters we have so lovingly guided on their path, knowing as surely as we know their good hearts, that our future is in good hands. Steve will always shine as the best kind of American to me. He was here for such a short time, but his accomplishments are as lasting as if he'd lived for a hundred years. There's more worth to be found in that one warrior's brief life, that one gentle man's loving sacrifice - than we ever can hope to see in the other's example; a
solitary, immature man's selfish, aimless journey. I can only pray that James' kind learns to be grateful to the extraordinary men and women who fight and die for them. If they don't, what kind of legacy do they hope to leave behind when their chance on this earth is past?

Steve won't see his son's face or play soccer with him as he grows up. But what he passed on to that little boy is more lasting and more precious than he would ever dream – a golden legacy of true love and courage, and a lifetime of freedom to grow into the kind of man his father was.

Two men, two seeds. I know which seed bears the better fruit.

For Toxic and Kelly, for Lt. and Renee; for Nance and Lance, for Colin and Kevin and for Cpl. Amaya; for Brenda and Eric, Merce, Evy, every Gold Star Mother - and for every mother who fears earning that banner…For all the men and women whose lives have touched ours so deeply before sacrificing so much in service of our country. We will always remember, we will always love you – and we will live to "pay it forward".

Posted by Deb at 01:22 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

January 21, 2005

Update from The Mad Ghosts of 2/24

Here's the latest from Col. Mark Smith, Battalion Commander for 2/24 Marines

Well, the new year is upon us...and it is my most sincere hope that this letter finds all of you in HIGH spirits for the blessings that surely will abound in 2005! The new year was welcomed by the Mad Ghosts in BIG fashion. We were part of a Brigade size operation, with our "newest, best buddies" from the 2 Brigade Combat Team and Colonel "Fightin' Mike" Formica, as we forayed into previously uncharted territory along the Euphrates River. This was the largest operation to date for the Mad Ghosts and was a "full-up" round consisting of helicopter-borne assault, mechanized assault and motorized assault. It involved virtually every element of the Battalion. And, our brothers in the ING (Iraqi National Guard) were tasked, for the first time, to operate in a field environment for an extended period of time (a task they performed extremely well, I might add!) The mission was precise: establish a cordon of the area and locate Anti Iraqi Forces (AIF) and capture them, and to disrupt their seemingly never-ending supply of ammunition and explosives, with which they fight their cowardly war of IEDs and VBIEDs. Now, with all the moving parts, there are about a gazillion things that could go wrong. NONE did! The Mad Ghosts and our Brigade partners were flawless in execution. They swept into an area, coming from 360', in the middle of the night, via helos, trucks, HMMWVs, tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles and at H Hour plus 20 minutes, a stretch of land approximately 16 kilometers long by 10 kilometers wide was cordoned and owned by elements of the Mad Ghosts and the 2 BCT. Many Iraqis woke that day to a situation they had never seen! The systematic search was begun, and approximately 48 hours later, almost 100 insurgents had been identified and incarcerated and an unbelievable amount of cached weapons and explosives had been located and confiscated. Two VBIEDs were located that were in the process of being equipped with their explosives and were destroyed. This was all accomplished through a massive "team" effort, and I would like to recognize some key players: The Marines of the Engineer Platoon from Virginia: they hunt weapons caches like a dog hunts squirrel. Their tenacity in search techniques has ensured hundreds of explosives that saw their life cycle completed through a safe and controlled detonation at the hands of the engineers, rather than at the trigger of a fanatical Muslim seeking a one way trip to Virgin-land. I will never be able to say enough about the performance of these Marines and the unbelievable amount of work they have accomplished for this Bn. And, more importantly, I will never be able to say thank you in any manner of sufficiency for the number of lives they have saved! But, you know what, if you could see the light in their faces when they find a cache...I think they get all the thanks they ever wanted. The Marines of the Truck Platoon from Pennsylvania: now understand, these Marines are from Truck Co, 4th MarDiv, and as such are designed to be a "tactical" asset used primarily to maneuver fighting Marines to the combat zone. However, reality of a counter-insurgency requires that they also be used in a combat service support role: picking up mail, repair parts, etc. These Marines have been tireless in their support and have logged some of the longest hours known to man. And for this operation, they seamlessly transitioned into Warrior mode, and delivered hundreds of Marines to the fight, at night, with night vision goggles (NVGs) and did so without incident. They also are on the LtCol Smith List of Never-Ending Thank You's. HET 9 (Human Exploitation Team) These Warriors come from all over the Marine Corps, active and reserve, and are the ones who do the field interviews of our persons of interest. Simply said: they are the best in the Marine Corps and all of Iraq. This group of Warriors has produced more intelligence, saved more lives (both in the Mayhem AO and outside) than any intelligence asset in the War. They are remarkable, sleepless, and define "dedication to duty." CWO2 Murphy, their OIC, was a casualty in October after being shot in the foot, and they have pressed on under the leadership of MSgt Ertz in a manner that is nothing short of inspiring. Please allow me one second to digress: Murph, you should swell with pride and tears right now, for YOUR Marines have been spectacular...and a testimony to your leadership and preparation. (Oh yeah, and don't think for a second you are not in for a rash of ---- about your letter home following your injury describing your "ambush dance"...skip, shoot, duck, shoot, hop, shoot, swim with the fishes, shoot, etc. etc. etc.) The COC Marines: COC stands for Combat Operations Center. These are the Marines that run the command and control systems. The radios and computers that on the modern digital battlefield are indispensable. Each of them does the work of 3 people, run long shifts and ensure the situational awareness and report/process execution that is critical in this counter-insurgency. For an operation like this one, I had both my forward COC and my Main COC in operation, and they were brilliant in their execution. They are and will always be the "unsung heroes" of the Mad Ghost deployment. (And for me personally, Cpl Kostyn and LCpl Blackford were a source of humor, the importance of which just cannot be understood unless you have attempted to command in a high stress environment; but for those who have, and for those who will, you will cherish the uncanny humor of such Marines...they helped to sooth the savage beast that is GySgt Engram!) The fighting Marines of Fox, Echo, Golf and Weapons: who take precision violence to the enemy, and a spirit for victory that knows no equal. H&S Co, who provides the security and support to all these operations, and conducts much of their own patrolling and "hunting" of the Muj, and who have taken our FOB and turned it into a fortress. The Marines of this last paragraph are the Bn proper, and no Commander has ever had the privilege of leading a better one. My duty is their mission accomplishment and welfare...and my duty has been my honor. Now, with all of that said, let me finish by telling you the best part of the story of this Operation which was code named: Operation River Walk, for it goes without saying we cannot do anything without a "code name." It is just what we do...code names and acronyms. As successful as this Operation was, it like all others, shapes us for future operations. The hunt will go on and ELECTIONS WILL OCCUR. I have stopped watching the news from the US totally. I no longer can take the maniacal rages it places me in as I swear ungentleman-like profanities at the TV in my dust covered cubby-hole of an office, directed at "pundits" and "experts" who do not, in my very humble opinion, have a single clue and who report every single incident that occurs here as if they are color commentating on a football game. Well, I can barely fog a mirror intellectually, but I think I know a thing or two about this war thing, and the vast amount that I don't know, I have certified geniuses like Maj Dan Whisnant and CWO5 Roussell to teach me. And what I know...war is a slog. And a counter-insurgency fourth generation war is definitely a slog. The only weapon the enemy has IS the MEDIA, and the target is YOU! They are attempting to win this War by breaking your will. I pray that will not happen. Because...and this is the moral of the story...the best part of the story of Operation River Walk is what we discovered about the people. You see, our belief going into this operation was that this part of our Western zone (which we had not been able to foray into much due to other commitments) was the heart of a massive AIF insurgency, replete with popular support and headed by Wahabiists (yes, the very people who brought you the slaughter of 9/11). We found many of the Wahabiists and their caches. They are now headed to Abu Ghraib and their caches destroyed. But the people...no, what we found among the people was MUCH support for the US and what we are doing here. We found a genuine desire to live free and to ELECT who they want, not who the Imams and terrorists want. See, what we found is what we always find: a majority of people being intimidated, terrorized and oppressed by a radical, fanatical and clinically INSANE few. We found people who want us to finish this fight, no matter how long it takes, and who were genuinely appreciative of our efforts...a little different than what you hear out of NY and Washington News Rooms. Gotta tell you, would love for my Marines to actually meet these "fighters who are resisting a foreign invasion of Iraq," because they might actually fight the way Soldiers do. NO, what we meet time and time and time again, is radical Muslim extremists whose sole goal is the defeat of America and the spreading of their brand of medieval thinking that abhors technology, enslaves women, cheapens human life and seeks the establishment of their brand of religion, or death. So I say, let all the national media talking heads rave on. Rave on about every single act of insurgent violence and trumpet it as some massive blow to the MNF effort. Rave on about how we are losing. Rave on, as if you really care about any of what you are spewing. Just, Rave On. The ground truth is known by those actually on the ground. And for those on the ground, we will win, we will bring freedom and democracy to a land that has NEVER known it, and we will suffer and sustain the hardship required to do it. We will do it, and we will take the time required for such a massive effort in a world that wants a "drive through window" war. We will do it in the spirit and with the best example we have; the spirit of 1776 when freedom and democracy was also brought to a land that had NEVER known it, a land that would become known as THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. We will win because although the violence is a huge part of what we do, ultimately this global war on terror will be won by ideas. And YOUR Mad Ghost, YOUR Marine is the best example of what the best idea in the history of mankind has to offer. Their never ending decency and compassion has lit, and will continue to fuel for the people of Iraq, what freedom is truly all about: respect, dignity, hope, love and a personal quest to find meaning in YOUR OWN WAY! For this, 10 of my most prized possessions and reason for my existence gave their last full measure of devotion on the battlefields of Iraq, and for this, WE rave on! May God Bless and Keep the families of 2/24...and may we all offer a special blessing on the families of our fallen heroes...and those of our wounded who struggle daily, particularly Regina Simon as she prays beside the bed of SSgt Chad Simon, and is a beacon of strength and grace for us all. God especially be with you Regina, and your wonderful husband Chad.

Rave on and OOHRAH!

Posted by Deb at 12:44 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

January 20, 2005

Vote and Die

USMC CWO5 Roussell has this to say about the upcoming elections in Iraq:

Understandably, American casualties in Iraq get most of the news coverage in the United States, but Iraqi police and troops have been taking 80 percent of the losses since the interim Iraqi government took over last June 28th. Many of the Iraqi dead have been due to car bombs, and 181 of those have been used in the last six months. Not all those car bombs involved suicide bombers (only 38 percent did). But those bombs caused some 3,000 casualties, over 90 percent of them Iraqis and a third of them fatal. The peak month for car bombs was last November, when there were 48. Because many of the car bomb workshops were overrun in Fallujah that month, the number of car bombs fell to 27 in December, but is slowly increasing this month. The frequent use of car bombs has done little to thin out the chaotic traffic in Iraqi cities. Considering the way Iraqis drive, and that their accident rate is several times what it is in the United States, that's probably a reasonable decision. American soldiers have noted that driving without your seat belt is more dangerous than the threat of roadside bombs or car bombs. Iraqi gossip still likes to blame all the car bombs on Americans, but the chatter in the coffee shops and blogs tells a different tale. Iraqis know who is doing the bombings, and the debate is over how hard should the government lean on the Sunni community, and how soon. Iraqis feel that soon the Sunnis will no longer be a major threat to the government. Iraqis take pride in the growing number of Iraqi police and army units that can storm into a house or neighborhood and carry out a raids and arrest, with no shooting and no casualties. "Just like the Americans," is the phrase you hear muttered, half in resignation, half in pride. Saddam had soldiers who could do raids like that, although they would often kill a few bystanders just for the terror effect. And the people they took away were usually never seen again. Now those efficient soldiers of Saddam are making car bombs, and slipping threatening notes under the doors of election officials. "Vote and Die" is the phrase the opposition is using. But most Iraqi election officials are standing their ground, and many Iraqis, especially those living near Sunni Arab neighborhoods or towns (nearly half the population), look forward to election day with dread. That's because voting could mean exposure to another car bomb, and not voting means giving Saddam's thugs another victory. It's a no-win situation. But it's also a no-lose situation. Over 14 million Iraqis are registered to vote, at over 3,000 voting locations. Over 100,000 Iraqi police and soldiers will be guarding the voting places, along with thousands of local men armed with their AK-47s each household is allowed to keep (but not take outside, a rule that is often flouted for emergencies like this.) If the anti-government forces make a major effort to attack many polling places, they will spread themselves thin and even up the odds. This will mean more failed attacks, and more dead Baath Party and al Qaeda members. "Vote and Die" has many meanings.

Posted by Deb at 02:53 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Update from Al Asad

LtCol John McGonagle , CO of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 sends this January update:

This week has been a good week! We are into the New Year, and that's a big psychological milestone on our calendar to come back home. The advance party will be leaving in 2 short months, with the main body not far behind. This week started with the basketball team hanging on in the final seconds of the league championship semi-final game for a big win, which moved them into the finals for the championship. With a lot of solid play by all of our Marines on the team, they pulled off a big win against a strong MALS-16 team, the same team that beat them earlier in the season by 20 points. In an earlier email I reported the loss to MALS, and predicted that our guys would get them back later in the season. Well, they kept me honest, and did just that! Corporal Stripling from MALS-42 det. B was on the MALS-16 team, and had to take the tough loss, but it was a good game, right down to the last seconds. Congratulations to all of our Marines for a fine season; their team work was a joy to watch. I have attached a team picture from the championship game below. We had a formation on New Years day, and promoted the following Marines: Staff Sergeant Alabre Sergeant Mendez Sergeant Frank Corporal Farren Corporal Norman Corporal Barsanti (meritoriously) Corporal Lagunas (meritoriously) Staff Sergeant Harris also received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his sustained superior performance as the Airframes Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge. Congratulations to all of these Marines; their promotions/award were all well-deserved! We had a department head meeting today with the squadron leadership, and all of the discussions revolved around coordination on turnover of billeting spaces, aircraft, etc., and how/when we were going to be leaving Al Asad. It seems no one minds doing the planning for going home! The fact that we are planning now makes our departure seem even closer; our big goal now is to keep everyone's head in the game over here, and not get too distracted with leaving town, but staying focused on our mission. We still have a job to do, and our Marines and sailors have done phenomenal things so far, and I'm sure will continue to perform in an outstanding manner up until the day we leave. We also discussed our leave plans for when we return to Norfolk. If you haven't already done so, you may want to start talking about your leave/vacation plans with your Marine/sailor for when he/she returns home. My intent is to have a 96 (4 days off) as soon as possible after our return to Norfolk, with two 2-week leave periods during the month of April. Taking leave is not mandatory, nor will it have to be taken in 2 week increments, or during the month of April, but the earlier you make plans, the easier it will be to deconflict everyone's leave so that we can continue to conduct operations at home, while allowing our folks the flexibility to take some time off when they desire. Well, that's all for this week. I hope you all made it through the holidays without too much stress, and got to enjoy the season as it was meant to be celebrated! Have a great week, and I'll talk to you all next week.

Posted by Deb at 02:46 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Coconut diplomacy

At Meulaboh, Indonesia, an area devasted by the tsunami last month, our Marines are finding common ground with Indonesian soldiers, one coconut at a time. Marine Sgt. Maj. David Bullock with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit is instrumental in working with Indonesian Marines to coordinate supply unloading and distribution. Here's an excerpt from an AFP story by Samantha Quigley (she also took the picture above).

At mid-morning, one of the Indonesian servicemembers scaled a palm tree and dropped a few green coconuts. One of his colleagues on the ground looked at a Marine and pointed to one of the coconuts, indicating that the Marine should pick it up. Before it was all over, Bullock was learning how to hack away the top part of the coconut to get to the milk. With that mission complete, it was time to unload the second landing craft of the day. When the 35 pallets of supplies - 20 with boxes of rations and 15 with boxes of bottled water - were stacked on the beach, it was time to load those trucks. That's when it became apparent that teamwork not only builds bridges, but also moves dump trucks stuck in the sand. Members of both militaries pitched in to get the truck back on the road. Once the truck was "unstuck," the two groups gave themselves a round of applause followed by a group picture. Unfortunately, getting supplies from the beach to the truck was almost as difficult as getting the truck out of the sand. The distance between the two was sizeable. So, instead of risking getting stuck again, a relay line was formed ... until someone complained about being hot and tired. Then, to the amusement of everyone on the beach, Bullock and Indonesian Capt. Benny Fauzi decided to make a point. "Hot doesn't bother me," Fauzi yelled and headed for the supplies. Between the two of them, they double-timed three boxes of bottled water to the truck. The awe, mixed with laughter, created a bond as both sides pitched in and finished loading the truck. The day ended with Bullock and Fauzi in an arm-wrestling match. The winner wasn't really clear and a rematch is imminent. "What do I get if I win?" Fauzi asked. To which Bullock replied, "My friendship." Fauzi accepted with mock disappointment and began negotiating for a uniform. Ultimately, he settled for a T-shirt with Bullock's unit printed on it, but offered one of his uniforms in exchange. A high-five and a handshake later, Bullock and Fauzi headed their separate ways, vowing to meet at the arm-wrestling chair the next day. Tables are hard to come by. "He's a good guy," Bullock said as he headed for the helicopter that would take him back to the ship so he could rest up for the rematch.

Note which officer is carrying two cases of water. It's symbolic of our military which customarily does the heavy lifting for the world.

Posted by Deb at 01:30 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Message from MGen Natonski

Here's a New Year message from the Commanding General of 1st Marine Division:

January 14, 2005 The Division continues to be very busy in the new year. The city of Fallujah is now completely open to residents. Members of the Division are working in conjunction with Iraqi officials to process returning Fallujah citizens and ensure that they have life’s basic necessities such as food, water, and blankets, if required. We are also assisting the Iraqi government in restoring municipal services and repairing battle damage. The Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Division are proving that their compassion is as great as their ferocity in combat. Our current focus of effort is to ensure that all Iraqis in the Al Anbar Province have the opportunity to vote in a safe and secure environment. The elections are critical to the future of Iraq and our role is to assist the Iraqi Government and Security Forces help those Iraqis who wish to exercise their basic right to vote in the upcoming election. This is a right that we as Americans take for granted. We are taking this task very seriously as we all recognize the importance of our mission. I know all of you are eagerly anticipating the homecoming of your loved one. We have already begun the process of bringing in forces to relieve elements of the Division. Our planners are working hard to ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible and that we bring our units home in an expeditious and safe manner. This will be the largest relief in place in combat in Marine Corps history and I am confident that the Division will execute this operation with the same professionalism and competence that we have exhibited in all our previous endeavors. We wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who sacrificed the greatest for our mission. We think of them daily and will especially remember them as we anticipate our reunions with our families and friends. I want to wish you all a very “Happy New Year”. I pray that 2005 will bring you many joys with the return of your loved ones and may God continue to provide His blessings to the 1st Marine Division family.

Posted by Deb at 12:03 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 19, 2005

LtGeneral Sattler on Fallujah

Lieutenant General John Sattler, Commander, of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, gave a special briefing on the 1st MEF operations in Iraq yesterday. Here are his opening statements:

Thank you very much. And again, thanks to everyone for giving us the opportunity to go ahead and answer some questions and make a very brief opening statement. What I wanted to do is just talk about some of the atmospherics within the town of Fallujah. If you remember, on the 23rd of December, Prime Minister Allawi decided to go ahead and reintroduce the citizens of Fallujah back into the town. He made the decision we would do it one district at a time, and there are a total of 18 districts within the city. He gave us three days to get the first districts set, and then after that point, we rolled one district at a time each day.

On the first day, on the 23rd of December, just to give you an idea of how the atmospherics have changed, how the Fallujan have become more comfortable, more confident in the security environment within the town, on the first day opened up, we brought 921 citizens back through the checkpoints. Yesterday, we brought 9,400 into the city through the same five checkpoints.

On the first day we opened up, 12 government workers showed up to go and assist us with the operation. Yesterday, we had 640 government workers working side-by-side with coalition team.

On the first day, we had 192 contractors who actually signed contracts to clear up debris, to remove stagnant water, and to go ahead and work on the water plants and the lift stations within the town. So, 192 on the 23rd of the December. Yesterday, we had over 400 contractors show up. And we have been as high as over 600 in some of the contracting areas.

Humanitarian assist visits, we set up three humanitarian assistance points within the city in conjunction with the Iraqi government. On the first day, we had six visits at the humanitarian assistant sites. Yesterday, we had over 2,000 visits. And that's to pick up food, water, blankets, heaters, petroleum, water bottles, et cetera -- all the necessities that someone would need to go ahead and spend an extended period within the town.

We also just last week, we had it cleared with Prime Minister Allawi to go in and pay each head of household, and we figured there is somewhere between 32,000 and 34,000 heads of household within the town, to go ahead and pay each one of them $200. This is a humanitarian assistance payment. It's not to offset any of the damage that was done to their home, but it gives them some money in their pocket so they can go ahead and buy the necessities as they move back in to reestablish themselves within the town, or if they decide to go back to where they were staying, they'll have some money to go ahead and put in the kitty if they're staying with relatives or friends somewhere else within the country.

And the last column, when we first did this, there were two, three, four ministries that came in from the prime minister's office. We actually worked that up to 19 ministries that were working with us, side-by-side, taking the lead to go ahead and set the standards to reintroduce the citizens back to the town of Fallujah. Yesterday, we had 45 individuals show from the ministries.

So, all of the indicators, all of the movement has been in a positive direction. There's still a lot of work to be done in Fallujah. The essential services are coming back up on line. By the end of this month, we should have all the running water. The treatment plants are already functioning, and we should have running water out to all districts within the town by the end of the first week in February.

The electrical grid, we have the grid, the main power stations back up, and we have electric power going to the essential services -- the pump stations, the clinics, the hospitals. It will take a number of months to go ahead and re-string the wires throughout the town. We can't turn the entire grid on out to the individual homes right now because of the danger -- loose wires, the danger of electrocution of the women, children and men who have -- (coughs) -- excuse me -- who have now returned to the town of Fallujah.

And the last big success were the lift stations. Fallujah, part of the town is below the water table on the Euphrates, and there's a series of lift stations that keep the water table pumped back into the Euphrates River. They had all been shut down during the conflict, and now all of those lift stations are back up. And even a better story, they're all being run by minister of Municipalities. So, the Iraqi government is in fact running those lift stations with some very strong assistance from our Navy Seabees.

For the complete text of his speech,including his answers to questions from the press, read the complete transcript.

Posted by Deb at 02:21 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Test post

I'm grading papers, sipping coffee, and watching my dog carry her kibble - one piece at a time - from her dish in the kitchen to the living room rug. Eating in the living room is forbidden for her and she knows it. Hence, the wagging tail and guilty side glances. I've spent yesterday evening and most of the morning trying to post a wonderful editorial by Lori Holman, a proud mother of two Marines, and it's not working. JP, from Aces Full of Links, is trying to help me figure out why I keep getting error messages . . . so I'm going to test post a few other things to see if I can replicate the error. I'm a mom on a mission - Lori's writing is wonderful and it deserves a wider audience. Comments are strangely quiet today too, except for the SPAM - I've already cleaned out more than 50 offers this morning from idiots who think MCM is a great place to hawk Viagra, online poker, and loan services for the credit-challenged. I keep deleting and they keep coming back. If only keyboarding burned more calories.

Posted by Deb at 02:01 PM | Comments (13) | TrackBack

Capt. Glade, our prayers are with you

Via Blackfive, here's a wounded soldier who needs your prayer and good wishes.

Capt. Daniel Glade was wounded in an IED explosion in Iraq on January 10 and arrived at Walter Reed on January 13th. His leg was amputated in an effort to stop the spread of infection but he is very ill. His family is keeping an on-line journal and has asked for prayer for the following:

Specific Prayer Requests: 1) Pray for restoration of his kidneys. 2) Pray for control of his infection. He has bacteria in his blood and in his wounds. 3) Pray against any blood clots. 4) Pray for his men in Iraq as they continue their missions without the man who led them for the last 2 years. 5) Pray for wisdom for the doctors.

Please also pray for his wife, daughter, and the rest of his family.

Posted by Deb at 10:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 18, 2005

Bob Herbert - Confusing Light for Darkness

Every so often, I read an editorial that causes me to shake my head and reach for my keyboard. More often than not, those editorials are from the New York Times and here's the latest from Bob Herbert who spent a recent evening with Hollywood celebs Martin Sheen, Lynn Redgrave, Alfre Woodard, Sean Penn, Woody Harrelson and others less notable, reading Ariel Dorfman's play "Speak Truth to Power: Voices From Beyond the Dark." This inspired him to write the following editorial, presumably with a straight face.

Here, he describes the impetus for the book that spawned the play - a collection of interviews from people who have "defended human rights in countries that span the globe". One such woman:

Dianna Ortiz is an Ursuline nun from New Mexico who went to Guatemala in the 1980's as a missionary. She was abducted, gang raped and tortured by government agents. She said one of the men overseeing the torture appeared to be American. At one point she was lowered into a pit filled with the bodies of men, women and children who had been murdered. "To this day," said Sister Ortiz, "I can smell the decomposing of bodies disposed of in an open pit. I can hear the piercing screams of other people being tortured."

Horrible. But the man "appeared to be American"? America is a country made up of people from all ethnic backgrounds. How does an American look?

And, her experience also describes stories coming out of the Iraq during Saddam's reign. Keep this in mind when reading the following excerpt:

From my perspective, this is a dark moment in American history. The Treasury has been raided and the loot is being turned over by the trainload to those who are already the richest citizens in the land. We've launched a hideous war for no good reason in Iraq.

He needs to take another look. We have one of the highest standards of living anywhere in the world. Along with Australia, we took the lead in post-tsunami relief work, leaving the U.N. in the dust. We've liberated 25 million people in Afghanistan and another 25 million people in Iraq - 50 million good reasons. And if he's forgotten why we went to war, these Marines haven't:

That's my boy, LCpl Shane Conrad standing for freedom with the other proud Marines of 1/7, Baker Company.

Herbert's editorial continues:

Never since his assassination in 1968 have I felt the absence of Martin Luther King more acutely. Where are today's voices of moral outrage? Where is the leadership willing to stand up and say: Enough! We've sullied ourselves enough. I'm convinced, without being able to prove it, that those voices will emerge. There was a time when no one had heard of Dr. King. Or Oscar Arias Sanchez. Or Martin O'Brien, who founded the foremost human rights organization in Northern Ireland, and who tells us: "The worst thing is apathy - to sit idly by in the face of injustice and to do nothing about it."

Mr. Herbert, change your perspective. The voice you're hoping for has indeed emerged and his name is George W. Bush. He acted when others sat back . . . and the people of Iraq and Afghanistan now face the future with hope instead of fear.

Thanks to Cassandra for the original link.

Posted by Deb at 11:58 AM | Comments (5)

Troops helping Troops

My good friend JP and his family have an irresistable opportunity for those who love cookies and/or love our troops. I have first-hand knowledge that the two conditions are not mutually exclusive. Here's his offer:

Are you interested in helping out the troops? And by “the troops” I mean, of course, two particular girl scout troops as well as some men and women in Iraq. It’s Girl Scout cookie time again. Maggie is a leader in 2 troops. Both of my girls are involved. That means there are cookies galore here. If you are inclined to buy Girl Scout cookies, the girls would really appreciate it. However, if you don’t want cookies for yourself, there is another way you can participate, help out the girls and make someone else’s day. The Scouts are taking donations to send cookies to soldiers in Iraq. Girl Scout Cookies for these soldiers are a reminder of home. We’re only allowed to send to service men and women who are known personally to an individual in the troop. Let me send along this info from Maggie: Girl Scout Council Southeastern Massachusetts Brownie Troop 1149 and Junior Troop 1061 are sending boxes of cookies to two (or more) units stationed in Iraq One unit is the 447th Airborne, Air Force unit stationed in Baghdad Airport another unit is a Marine unit, but I don’t have the details (another leader does) there is the possibility of one or two other units — the father of a 4th grade girl is a reservist who was just called up, and there is another family with both a Brownie and a Junior who has a family member in Iraq. We will send the cookies to as many different units as we can, and the servicepeople we know have promised to share. We can only send cookies to Iraq if we know someone in a unit, we can’t send them generally. If you are someone I am in personal contact with and would like to buy cookies for yourself, just send me an email letting me know what cookies you want. These are the cookies that we have available: Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Iced Berry Piñatas, Reduced Fat Lemon Pastry Cremes, Classic Shortbread, Caramel deLites, and Animal Treasures. (The bakery’s site is down, so I don’t have a link to the descriptions). The cookies are $3.50/box. If you want to contribute to sending cookies to Iraq simply email me at this address. Let me know how much you’d like to contribute. PayPal works best for me. If you don’t use PayPal, we’ll work something else out. Make a soldier’s day! If you do, and you don’t mind giving me your snail mail address, one of my girls will send you a “thank you” note expressing the troop’s appreciation.

My son was the recipient of a huge box of Girl Scout cookies a few months ago - he and the other Marines in his company deeply appreciated the generosity of folks back home . . . and JP was among those who contributed to the cause. If you'd like to make the day of a few more Marines and soldiers, plus at least two adorable Girl Scouts, e-mail JP at drmomentum-at-yahoo.com and reference Girl Scout Cookies in the subject line.

Posted by Deb at 11:23 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 17, 2005

". . . we're doing a bang-up job"

Here's a first-hand look at what's going right in Iraq from Marine Corporal Isaac D. Pacheco, currently deployed in Baghdad. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 12, 2001.

Something struck me as odd this fall as I watched a U.S. satellite news broadcast here in my Baghdad office. Something just didn't seem right. There was the usual tug-of-war between presidential candidates, a story about the Boston Red Sox and a blurb about another explosion in Iraq. The latter story showed the expected images of smoke and debris and people frantically running for cover - images that have become the accepted norm in the minds of many Americans thanks, or should I say no thanks, to the media. There were no smiling soldiers, no mention of rebuilding efforts, no heartwarming stories about honor and sacrifice. I could swear I've seen that "stuff" here. I've become somewhat callused to this kind of seesaw reporting because every day I work with the news agencies that manufacture it. However, many service members shake their heads in frustration each time they see their daily rebuilding efforts ignored by the media in favor of the more "sensational" car bomb and rocket attack stories. Not to say that tragedies don't happen - Iraq is a war zone - but there is so much more happening that gets overlooked if not ignored. Army Sgt. Addie Collins' Kicks for Kids program is an example of this. Three months ago this Army Reservist from Los Angeles asked her friends and family to forgo sending the usual box of goodies, and instead send a few pairs of kid-sized shoes, which she would hand out to Iraqi children she'd seen walking barefoot. Friends and family told friends and family, and today, 10,000 pairs later, Collins is outfitting an entire Ramadi community with sneakers, sandals and boots. Where's her morning talk show appearance? Many others, military members and civilians who truly care about the Iraqi people and rebuilding their nation, have stories that mirror Collins'. Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen are working hand-in-hand with the Iraqi people to build schools, pave roads and train police officers. In the process we're re-instilling the citizens of Iraq with a sense of national pride that years of oppression had smothered. I may just be a good ol' Kentucky boy, but if my voice counts for anything, I'd say we're doing a bang-up job. Semper Fi.

Posted by Deb at 01:41 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 16, 2005

New Year wishes

The chaplain from the 1st FSSG shares these thoughts:

A new year is fast approaching! In order to share with you from the Battalion, I asked Marines to share with you their wishes for the New Year. Here are a few of the things they said: “I wish to keep the friendships I have made out here in Iraq.” “I wish I could find someone to have a relationship with!” “I wish I could spend more time with my loved ones.” “I wish I could be home with my family.” “I hope to hear the words ‘I do’ from my girlfriend.” “I wish that there will be peace for the people of Iraq.” “I wish to never leave my family again.” “I wish to come home safe with all of my co-workers and friends.” “I wish to make it home safe and have Iraq be better.” “I hope to get back in college and finish my degree.” “I wish for everyone to have the best of holidays!” Thanks for all you do to help keep us going! We are grateful for your love, support and prayers! God bless and Happy Holidays!

Posted by Deb at 01:41 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 15, 2005

Coffee and conversation

I'm sitting in a small coffeehouse in Corvallis where the coffee is good and there are people around. Generally, I enjoy the lively conversation and various viewpoints that typify life in a college town. Not tonight.

For the past 20 minutes, I've listened to a conversation where an earnest young man is explaining to the young woman sitting across the table why the resistance in Iraq isn't really terrorism, it's just the normal reaction of citizens who resent the invasion of their homeland. And how our troops react to bullets by indiscrimately shooting in the direction of the shots. Just mowing 'em down.

The subject changed after I stood up and introduced myself as a Marine Mom with a deployed son. It is a very good thing for this young man - who is able to sit in a free country, secure in the knowledge that he can spew forth his opinions without fear of being dragged out in the street and executed by thugs sent by the dictator of his country or having his tongue cut out as a warning for others - that this Marine mom doesn't get to choose who her son protects and defends. Some folks aren't worth defending. Honestly.

I had a similar conversation in Salem recently with a folksinger who is evidently stuck in the sixties. It was a pleasant evening and I was enjoying the music when he announced that the next song was in "honor" of a certain son-of-a-Bush and lauched into a takeoff of Country Joe's anti war anthem, "Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag''. After he finished slamming our president and the troops who are bringing democracy to Iraq, I walked over and introduced myself as the mother of a Marine who was at that moment in Iraq, one Marine in a long line of Marines who have given their sweat, blood and - in some cases - their lives, fighting for his right to sit here and sing snarky songs about the commander in chief. Just thought he'd want to know. Talk about a deer-in-the-headlights look.

There is a time for silence. And there is a time to speak out. I seem to find myself doing that often these days.

Anyway, for an accurate look at one of the many reasons why we're in Iraq right now and what we're accomplishing, read this excerpt from last week's update on security for the elections to be held later this month in Iraq. Speaking is Army Major General Peter Chiarelli, commander of the Multinational Division in Baghdad and the CG of the 1st Cavalry Division:

Today we stand just a few weeks away from historic elections in Iraq. The choices made by Iraqis will set the course for generations to come. The stark differences the Iraqi people face between the insurgent enemy and the prospect of a democratic future are indisputable. The insurgent or terrorist is intent only on one thing: the grab for power at any cost. The insurgent has no plan for the betterment of Iraq or its people. He destroys. He kills innocent civilians. He delays, obstructs and divides the people by playing on their fears. There is no glory or honor in what some call the resistance. What is he resisting? The Iraqi government and the multinational forces are clearly intent on supporting the full independence of the Iraqi people through a government recognized internationally. What is he resisting? Construction and repair of the infrastructure of Baghdad is under way, and the insurgent has attempted to be an obstacle every step of the way. What is he resisting? The government will hold internationally monitored Iraqi-led elections. What is he resisting? The Iraqi security forces are growing in size and skill, and more and more responsibility for the security of the people is coming from the Iraqi security forces. Also important, why is the insurgent resisting? He is resisting the will of the Iraqi people because he has a private agenda and he is terrified of what the Iraqi people will have to say at the polls. He is resisting a safer, economically sound and free Iraq to protect his self-interest. He is wicked and he has malicious partners within the country and from foreign lands that do not care about the Iraqi people. Consider that Osama bin Laden, not an Iraqi, has laid the terrorist -- labeled the terrorist Zarqawi -- not an Iraqi -- an emir or prince of Iraq. None of these people care about the people of Iraq. That is their only unifying theme. Ultimately, the people of Iraq realize this as fact. They will not turn away from a free future. The insurgent will fail, but he will continue to fight in the near term. To that end, we have a message for the insurgent who attempts to operate from the area and disrupt these elections. We will find you, we will watch where you move, we will listen to you speaking to each other, we will fight, and we will defeat you. You cannot sleep, eat, move or meet without the clear understanding that you may be killed or captured at any moment. Cease your operations now and you'll be choosing to live. Cease now and Iraqis can join in the progress being made in Baghdad.

Freedom. Progress. Life without fear. That's what we have here in America. Why should Iraqis settle for less? Here are snippets from a Washington Post interview with a few Iraqis at a coffee house on the other side of the world.

"Going to the polling stations is a victory for the Iraqi people," said Ali Danif, a 45-year-old writer. "The elections are more important than the candidates," insisted Jamal Karim, his garrulous friend. Not to be outdone, a smiling Suheil Yassin jumped in. "It's one of my wishes to die at the gate of the polling station," he said, a gesture that was self-consciously dramatic. "I want to be a martyr for the ballot box."

and

Danif, Karim and Yassin, friends who gather every Thursday at the cafe, smiled as they talked about the vote. Like others, they knew little about the candidates, the parties or their platforms. But they celebrated what the elections represent. "I don't trust anyone in politics," said Karim, 48. "I only trust the Iraqi people." Yassin sipped his tea, then spoke up. "With the election," he said, "the pages of the totalitarian order will be turned and never opened again."

From his mouth to God's ear.

Posted by Deb at 10:19 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack

Sharing the love

The generosity of care packages from home is appreciated by deployed Marines - but there is sometimes too much of a good thing. In a recent phone conversation with my son, he mentioned that they had enough toothbrushes to stock Wal-Mart. Not a problem - there are other units that can use the donations we've recently received. However, the extra supplies will not be discarded. 1/7 Marines from 3rd Platoon are using extra items they’ve received in care packages as goodwill gestures for families in the communities they protect. Cpl. Matthew R. Jones sends this report and photo from Husaybah:

“We have received a tremendous amount of (care packages) from people back home,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff V. Escalderon, platoon sergeant. “In fact, there was so much that we could not use it. Instead of throwing it away we decided to put together packages and give it to the locals.” The unit hopes that these small gifts will buoy the locals populations perception of the coalition forces working towards stability in the area. “It is the Division’s motto of ‘No better friend, no worse enemy’,” said Escalderon. “We are here to help them and better their conditions, until they prove they don’t deserve our help.” Marines from the company have been giving small items they have received, such as candy and small toys, to the children since the beginning of the war last year, said Cpl. Sean D. Salome, team leader. “When we come in it often scares the children,” added Salome, 20, from Rochester, NY. “But, if we have something to give them, they relax.” However, during this deployment the Marines have expanded the packages to include hygiene gear, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, as well as many other items received in care packages, added Escalderon, 35, a native of Santee, Calif. The Iraqis have been more willing to cooperate with the coalition forces since the unit has began to offer these small items to better the welfare of the locals. “It has really helped with the locals perception of us, showing them we are the ‘good guys,’” said Escalderon. “These people are used to only bad things happening when people with guns show up at their door. We are trying to show them we are friendly and want to help them.” The benefit of the packs has also been noticed in the city while on patrol. Often local children will follow the Marines as they patrol through the city in hopes of receiving some of the goodies offered by the unit. The children will no longer follow as the patrols enters into areas of the city that are hostile towards coalition forces, added Escalderon. “Also, they often will point out (improvised explosive devices) to us as well as houses where insurgents live,” said Escalderon. The only obstacle the Marines have faced while giving out the items is space. The Marines must take all their combat equipment needed for the patrols. Once the Marines have their required load then they can take the gifts, said Escalderon. Over 300 pounds of items have been given to the local Iraqis during the company’s patrols through the hostile city. The city has no major projects funded through coalition contracts and the Marines hope these small packs are changing the attitudes of the local Iraqis. “The Iraqis never ask for the packs,” added Escalderon. “It is something we give them to help ease the tensions in the area. We would love to do more but we do not have the capabilities to do so.”

From Left: Private First Class Warren Jett Jr., 22, from Odenton, Md., Pfc. Oscar A. Rivera, 22, from North Hills, Calif., and Pfc. Daniel P. Kable, 20, from Columbus, Ohio, prepare items to be given to locals Iraqis in the city of Husaybah. The Marines are infantrymen with 1/7 Bravo, 3rd Platoon of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The company has used excess items from care packages to help ease tensions in the city.

PFC Kable's mom is Renae Kable - one of our Operation Santa volunteers that worked tirelessly to make the holidays a bit merrier for our deployed Marines. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Posted by Deb at 07:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 14, 2005

Please Pray for God's Intervention

CH (CPT) Lyle Shackelford, Battalion Chaplain for HHD, 57th Transportation Battalion sends this request:

As a transportation battalion, my unit will be delivering the voting machines and the ballots to villages and cities throughout Iraq during the upcoming elections. (January 30/31) Our convoys are prime targets for the insurgents because they do not want the equipment to arrive at the polling stations nor do they want the local Iraqi citizens to have the chance to vote; timely delivery must occur so that the elections occur. Encourage your friends and family members and those within our churches to pray specifically for the electoral process. Historically, the previous totalitarian regime would not allow individual citizens to vote. Democracy will not be realized in Iraq if intelligent and competent officials are not elected to those strategic leadership positions within the emerging government; freedom will not have an opportunity to ring throughout this country if the voting process fails. Announce this prayer request to your contacts throughout your churches, neighborhoods, and places of business. Those with leadership roles within the local church post this message in as many newsletters and bulletins as possible. There is unlimited potential for God's presence in this process but if we do not pray then our enemy will prevail (See Ephesians 6:10-17) A prayer vigil prior to the end of the month may be an innovative opportunity for those within your sphere of influence to pray. This is a political battle that needs spiritual intervention. A powerful story about God's intervention in the lives of David's mighty men is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-33. David and his warriors were victorious because of God's intervention. We want to overcome those who would stand in the way of freedom. David's mighty men triumphed over incredible odds and stood their ground and were victorious over the enemies of Israel. (Iraqi insurgents' vs God's praying people). They don't stand a chance. I will pray with my soldiers before they leave on their convoys and move outside our installation gates here at Tallil. My soldiers are at the nerve center of the logistic operation to deliver the voting machines and election ballots. They will be driving to and entering the arena of the enemy. This is not a game for them it is a historical mission that is extremely dangerous. No voting machines or ballots. No elections. Your prayer support and God's intervention are needed to give democracy a chance in this war torn country. Thank you for reading this e-mail. Please give this e-mail a wide dissemination. Thank you for your prayer support for me and my family. Stand firm in your battles.

Thanks to proud Marine Mom, Mary Ellen Salzano, for passing along this request.

Posted by Deb at 03:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

2/10 update

LtCol Brennan, 2/10 Battalion Commander sends this update:

Well, the holidays are over, again thank you all for the wonderful support you have been providing us. Your Marines are truly a part of history. They were key players in Operation Al Fajr (the liberation of Fallujah) and currently we are preparing for the first free elections in Iraq . Your Marines will all have some thing to tell the children about. Now on to what is truly on your minds, when we will come home. Unfortunately, I won't have those dates until approximately 30 days before we are scheduled to return. I can tell you, currently no unit in 2/10 is scheduled past the 7 month mark or 210 days in country, so all rumors of 2/10 being extended are officially untrue. As for official return dates, as I confirm them they will be released by each Btry commander. When I know they will know. Well again thank you for your continuing support and we all look forward to coming home. God Bless Lt Col Brennan

Posted by Deb at 01:44 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

My son is in this picture

Photo from the BakerOneSeven website

Somewhere.

I've spent the last 30 minutes examining each face, hoping to identify him, and I've narrowed it down to two. I so want to see his face but will have to wait until they redeploy, I guess.

Today, Friday, is his 21st birthday. Happy birthday to you, LCpl Shane Conrad. He won't celebrate - his latest e-mail said, "Its funny because as far as anyone knows in the Marines, I've never had a birthday... somehow I just miraculously get older. A birthday in the corps is a beatdown so well see if I slip through the cracks again. Well Im running out of things to talk about. Just the same old shit. Rockets, Mortors and pop shots. An average day in Husaybah. I'll write you soon. Love you."

Love you too. If he gets my birthday package, it won't be much of a secret - I sent enough Ding Dongs for his platoon, with icing gel writers and birthday candles. Ah well. He's a Marine, he can take it. And, he'll have forgiven me by the time he returns.

Posted by Deb at 01:38 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Snow Fakes

The real stuff is forecasted for this weekend. I'm staying home, mattress pad turned up on high and a warm dog to keep my feet toasty. And here's a fun timewaster to keep me entertained without going outside - brrrr!

Make-a-Flake

Posted by Deb at 12:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 13, 2005

11th MEU update

January 10. It's getting close. We're almost home. One month to go! In fact, several members of the MEU are already on their way with the advance party. The rest of us here, albeit maybe jealous, are counting down the days until we get home. In the meantime, we're getting Najaf and Karbala ready for elections, and are continuing to help with the reconstruction effort. In Najaf, we've paid out more than $10 million in four months to assist with rebuilding and refurbishing the holy Shiite city. There's still work to be done, but we're wrapping it up as we enter the home stretch. We're all eager to get home and spend time with our families and friends.

Posted by Deb at 11:00 PM

January 12, 2005

Party with the Marines

Major Steve Danyluk who has returned from Iraq has an invitation for anyone in the Fredericksburg, VA area:

Please come and join us for an evening in support of the Marines who were wounded during Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom: When: 27 January 2005, 1800-2300hrs. Where: The Colonial Tavern Home to the Irish Brigade located at 406 Lafayette Blvd. in historic Old Town Fredericksburg (across from the train station on Charles street).

How: The Fisher House is a not-for-profit, 503(c)(3) organization established as a home-away-from-home for the family members visiting our wounded service-members during their recovery. There are currently 32 homes on 17 military installations that have served over 8,500 families in 2004. (More can be learned by visiting www.fisherhouse.org)
	The Colonial Tavern Home to the Irish Brigade is hosting a music- filled evening with “guest” USMC bartenders. All tips and other donations will be handed over to the Fisher House for the direct support of our service-men and women recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital.
Donations over $30 qualify for the “charitable tax deduction” and appropriate forms will be provided. Persons donating more than $30 will receive a complimentary Fisher House coin. For further information please call (540) 287-2383.

Posted by Deb at 04:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

1/7 Warriors

1/7 Marines have spent the last five months in a very hostile region along the Syrian border. They don't get a lot of press - reporters tend to stick to safer areas. However, the fierce warriors of First Team have seen action on an ongoing basis since their arrival last August. In a phone call earlier this week, my son mentioned a fire fight where LCpl Julio Cisneros-Alvarez gave his life in the pursuit of democracy for the citizens of Iraq, and another good friend broke his arm. He asked me to send a sympathy card to LCpl Cisneros-Alverez's parents and I will, from both of us. Each time a Marine falls, it's a blow to all Marine parents.

Another 1/7 Marine, LCpl Stacy Alexander was recently medevaced to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. While there, he had some unexpected - and high ranking - company. Here's the rest of the story, as related by Master Sgt. Phil Mehringer

Photo by Spc. Christopher Goodman

Sergeant Maj. Carlton Kent, I MEF Sergeant Major, led a group of sergeants major consisting of Wayne Bell, 1st Marine Division, Joseph Staudt, 4th Civil Affairs Group and Carlos Rios, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. Command Master Chief Raphael Sanchez, I MEF and Hospital Corpsman Senior Chief Gerard Chiu, 1st Marine Division, rounded out the entourage of senior enlisted visitors. The group of senior Marines and Sailors addressed a group of ambulatory Marines first, thanking each of them for their contribution to the War on Terrorism, before moving to the more severely wounded Marines confined to hospital rooms. "Your priority now is to get healthy so you can get back in the fight," said Sgt.Maj. Kent, as the Marines bellowed a loud "OOH RAH!" Lance Cpl. Stacy Alexander, infantryman, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, had just come out of surgery to clean and repair shrapnel damage to his right arm and left leg when Kent and the group entered his room. The young Marine was surprised by the amount and seniority of his visitors; nevertheless, he enjoyed the conversation and the familiar pattern of Marines wearing their digital pattern desert camouflage utilities. "I can't really explain it," said the wounded Alexander, a 20-year-old Marine from Carlin, Nevada. "The camaraderie the Corps has when you get some of the highest ranking Marines in the Marine Corps to come see you at the same time. That's a pretty big deal to me."

Posted by Deb at 02:55 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 11, 2005

"I felt your prayers, Dad"

LCpl Adam Ankarlo, USMC in training

If you do nothing else today, listen to this audio clip. It's a recording by proud Marine Dad Darrell Ankarlo of his son, LCpl Adam Ankarlo's letter describing his trip into Iraq. It ends with, "I've done some stupid things out there, you've always had my back. This time, I've got yours. Love Adam." Ankarlo reminds us that 130,000 of America's best and brightest young men and women are wearing the uniform of a United States Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan . . . and they have our back.

Thank God for Marines.

Posted by Deb at 02:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Working ourselves out of a job in Iraq

Here's a New Year greeting from 1/7 CO, LtCol Chris Woodbridge.

Happy 2005 from all of us here in Iraq. The new year is here and has brought a few changes with it. As most of you probably know, the next big event here is the national election. This event will be truly historic--the first democratic election in the history of Iraq. It is also no secret that our enemies here will try to interfere with the elections as much as they can. We are all fully prepared for increased violence as the elections approach. Since the majority of the population of this part of Iraq lives to the east of the area where we are located, the majority of the voting will occur outside the battalion's area of operations. In order to reposition more Marines in the eastern part of the province, 1/7 has been directed to move some of our Marines to the east as well. What this means is that C Company (Suicide Charley) has moved to a position about 40 miles east of Al Qaim known as "Camp Wolf." Their job in this new location is to secure a large ammunition supply point and to help train Iraqi Security Forces. This task--training Iraqis to do the things that the American military is doing for them now is one of the most important things we can do to "work ourselves out of job" in Iraq. Unfortunately, Charlie company will not have the same access to phones and e-mail they enjoyed at Al Qaim so you will not hear from your Marines/sailors in "Suicide Charlie" as regularly. They will still be getting regular mail, and they will be able to call home in case of emergency or special occasions as always. What has not changed with the new year are the hazards and challenges of this environment. On Jan 6th LCpl Julio CisnerosAlvarez of weapons company was killed in action in Husaybah. We all mourn his loss and our prayers are with his family in their time of grief. We will always honor his memory, just as we honor the sacrifices of all our fallen brothers. Since deploying in August the battalion has had 54 Marines and sailors wounded in action and we will forever honor their personal sacrifices no matter how minor the wounds. The battalion has also suffered the loss of several Marines who have been seriously wounded in action, and whose lives will be changed by their injuries--most recently Cpl Evan Morgan of weapons company, SSgt John Jones of C company, and LCpl Kenneth Roach of B company all of whom are greatly missed by all who know them. We all support them and all of our wounded comrades and they have our constant prayers for a fast recovery. The sacrifces of all of us here in Iraq and on the home front are part of the price we all pay for the freedom and security we hold so dear. Your continued support from home is critical to our success and I am forever grateful for your courage, patience and commitment to these men who have answered their country's call. Just to put an end to any rumors--the battalion is still on schedule to return home in March and I know I speak for us all when I say that we all look forward to our reunion with you. God bless you all, and semper fidelis. Ltcol Woodbridge

I have no information on first two injured Marines, but LCpl Kenny Roach is doing well and may be returning home soon. His mom describes his recovery as "a miracle" . . . and those seem to be happening every day. One of the best ways to support our troops is to pray for them. My son has described some situations where there is no way they should have come out alive. The only thing I can attribute this to is the thousands of people all over the world who are praying for our Marines and other troops. Thank you. And thanks also to the drill instructors at MCRD-SD, SOI instructors at Camp Pendleton, and his command who have a goal of bringing every Marine home.

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January 10, 2005

3/3 Marines go vertical

A recent comment asked about Marines in Afghanistan. Here's a report by Cpl. Richard Mattingly that provides a look at conditions that 3/3 Marines faced during a recent visit to the Korangal Valley.

Marines of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have been operating at the forward edge of Operation Enduring Freedom, often in isolated areas where support for insurgency against the Afghan government and Coalition Forces remains. Last week, I Co., 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, entered the Korangal Valley in Kunar Province with the mission to capture or kill terrorists suspected of conducting attacks against Coalition Forces while working to win over the trust of the local villagers.

	“We get intelligence that lets us know where the bad guys are,” explained 2nd Lt. Roy Bechtold, 2nd platoon commander, I Co. “After we get grid locations, we work with our assets to plan the best way to go in and get them.”
The Korangal Valley is infamous for its inaccessibility and the numerous defeats the Russians suffered there during their ill-fated campaign to control Afghanistan. After vertically inserting in CH-47 Chinook helicopters, I Co. set into blocking positions along the roads and maneuvered into their positions. “The best way to come in is on foot or by air,” said Bechtold, “We have to leave as small a signature as possible in order to not spook the guys we’re looking for into running. If you come in with vehicles, they’ll be long gone before you have a chance.” Bechtold admitted that Marines in the past have had difficulty getting into villages sympathetic to Anti-Coalition Forces without having the targets flee.
	Once in place, the mission of I Co. evolved to house-by-house searches as the clock started ticking on how long the Marines had until it was unlikely that their targets remained. Up and down the bluffs and rocky faces that double as paths between the impossibly stacked-up houses of the valley, the Marines and Afghan Security Forces talked to village elders, shook hands and searched houses from top to bottom.

“It all goes back to attention to detail,” said Sgt. Shawn Kelly, an acting platoon sergeant in I Co. “You can’t skip anything, it could be that one cache or that one guy you miss that could help us stop an improvised explosive device emplacement or attack on Coalition Forces.”I Co.’s attentiveness paid off on the second day of the operation as Lance Cpl. Sean Decoursey, rifleman from Jacksonville, Fla., crawled through a small opening in a floor to find a cache of weapons and ammunition hidden under a pile of hay. “I found the AK-47s and ammunition,” said Decoursey, modest about the find. “I almost didn’t look in that hole either – it looked like maybe it only went back about two or three feet until I crawled in there.”

With the discovery of the weapons, the Marines held one Afghan man for questioning, confiscating his illegal weapons and ammunition. Their find was a good one. After being questioned, the man named several other anti-Coalition militants operating in the area which put I Co. right back to work in the villages.

“It feels really good to be here and to be getting something done,” said Decoursey, who has been in the Marine Corps just over a year. “It feels like we’re really making a difference when we can catch one of them.”

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January 09, 2005

Tsunamai Relief

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andreas A. Plaza, USMC

3rd FSSG Marines assist with the distribution of humanitarian aid at Palonia Air Field, Medan, Indonesia, last Wednesday as part of Operation Unified Assistance.

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January 08, 2005

God is in this place

USMC Captain Shannon Arnwine is a Supply Sgt. serving at Camp Fallujah. Here's an e-mail he sent to his parent in Sonora, Texas:

Hey Mom and Dad, I am doing well. It was good to hear your voices yesterday. Thank God for technology. Y?all had said that you might have a letter of mine printed in the paper, or read at church. I would like at least the people in Sonora to understand what is really going on over here, not what they hear on the news. My first taste of the Middle East was when I landed at Kuwaiti International. I thought: What a dirty, hot, disgusting place. The wind was blowing extremely hot, and when I arrived on station here at Camp Fallujah, it was even worse. How could God be in this place? Then I met the people of this land. They stunk. They were uneducated. We have to constantly watch them because some are thieves. I thought again: How could God be in this place? If you watch the news, especially CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC or CBS ? they all show you the death and destruction that is happening over here, soldiers and Marine dying daily ? one would think that we were losing this war. Just like the Vietnam War, the public thinks we are losing. But just like the Vietnam War, we in truth are winning. We have won every conflict, every skirmish, every firefight, but the media wants the great American people to believe this is a losing cause. It isn?t. Today, I was able to go to church. It was held at the base theater. With a laptop computer, a projector, two speakers and a microphone, the chaplain played some praise music. I sat there and watched ? watched the Marines, soldiers and sailors walk in and greet each other, all different ranks from a Navy captain all the way down to a Marine private, and all perfect strangers but all brothers and sisters. As I listened to the music, I began to notice an awesome presence. I have been in a church where I felt the presence of God, but not like this. I fought back the tears, can't have the young warriors see a Marine captain cry. Overtaken by his presence, I began thinking about all the info y'all see on the news and what the newspapers tell you about this place. I was wrong. God is in this place. The beginning of life, so close to the land of milk and honey, and what is it? A war zone. Rockets, mortars, small arms fire, IEDs; how could this be? Is this where it all began? This is why we are here. These people are good people; they are our brothers and sisters. They were so brutalized by Saddam Hussein?s regime that, when I walk by them, they cower from me. Yes, some are thieves, but they try to steal out of necessity. These people need us and want us here; they have told me this themselves. Because we are here, they have jobs again, they get paid, they put food on their tables, their schools are open and children are learning, their hospitals are open and working, their infrastructure is up and running. Do you see this on the news? We are helping our neighbors. These young Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen are doing wonders over here. I am in complete awe of them. This cause that we are fighting and dying for is a worthy cause; what we are doing over here is the right thing to do. You have paid with your own flesh and blood. Shane Folmar died a hero, on his feet, facing the enemy. He gave his life so that this battle would be fought here, not at home. God bless you all and God bless America. Pray for us. Semper Fi.

PFC Folman, also from Sonora, was eulogized by his brother Marines following his death on September 24, 2004 as a result of hostile action in Ramadi. Here's what they said about this fallen hero:

"We come here to seek closure and try to understand why a friend, a fellow human being has been lost," said Lt. Col. Randy Newman, commanding officer, 2/5. "We try to understand and respect the fact that he was dedicated to his duties, executed them as a Marine flawlessly and paid the ultimate sacrifice because he understood his call to duty here in Iraq." Folmar, a Senora, Texas, native, was known through his platoon for his sense of humor work ethic and always striving to improve himself. "Shane was a good friend, with a great personality," said Lance Cpl. Jose Osornia, a rifleman with Company F, 2/5. "He would never complain and he could always make you laugh. His platoon and company will miss him." While Folmar's peers recalled the man, his commander remembers the Marine. "He never complained, he never fell out and he never quit," said 2nd Lt. Robert Jones, a platoon commander with Company F, 2/5. "He never wanted to let anyone down, that was the type of Marine he was." Folmar was killed doing his duty by advancing and engaging the enemy, and he will be remembered as a true warrior. "When he died, this Marine was taking the fight to the enemy," said Cpl. Widener, a squad leader with Company F, 2/5. "He would never let up, he would never quit, he was a true spirited warrior. We will continue the best we can, but it will be hard to fill his place. He will be deeply missed by me, his squad and platoon."

Photo by Lance. Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove

Pfc. Timothy Shane Folmar will never be forgotten by his brother Marines. Here, Sgt. Ryan Schulze, 2/5 Marines, F Company, pays his final respects during a memorial service held Sept. 28, 2004 at Combat Outpost.

Posted by Deb at 07:56 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

January 07, 2005

Family Values

Duty and honor.

LA Times photo

39 years after he left for Viet Nam, Kendall Phelps is returning to the front. This time, he'll serve with his 34 year old son, Major Chris Phelps.

"I'm a father and a Marine. I can't separate the two," said Phelps, 57, a clarinet player who runs the music program for Silver Lake's schools. "I need to be there with Chris." On Friday, Kendall Phelps will get his wish. Father and son have been assigned to the same unit. At the end of this week, they will leave for Camp Lejeune, N.C., to meet up and train with the 5th Civil Affairs Group. They are scheduled to arrive in Iraq in March for a seven-month tour of duty in the Al Anbar province west of Baghdad, where snipers and suicide bombers have become routine.

Godspeed, father and son.

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January 06, 2005

New Year's greetings from CSSB-7

Christmas Eve mail delivery for CSSB-7

LtCol Drew T. Doolin, Commanding Officer for CSSB-7 reports from the Al Anbar Province of Iraq:

	Happy New Year! Our battalion area was quite festive for the holidays. Folks from around the U. S. sent Christmas cards and decorations, which adorned our work and living areas.
One of our welders, LCpl Tara Taylor, made a steel Christmas tree that is positioned in front of our Command Post. Religious services were available for those who wanted to attend. All in all, it was a joyous holiday, as we spent this special time with our “Marine Family”. Of course, our families and friends at home were constantly in our thoughts and prayers during this holiday season.

Your Marines and Sailors continue to excel in everything that they do. They remain highly motivated and are setting new standards of providing logistics support in combat. For example, our Truck Company has been averaging over 230,000 cumulative miles driven per month. For any given vehicle, we are averaging about 1,600 miles driven per week. That puts an incredible strain on the equipment as we put year’s worth of mileage on it in just a matter of months. We have great mechanics that keep these vehicles operating. A topic of much media interest lately has been armor on vehicles. Rest assured that all of our military vehicles that go “outside the wire” beyond the base where we live and work are armored and have ballistic glass. On the occasion when we must use non-military vehicles to deliver supplies that require special handling that cannot be accomplished with military vehicles, we take special care to protect these vehicles within our convoys. We are not suffering from the shortages that were reported in the media. . . . Thank you for your untiring support. Sincerely Drew T. Doolin

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Honor, courage and commitment in action

When recent MCRD-PI graduates Pfc. William Patnode, Pfc. Charles Meskunas, Pvt. James Stewart and Pfc. Gregory Lafountain spotted a fiery crash on New York's Interstate 87, they didn't hesitate. Here's why they were 2 hours late to Recruiter's Assistance training, as related by Sgt. Pamela Shelley

The Marines pulled their vehicle to the side of the road, and all four Marines instinctively leapt into action to help. “As we approached the vehicle we noticed two females standing there. We asked them if there was anybody inside the vehicles, and they said they didn’t know. With the heat, the flames and the tires blowing, we looked at the fuel truck, and we didn’t know if it was empty,” said Lafountain. “Since there was no cell phone service, Patnode and I drove about a half mile in order to call 911. We still couldn’t get through to 911, so I called my dad. He’s a Captain with the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, he was able to get us aid.” While Lafountain and Patnode went for help, Meskunas and Stewart, with the help of an unidentified truck driver, pulled the 57-year-old Cornelius J. Mahar from the burning vehicle. After the unidentified truck driver used a knife to cut away Mahar’s seatbelt, the Marines carried him on a sleeping bag to a spot about a quarter mile away and applied basic first aid to Mahar while waiting for emergency assistance. Assemblymen Chris Ortloff, who was also on his way to Albany, pulled over to help and photograph the Marines life-saving steps. “I was on the ledge trying to get the attention of drivers in the northbound lanes to call the troopers,” said Ortloff to the Press-Republican. “ When I looked back the Marines were trying to get the guy out.” That’s when Ortloff captured the Marines’ actions with his digital camera. When help arrived, the Marines continued doing their part at the scene of the accident by directing traffic and assisting with emergency vehicles. “They were working on him when we arrived,” said Westport Fire Chief, Jim Westover to the Press- Republican. “They grabbed gear from the ambulance and kept working. They were incredible.” Mahar was listed in critical condition at Fletcher Allen Healthcare in Burlington, Vt. The driver of the tractor-trailer, 36-year-old Gloria Morgan, sustained only minor injuries, according to State Police. Two hours late, the foursome reported in for their class here. After the Marines told Sgt. Maj. Andrew L. Yagle, sergeant major RS Albany, about their ordeal, Yagle recognized their adherence to the Marine Corps’ ethos. “They definitely displayed their honor, courage and commitment,” said Yagle. “The purpose of my class here is to remind them of the positive image and roles they need to portray here on the home front. They did just that, they set a good example, and we’re proud of them.” "(Lafountain) came down here with all the tools, especially maturity. We just chipped away the rough edges and transformed him," said Staff Sgt. Robert L. Lytle, Senior Drill Instructor of Platoon 3110, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. " He was an outstanding recruit who has obviously turned into an outstanding Marine." All four Marines credited their life-saving action to the training they received from Senior Drill Instructors Staff Sgt. Norman, Staff Sgt. Collinson, and Staff Sgt. Lytle during recruit training at Parris Island, S.C. They said that training gave them the ability to handle a situation this critical.

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Reminder

Captain Heffner, 1/2 Marines, Bravo Battery, reminds those who are sending care packages to their Marines:

Alcohol is a contraband item for Marines in Iraq. Those Marines possessing alcohol risk non-judicial punishment or court martial. We have not had an incident involving alcohol in the battery, however I have confiscated a few small bottles of alcohol that have been sent via U.S. mail. In this case the Marine voluntarily surrendered the alcohol. I view the action as a credit to that particular Marine's character. Our duties require our attention 24 hours a day. Alcohol would impair our ability to attack the enemy and protect ourselves. Please support your Marine by not sending alcohol which could hurt his ability to perform his duties or his ability to protect himself from attack. Thank You.

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January 05, 2005

He's given it for you

Marines from 2nd MARDIV's Small Craft Company said goodbye to fallen hero, LCpl Brian Parello in a memorial service held on the shores of Lake Habbaniyah in the Al Anbar province of Iraq on Jan. 4, 2005. He was killed in action on New Year's Day while conducting operations against anti-Iraqi forces in Iraq's Al Anbar Province.

Photo by Sgt. Luis R. Agostini

LCpl Parello served as a small unit riverine craft coxswain and took part in a number of riverine security patrols while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and also earned the Combat Action Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.

Photo by Sgt. Luis R. Agostini

This poem was read during his memorial service:

In a crowd you see him, standing so very tall. Not too much impresses him, He's seen and done it all. His hair is short, his eyes are sharp, His smile is a little blue, And it's the only indication of hell he's been through. It belongs to sacred brotherhood always faithful to the end, Walked right into battle And walked back out again. Many people think him foolish for having no regrets, But having lived through things that others would like to forget. He's First to go last to know, Never questions why, Or whether it is right or wrong, But only do or die. He walked path most won't take, And lost much along the way. He takes a lot of freedom, But it's small price to pay He's chosen to live a life off of the beaten track, Knowing well each time he goes, he might not make it back. So Next time you see a devil dog be grateful of all he's given, He's given it for you. Don't go up and ask him what it's like to be in war, Just thank God it's your country he's always fighting for. Thank him, too, for all the hell he's seen in cammie green, And thank him for having the courage to be a United States Marine.

Condolences to LCpl Parello's family and the Marines with whom he served.

Posted by Deb at 07:57 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

how to write to the wounded

From Diana Hartman, Marine spouse living in Germany, suggestions for writing letters to wounded troops. She visits Landstuhl regularly and carries letters from folks who send along their greetings to injured Marines.

i know most people aren't letter writers per se and concern themselves with writing something of substance, something comforting, something that will really matter... and that's all good and fine, but it's not that complicated... in the end, what the wounded like is what distracts them and entertains them... the reason the guys like the kid's letters is because kids write off the cuff...they say things like "we're so proud of you" and "you're our hero", sure...they also talk about themselves and ask a lot of questions and these are the things the guys enjoy the most... one of the kid-cards i received to take up there read "Thank you for dying for our country. Get well soon!"... the kids talk about school, their friends, their family members, their pets, their favorite places to go out to eat, and some even talk about their problems like a bully picking on them or not doing well in math... the kids are a good guide... tell the wounded about yourself, things about your hometown, your friends, etc... the thing is with the kid's letters is that they're so distracting for the wounded person reading it...for a brief moment, their wound and the war is out of their minds...big people have the potential to distract a wounded person for several minutes...use your sense of humor...be very descriptive of your work or your family...talk about things in the future like a family reunion or a promotion... another thing the kids write that the guys love is gossip...it doesn't matter that the kids are writing about people the wounded will never meet and don't know...we all like dirt on others and there's nothing more distracting than "I was supposed to get a puppy for my birthday but my mom and dad couldn't buy one after my older sister came home pregnant with a big baby. Do you have a sister? Don't get one. They are stupid."... the guys think these kinds of things are hysterical and will read them aloud to their roommates and hospital staff... don't stress over what to write, just write... if you're more comfortable with it, write in microsoft word or in your email program and then print it out in a font that looks like handwriting or handprinting**... this will give you plenty of leeway and room for error... of course we want to keep things appropriate, but focus on what you think are the little things in life, the things you might think aren't worth mentioning as these are the very things that interest them most... this same guide applies to letter writing for those in combat, deployed, or away at school... you don't have to be so very clever and witty, just be yourself -diana ** fonts that resemble handwriting/printing: bradley hand ITC comic sans MS kristen ITC lucida handwriting monotype corsiva pristina rage italic tempus sans ITC viner hand ITC

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24th MEU update

Col. Johnson sends this update from the front. His caution on operation security regarding deployment information is worth noting:

Remember back to June and July, as the whole deployment lay ahead of us? Remember thinking to yourself how much happier you'd be once Thanksgiving arrived? And that once Christmas came, we'd be home free? Well, we're just about there. It's been another busy month, the highlight of which was the VTC we enjoyed with you. It was easily the best 60 seconds of the deployment. I will tell you that grown men were crying upon seeing their newborn children for the first time. We continue to remain extremely busy in our area just south of Baghdad. Operation Plymouth Rock - our way of celebrating Thanksgiving -- was a huge success. We took 200 more bad guys out of action and found 11 more of their weapons stockpiles. Sadly, we have suffered casualties. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget them or the difference they made in the world. While still very volatile, the situation here in Iraq is getting better, and we are proud of our accomplishments. They owe in large measure to the love and support we get from you. We cannot thank you enough for the boxes, packages, emails and letters that keep us going strong each and every day. We know that thoughts of us coming home are surely going through everyone's minds, not least our own. But as the anticipation grows, I would ask that we temper our excitement with the reminder that war can bring unforeseen consequences. Although we remain on schedule, we must prepare ourselves for any eventuality. Speaking of our homecoming, please permit a reminder about the importance of protecting information that might be useful to our enemies. We're all full of anticipation and excitement about reuniting with loved ones. But please be very selective with the information you discuss in your phone conversations and e-mails. What may be common knowledge to all of us can be very valuable intelligence to the enemy. You can play an important role in safeguarding critical information concerning the MEU. Information that directly or indirectly can be used to determine unit movements, redeployment dates, arrival and departure times for aircraft, ships and convoys, and the number of people that make up the various elements of the MEU should all be protected. Rumors are now rampant. Please avoid contributing to the confusion by passing on information that may not be true. Each element of the MEU will probably be coming home separately. You may feel that you are doing others a favor by passing the word, but I ask that you refrain until you hear from us officially. Handing this information over to our enemy through phone calls and e-mails can jeapordize everyone's safety. Today we add a twist to the old World War II watchword: Loose lips and fingertips sink ships! Soon we look forward to being in your arms again and feeling the relative safety of our homes. But until then, we must remain vigilant in order to combat the dangers that we face hourly. We will not relax just yet. There can be no reprieve for those who would do us and the innocent Iraqi people harm. We will stay in the attack so as to deny the enemy the upper hand. I could not be prouder of the Marines and Sailors of the 24th MEU. And since they depend so heavily on their loved ones to sustain them, I could not be prouder of you. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, as we will keep you in ours. Semper Fidelis, R.J. JOHNSON Colonel, U.S. Marines

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January 04, 2005

Starting 2005 on the right note

I hope this is true:

Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, whom the US occupation authorities declared to be the "target number one" in Iraq, has been arrested in the city of Baakuba, the Emirate newspaper al-Bayane reported on Tuesday referring to Kurdish sources. Al-Zarqawi, leader of the terrorist group Al-Tawhid Wa'al-Jihad, was recently appointed the director of the Al-Qaeda organisation in Iraq. The newspaper's correspondent in Baghdad points out that a report on the seizure of the terrorist, on whom the US put a bounty of 10 million dollars, was also reported by Iraqi Kurdistan radio, which at one time had been the first to announce the arrest of Saddam Hussein.

Nothing official yet. But if this pans out, note that it was Iraqi police who made the arrest.

Posted by Deb at 08:19 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Task Force Wolfpack reports from Ramadi

LtCol Steve Dinauer, Commanding Officer of the 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion/Task Force sends this report from the Al Anbar province:

To the Families and Friends of Task Force Wolfpack: As always, I hope this note finds you all in good spirits and health. I must keep this note to the point and brief. I am at a camp just west of the city of Ramadi with a little over half of Headquarters and Service Company and Company C. We also have a unit from one of our fellow infantry battalions under our tactical control. I expect we will stay here through the elections on 30 January 2005. Ramadi is the capital of the Al Anbar Province, so it is critical we keep the security situation stable for the elections. The city of Ramadi is a dangerous place, but it is not at all like Fallujah was before it was taken back in November. We are primarily operating in the rural areas outside of the city. The living conditions aboard this camp are the best we’ve had in Iraq from the excellent billeting to the great chow hall to the Post Exchange. Speaking of Fallujah, the Battalion performed superbly in accomplishing our mission of isolating the city from the west on the peninsula. We went in a day before the major assault began to secure the bridges across the Euphrates and the main hospital. We had casualties, to include one Marine killed in action. The enemy was a bit more persistent in attacking us once they figured out we were there to stay. We turned the enemy’s persistence on him, however, and killed quite a few when he tried to take us on. The Marines’, Sailors’, and soldiers’ (yes, we had some Army units under our control) morale has never been higher than after this fight. We came off of the peninsula on Thanksgiving Day and enjoyed a fine meal in the chow hall after 18 days in the field. We also mourned our loss at a very heartfelt memorial service. A bunch of mail was waiting for us, as was a small ration of beer and rum courtesy of the Commanding General of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and Budweiser. There was no drinking age observed. The remainder of Headquarters and Service Company, and Company A are still at Korean Village essentially continuing our former mission out there, but at a higher tempo since the rest of us are not there. The artillery battery that worked for us at the border crossing points recently had two of their Marines killed, and our hearts and prayers are with them. Company D is also still in the west working for one of our fellow infantry battalions near the city of Hit (pronounced “Heat”). The Commanding General’s Jump Command Post crew is still doing what it does. They are right across the river from us near Ramadi. Except for handful of our folks, the mailing addresses have not changed. However, since we’ve been moving around a bit, the mail catches up to us in big batches. Since I expect to be here in Ramadi for a bit, mail should be more consistent. . . . As I write this note, I have seen or heard nothing to indicate that the Battalion will be extended here in Iraq. . . . Once back, we will have a 96-hour pass, and then wait a week or two before sending everyone out on leave. I encourage all the families to come see their warrior return home. Be advised, however, that flight schedules are notoriously flexible, so when the time comes for us to fly, you may only get a three-day window for our exact return. We will have a system to publish the time changes as they become known. This Nation is in a global war and deployments can always be modified to meet wartime requirements. For anyone interested in reading about what combat veterans face upon returning home, I highly recommend the book Odysseus in America, by Jonathan Shay, M.D., PH.D. While the book is based on Dr. Shay’s work with Vietnam veterans with acute psychological combat trauma injuries, it offers a timeless view on combat veterans and their emotions as they return to the civilized world. Have a Happy Holiday season and prosperous New Year. God Bless the soul and family of Lance Corporal Justin D. Reppuhn, Marine, killed in action against the enemy on the night of 10-11 November 2004, west of Fallujah. A son of Michigan, his father’s boy and mother’s baby, he shall be missed by all. His name is forever woven into the Battalion’s Battle Colors and legacy. Semper Fidelis, Steve Dinauer Lieutenant Colonel, Marines

Posted by Deb at 08:14 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 03, 2005

Landstuhl Christmas

Diana Hartman sends this report:

a major army deployment returned to the germany area at the height of christmas package arrivals through the post office (hundreds of soldiers mailed stuff home that wouldn't fit in duffle bags) so many packages to families were delayed and didn't arrive until after christmas to include some of the packages of cards... many american families in this area had two christmases -- one on the 25th, and one on the day all the packages came in... we are all military families who are used to celebrating christmas on another day, so the extra day of opening gifts was quite special...this same specialness was shared with the wounded at landstuhl who had a party on the 17th to include pizza and a card shower, celebrations on the 25th, and another card shower this last thursday on 30 dec...whoever was here on the 17th would've been stateside by the 25th...whoever was here on the 25th would've been stateside by the 30th...between the marine liaisons and the families of marine forces europe, we were able to provide celebrations for whatever marines were in the hospital on each of those days...bethesda and walter reed also held celebrations so while the guys got at least one party, they celebrated in two different places... this latest visit to the wounded coincided with my husband, robert, dr's appt...he suffered an injury in iraq last year and has had work done since then...this last thursday was the appt where he had the pins in his toes removed and hopefully this means he will be able to walk without pain for a good long while although he will still wear a boot for a few more months...he was getting impatient with his doctor as he wanted to visit the wards with us as he does with his every appointment but just not this latest time...he was able to hang out with the outpatients in the marine liaison's office though so that was a good time for all of them... my 18 yr old daughter and her boyfriend justin (usmc cpl, camp pendleton) were able to fly in for christmas so they went with us and toured the wards as well...as a mother, it was hard for me to have my daughter with me as there were many burn victims, some facial burns...i must've done something right when i raised her cos she got over her initial shock very quickly and had the guys smiling and laughing in no time...i was so proud! as is always the case when robert visits with us, justin and the wounded marines had lots to talk about and were quite the chatterboxes...it's funny when there are more than 2 marines in a room because they seriously just yak and yak like old women at the fenceline and no one else is going to get a word in edgewise...justin and robert were in iraq last year for the same 7 months, and justin will be going back in february for 9 months... as usual, the cards and letters from kids were the biggest hit with the guys...i've learned to keep tape with me as inevitably the guys will ask me to hang these cards and letters up on their wall or the door of their room...one room had 4 marines in it and they all wanted their things hung up on the door -- that was one decorated door -- and they insisted that the door stay open so they all could see the cards and letters...in that particular room the wall was textured and tape wouldn't stick so we hung the rest of the cards on the light covers behind their beds...i also provide each of them with a gallon-size ziploc bag so they can store their cards in them when they leave...no one leaves their cards behind and this gives them a way to keep them so they don't get mangled in their baggage... the dec 17th party was a great success...many marines from (marforeurhq) marine forces europe headquarters here in stuttgart drove up to help set the whole thing up for their wounded brethren...donations allowed them and the marine liaison's office to set up a feast of american food in the chow hall for all the outpatients and those marines on the wards who were mobile enough to get there...by "feast" i don't mean turkey or ham and the fixin's...i mean the wounded were set up with what they requested: pizzas, hot dogs, meat and cheese platters with sub bread, and all the soda they could handle...i sent a lot of card packages down with the marforeur marines who helped out with that...my husband, who was still on crutches then, attended the chow hall party... a female gysgt and i took stuff to the guys on the wards who were unable to get to the chowhall party...the chowhall didn't have a cart for us to tote stuff so one of the marine liaisons commandeered a wheelchair for us...we hauled 11 large pizzas, plates and napkins, goody bags, and card packages up to the wards...we piled the pizzas up in the chair part, hung the bags off the handles, and used the footrests as drink holders for the six packs of soda...we were quite the sight!...the soda had been chilled beforehand and was still cold by the end of the tour...we had one vegetarian pizza that had no takers til we got to the last guy who loved vegetarian pizza so he got the whole thing to himself...much to his delight, the nurses put the other half of his pizza in the fridge for him to eat later and he was most tickled that he would have pizza for breakfast for the first time in over a year... i really appreciate your having taken the time and having made the effort that made so much difference for these guys...they love hearing from those in the states especially in the form of mail as everyone loves mail! thank you so much for your support!

Posted by Deb at 09:39 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Happy New Year, part II

Here's how my son celebrated New Years Day. I took out the details of a raid, but his e-mail ended up with:

Nothing like spending New Years in a hostile city. Well God bless the Commandant. He ordered all Marines to get one shot of Bacardi and 2 beers so weve got a fridge full of beer in the hooch.

Seeing as how he turns 21 next month and told me that sending him alcohol would get him in more trouble than it would be worth, this will have to do. However, he's also instructed me to make reservations at The Palms in Las Vegas for his 96-hour liberty. This will be the first time I'll be able to buy my son a beer - one beer, I'm a mom after all - and I'm looking forward to it. I imagine we'll have a few more Marines with us to join in the fun and I really hope they won't mind me joining them. It's like they're all my sons and I am so proud of all of them.

Posted by Deb at 09:07 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

January 02, 2005

Tsunamai Relief

The United States acted swiftly after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Dec. 26 off the coast of Indonesia causing tsunami waves that have affected 12 countries. In addition to pledging $350 million which is the entire U.S. foreign disaster assistance budget, U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said yesterday Congress will work to pass emergency legislation to go "well beyond" that figure, possibly to billions of dollars. In addition, thousands of troops have been sent to the region. Lt. Smash notes "the irony that the USS Bonhomme Richard, the same ship which Navy deserter Pablo Paredes refused to board, has been directed to the area to provide humanitarian aid. ".

And, President Bush issued this statement:

The disaster around the Indian Ocean continues to grow both in size and scope. I have been monitoring closely the developments and our recovery and relief effort underway. I also look forward to the detailed report of the official delegation led by Secretary Powell and Governor Jeb Bush that will travel to the region very soon. The United States has already provided an initial, substantial effort through existing emergency response resources, the formation of the core group, and military assets. To help coordinate the massive relief effort, disaster response officials are on the ground, and we have established a Support Center in Thailand that is manned and operational. More than 20 patrol and cargo aircraft have been made available to assess the disaster and deliver relief supplies. Many of those aircraft are on the scene. We have dispatched the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, the Maritime Pre-positioning Squadron from Guam, and an amphibious ship carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit. They will soon be in position to support relief efforts to include the generation of clean water. We are leading an international coalition to help with immediate humanitarian relief, rehabilitation, and long-term reconstruction efforts. India, Japan, and Australia have pledged to help us coordinate these relief efforts, and I am confident many more nations will join this core group in short order. Reports of strong charitable donations are also very encouraging and reflect the true generosity and compassion of the American people. Initial findings of American assessment teams on the ground indicate that the need for financial and other assistance will steadily increase in the days and weeks ahead. Because of this information and based on the recommendation of Secretary Powell and Administrator Natsios, I am today committing $350 million to fund the U.S. portion of the relief effort. Our contributions will continue to be revised as the full effects of this terrible tragedy become clearer. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this epic disaster.

Predictably, there were some who reacted with outrage, sputtering that only they had the moral authority to manage this crisis. Former British International Development Secretary Clare Short had this to say:

“I think this initiative from America to set up four countries claiming to coordinate sounds like yet another attempt to undermine the UN when it is the best system we have got and the one that needs building up,” she said. “Only really the UN can do that job,” she told BBC Radio Four’s PM programme. “It is the only body that has the moral authority. But it can only do it well if it is backed up by the authority of the great powers.” Ms Short said the coalition countries did not have good records on responding to international disasters. She said the US was “very bad at coordinating with anyone” and India had its own problems to deal with. “I don’t know what that is about but it sounds very much, I am afraid, like the US trying to have a separate operation and not work with the rest of the world through the UN system,” she added.

Well, duh. The "UN system" is one of graft, corruption, and utter inefficiency. Although it has recently been included after a conversation between Colin Powell and Kofi Annan, this is a clear signal and challenge from the United States to the United Nations. About time.

Ed from Captain's Quarters correctly points out that "it's the Clueless Clares of the world who sacrifice the downtrodden of the world to the brutal and incompetent clutches of the UN for the greater purpose of having a single world government. The idea that Short can make this kind of assertion with a straight face shows the depth of corruption on the radical Left. I say bravo to George Bush for bypassing the grifters and rapists of the UN."

Here are a few images of how American troops are helping:

U.S.A.F. photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Freeland	Airman Autumn McHam of the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, helps cover an aircraft pallet of MREs to be sent to Southeast Asia as part of the disaster relief effort.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Justin Sturn, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron loads cases of MREs.	U.S.A.F. photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Freeland
U.S.M.C. photo by Cpl. Jonathan K. Teslevich	U.S. Marines load a pallets of prepackaged dehydrated meals onto a C-130 Hercules aircraft on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 30, 2004. The Marines are loadmasters assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152. The meals, along with support supplies, are being sent to Utapao, Thailand, the hub of U.S. Pacific Command's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
Aerial view of a devastated Sumatran landscape from a Navy SH-60F helicopter, Jan. 1, 2005. The sailors are assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 2, taking part in during humanitarian relief operations on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.	U.S.N. photo by Seaman Patrick M. Bonafede
U.S.A.F. photo by Staff Sgt. Cohen A. Young	.S. Air Force crewmen, assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron, 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, unload water from their C-130 airplane after landing at Phuket Airport in Thailand, Dec. 31, 2004.

A Marine father reports that care packages for Marines headed to the tsumai relief effort should include disposable surgical masks and oil of peppermint. Masks can be purchased at larger drug stores, and oil of peppermint can be found in the spice aisle at the grocerery store. Vick's VapoRub will help too - rub a bit under the nose. They'll be issued gloves and protective gear but the masks and aromatic oil willl help mask the smell of death.

And if you're still wondering how you can personally help, Cassandra from Villainous Company suggests:

In a way, it's like Chaos theory - a butterfly's wings beating on this side of the world can start a mighty wind half a world away: your small $10 donation may save a human life. Or you could go buy a six-pack of beer at 7-11.

$10 isn't much but the final effect of cumulative $10 donations adds up. Amazon contributions so far have totalled over $12 million with an average contribution of approximately $80. All contributions reach the American Red Cross.

Scott Ott at Scrappleface also has a list of Christian relief organizations who will put your contributions to good use. And, Hugh Hewitt recommends World Vision. If the page is slow to load, you can make a phone donation at 1-800-777-5777 or 1-888-562-4453.

Finally, click here for a comprehensive list of international aid organizations.

$10. If each of us donates just that much, the final magnitude of the effort would save many lives.

Posted by Deb at 11:08 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

January 01, 2005

Happy New Year

Here's how one Marine, my son, celebrated New Year's Eve:

Last night we did a raid and found a bunch of stuff. RPG's, about 15 AK47's and a draganov sniper rifle with armor piercing rounds. Those things will punch through a sapi plate so its good we got those off the street.

Yes, it is indeed a good thing. This spring, when 1/7 redeploys, I plan on celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and my son's 21st birthday - all during their 96-hour liberty upon arriving home. It will be a joyful reunion - not just for me but for hundreds of other parents who are looking forward to that first hug when their Marine steps off the bus.

Posted by Deb at 03:52 PM | Comments (4)