Welcome home, 1/3 Marines

After months in Iraq, the Marines of 1/3 are coming home to Hawaii, via Okinawa. Here's a tribute from 1stSgt John Armstead, H&S Company:

As the Company First Sergeant, I want you to know how proud I am to have served with such fine Warriors. In my opinion they all are heroes for their actions in Fallujah, but the true HEROES are you all at home. We know you spent many sleepless nights wondering what was going on; you took on both duties as mother and father. You handled all the financial responsibilities for the home, and you had to endure all the unfortunate memorial services by yourselves. Your contribution is truly remarkable and inspiring. We could not have done what we did without you.

We went to a country with a determined enemy, who was willing to sacrifice his life just to kill one Marine or Sailor. What they didn't realize was the determination, the dedication and the Esprit de Corps a Marine and Sailor possess. On D-Day the enemy found out quickly that the Lava Dogs were an elite fighting force ready to conquer terrorism. Your loved ones made history by enabling a country the right and the freedom to vote.

For most in the company this was their first time in combat, and just like a new recruit standing on the yellow foot prints for the very first time at either MCRD San Diego or MCRD Parris Island, he looks young and unsure of what he is about to embark upon. For me, I noticed those same things with my Marines and Sailors like I did with my recruits. They looked so young and unsure of what they were about to conquer. Now, when we return I'm sure you will see a difference in how your Marine or Sailor carries himself. He has aged some, he has a certain confidence about himself, and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Warrior.

Posted by Deb at 03:21 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack