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September 13, 2004
1/7 update from Al Qaim
The first written update is out from 1/7 CO, LtCol Chris Woodbridge:
9 Sept 04To the families and friends of the First Team,
Greetings from Iraq. As I write this our relief in place of 3rd battalion, 7th Marines is proceeding on schedule and will soon be complete. The Marines and sailors of the First Team are extremely busy learning all we can from our brothers in 3/7 about our area of operations in order to continue forward with the good work they have done for the last seven months. Company B (Baker Company) and their attachments are located at Camp Gannon in Husaybah, and the bulk of the battalion task force (Company A, Suicide Charley, Weapons Company, H&S Company, 2/14 Truck platoon, Combat Engineers, HET, MPs and the rest of the battalion's attachments) are in located at the battalion firm-base at Al Qaim. The weather is still very hot, with daytime highs well over 110, and the living conditions, although a great improvement over last year, are certainly not like the comforts of home. That said, the Marines are thriving, and as always, we learn to make the best of hard-living. With hot food, cold air-conditioners, and a bed to sleep on the hard-living really isn't that hard at all. Of course phonecalls, e-mail, and good old-fashioned letters and care packages from home make anything bearable.
As I said, life here is busy. Most of our time is spent preparing for and executing many patrols throughout our area of operations, day and night, both on foot and in vehicles, guarding our firm-bases, conducting convoys, training and supporting the Iraqi Police, National Guard, and Border Police and hunting down those individuals who seek to do us and the innocent people of Iraq harm. These tasks are a full-time job in a very hazardous enviornment. Each and every day the courage, discipline, and patriotism of the Marines and sailors humbles me, and I remain proud merely to serve with men like them.
As you all probably know by now, the battalion suffered our first casualties on the 3rd of September. Captain (major select) Alan Rowe, First Lieutenant Ron Winchester, and Lance Corporal Nicholas Wilt were killed by an improvised explosive device north of Al Qaim in Ubaydi, Iraq. We mourn their loss, and all of our thoughts and prayers go out to their families. We will never forget their sacrifice, and in all we do here, we seek to make them proud and to honor their memories. In addition, Gunnery Sergeant Leonel Trujillo, and Lance Corporal Matthew Laymanleary were wounded by this IED, and are currently receiving outstanding medical care at the Army's hospital in Germany. We all pray for their speedy recovery, and look forward to their return to duty with us.
God bless you, and Semper Fidelis
LtCol Chris Woodbridge
I have addresses where letters of sympathy can be sent for the families of the fallen Marines. Please e-mail me if you'd like to send a card: deb@marinecorpsmoms.com
Posted by Deb at September 13, 2004 03:14 PM
Comments
yes i would like you to please send me the address of those families of the men who were killed in action.Our son is in 1/7 alpha co.We would like to send them a card
Posted by: steven amador at October 3, 2004 05:53 PM
Marines: My son is also in Al Qaim, he has been in Iraq for approx 6 weeks, and I just found out this is where he is located. He is with !/7 H&S Co. Comm. Plt, unit 41515...anyone else have a child there? Please write!
Posted by: Leslie at October 15, 2004 11:32 AM
Leslie,
Our son is also at that camp, even though he is part of Charlie Co. out of Lejeune. He calls his wife quite often and then she calls us. There are only 14 other C co. Marines at this camp. He said there is a berm around the camp and he said he feels safe while in camp.
Posted by: Kathy at November 1, 2004 12:27 PM
I would like to write to the families of the fallen heros. My son, John is with the 1/7 Baker Co. at Husaybah. To those with family there, I heard from him on 10-30 and he was fine and upbeat. Just wishes he was seeing a little more action! Well, that's a Marine for you!
Liz
Posted by: Liz Gruttadaurio at November 2, 2004 12:34 PM
Hi, I was wondering if anyone can help me. My husband is with 1/7 C. Co. and I haven't talked to him in almost 3 weeks. Last time he called was when he was injured. He is in al'qaim, thats all I know. If anyone knows how thay are doin please contact me.
Thank you
Posted by: amanda at November 16, 2004 05:56 PM
My son is serving in Al Qaim, with 1/7 Charley Co.since August,'04.Please update us what's going on
within the covered area where they serve.Maybe a newsletter for every soldier's family every month will be highly appreciated. Also our deepest sympathy
for the family of those who lost their love ones fighting for our safety today and for the next generation to come. Thank you so much
Posted by: Henry at November 18, 2004 07:44 PM
I have a boyfriend in H&S Co. Comm. Plt unit 41515 if anyone hears anything before i do, please send me an email at Nicky8706@aol.com!! I would really appreciate this...All of the guys over there are in my prayers every night....
Posted by: Nichole at November 23, 2004 07:59 AM
I have a son with the 2nd force recon, 7th platoon, in Husaybah. I haven't heard from him in 4 weeks. Has anyone heard anything since then?
I send a pkg every week, but I don't think they get the deliveries that regularly. any info would be welcome.
Posted by: Donna at November 29, 2004 05:31 AM
My son is in Unit 41535 in Al Quaim. He's been there 3 weeks and I get an occasional email. Is there another mom who has a marine in that unit.
Posted by: Teresa at November 30, 2004 12:17 PM
My husband is in Al Qaim. He is 2nd CEB charlie company...attached to 1/7. He has been there since early september. I hear from him pretty often and he seems well. Not much going on there from what i gather. My heart goes out to the families of our fallen heroes, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Vanessa at December 13, 2004 09:02 AM
My husband is with the 1/7 H@S co. 41515. I talk to him about every two weeks, and he e-mails me almost everyday. From what I gather everything is going well.
Posted by: Jami at December 15, 2004 05:26 PM
My son is with the MWSS 472nd in Al Qaim. Does anyone know where on the Iraqi map that is?
Posted by: Mama Solimando at December 16, 2004 01:08 PM
Here is a map showing the location of Al Qaim. It's small, but it gives you the idea at least.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/3C4312DA-9ADD-4D4D-A972-68153FBCA56E.htm
Posted by: Jen at December 17, 2004 11:36 AM
I have a boyfriend in Husaybah. I think he's at the camp with most of y'all's boys. I know he's with Donna's son. Donna email me and we'll talk =).
Posted by: Ali at December 18, 2004 09:30 PM
My son will be going to Al Quaim in 2/05.
He's with 3rd Batal./2nd Marines from Camp LeJeune. Is there anyone else out there who'll have a family member there at that time?
Thanks--Alison
Posted by: Alison at January 4, 2005 08:00 PM
My son is in Al Quaim with the 1/7 H & S. He has been there since August, due to come back March 2005 (hopefully with no delay). If anyone would like to email me, please do so. Hope to hear from someone. Thanks. Sharon
Posted by: Sharon at January 6, 2005 02:44 PM
My son is with Baker Company 1'st Platoon in Husaybah. I have a great picture of third squad on Thanksgiving Day huddled around a make shift type stove eating MRE's if any one would like a copy just e-mail me.
Posted by: Michael Cimicata at January 7, 2005 12:25 PM
My Brother has nothing but nice things to say about Baker Co. He made some great, solid friends with them. Ate with them, played "baseball" with them. He truly likes the guys in Baker Co. To anyone who has a family member with them....Thank you. They are a great group of guys. True and True, Through and Through!
Posted by: wendy at January 9, 2005 02:32 PM
My son is at Al Quaim, he just called. He is out on patrol for 10 days now, and is moving to another place in about 10 more days. He sounded good but cold cold. Said the wind was blowing and raining. He is with 1/7 Charlie company.
Posted by: Jennifer at January 9, 2005 09:22 PM
Al Quaim in on the Serian, Iraq boarder, on the Euphraties river, follow the river, you'll go though AlQuaim.
Posted by: Jennifer at January 9, 2005 09:23 PM
They have pictures of our boys at camp. I found mine sitting on a hill with other boys holding the American flag with a train behind them. So cool!!!
Posted by: Jennifer at January 9, 2005 09:26 PM
Hey I was wondering where it was you found those pictures Jennifer. I would really like to check them out
Posted by: Jamie at January 11, 2005 06:36 PM
Here is the site you can go to see the pictures....
http://www.29palms.usmc.mil/fmf/1-7/default.asp
Posted by: Jami at January 14, 2005 05:19 PM
MY SON JUST REPORTED TO AL QA'IM A WEEK AGO. IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SPEAK WITH OTHER MARINE MOMS OR WIVES THAT HAVE LOVED ONES THERE. HE IS IN UNIT # *****. 3RD BAT. 2ND MARINE DIV. ALISON I THINK THIS IS WHERE THE LEJUENE GUYS WILL BE GOING. I'M NOT SURE. ANY WORD WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS CAMP?
Posted by: GINA at January 18, 2005 11:15 AM
Our son is with weapons company, unit 41535. He was sent to Al Qa'im in September. So far, it looks like he may be rotated out of there in April. I must confess I felt every uneasy about his well-being around the end of December. Yesterday we received a letter from him. He says, it is cold at night and windchill is outragous. I wanted to share my joy of receiving his letter with people who might understand.
Posted by: joan at January 22, 2005 07:01 PM
does anyone know where they are now? since they left al-qaim? email me. suzyqstardust@yahoo.com
Posted by: Ade at January 23, 2005 01:44 PM
Dear Terri
I would be glad to talk to your husband. My son is in 1/7 Baker Co. 1'st Plt (Infantry)and this is his second tour (like many of our young men in the 1/7). He had just turned 19 when they kicked off and entered in the war as most of our fine Marines are 18/19 years of age. I was a paratrooper in Viet-Nam 1969 - 1970 and saw combat. Just have your husband e-mail me and I would be glad to talk to him. The best advice I can give is to pray and put both your faith and trust in the Lord. God Bless!
My e-mail address is cimicata@sbcglobal.net
Posted by: Mike at January 25, 2005 10:14 AM
Dear Terri,
Can dads talk here too?
My son is in the Weapons Co, CAAT White in 1/7.
Your husband is in 1/7 now?
I'd be happy to talk to him or any parent of a gound pounder or 'crunchie' as RJ used to refer to them.
Occassionally, it gets real hard to bear the uncertainty; especially if you've gotten some of
the mail we have.
Mine is really old at 24. I remember him and friends at Graduation; our 18/19 year olds are
amazing.
dan samaras
Posted by: dab at January 26, 2005 11:54 AM
I hope its ok for wives to post here. My husband is 1/7 C. Co. Weapons Plt. My prayers go out to all of the other familes and friends alike. I heard from my husband the other day. They have moved to Camp Wolf, and he said all the men are doing well, minus the sand storms. I know communication is very limited at this point, so I just wanted to give any other family members of Wpns. Plt. word that they are doing well and getting excited to come home relatively soon. :)
Posted by: Jennifer at January 26, 2005 12:24 PM
This website is for friends and families and other troop supporters - everyone is welcome. It was started by Marine Moms - hence the title - but it certainly isn't limited. I'm very happy that you're all here!
Deb
Posted by: Deb at January 26, 2005 04:18 PM
Hi! I have a friend, who I don't even really know, in Al Qaim. My friend from school has a fiance over there, and the marine I know (sort of) is a friend of his. My friend from school set me up with him. I am very concerned, because last night, at 2 am, my friend's fiance called her to say that something happened to my marine, LCPL Jordan *******. He told her that Jordan is in a hospital in Germany. Jordan is in the 1st Battalion 7th Marines WPNS co CAAT Blue. If anyone knows how I can find out more information about this, please email me at . I am very concerned and really want to find out more information about this.
Thanks
Natalie
Posted by: Natalie at January 28, 2005 02:06 PM
Hi!! This is Nichole again, I posted awhile ago! I have been haring a lot more lately from my Marine! Its 4 AM here and I cant sleep, we just got off the phone and he told me the Welcome home ball will be May 2nd!! So if any other wives/fiances are with unit 41515 in Al Qaim let me know if you will be there!!! My email is Nicky8706@aol.com!! I look forward to hearing from you guys!!
Posted by: Nichole at February 3, 2005 01:15 AM
I have a son in 1/7 B co.station in al qaim Husaybah area also. Cannot wait till they are home. Please email if you have any info when they will be home. I got an email saturday from him sounds busy.
Posted by: Peggy at February 7, 2005 08:16 AM
I have a son in 1/7 B co.station in al qaim Husaybah area also. Cannot wait till they are home. Please email if you have any info when they will be home. I got an email saturday from him sounds busy.
Posted by: Peggy at February 7, 2005 08:16 AM
My fiance left for Al Qaim today. He is with 3rd Bat./2nd Mar. . I know he is what is called "advanced party" but if anybody knows anything about the area he is going to please email me and let me know. Thanks!!!!
Posted by: Jilayne at February 9, 2005 01:56 PM
Here is the last letter from the guys at Al Quaim.
Update 09 Jan 05
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
Posted by: Jennifer at February 16, 2005 05:50 AM
Natalie,
call the Red Cross, they will be able to help you.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer at February 16, 2005 05:52 AM
Allison, my husband will be going to Al Quaim also *******. He is also from Camp Lejeune. 3/2 Weapons Co. Have you heard anything about when they will be coming back? My husband says they will be gone anywhere from 7 to 9 months, but he's not sure.
Posted by: Beatrice at February 16, 2005 07:35 PM
My son leaves for Iraq *******. Is anyone else's son leaving as well?
Steve
Posted by: Steve at February 18, 2005 07:24 PM
Alison-my boyfriend left early morning Feb. 10 from Camp Lejeune for Al-Quaim. He is with CSSD-25. I talked to him for about 2 minutes on Feb. 15. He said that they had just arrived at camp. I wonder if your son is with him. E-mail me if you like. seabronriber@gmail.com
Posted by: Seabron at February 19, 2005 08:13 AM
I have a very good friend who is leaving for Iraq (Al Quaim )*******. He is ********* 3rd bat. 2nd Marine. I would love to talk to anyone who has sons, husbands, boyfriends, friends there. I still feel foreign when it comes to all of this and I am trying to learn as much as possible. My e-mail address is terramoody_01@yahoo.com. THANKS!
Posted by: Terra at February 19, 2005 12:23 PM
My boyfriend who is in 3/2 left for Al Qaim****. Anyone who would like to chat just e-mail me.
Posted by: Chanta at February 21, 2005 07:56 PM
My e-mail address is craft84@localnet.com.
Hope to talk to someone soon.
Posted by: chanta at February 21, 2005 08:05 PM
http://www.29palms.usmc.mil/default.asp
Any Marine stationed out of 29 Palms can go to the above web site and find limited information about their son, boyfriend or husband.
jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer at February 21, 2005 08:11 PM
Terra:
My cousin is also headed out with the 3rd BN 2D MAR *********. He just called from Germany this week. I am not sure exactly when they will get to Iraq.
He is a Navy medic attached to this Marine unit.
They will all be in our prayers.
Linda
Posted by: Linda at February 22, 2005 06:09 AM
My husband just left ******* with 3/2 Kilo Co. Please say a special prayer for all of them. We are expecting our first child in less than a month and he is really hurting because he can't be here, so please pray for his comfort and all those in the same position. Thanks God Bless and if you need to talk or just joke or anything just drop me an email
Posted by: Michaelynn at February 23, 2005 08:24 AM
Very Important!
Very proud of our Military!
Please,
Too much information is being offered on this webpage. Do you really know who is on the other end. Is this webpage sanctioned by the United States Marine Corps? There is way too much disclosure of unit information, and soldier's names. Please go to the website Spouse and Family: Operational Security (OPSEC)at http://www.military.com/Resources/ResourcesContent/0,13964,56444--1,00.html?ESRC=family.nl
There is a very good article that you need to read to keep our soldiers out of harms way.
Several comments have been forwarded to hire ups for review. I would ask the web server review comments before posting.
Thank you,
Pat
Posted by: Pat at February 23, 2005 01:24 PM
Michaelynn-
my boyfriend left **** with 3/2 Kilo Company. I might have met your husband when I was at the base. If you want to chat, email me at ashearer@talongroup.biz.
Posted by: Amanda at February 24, 2005 01:35 PM
hi my brother left to al quaim **** so, is not there yet. he is in the 3rd batt/2nd marine. if anybody has family there please let me know how the camp is.
Posted by: inasia at February 24, 2005 05:42 PM
Pat,
Not much is mentioned in any of these emails that cannot be found on the USMC official Web site. So I wouldn't fret about it too much.
We heard from our son 2 nights in a row. He is doing great. Anxious to come home in March.
My niece is leaving for Iraq soon. Prayers are up for her and Mychaelynn.
Jennifer S
target7@charter.net
Posted by: Jennifer at February 25, 2005 05:45 AM
Hi Jen,
Yes, most folks are being responsible.
I appreciate your comment, however, I beg to differ with you. There was a problem. I have been informed there will be some changes to safe guard our soldiers and their families.
Pat
Posted by: Pat at February 25, 2005 09:35 AM
Admin note - This is a support site for parents and we want everyone to feel welcome. While we do ask that all postings observe Operation Security guidelines (don't talk about where our Marines are going or what they'll do when they get there, and please don't identify them by last name or by unit number - battalion and company are close enough), we also ask that any questions or concerns be brought to me (deb@marinecorpsmoms.com). I have admin control over comments and will make minor changes (taking out identifying language) if necessary. Generally, if it's been posted on an official USMC site, it's fine to post here. :-)
Posted by: Deb at February 25, 2005 05:31 PM
My apologies Pat.
Posted by: Jennifer at February 25, 2005 06:35 PM
Thanks so much Jen and Deb!
Deb, "Marine Corps Moms" is very interesting and quite a valuable service for all who visit.
Jen and All who Post; Your Marines would be very proud of the dedication shown at this site.
Posted by: Pat at February 25, 2005 09:12 PM
Hi my name is Chrissy Kennedy and my boyfriend brother, Matt Ducommun is in the 1/7 platoon. His entire family misses him expecially his mother. Please inform me how everything is going in Iraq. Thanks!! Stay safe everyone!!
Posted by: Chrissy Kennedy at May 31, 2006 10:47 AM
Visit the current site for the Marines of 1ST BN 7TH MARINES C CO at www.suicidecharley.com
Posted by: Sgt Huwiler at July 23, 2006 08:18 AM
Hi my son is 1ST BN 4TH MAR CAG UNIT 40245 and has been in Al Qaim since the beginning of March. I would love to write to another mom whose child is there. He's my only child and it's been real hard.
Posted by: Rose at May 7, 2007 08:26 AM