Marine Corps Moms: 24th MEU update from Iraq

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September 20, 2004

24th MEU update from Iraq

Col. Ron Johnson sends along this September update from Iraq:

Greetings, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Another month down. As the summer turns to fall back home, the 24th MEU is well into our own Fall Campaign here in Iraq. We�re advancing, steadily but surely, toward three objectives: the restoration of security, the revival of Iraq�s social and economic engines, and the reformation of its political system. All we do here revolves around the central goal of enabling this proud people to overcome decades of tyranny and fear in order to live in liberty and peace.
In the nearly 45 days since we assumed operational control of Northern Babil, we have conducted countless patrols, some 30 cordon-and-knock searches, 15 precision raids, and four citywide sweeps on the punks who are preying on Iraqis. We�ve rounded up dozens of detainees, several of them serious criminals and ists.

Our efforts, heartbreakingly, have come at a cost. During the past month we mourned the loss of Lance Cpl. Dustin Fitzgerald, Cpl. Barton Humlhanz and Sgt. Edgar Lopez. We will never forget them nor their heroic sacrifice for our country.

As we continue the fight, our overwhelming goal is to turn over security responsibilities to Iraqi forces. Their task will be to destroy the network of ists, thugs and thieves tormenting the Iraqi people. We are training the ISF and supporting them in every endeavor. Their confidence and capabilities are growing. They are increasingly taking the lead in conceiving, planning and executing offensive operations. The more they step up, the farther we will fade back, continuing to provide the support they require until we are no longer needed here.

And once the Iraqi security forces fully emerge, the ists know that their day is done. Abu Musab Zarqawi, our number-one target, acknowledged as much in his recent memo to Al Qaeda: �Democracy is coming. There will be no excuse thereafter for ism in Iraq.�

Three years ago today, we entered a war we did not choose but could no longer ignore. Nine days later, the president assured the American people that while the course of the conflict ahead was not certain, its outcome was. We reaffirm now what he vowed then:

�we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.�

Please keep the faith, as you are our pillars of hope and love.

Semper Fidelis,
R.J. JOHNSON
COLONEL, USMC

Posted by Deb at September 20, 2004 01:28 PM

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Comments

I recently heard Col. Johnson on the Michael Reagan Radio Show asking for school supplies for the Iraqi children. Our grandchildren have collected some supplies and we would like to send them to the address he gave on the program. However, that address was for using the US Postal Service, and since we have collected more that we can afford to mail, is there a certain routing we could use to get these supplies to him for the children? I do not have Col. Johnson's E-mail address and am wondering if you could help me out with that. I have a trucking co. in Green Bay, Wi. that would be willing to truck the supplies to a certain port or ship, but we would need more info for routing these to Iraq and Col. Johnson.
Patricia Mahlik

Posted by: Patricia Mahlik at October 13, 2004 08:21 AM

You may be able to get an answer to your question via one of the contacts listed on the 24th MEU's website.

http://www.usmc.mil/meus/24thmeu.nsf/pages/index.htm

or possibly the Public Affairs Office could help.

24th MEU Public Affairs Office at neversde@24meufwd.usmc.mil

Hope that helps!

Candy

Posted by: Candy at October 15, 2004 12:56 PM

I am looking for a friend, Eric C Bullen if there is anyone at this website that may know him please contact me at the listed email address. He is with 1st battalion 2nd marines-24th meu stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. He is a staff sgt in a communications platoon. I would really like to find this person. Thank you
If my email is not posted it is ediesolomon1999@yahoo.com. Thanks again.

Posted by: edie at November 3, 2004 09:45 PM

"GOD BLESS AMERICA ". Keep up the good work that your'e doing there. My son Patrick(PJ) is over there with you, and we worry alot but like my husband tells me, that he's with the"BEST" The United States Marines! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! We all wish each and everyone of you "Best wishes" at this time of year. This is the first time my son PJ has been away at christmas, and we miss him alot."GOD BLESS" each and everyone of you! Sincerly,The Filias family.

Posted by: Shirley Filias(Flynn) at December 6, 2004 03:26 PM

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Posted by: Shirley Filias at December 6, 2004 07:38 PM

GOD BLESS AMERICA! We bought this new computor to be able to E mail my son and occasionally getting to talk on instant message.Although we won't be able to see him, at least we can communicate with him.You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerly,Shirley(Flynn) Filias

Posted by: Shirley Filias at December 6, 2004 07:45 PM

Would like to join any support groups. My wife's son is over in Iraq, and we would like to find out about any support groups that are available. Sincerly, William and Shirley Filias.

Posted by: William & Shirley Filias at December 9, 2004 03:11 PM

We want to wish all the troops over in iraq a very merry ( and safe)christmas,and may god be with you in protecting you all. To let you know that everyone over here in the states are thinking about you.I know as a mother of a son in Iraq I am missing him terrible I am sure everyone feels the same way its just not the same without your family with you. Just waiting for you all to come home safely. Happy holidays.

Posted by: William and Shirley Filias at December 25, 2004 07:35 AM

God bless all you men and women for putting your life on the line every day for our country. I am very proud of you and wish you a safe return home. I will contine to pray for all of you and hope the New Year will bring the freedom and prosperity due to the Iraqui people

Posted by: Jane Blades at December 29, 2004 04:54 PM