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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for all your support