Dear Parents,

As your son's Battalion Commander, I sent a letter dated August 1, 2004 in which I provided you with some information and requested your assistance. I would like to provide you an update.

As Spring arrives, the Battalion will receive all of our deployed Marines and Sailors back from Afghanistan and Iraq. Thus far, every Marine and Sailor has performed exceptionally well in these series of antiterrorism missions; their efforts have been vital in the prosecution of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Upon completion of these current deployments, the Battalion will deploy next Autumn to Iraq for seven months. Therefore, the Summer will be busy with predeployment preparations and training, culminating in a three-week exercise in California. We have scheduled a leave period for August, so folks can start making vacation plans. You can rest assured that our predeployment preparations and training will be realistic and thorough. Additionally, your son is in the process of receiving the best equipment that money can buy. The Battalion will be well prepared when we deploy.

During my last letter, I asked your assistance during periods of liberty and annual leave. Specifically, I asked that:

• After periods of liberty please urge your son, if he is traveling by car, to depart early enough so he can safely make his required 6:00 PM formation or check-in time.

• Encourage him to drive at posted speed limits and, most importantly, to wear seat belts.
  

To date, our safety record has been good; our Marines and Sailors have been conducting themselves in a professional, mature manner. With Springtime around the corner, the Battalion will be shifting the focus of its safety efforts to include the safe conduct of outdoor activities. I would like to thank you for your past assistance and ask for your continued parental efforts in keeping our Marines and Sailors safe.