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July 02, 2004
Update from the 3/11 Marines
LtCol Connally reports from Iraq:
Well I’m sure you all have heard the news of a newly sovereign Iraq. It is wonderful news and a sign of progress in our mission. I will take all of those signs I can get and there are many. Most of the towns in our battalion area of operation, which India Battery focuses on are showing many of these wonderful signs. These signs include; Policemen and Iraqi National Guards who are proud to wear their uniforms and zealous in their duties who complement a city council that genuinely works to improve their communities. Of course we still contend with some along our convoy travels who would impede this process toward a free and self-determined Iraq, but we have been successful in dealing with them. Make no mistake, this declaration of sovereignty is extremely positive. It will be met with some resistance and violence, which is why our forces will remain until the Iraqi Government can stand alone.I realize it has been a month since I last wrote to you all, but it has moved along swiftly. We had a great Father’s Day Barbecue here on the 19th. Sergeant Major Miller put it all in motion and Gunny Grow made sure we had well marinated steaks and all of the usual barbecue fair. The Logistics Section not only supported the effort with usual aplomb but completed the work on Red Leg Field two weeks early as well. It is a replica of Boston’s Fenway Park, in the desert, complete with a Big Green Monster in left field, and recessed dugouts- it is a sight to behold. We even retired a jersey in centerfield for PFC Chance Phelps. We played softball all day, threw horseshoes, played volleyball, and no Marine picnic would be complete without an all-comers boxing smoker…don’t try that at your family gatherings. Everyone ate more than they needed and had a good time. No one seemed to mind the heat.
We have roofs on about half of our tents now and that makes a huge difference for the batteries. Work continues but like most things around here it is slow, but the Marines have maintained a positive attitude by keeping in mind that this is a combat zone. The Morale Center is a big hit and has been remarkably reliable for phone and Internet connectivity. .
Down in Mudaiysis India Battery continues to prosper. We continue to pursue a phone and Internet package for them, and they have opened a Hajji Mart. They bring in local merchants a couple of times a week to sell small stuff that the Marines can’t get. It is well controlled and makes life a little more normal. Ar Ar is still the most austere but those Marines are making all of us proud. We got them a special meal of steaks, potatoes, and vegetables, after three months of MREs. You would have thought it was a holiday- they deserved that and much more.
Operationally, your Marines and Sailors are setting new standards of performance in all of our respective missions. This remains a dangerous place and we had one Marine wounded and two injured during operations. All will recover and we thank God for his continued blessings. Everyday I am awed at the courage and resolve of your Marines and Sailors; they are truly the best our Nation has to offer.
As we approach our Nation’s Independence Day, I reflect on the sacrifices so many have made for our Country and the principles for which it represents. This fight is part of a larger Global War on Terrorism that will last for some years. It is a war of independence to free us from the fear and tyranny of terrorists whose goals are the destruction of our United States and to extinguish freedom. We did not start it but we must finish it. I thank you our courageous families for all of your support to your Marines and Sailors, and to our Battalion. Your sacrifices are no less significant than those made by our Founding Fathers in their fight against tyranny. I am proud of you and I am proud of these men. Have a happy Independence Day and may God Bless you. Keep us in your prayers; I know St. Barbara is with us.
Semper Fidelis,
T. J. Connally
LtCol of Marines
Posted by Deb at July 2, 2004 07:06 AM
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