The tough mission of securing the western province of Iraq and training our Iraqi Army partners continues to keep the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen busy, and focused on the task at hand. The Marines and Soldiers in Ramadi had a lot of success working with their Iraqi partners and rid the city of a large number of insurgents in the past couple of weeks. Slowly, but surely, the Iraqi Army becomes stronger and is more and more capable. This past week, a new class of Iraqi recruits graduated from boot camp and will join our efforts. The new recruits are the result of efforts to bring more Sunni Muslims into the Iraqi Army and Police Force to fight in the Anbar province, which is made up mostly of Sunni Muslims.

We work hard everyday making sure that the service members are well equipped, well prepared, and well supported. Despite the rising temperatures -- we're just breaking 100 degrees now -- the operational tempo remains high. With the promising new leadership in the Iraqi Government, it is clear that Iraq is moving in the direction of democracy. The Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen, with their Iraqi counterparts, are unfazed, dedicated and are doing a great deal to move the nation toward their goal.

Recently, a couple of visits from former heroes and entertainers gave the service members a much needed break from the seriousness of the task at hand. Two Medal of Honor recipients recently visited, sharing their war stories with our young warriors, and providing them an evening of camaraderie and inspiration. The Charlie Daniels Band also came out for a well-attended concert at Camp Taqqadum.

A large part of our resilience and ability to continue the fight is due to your outstanding support! Thank you. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and continue to write, email, and MOTOMAIL. Please check back after May 15th to hear more news about your Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen doing a fine job out here in the Al Anbar Province. Until then, take care on the home front and Semper Fidelis.