Marine Corps Moms: Working ourselves out of a job in Iraq

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January 11, 2005

Working ourselves out of a job in Iraq

Here's a New Year greeting from 1/7 CO, LtCol Chris Woodbridge.

Happy 2005 from all of us here in Iraq. The new year is here and has brought a few changes with it. As most of you probably know, the next big event here is the national election. This event will be truly historic--the first democratic election in the history of Iraq. It is also no secret that our enemies here will try to interfere with the elections as much as they can. We are all fully prepared for increased violence as the elections approach. Since the majority of the population of this part of Iraq lives to the east of the area where we are located, the majority of the voting will occur outside the battalion's area of operations. In order to reposition more Marines in the eastern part of the province, 1/7 has been directed to move some of our Marines to the east as well. What this means is that C Company (Suicide Charley) has moved to a position about 40 miles east of Al Qaim known as "Camp Wolf." Their job in this new location is to secure a large ammunition supply point and to help train Iraqi Security Forces. This task--training Iraqis to do the things that the American military is doing for them now is one of the most important things we can do to "work ourselves out of job" in Iraq. Unfortunately, Charlie company will not have the same access to phones and e-mail they enjoyed at Al Qaim so you will not hear from your Marines/sailors in "Suicide Charlie" as regularly. They will still be getting regular mail, and they will be able to call home in case of emergency or special occasions as always.
What has not changed with the new year are the hazards and challenges of this environment. On Jan 6th LCpl Julio CisnerosAlvarez of weapons company was killed in action in Husaybah. We all mourn his loss and our prayers are with his family in their time of grief. We will always honor his memory, just as we honor the sacrifices of all our fallen brothers. Since deploying in August the battalion has had 54 Marines and sailors wounded in action and we will forever honor their personal sacrifices no matter how minor the wounds. The battalion has also suffered the loss of several Marines who have been seriously wounded in action, and whose lives will be changed by their injuries--most recently Cpl Evan Morgan of weapons company, SSgt John Jones of C company, and LCpl Kenneth Roach of B company all of whom are greatly missed by all who know them. We all support them and all of our wounded comrades and they have our constant prayers for a fast recovery. The sacrifces of all of us here in Iraq and on the home front are part of the price we all pay for the freedom and security we hold so dear. Your continued support from home is critical to our success and I am forever grateful for your courage, patience and commitment to these men who have answered their country's call.

Just to put an end to any rumors--the battalion is still on schedule to return home in March and I know I speak for us all when I say that we all look forward to our reunion with you. God bless you all, and semper fidelis.

Ltcol Woodbridge

I have no information on first two injured Marines, but LCpl Kenny Roach is doing well and may be returning home soon. His mom describes his recovery as "a miracle" . . . and those seem to be happening every day. One of the best ways to support our troops is to pray for them. My son has described some situations where there is no way they should have come out alive. The only thing I can attribute this to is the thousands of people all over the world who are praying for our Marines and other troops. Thank you. And thanks also to the drill instructors at MCRD-SD, SOI instructors at Camp Pendleton, and his command who have a goal of bringing every Marine home.

Posted by Deb at January 11, 2005 10:32 AM

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Comments

Hi my name is Zak and LCpl Kenny Roach is my best friend...ive known him ever since i was 6. Ive talked to him recently on the phone a couple of times Jan.12 and Jan.14. He is doing very well and the recovery seems to be very promising.

Posted by: Zak at January 14, 2005 05:09 PM

OBJECTIVE
Seeking a position as an electrical engineer in a construction company in Iraq.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
1. Excellent experience in designing Power Systems Controllers.
2. Good experience in medium voltage power plant sub station (11kVA /33 KVA).
3. Designed and executed 8 low voltage transmissions lines.
4. Conducted and supervised many L.V. Distribution Networks.
5. Professional experience in Automation Systems and designing of micro controllers (PLC) systems for:
- Moeller (easy 600&600&800 & soucs (ps4 & xsoft)
- Group Schneider (zelio) Crozet millennium
- SIEMENS (LOGO & V.3.1/microwin /STEP7).
6. Executed more than 65 electrical projects in Iraq Syria, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.
7. Designed and installed monitoring and fire alarm systems.
8. Experienced in computer networks and automation system.
9. Designed all projects by AutoCAD 2005.
10. Designed and Implemented Power System Controllers for Al-Ashqar Company for Medical Industries, Syria, Oct. 2002.

EXPERIENCE
10 year experience as an electrical engineer:
1. Senior Engineer and Designer,
International Relief and Development Organization (IRD), Baghdad, Iraq, (2003-Present).
2. Engineer, Electrical Engineering Cooperative- Damascus,
Lebanon, (2002- 2003).
3. Engineer, Pamela Medicine Company Damascus,
Syria, (2000- 2002).
4. Technician, KARTAJ General Contracts Company,
Baghdad, Iraq, (1998- 1999).
5. Technician, in the field of power systems controllers, maintenance of electrical, Baghdad, Iraq, (1995-1998).

SKILLS
• 6 year experience in Computer:
(Windows 98'/WinMe/WinXP/Win2000) - Microsoft Office (97', 2000 & XP)
• Experienced in Microsoft Workbench© and AutoCAD.
• Capable of operating all office equipment e.g. Copier, scanner, printer, fax, Internet and e-mail services)
• Knowledge in computer software and hardware maintenance.
• Fair-spoken English.

EDUCATION

B.Sc., in Electrical Engineering,
Dept. of Electrical Engineering, University of Technology,
1999, Baghdad

Diploma in electronics,
Department for Technology Institute,
1994, Baghdad

SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES & UNION MEMBERSHIP
• Member of the Iraqi Chamber of Trade, 2003, Baghdad.
• Member of Federation of Iraqi Contractors, 2001, Baghdad.
• Member of Iraqi Engineers Union, 1999, Baghdad.
• Member of Iraqi Computer Science Society, 1999, Baghdad.

REFERENCES
Available upon request

Posted by: firas at April 26, 2005 07:27 AM