3/8 Marines at Ar Ramadi are working for their supper via the "sandbag program." The note on the chair reads:

ALL HANDS
1 MEAL =
1 FILLED SANDBAG
(NEATLY STACKED
ON A PALLET)
THANKS
THE MARINE OR SAILOR SAVED BY YOUR SANDBAG

The program is strictly enforced and regulated by food service specialists in an effort to help aid the reconstruction and fortification of various observation sites.

LETTER FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER'S DESK

On behalf of the Marines, Sailors, and soldiers of Task Force 3/8, greetings from Western Ramadi in Al Anbar Province. It is impossible to put into words just how proud I am of these young men and how they have represented the Marine Corps, their family name and the United States. They perform their duty willingly and with unprecedented courage. Your men truly represent the best of America. Over the past month, you may have seen 3/8 on CBS, CNN, as well as in many major newspapers and websites. Everyday and night, we persevere with our mission of developing the Iraqi Security Forces (Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police) in Ar Ramadi in order to set the conditions for Iraqi Self Control and Reliance. Our goal is to turn over more battle space and responsibilities over to the ISF and we have already made significant progress in our area. Your men have been more than meeting the challenge at hand.

Many of our young men are being recognized for their valor in combat earning awards for their bravery as well as combat promotions. These heroes will tell you they are just doing their job. Challenges lay ahead and our men are prepared to meet those challenges.

The current temperature is a High: 100 and a Low: 70 at night. Please keep in your prayers, those Marines and Sailors recovering in hospitals as well as those families who have lost a warrior. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We miss you all very much. God Bless. Fortune Favors the Strong.

Semper Fi!

LtCol Neary