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January 15, 2005



Coffee and conversation

I'm sitting in a small coffeehouse in Corvallis where the coffee is good and there are people around. Generally, I enjoy the lively conversation and various viewpoints that typify life in a college town. Not tonight.

For the past 20 minutes, I've listened to a conversation where an earnest young man is explaining to the young woman sitting across the table why the resistance in Iraq isn't really terrorism, it's just the normal reaction of citizens who resent the invasion of their homeland. And how our troops react to bullets by indiscrimately shooting in the direction of the shots. Just mowing 'em down.

The subject changed after I stood up and introduced myself as a Marine Mom with a deployed son. It is a very good thing for this young man - who is able to sit in a free country, secure in the knowledge that he can spew forth his opinions without fear of being dragged out in the street and executed by thugs sent by the dictator of his country or having his tongue cut out as a warning for others - that this Marine mom doesn't get to choose who her son protects and defends. Some folks aren't worth defending. Honestly.

I had a similar conversation in Salem recently with a folksinger who is evidently stuck in the sixties. It was a pleasant evening and I was enjoying the music when he announced that the next song was in "honor" of a certain son-of-a-Bush and lauched into a takeoff of Country Joe's anti war anthem, "Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die Rag''. After he finished slamming our president and the troops who are bringing democracy to Iraq, I walked over and introduced myself as the mother of a Marine who was at that moment in Iraq, one Marine in a long line of Marines who have given their sweat, blood and - in some cases - their lives, fighting for his right to sit here and sing snarky songs about the commander in chief. Just thought he'd want to know. Talk about a deer-in-the-headlights look.

There is a time for silence. And there is a time to speak out. I seem to find myself doing that often these days.

Anyway, for an accurate look at one of the many reasons why we're in Iraq right now and what we're accomplishing, read this excerpt from last week's update on security for the elections to be held later this month in Iraq. Speaking is Army Major General Peter Chiarelli, commander of the Multinational Division in Baghdad and the CG of the 1st Cavalry Division:

Today we stand just a few weeks away from historic elections in Iraq. The choices made by Iraqis will set the course for generations to come. The stark differences the Iraqi people face between the insurgent enemy and the prospect of a democratic future are indisputable.

The insurgent or terrorist is intent only on one thing: the grab for power at any cost. The insurgent has no plan for the betterment of Iraq or its people. He destroys. He kills innocent civilians. He delays, obstructs and divides the people by playing on their fears. There is no glory or honor in what some call the resistance. What is he resisting? The Iraqi government and the multinational forces are clearly intent on supporting the full independence of the Iraqi people through a government recognized internationally. What is he resisting? Construction and repair of the infrastructure of Baghdad is under way, and the insurgent has attempted to be an obstacle every step of the way. What is he resisting? The government will hold internationally monitored Iraqi-led elections. What is he resisting? The Iraqi security forces are growing in size and skill, and more and more responsibility for the security of the people is coming from the Iraqi security forces.

Also important, why is the insurgent resisting? He is resisting the will of the Iraqi people because he has a private agenda and he is terrified of what the Iraqi people will have to say at the polls. He is resisting a safer, economically sound and free Iraq to protect his self-interest. He is wicked and he has malicious partners within the country and from foreign lands that do not care about the Iraqi people. Consider that Osama bin Laden, not an Iraqi, has laid the terrorist -- labeled the terrorist Zarqawi -- not an Iraqi -- an emir or prince of Iraq. None of these people care about the people of Iraq. That is their only unifying theme.

Ultimately, the people of Iraq realize this as fact. They will not turn away from a free future. The insurgent will fail, but he will continue to fight in the near term.

To that end, we have a message for the insurgent who attempts to operate from the area and disrupt these elections. We will find you, we will watch where you move, we will listen to you speaking to each other, we will fight, and we will defeat you. You cannot sleep, eat, move or meet without the clear understanding that you may be killed or captured at any moment. Cease your operations now and you'll be choosing to live. Cease now and Iraqis can join in the progress being made in Baghdad.

Freedom. Progress. Life without fear. That's what we have here in America. Why should Iraqis settle for less? Here are snippets from a Washington Post interview with a few Iraqis at a coffee house on the other side of the world.

"Going to the polling stations is a victory for the Iraqi people," said Ali Danif, a 45-year-old writer.

"The elections are more important than the candidates," insisted Jamal Karim, his garrulous friend.

Not to be outdone, a smiling Suheil Yassin jumped in. "It's one of my wishes to die at the gate of the polling station," he said, a gesture that was self-consciously dramatic. "I want to be a martyr for the ballot box."

and

Danif, Karim and Yassin, friends who gather every Thursday at the cafe, smiled as they talked about the vote. Like others, they knew little about the candidates, the parties or their platforms. But they celebrated what the elections represent.

"I don't trust anyone in politics," said Karim, 48. "I only trust the Iraqi people."

Yassin sipped his tea, then spoke up. "With the election," he said, "the pages of the totalitarian order will be turned and never opened again."

From his mouth to God's ear.

Posted by Deb at 10:19 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack





Sharing the love

The generosity of care packages from home is appreciated by deployed Marines - but there is sometimes too much of a good thing. In a recent phone conversation with my son, he mentioned that they had enough toothbrushes to stock Wal-Mart. Not a problem - there are other units that can use the donations we've recently received. However, the extra supplies will not be discarded. 1/7 Marines from 3rd Platoon are using extra items they’ve received in care packages as goodwill gestures for families in the communities they protect. Cpl. Matthew R. Jones sends this report and photo from Husaybah:

“We have received a tremendous amount of (care packages) from people back home,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff V. Escalderon, platoon sergeant. “In fact, there was so much that we could not use it. Instead of throwing it away we decided to put together packages and give it to the locals.”

The unit hopes that these small gifts will buoy the locals populations perception of the coalition forces working towards stability in the area.

“It is the Division’s motto of ‘No better friend, no worse enemy’,” said Escalderon. “We are here to help them and better their conditions, until they prove they don’t deserve our help.”

Marines from the company have been giving small items they have received, such as candy and small toys, to the children since the beginning of the war last year, said Cpl. Sean D. Salome, team leader.

“When we come in it often scares the children,” added Salome, 20, from Rochester, NY. “But, if we have something to give them, they relax.”

However, during this deployment the Marines have expanded the packages to include hygiene gear, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, as well as many other items received in care packages, added Escalderon, 35, a native of Santee, Calif.

The Iraqis have been more willing to cooperate with the coalition forces since the unit has began to offer these small items to better the welfare of the locals.

“It has really helped with the locals perception of us, showing them we are the ‘good guys,’” said Escalderon. “These people are used to only bad things happening when people with guns show up at their door. We are trying to show them we are friendly and want to help them.”

The benefit of the packs has also been noticed in the city while on patrol. Often local children will follow the Marines as they patrol through the city in hopes of receiving some of the goodies offered by the unit. The children will no longer follow as the patrols enters into areas of the city that are hostile towards coalition forces, added Escalderon.

“Also, they often will point out (improvised explosive devices) to us as well as houses where insurgents live,” said Escalderon.

The only obstacle the Marines have faced while giving out the items is space. The Marines must take all their combat equipment needed for the patrols. Once the Marines have their required load then they can take the gifts, said Escalderon.

Over 300 pounds of items have been given to the local Iraqis during the company’s patrols through the hostile city.
The city has no major projects funded through coalition contracts and the Marines hope these small packs are changing the attitudes of the local Iraqis.

“The Iraqis never ask for the packs,” added Escalderon. “It is something we give them to help ease the tensions in the area. We would love to do more but we do not have the capabilities to do so.”

From Left: Private First Class Warren Jett Jr., 22, from Odenton, Md., Pfc. Oscar A. Rivera, 22, from North Hills, Calif., and Pfc. Daniel P. Kable, 20, from Columbus, Ohio, prepare items to be given to locals Iraqis in the city of Husaybah. The Marines are infantrymen with 1/7 Bravo, 3rd Platoon of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. The company has used excess items from care packages to help ease tensions in the city.

PFC Kable's mom is Renae Kable - one of our Operation Santa volunteers that worked tirelessly to make the holidays a bit merrier for our deployed Marines. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Posted by Deb at 07:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack



January 14, 2005



Please Pray for God's Intervention

CH (CPT) Lyle Shackelford, Battalion Chaplain for HHD, 57th Transportation Battalion sends this request:

As a transportation battalion, my unit will be delivering the voting machines and the ballots to villages and cities throughout Iraq during the upcoming elections. (January 30/31) Our convoys are prime targets for the insurgents because they do not want the equipment to arrive at the polling stations nor do they want the local Iraqi citizens to have the chance to vote; timely delivery must occur so that the elections occur. Encourage your friends and family members and those within our churches to pray specifically for the electoral process. Historically, the previous totalitarian regime would not allow individual citizens to vote. Democracy will not be realized in Iraq if intelligent and competent officials are not elected to those strategic leadership positions within the emerging government; freedom will not have an opportunity to ring throughout this country if the voting process fails.

Announce this prayer request to your contacts throughout your churches, neighborhoods, and places of business. Those with leadership roles within the local church post this message in as many newsletters and bulletins as possible. There is unlimited potential for God's presence in this process but if we do not pray then our enemy will prevail (See Ephesians 6:10-17) A prayer vigil prior to the end of the month may be an innovative opportunity for those within your sphere of influence to pray. This is a political battle that needs spiritual intervention. A powerful story about God's intervention in the lives of David's mighty men is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-33. David and his warriors were victorious because of God's intervention. We want to overcome those who would stand in the way of freedom. David's mighty men triumphed over incredible odds and stood their ground and were victorious over the enemies of Israel. (Iraqi insurgents' vs God's praying people). They don't stand a chance.

I will pray with my soldiers before they leave on their convoys and move outside our installation gates here at Tallil. My soldiers are at the nerve center of the logistic operation to deliver the voting machines and election ballots. They will be driving to and entering the arena of the enemy. This is not a game for them it is a historical mission that is extremely dangerous. No voting machines or ballots. No elections. Your prayer support and God's intervention are needed to give democracy a chance in this war torn country. Thank you for reading this e-mail. Please give this e-mail a wide dissemination.

Thank you for your prayer support for me and my family. Stand firm in your battles.

Thanks to proud Marine Mom, Mary Ellen Salzano, for passing along this request.

Posted by Deb at 03:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack





2/10 update

LtCol Brennan, 2/10 Battalion Commander sends this update:

Well, the holidays are over, again thank you all for the wonderful support you have been providing us.

Your Marines are truly a part of history. They were key players in Operation Al Fajr (the liberation of Fallujah) and currently we are preparing for the first free elections in Iraq . Your Marines will all have some thing to tell the children about.

Now on to what is truly on your minds, when we will come home. Unfortunately, I won't have those dates until approximately 30 days before we are scheduled to return. I can tell you, currently no unit in 2/10 is scheduled past the 7 month mark or 210 days in country, so all rumors of 2/10 being extended are officially untrue. As for official return dates, as I confirm them they will be released by each Btry commander. When I know they will know.

Well again thank you for your continuing support and we all look forward to coming home.

God Bless

Lt Col Brennan


Posted by Deb at 01:44 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack





My son is in this picture

Photo from the BakerOneSeven website

Somewhere.

I've spent the last 30 minutes examining each face, hoping to identify him, and I've narrowed it down to two. I so want to see his face but will have to wait until they redeploy, I guess.

Today, Friday, is his 21st birthday. Happy birthday to you, LCpl Shane Conrad. He won't celebrate - his latest e-mail said, "Its funny because as far as anyone knows in the Marines, I've never had a birthday... somehow I just miraculously get older. A birthday in the corps is a beatdown so well see if I slip through the cracks again. Well Im running out of things to talk about. Just the same old shit. Rockets, Mortors and pop shots. An average day in Husaybah. I'll write you soon. Love you."

Love you too. If he gets my birthday package, it won't be much of a secret - I sent enough Ding Dongs for his platoon, with icing gel writers and birthday candles. Ah well. He's a Marine, he can take it. And, he'll have forgiven me by the time he returns.

Posted by Deb at 01:38 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack





Snow Fakes

The real stuff is forecasted for this weekend. I'm staying home, mattress pad turned up on high and a warm dog to keep my feet toasty. And here's a fun timewaster to keep me entertained without going outside - brrrr!

Posted by Deb at 12:48 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack



January 13, 2005



11th MEU update

January 10.

It's getting close. We're almost home. One month to go! In fact, several members of the MEU are already on their way with the advance party. The rest of us here, albeit maybe jealous, are counting down the days until we get home.

In the meantime, we're getting Najaf and Karbala ready for elections, and are continuing to help with the reconstruction effort. In Najaf, we've paid out more than $10 million in four months to assist with rebuilding and refurbishing the holy Shiite city. There's still work to be done, but we're wrapping it up as we enter the home stretch. We're all eager to get home and spend time with our families and friends.

Posted by Deb at 11:00 PM



January 12, 2005



Party with the Marines

Major Steve Danyluk who has returned from Iraq has an invitation for anyone in the Fredericksburg, VA area:

Please come and join us for an evening in support of the Marines who were wounded during Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom:

When: 27 January 2005, 1800-2300hrs.

Where: The Colonial Tavern Home to the Irish Brigade located at 406 Lafayette Blvd. in historic Old Town Fredericksburg (across from the train station on Charles street).

How: The Fisher House is a not-for-profit, 503(c)(3) organization established as a home-away-from-home for the family members visiting our wounded service-members during their recovery. There are currently 32 homes on 17 military installations that have served over 8,500 families in 2004. (More can be learned by visiting www.fisherhouse.org)
The Colonial Tavern Home to the Irish Brigade is hosting a music- filled evening with “guest” USMC bartenders. All tips and other donations will be handed over to the Fisher House for the direct support of our service-men and women recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital.
Donations over $30 qualify for the “charitable tax deduction” and appropriate forms will be provided. Persons donating more than $30 will receive a complimentary Fisher House coin. For further information please call (540) 287-2383.

Posted by Deb at 04:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack





1/7 Warriors

1/7 Marines have spent the last five months in a very hostile region along the Syrian border. They don't get a lot of press - reporters tend to stick to safer areas. However, the fierce warriors of First Team have seen action on an ongoing basis since their arrival last August. In a phone call earlier this week, my son mentioned a fire fight where LCpl Julio Cisneros-Alvarez gave his life in the pursuit of democracy for the citizens of Iraq, and another good friend broke his arm. He asked me to send a sympathy card to LCpl Cisneros-Alverez's parents and I will, from both of us. Each time a Marine falls, it's a blow to all Marine parents.

Another 1/7 Marine, LCpl Stacy Alexander was recently medevaced to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. While there, he had some unexpected - and high ranking - company. Here's the rest of the story, as related by Master Sgt. Phil Mehringer

Photo by Spc. Christopher Goodman
Sergeant Maj. Carlton Kent, I MEF Sergeant Major, led a group of sergeants major consisting of Wayne Bell, 1st Marine Division, Joseph Staudt, 4th Civil Affairs Group and Carlos Rios, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. Command Master Chief Raphael Sanchez, I MEF and Hospital Corpsman Senior Chief Gerard Chiu, 1st Marine Division, rounded out the entourage of senior enlisted visitors.

The group of senior Marines and Sailors addressed a group of ambulatory Marines first, thanking each of them for their contribution to the War on Terrorism, before moving to the more severely wounded Marines confined to hospital rooms.

"Your priority now is to get healthy so you can get back in the fight," said Sgt.Maj. Kent, as the Marines bellowed a loud "OOH RAH!"

Lance Cpl. Stacy Alexander, infantryman, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, had just come out of surgery to clean and repair shrapnel damage to his right arm and left leg when Kent and the group entered his room.

The young Marine was surprised by the amount and seniority of his visitors; nevertheless, he enjoyed the conversation and the familiar pattern of Marines wearing their digital pattern desert camouflage utilities.

"I can't really explain it," said the wounded Alexander, a 20-year-old Marine from Carlin, Nevada. "The camaraderie the Corps has when you get some of the highest ranking Marines in the Marine Corps to come see you at the same time. That's a pretty big deal to me."

Posted by Deb at 02:55 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack



January 11, 2005



"I felt your prayers, Dad"

LCpl Adam Ankarlo, USMC in training

If you do nothing else today, listen to this audio clip. It's a recording by proud Marine Dad Darrell Ankarlo of his son, LCpl Adam Ankarlo's letter describing his trip into Iraq. It ends with, "I've done some stupid things out there, you've always had my back. This time, I've got yours. Love Adam." Ankarlo reminds us that 130,000 of America's best and brightest young men and women are wearing the uniform of a United States Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan . . . and they have our back.

Thank God for Marines.

Posted by Deb at 02:18 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack





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 10:32 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack



January 10, 2005



3/3 Marines go vertical

A recent comment asked about Marines in Afghanistan. Here's a report by Cpl. Richard Mattingly that provides a look at conditions that 3/3 Marines faced during a recent visit to the Korangal Valley.

Marines of I Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, have been operating at the forward edge of Operation Enduring Freedom, often in isolated areas where support for insurgency against the Afghan government and Coalition Forces remains.

Last week, I Co., 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines, entered the Korangal Valley in Kunar Province with the mission to capture or kill terrorists suspected of conducting attacks against Coalition Forces while working to win over the trust of the local villagers.





“We get intelligence that lets us know where the bad guys are,” explained 2nd Lt. Roy Bechtold, 2nd platoon commander, I Co. “After we get grid locations, we work with our assets to plan the best way to go in and get them.”
The Korangal Valley is infamous for its inaccessibility and the numerous defeats the Russians suffered there during their ill-fated campaign to control Afghanistan.

After vertically inserting in CH-47 Chinook helicopters, I Co. set into blocking positions along the roads and maneuvered into their positions.

“The best way to come in is on foot or by air,” said Bechtold, “We have to leave as small a signature as possible in order to not spook the guys we’re looking for into running. If you come in with vehicles, they’ll be long gone before you have a chance.” Bechtold admitted that Marines in the past have had difficulty getting into villages sympathetic to Anti-Coalition Forces without having the targets flee.

Once in place, the mission of I Co. evolved to house-by-house searches as the clock started ticking on how long the Marines had until it was unlikely that their targets remained.

Up and down the bluffs and rocky faces that double as paths between the impossibly stacked-up houses of the valley, the Marines and Afghan Security Forces talked to village elders, shook hands and searched houses from top to bottom.


“It all goes back to attention to detail,” said Sgt. Shawn Kelly, an acting platoon sergeant in I Co. “You can’t skip anything, it could be that one cache or that one guy you miss that could help us stop an improvised explosive device emplacement or attack on Coalition Forces.”I Co.’s attentiveness paid off on the second day of the operation as Lance Cpl. Sean Decoursey, rifleman from Jacksonville, Fla., crawled through a small opening in a floor to find a cache of weapons and ammunition hidden under a pile of hay.

“I found the AK-47s and ammunition,” said Decoursey, modest about the find. “I almost didn’t look in that hole either – it looked like maybe it only went back about two or three feet until I crawled in there.”


With the discovery of the weapons, the Marines held one Afghan man for questioning, confiscating his illegal weapons and ammunition. Their find was a good one. After being questioned, the man named several other anti-Coalition militants operating in the area which put I Co. right back to work in the villages.

“It feels really good to be here and to be getting something done,” said Decoursey, who has been in the Marine Corps just over a year. “It feels like we’re really making a difference when we can catch one of them.”


Posted by Deb at 01:56 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack



January 09, 2005



Tsunamai Relief

Photo by Lance Cpl. Andreas A. Plaza, USMC

3rd FSSG Marines assist with the distribution of humanitarian aid at Palonia Air Field, Medan, Indonesia, last Wednesday as part of Operation Unified Assistance.

Posted by Deb at 11:25 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack