Sgt Grit's Marine BS Iraqi War Volume 15

Newer story

In response to the requests for some more recent stories, here's one from my first deployment back in 2005. At the time I was with A Btry 1/11, and we were tasked as a provisional line company in far western Iraq. Around late Jan-early Feb (rainy season) my squad was on the QRF rotation, and got the call to pull the resident MTT team out of the mud. They were stuck pretty good, but our mechanic was better, and we had them out in no time. On our way back we got the call to turn around, they were stuck again. This repeated itself 6 times. It got so we would just tail them in our 7-ton and place bets on how soon the officers would get stuck again. It was great fun, especially since both myself and Cpl Carter "Super Mech" were country boys from Oregon. Our luck ran out though, because when the brass finally decided to give up trying to get to Saudi, they thought it would be a good idea to test out their fording kit. With a MAK-armored low-back through a lake (this is no-shit). Their excuse: "well Cpl there's a road going into it so we'll be fine." Roger that sir. So when they drove off the road in the middle of the lake and had to swim out...we had to go get 'em. Problem was that meant WE had to drive into the lake, and sure enough we found a hole. It took all the chain in the FOB and a few hours to get that sucker out. My deserts are still stained from that water. Oorah.

Sgt Steiner
2002-

Patch

I proudly served with the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit in Beriut in 1983. Those brave Marines that didn't return will not be forgotten! My nephew is in the Navy Reserves and is currently in Iraq. He wanted something from me to take with him and promised to return it to me. This is a photo he sent me last night, you can just imagine the pride I felt seeing them holding my patch! My nephew Dan met the Gunny!

Semper Fi

Cpl. Tim "Cornfed" Vallery
U.S.M.C. 82-86

Another Proud Grandma!

Just had to send in a couple pictures of my Grandson because I am so proud of him along with all the other Marine Grandma’s. Once your Grandson is in the Marines your life completely changes and you are part of a wonderful family of Marines. It is wonderful to be able to proudly wave the American Flag and also have a banner on my porch telling everyone he is a Marine and it will stay there until he comes home. The flag will be there forever and I am so proud of him and all the other fine young men and women who are courageous enough to stand for what our Country was founded upon. He is a tribute to the Marine Corp and once you are part of this wonderful Marine family you will also share in the great heritage of our country. He was stationed in San Diego for Boot Camp. He is a part of 3/1 India Company, Wpns. Plt.

I have attached a picture of his Platoon on top of a hill made to fallen Marines (he is the one squatted down by the cross on the left side) and also a picture of David on his first deployment to Iraq aboard the USS Denver. David is a native of Denver, Colorado and we thought it was neat for him to be aboard the USS Denver.

David will be home sometime in January, again, and we can all hardly wait to see him. We all prepare for weeks for him to be home again.

- Proud Grandma of a Marine,

Cheryl Orrino

Thanks from Iraq

Right back at you and yours Don!

Over the years, you've sent orders to me, free, to both Iraq and Gitmo.

Just as, if not more importantly, the MANY Marines I've come to know, or become reacquainted with, were met though your site!

20 years huh? CONGRATULATIONS Marine!

Here are a few pics from here at Taji. The one it with a few of our Iraqi Army partners that graduated back in April, holding a 'Flat Stanley'. The other is a couple of our highly esteemed Gurkha guards.

Then, the miniature tank. Fearsome, huh? ;>)

Semper Fidelis, and Happy New Year to you and yours!
Rich

God Bless America Quilts in Baghdad

Dear Sgt Grit

God Bless America Quilts in Baghdad
I hope you can share the info below and attached photo with other military and their families.
After touring the United States, 42 quilts from the God Bless America exhibit are on display at The Stables, Camp Striker, Baghdad, Iraq now through February. These 22" quilts were made by men and women all over the US, to represent various patriotic themes. Profits from exhibit rentals go to make quilts for wounded soldiers. To see photos of all the quilts - go here

Joan Ballew

Euphrates River Yacht Club

Sgt Grit,
I was going through my photos from OIF 2 and found one that I had taken and wanted to share with your readers and any potential former members that had the honor to be a part of Small Craft Company, 2MARDIV. The picture was taken at Al Taqqadum in the Anbar Province and had roughly 60 men to patrol approximately 75% of the Euphrates.

The nick name of 'Euphrates River Yacht Club' came about during our replacement's tour of duty over there so I'm not sure as to how that came about.

Semper Fi Marines!
Cpl RJ Lenderman
2002 - till I stop having fun.

One Mind, Any Weapon

Sgt. Grit,
Just wanted to submit a picture of my son, LCPL Wemhoner in Iraq. He is home safe now and we are very proud of his courage and commitment as well as those that serve and have served.
Found the picture to be amusing. Love the newsletter.

Thanks,
Proud dad of US Marine

Corporal Aaron Allen, USMC A Company, 1st Battalion 4th Marine Regiment

Corporal Aaron Allen, USMC, A Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division has returned home.

God Bless his family and all those who serve in harms way.

Thanks to Myrl Wallace for forwarding the above photo.

Semper Fidelis
Dale Turner, Adjutant
FMDA-LA

New Game

Here's a new game; "Guess the FOB" 2MEU should guess this one.

Ans FOB Dwyer

The McKenzie Brothers

From A Proud Father

I just wanted to say how proud I am of our Marines all around the world. My son is in the Corps, 2nd Bn, 9 Mar, G co., currently stationed in Iraq. Over the past 1 1/2 years I have watched my snot-nosed brat turn into a disciplined, well trained, respectful MAN that I once again can be proud of. The Corps has transformed Him into a man that any person can recognize as a United States Marine, even without the uniform. I am amazed at the people who show respect and gratitude when he walks into the room, they say it's the way he carries himself, that confident walk that comes with the knowledge that you are the best there is, that you are a United States Marine. I'm attaching a photo of him in one of those rare quiet moments. His rifle is close at hand, ever vigilant, ever watchful, always prepared to respond.

From a very Proud Father,
Tampa, Fl.
Ooh-Rah

My Fiance

Hello Grunt,
I've attached a picture of my fiance, LCpl Justin Roy. It was taken recently in Iraq and I think that it embodies the strength and courage necessary to be a United States Marine. Justin will be in Iraq until April of 2009, and we will have an official Marine Corps wedding one year from today on November 14. Thank you so much for your monthly newsletter. It is nice to read everyone else's touching stories and words of inspiration. I cannot express how proud I am of my Marine. I would like to thank the Marine Corps League for inviting all of the deployed Marines' girls to the Marine Corps Ball in Lafayette, Louisiana. We all appreciate the gesture and will represent our men proudly tomorrow night. God bless our deployed Marines, and Happy Birthday to the Corps!

Sincerely,
Marine Corps Fiance Michelle Sobba

Proud Mother of a US Marine

My son Stephen has been in the Marine Corp for just over 1 year. He is now deployed in Iraq at Camp Al Asad. Better known as Camp Cupcake. Our whole family is so very proud of him. He is in motor transport and goes on convoys most everyday. He will be returning home to Camp LeJune the first part of March of 2009 where his family will be waiting for him. He signed up to serve his country at the age of 17 before his senior year at high school. He was proud to become a US Marine. He did his bootcamp training at Parris Island, South Carolina where we all went to see him for his graduation on November 30, 2007. That will be a day we will never forget. Here is a picture of my son in his vehicle getting ready for a transport convoy in Iraq.

A Proud Mother of a US Marine
Tracy Vincent
Pleasantville, PA.

LCPL Wall

I just think this photo should be displayed somewhere it’s my favorite one of my son which he took of himself when he was in Yuma Arizona for training for Iraq he said it’s just freaking hot there like 110 with no live plants anywhere to be seen. (He’s own quote) He’s now serving in Iraq for awhile. My husband and I are very proud of him. We miss him dearly want him home soon.

Kenneth J. Wall 19 years old

LCPL United States Marine

My Corpsman Son

Dear Sgt. Grit,

I recently purchased one of your Marine Corps blankets for my 13 year old son who is determined to be a Marine some day. My oldest son, HM3 Jeff Hagins is currently on his first deployment to Iraq as part of HQ, 1st Marine Division out of Camp Pendelton.

Jeff was an active member of his Naval ROTC unit at San Benito High School in Hollister, CA and graduated in june 2007. He graduated from Field Medical School at Pendelton last March and shipped out in late August of this year.

"Doc" Hagins called me on a Satellite phone recently and said he would be out of pocket for a month while on operations to an un-named portion of Iraq.

Thanks for your products and service to our country!

Michael Hagins

Welcome Back Marines!

Alexa, I know how you feel about getting suprised by an early return! This was our son's second deployment to Iraq and being through one already, we figured that the time posted on our 1-800 number would be different than the actual return time. And boy, was it! We had gone to the mall to "kill time", and had just pulled up in to a parking space and let my daughter out to purchase a book when the phone rang and it was our Kyle, letting us know that they were at Cherry Point, getting ready to pull out and head over to Camp LeJeune! I ran in to the book store, where, thankfully my daughter was just making her purchase, and we rushed over to our hotel, grabbed our banner and headed over to the grassy knoll to wait their arrival. God Bless the Marines for getting our son and the other men back safely, AND early! Semper Gumby, right?

Sharon McClendon
VPMM of LCpl Kyle

My Son's Picture

My son, 20 year old LCPL BRANDEN R. BELL, Arriving home to base in Twenty Nine Palms, California, from deployment in Iraq.
March 18, 2008 YEAH!

Kimberley Campbell

Sizemore Stables

233rd Birthday Ball

This is Camp Striker, Transit Hub for Iraq; We have over 15,000 pax, and transit over 3300 per day; This has been a blessing; Have loved the five years over here; I have a team of 27, all Can-Do & Get-It Done folks; We have 8 to 10 Generals pass threw our Quarters each week;

During a Surprise Ceremony With Division HQ, Garrison Command, & Mayor Cell; 4th July, Stables was Rename & Dedicated in my Honor; This was not only a Surprise but a shock; All our staff was excitedly happy;

God Speed
Gunny

My Son

This is my son in Iraq after a day that he thought would never end. Brian is a scout with 2d LAR, soon to come home from his second deployment. Brian celebrated ( if you can call it that) his 21st birthday while he was there this time.

This picture shows me so much emotion, and I respect my Son so much for his job of being a United States Marine ~~ Semper Fi

Welcome Home Marine!

This story begins on September 16th at 8am... Like any other excited wife, I was rushing around the house to get everything done, cleaned up, washed -- you name it. My husband was going to be home that day at 1430, and even if he did not notice how the house looked, I still wanted it perfect.

I grab a shower, make some breakfast and continue cleaning again. As noon SLOWLY approached... My neighbor and I decided to go out into town to pick up a few things before my husband arrived -- maybe to help time pass and to calm me down. As we were out, I get this call on my cell phone from a strange number -- thinking it was Caleb while he was waiting for his next flight, I picked it up and answered it.

I was half right. It was Caleb, but he was calling me to tell me: "Honey, I'm home! Where are you?" Panic stricken -- I rushed my neighbor back into the car and I thought I was going to have a heart attack driving back to the base. I had my ID out and ready, tapping it on the steering wheel, frantically trying to move through traffic. I kept looking in the mirror, trying to see what I looked like, fixing my hair because it was just -- not where I wanted it. Nothing had gone according to plan (courtesy of Marines). They arrived an hour, yes, an HOUR ahead of schedule and did not put it on the hot line until 15 minutes before they arrived.

For once, Marines are early!! Usually they're late a few hours or even days...

Once I had finally made it on base, and heading towards the 115 hanger, traffic got congested. Apparently I wasn't the only wife who had the same issue. Everyone and their brother was trying to get in. Once I got through the gate, I rushed to the parking lot, parked and sprinted towards the hanger. Once I got there, I began to search... and search... and search some more. Ten minutes later -- I see him. In an open area with some friends. We saw each other at the same time, and I bolted towards him, jumped into his arms, nearly knocking him to the ground. I kissed him, hugged him, and started to cry because I was so happy. I had waited 7 LONG months to finally be in his arms again, and for once in those 7 months, it wasn't a dream. It was REAL! He is finally home!!!

Though that day did not go according to plan -- it still happened. I didn't get to wear the dress or shoes that I had picked out, instead I was wearing a tank top and shorts with my flip flops and hair in a pony-tail -- it wasn't what I had pictured in my mind. But running into his arms -- I didn't care what I was wearing -- just that he was home and we were finally together again.

Thank you Sgt. Grit for all of your wonderful products and the newsletters you send out.

Sincerely PROUD Marine Wife to LCpl. Caleb Mudge who is SAFELY back home!!!!!!!!!
Alexa

"Distance is not for the fearful, it's for the bold. For those willing to spend a lot of time alone in exchange for a little time with the one they love. It's for those who know a good thing when they see it, even if they don't see it nearly enough..."

CLB 1 Maintenance Company Homecoming

Sgt. Grit,
On Saturday, September 6, we were at Camp Pendleton, CA to welcome home our son, LCpl Kronenberg as well as the rest of the members of CLB 1 Maintenance Company. These heroes, our young men and women had served for the last seven months in Fallujah, supporting Operation Iraquis Freedom. I'm sending along a few pictures, both of Justin while at work in Fallujah as well as his homecoming. We are so very poud of him and his fellow Devil Dogs for a job well done. This was Justin's second deployment. His first was in T.Q. in 2005, being deployed just 3 days after he and our lovely daughter-in-law Tavia were wed. Tavia served during both deployments as a KVP, during this deployment she was asked to be the lead KVP and a big job well done to her.

Justin re-enlisted for another 4 years, leaving behind the Optical Electornics and moving on to a new MOS, Combat Correspondent. This means he will be leaving Camp Pendlenton. They will be leaving in Novemenber for MCRD, Perris Island. They are both CA natives and look forward to living in a new state. We look forward to several vacations in that part of the country.

Semper Fi
Deb
PMM of Cpl Justin,home from Sandbox, PM of Kate- God's hard worker, SIL Minister Rick, DIL Tavia, Most Beautiful Grand daughter Kayla Marie & adopted Cali mom of Cpl Mark
Sacramento,CA

Hero

My daughter wrote a song, and her band performed it on the 4th. It is called Hero. Here is a link to the video (Windows Media Player required). The pictures are mostly of my son Dustin in 2004 when he was in Iraq. He was the NCOIC of the Seabees convoy security. He escorted many Marine convoys during the time when the Marines were taking Falujah. He has the upmost respect for the Marines, as do I. I would like to thank all of them for a job well done, and to keep up the good work. There is one pic of my youngest son, when he was being inducted into the Blue Angels. As you can tell, I am extremely proud of them.

Sally Dutcher
Proud US Navy mom

Sgt. Roper and Captain Slatic

Gents, I enjoyed the recent pieces on 55 year old Sergeant Roper. Enjoy the attached photo of Sgt. Roper and me. It was taken last October/November about 60 clicks north of Fallujah on ASR Golden. I arrived at an Iraqi Highway patrol VCP and while I was walking around, I see this Marine who looks even older then me. I don’t get this very often as I was a year older then the MEF Sergeant Major at the time, having 18 years of broken service and being the oldest Captain in the USMC. Sergeant Roper explained his situation and it was very motivating even to another old warhorse such as me. Our reasons for coming back to do this again, not surprisingly, were identical. You don’t often see a photo of two Marines with a combined age of over 100….at least not outside of MEF Headquarters.

Semper Fidelis,
Captain T.P. Slatic
C Company
4th LAR

A Marine and His Girl

Grit,

I wanted to share this video with anyone who is interested. It was taken at an airport last year when my friend Zander (Cpl. Behnke) was returning to the States after months away from home. His parents had gone to the airport to pick him up, and myself, my friend Jess, and Kara (the Cpl's fiancée) decided to tag along and surprise him. Kara was so jittery with excitement and while we were waiting for him to come up from the terminal, she hid behind a plant so that he wouldn't see her until the last moment. When he finally came up the stairs, she squealed and bounced her way over to him. The look on his face was priceless. They immediately embraced like they would never let go of each other again and both of them began crying. Zander's welcome crowd (including myself) was almost in tears as well.

I had to laugh, however, when a stranger standing behind me suddenly said in a tear-jerked voice, "That was better than a movie!"

We love you, Zander. Keep up the good work and stay safe!

Semper Fi
Kate Coffman (A Proud Marine Brat)

On Our Way

Here is a pic of myself on the flight and of all the Marines from OMC(-) before we left for the airport for Iraq.

Cpl Braden Bergman

On Patrol

My son-in-law is just back from his second deployment to the middle east. His first tour was at Camp Fallujah in Iraq. He sent many interesting photos, but one in particular stood out. He said he came across these two cars broken down by the side of the highway one day as they were out on patrol - he said it was the way some of the Iraqi's transported food from the market. I have enclosed it, and also a picture of Brent Brumfield in back of his trak. To all the Marines who are serving our country, I want to say thank you. You and your families are in our prayers daily.

Maureen Innis, Kalispell, Montana

LCpl Ramcharan

My son is a 19 year old active duty Marine, deployed to Iraq. When he was in boot camp he got the Expert level in the Rifle Qualification, and the pin to wear that goes with it. When he came home on leave he found his grandfather's Expert Rifleman pin, from WW II, the same exact one he was given. It's in mint condition and he checked to see if he could wear it and was told "By All Means, Marine!". His grandfather passed away, but when I think of how proud he'd be of his Grandson, well, there aren't words to describe.

This face should be on a recruiting poster!

Adopted Marine

Ma’am,

I want to let you know that CLB 8 appreciates the packages coming. The Marines love them!!! I got one from Elizabeth Wigley of Albuquerque, NM. These are items I will keep the rest of my life. Here are a couple in pics; I am the one on the right. I am a huge fan of Sgt Grit’s Magazine and please tell everyone there THANK YOU.

V/R
Sgt Snook EJ
Ammo Chief CLB-8

Sheepdog Number 9

First row, squat on the ground, Lance Corporal Jake Stark, Sheepdog Number 9
My Grandson in Iraq

Saying Goodbye

This is my wonderful husband, telling our 4 year old, Gracie, goodbye. He left Sep. 4, 2007.,for Iraq. I think this picture shows how much our men give up and leave behind. We have 4 children, And the best daddy in the world went to fight for our country. I would have it no other way!

~Proud wife of Ssgt. Wysong

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Greet Marines in Iraq

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders visit the Marines in Iraq. Cpl Marks with knows how to roll! That's my boy - a chip off the old block!

David Marks Plano, Texas

My Nephew

My Nephew is in the Marines!!! He sent these pictures to me. The first one gives me chills. He's the Marine on the right.

CDunn

Back in Iraq!

Don, David Tosh here the bug man from OKC. Greetings from Iraq Just dropping you a line, thought you might like hear about my ‘TAD’ to Iraq. I received a call from a DOD recruiter In dire need for licensed pest control professionals to support the troops in Iraq. I asked for and was assigned to a Marine base, the job is to easy other then just being in Iraq. Better then in ’90-’91, no weeks on end eating nothing but MRE’s. I have two helpers from Nepal who do all the heavy lifting. The terrain is rough sand dunes with a lot of 4x4 roads. On about 13000 acres. We run about 30 traps around the fence line mostly. So far a lot of foxes and wild dogs. There are 130lbs Hyenas that we trapped. Got a hedge hog and Hugh 10lbs lizard! We take care of rodents and flies at the 4 DEFACs (Dinning Facility) and everything else is service requests when someone has a problem in their area. A few hundred buildings! Some snakes and those Camel spiders which are big and nasty looking. First night here I spend in a leaky tent and it poured rain for 2 days and flooded and soaked my stuff. So we build a nice A/C hooch at our bunker where the Iraqis used to keep tanks and such. It is hardened so I don't have to run for a bunker in case of a motor or rocket attack. Vector has their own bunker for chemical storage and such. As of yesterday I am the head Pest man on base. The other one headed back to Texas. So I'm left in charge with 5 days training. Not much to it except learning where everything is. I'm very glad to have been assigned to a Marine base.

I have a 4x4 F250 to work from and have access to all the base unlike most jobs here. Everyone love to see the pest guy! At the outside fence line lives a very poor family so we always take snacks and drinks from the DFAC and throw them over the fence to the kids. It's 112 today but feels no worse then OKC at 85 with 70% humidity! Six of the deadliest scorpions are here so we deal with those also. I started a rider program to give the Marines a little fun break to run the fence line traps. They get a kick out it when we capture a 35lbs porcupine or a Jackal and others. The biggest Hyena has learned our trap runs and has been feeding on captured foxes! See pictures. Love the MARPAT roller duffel I picked up from you.

The wife and kids will come by again soon to send me a few things.

Take care,
Cpl. Tosh, David C.
5th Marines ’86-‘93

SFC McSheffrey

Hey Sgt Grit,
Thanks for all the great stories and great quotes. I've posted some of those quotes in the connex box where my soldiers keep there weapons. The men love them. I am a former Marine currently serving in Baghdad with a deployed National Guard unit. We have several former Marines in the unit. The Marines in Baghdad have been great to my guys. I am a Sergeant First Class (E-7) but all the Marines call me, "Gunny". Enclosed some pics of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball last year in Baghdad and a pic of me at work.

Semper Fidelis,
SFC McSheffrey

Tikrit, Iraq

Just thought you might like to know, there are not only Marines, but retired Marines serving in Iraq as well, such as my husband, who is pictured here, in Tikrit, Iraq, a few days before finally coming home, after a year of repairing helicopters.

He retired several years ago, but like so many of us, he's never been able to feel as if he has left the USMC behind, and chose to serve as a civilian, leaving me chewing my nails to nubs just as I have so many times before.

Happy to say he's on his way back, and should be home tomorrow, thank the All Mighty!
Glynis, Retired Marine, and wife of Bruno, Retired Marine.
Texas

Toby Keith

Dear Grit,

Wanted to get a shout out from Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq and let you know Toby Keith played a concert for all the people on base two days ago, even after the bad guys had lobbed something onto the base, he went on. It was a great show. I am in a "Joint" billet (read: army command with a few Marines to keep things interesting!),and it was nice to hang out with other Marines to watch the show. Keep up the great news letters!

S/F

Jim Chambers Jr
MSgt of Marines
MNC-I PMO
Camp Victory, Iraq

Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2007 6:16 AM

Classroom who wrote to deployed Marines

I'd like to share these pictures with your readers and especially with the ignorant principal who wouldn't let the children of Connie's class write to soldier's in Iraq .These pictures were in the local newspaper which prompted several other schools to contact these Marines to ask that they speak to their classrooms . They've spent several days of their leave doing just that!

The 2nd grade class pictured is in Spartanburg, South Carolina . They wrote to my son and his buddies while they were deployed, sending goody boxes and letters and cards. Their teacher made it a history lesson, a writing lesson, a spelling lesson, a geography lesson and most importantly a lesson in humanity and love for these children who were THRILLED when the Marines came home and visited their classroom.. That principal should be ashamed of himself! Marilyn Miller, Proud Marine Mom in SC

News From Iraq

Sgt. Grit,

Thought you might enjoy some candid moments of the Marines here in the Anbar Province and at the Security Detachment in Baghdad. I work with the MEF throughout Iraq and will always hold dear the camraderie of the Corps and how the young Marines take care of this 'Old Dog'. Can't go into what I do with the Corps nor where the camps are located but let it suffice for me to say, though it is a different generation than it was in Vietnam all Marines here have the same Esprit de Corps and desire to go out and complete the mission. The old adage of Improvise, adapt, and overcome still holds true for todays Marines who put themselves in harms way everyday.

Semper Fi

Bill Hagee 'Gunny'

Family Reunion in Fallujah

Well, where does a father start? I am proud that I have served our beloved Corps for 15 years. 12 of which was on active duty in the Airwing(VMFA-314, VMFA-531, MATSG-90), got out in 1994. Went back in the reserves after 9/11, took over a year to get my waiver but I got it and was reinstated as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Kilo 3/23 after 9 years broken time. Rare but these things do happen ask my buddy Ernie Hall!! Deployed to Iraq at the first part of the war in 2003. Upon returning home my Son was about to graduate from high school and expressed to me that he wanted to join the Corps. WOW! Outwardly I was very concerned as I had just returned home from a combat tour in Iraq, but inwardly I was bursting with pride that my Son was thinking about joining the Corps. Words could and still cannot describe what that meant to me. You brother Marines out there with Son's and Daughter's that are in the Corps understand. A few weeks before his graduation from recruit training in San Diego, he writes me that he wants me to be in uniform on his graduation day. I wasn't planning on it because I didn't want to take away from his big day so I wrote that back to him, which he quickly wrote back that was all he wanted on his graduation day was to stand on the same parade deck that I did 22 years earlier both of us wearing our uniforms. That was and will always be one of the proudest moments in my life along with the day God brought him into my life. Well it's been almost 3 years since then and he is on his second tour of duty here in Iraq. He spent the better part of 2005 patrolling the streets of Ramadi, and is now back, but this time in Fallujah. With HQ Bat 2/10.

The reason I am referring to him as back over here is that I work for a private security firm now and have been stationed in Baghdad for over a year and pretty much work this local area. Although I can't go into who and what we protect I will tell this great story of How and old Marine and his Son were able to share dinner last Saturday night in Fallujah. Now another one of my most proud moments in my life. To see my Son there doing what other Marines have done for over 231 years. Another "WOW". God has truly blessed my family in ways that only few will ever understand. Fallujah was the second to last stop in a very long day of movements. Thanks to the efforts of a Marine Capt and Lieutenant (I'd love to mention there names but won't for security purpose) who got the ball rolling even before my detail arrived. They found where in the city my son was working and made arrangements for him to be at the main Marine base there for a short visit. There are a lot more details and this letter would be much longer but the long and short of it is, "That Marines take care of there own". Even in a combat environment. When I saw my son last saturday4/14/07, once again my heart was bursting with pride only now I can share it and the people around me understand. They all seemed to be as proud and excited as I was and am. In there own way they were all being reunited with their own Son's or Daughter's or Brother's and Sister's. Here are a couple pictures of that reunion in Fallujah. Thank you for listening to the thoughts and ramblings of a Very Proud Marine Father.

PS: My Buddy Ernie Hall was out for ten years and got a waiver to get back in. Both he and I were able to share our years of experience with the young Marines in our unit. Kilo co 3rd Btl 23rd Marines out of Memphis, TN. He also has a son that is a United States Marine. Lcpl Ernie Hall jr.

Manuel L Saldana "Sgt of Marines"
1982-1994-3rd MAW, MATSTG-90
2003-2006- Kilo co 3rd Battalion 23rd Marine Regiment 4th Marine Div
SemperFi

"Father God please continue to watch over my Son Lcpl Robert L Saldana, and all the other members of our armed forces as they carry our message of freedom and liberty to the people of the world"

Back in the USA

Hi this is my son Brian Desatnik on the left. Brian just returned from Iraq after a 7 month deployment with 2d LAR Charlie Co. I am glad to have him back on USA soil.

Proud Marine MOM
Barb Booker

Back From Iraq!!

This is a picture of some of India 3/12 just returned from Camp Fallujah, Iraq on April 11th as they were greeted by family members at Camp LeJeune. Pictured are Cpl Jimmy Boyle, Sgt Marc Miller and his proud Sister Meghan, and Cpl Jody Grier. A happy day indeed!

Submitted by Sgt Millers Blue Star Mother, Marilyn Miller, Spartanburg SC

Longest Day

Grit,

This is Tim McMahon HMM-262 65-67 RVN 66-67. I read the letter to you titled “Longest Day” in reference to the HMM-364 (Purple Foxes) CH-46 crash. It’s really something how so many are affected by any incident in Iraq. I was with HMM-262 in Nam flying gunner and fixing hydraulic problems on the old CH-46’s which were pretty new then. The guys in Iraq are still flying and fixing the same aircraft somewhat modified now but basically the same birds. Our squadron HMM-262 hadn’t been to war since Vietnam, but are now fighting the good fight. We as “Old Tigers” have been in touch with our younger “Brothers” in the current squadron for years now. We’ve set up a support system to send care packages over to them, and one of our guys Larry Zok thought it would be a good idea to have a squadron coin made up and have them presented to the guys in country. The day before the HMM-364 accident the squadron CO had a formation and he and the SgtMaj presented the coin to every squadron member. The Marines cherished the coins and made a slit to form a pocket in their squadron patch to carry the coin for good luck. Since the squadron just arrived in country they were riding on missions with other squadrons to get the lay of the land (fam flights). It was on one of these fam flights with HMM-364 that one of our Crew Chiefs Cpl Tom Saba was flying when the aircraft was shot down, the day after the coins were presented.

We try to send a representative of HMM-262 Vietnam Veterans Association to all funerals where an HMM-262 Marine has passed. Cpl Saba was from Toms River, NJ and I’m from Trenton. Tom grew up in Staten Island and that’s where his funeral was. As a representative of HMM-262 VVA I attended Tom’s funeral and it was as if I had known him all the time. He was a “Brother” just like the “Brothers” I lost in Nam and I felt the loss that his family and friends felt. I presented Tom’s Father with another coin to replace the coin lost in the accident and it was an honor for me to attend the services. Taps to my “Brother”.

Semper Fi,
Tim McMahon

Friends Forever

I just wanted to share this photo with everyone, this is a picture of my son and some of the men in Fox Company the morning they were getting deployed to Iraq. He has been gone for about a month and we all miss him so much. It is going to be a long road ahead of us and for everyone that has someone gone. Please keep all the prayers and blessings going out to all that are serving our country so well. There is not a day or moment that goes by that I don’t think of these Men and hope they are all safe.

Thank you, Mother of a Marine in the 2/7 Fox Company 3rd Platoon

Mother of Two Marines

I am the Mother of not one but two Marines. LCpl Justin A. Baker & his brother Pvt. Tyler J. Baker. Justin just started his 2nd tour in Iraq in January of 2007. We have a special place in our garden to celebrate all the men and women who serve in the military. The boys grandfathers on both sides are military men. Their maternal grandfather was career Air Force and their paternal grandfather a Marine. Oh, even me their Mother wore combat boots, I served in the Army were I married their father 29-years ago this year! This site brings me great comfort and joy. Of course we are proud of both of our Marines!

Phyllis

Story About Coming Home

This happened to me on August 5, 2003.

I served as a Marine air traffic controller in Vietnam. My son, Austin, is currently in the Corps. He has had 2 tours in Iraq. Currently, he is enroute to Camp Butler, Okinawa.

This story is about how Austin let me know he was back in the United States from his first tour in Iraq.

At the time I was an air traffic controller at Tucson Approach Control. I have since retired. I was a controller for over 35 years.

I was working one of the radar positions that provide arrival sequencing to Davis-Monthan Air Force base. I was talking to a variety of military and civilian aircraft.

Out of the blue comes this transmission "Tucson Approach, this is Delta 9546". I was somewhat puzzled because it was not one of the normal Delta call signs that arrive in Tucson. Nevertheless, I answered "Delta 9546, Tucson Approach, go ahead".

The next transmission was "Is Ron Gagner working". Now I was really puzzled because how did this pilot know to ask for me! I said "you are talking to him".

Five seconds later this transmission came over the radio "Hi, Dad, I'm home". For a few moments I was speechless. My son was flying over Tucson on his way to March AFB. Tears began to flow as I tried to say something. For the first time in 30 years I could not say anything. Finally, I regained some composure and asked him a few questions.

Needless to say, air traffic services were momentarily delayed. The military pilots on the radio probably realized the importance of this radio transmissions. After a few moments of talking to my son I said to the pilots "sorry for the delay guys but my Marine son was calling me on the radio. He is returning from Iraq".

Several of the planes had a few comments but the one that was the most important came from a Navy pilot who said "Semper Fi, Marines".

My thanks to the Delta Airlines pilot who, when my son told them I was a controller at Tucson Approach Control, knew what to do. The picture is an actual picture of my son talking to me.

We owe the men and women of our armed forces a lot of thanks. My son gave me something that will always bring a tear to my eyes. He is proud to be one of "the few, the proud, the Marines".

Ron Gagner
Tucson, AZ

Message for John Kerry

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