28 posts tagged “usmc”
PROVINCIAL IRAQI CONTROL (PIC) 1 SEPTEMBER 2008
NEARLY SIX YEARS AGO THE COALITION CAME TO IRAQ NOT TO ENSLAVE BUT TO FREE A PEOPLE FROM THE GRIP OF A TYRANT. WE ALSO CAME TO ENSURE THAT THE TYRANT AND HIS HENCHMEN COULD NEVER RE-ACQUIRE NUCLEAR OR CHEMICAL WEAPONS FOR THEIR OWN USE AGAINST THEIR OWN PEOPLE, OR TO PROVIDE THOSE WEAPONS TO THEIR TERRORIST PARTNERS WHO WOULD GLADLY USE THEM IN THE CAPITOL CITIES OF ANY NATION THAT DID NOT COWER AND SUBMIT TO THEIR SICK FORM OF EXTREMISM. THEY STILL WOULD. IT WAS NEVER ABOUT OIL. ONLY TRUE CYNICS ARE IGNORANT ENOUGH TO TRY AND MAKE THAT CASE. IT WAS ALSO NEVER ABOUT EMPIRE OR OCCUPATION. EVEN THE MOST MISINFORMED KNOWS THAT IN ALL THE WARS AMERICA HAS FOUGHT THE ONLY LAND WE HAVE RETAINED ARE THE CEMETERIES WHERE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF OUR FALLEN REST FOR ETERNITY FAR AWAY FROM THEIR HOMES AND THEIR FAMILIES. THESE HALLOWED PLACES SERVE AS AN ETERNAL SYMBOL OF WHAT FREE MEN WILLINGLY DO WHO ARE NOT AFRAID TO PROTECT THEIR OWN PEOPLE, AND DIE FOR ANOTHER.
SEVEN MONTHS AGO THE CURRENT FORCE OF AMERICANS CAME TO ANBAR TO CARRY ON THE WORK OF ALL THE AMERICANS THAT HAVE SERVED HERE PREVIOUSLY, AND WE KNOW WE STAND ON THEIR SHOULDERS AND ARE REAPING THE REWARDS OF THEIR EFFORTS AND THE BLOOD THEY SHED. ON A PERSONAL NOTE I AM PRIVILEGED TO BE HERE FOR MY THIRD TOUR. I SAY THIS FOR A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT REASONS NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO AGAIN SERVE WITH YOUNG AMERICANS—THE BEST OF THEIR GENERATION—IN COMBAT. A SECOND REASON IS THERE IS NO GREATER HONOR OR PLEASURE FOR ANY MAN OR WOMAN THAN TO PROTECT ONE'S COUNTRY IN TIME OF GRAVE DANGER WHILE WEARING THE NATION'S CLOTH. FINALLY, I DO NOT THINK THERE COULD BE ANYTHING MORE GRATIFYING ON THIS EARTH FOR AN AMERICAN THAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FREEING OF A PEOPLE FROM THE GRIP OF A TYRANT, THEN HELPING THAT SAME PEOPLE REALIZE THE BENEFITS OF DEMOCRACY AND HELP THEM EXERCISE THE GOD GIVEN RIGHTS OF LIFE, LIBERTY , AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.
THESE WORDS ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO WHAT WE ARE AS AMERICANS, BUT THE MEANING OF THESE WORDS HAVE GROWN DULL I THINK FOR MANY OF MY COUNTRYMEN BECAUSE THEY WERE WON FOR US BY AMERICANS OF GREAT CHARACTER GENERATIONS AGO. I CAN SPEAK PERSONALLY THAT THESE WORDS HAVE TAKEN ON NEW MEANING FOR ME. IT HAS NOT BEEN UNTIL I CAME HERE TO IRAQ AND STRUGGLED SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER WITH MEN AND WOMEN—AMERICAN AND IRAQI—WILLING TO TRADE THEIR LIVES AND WELLBEING TO MAKE THESE WORDS REAL THAT I HAVE TRULY APPRECIATED WHAT THEY HAVE MEANT IN MY OWN LIFE. OF WHAT THEY REALLY MEAN, AND HOW TRULY PRECIOUS THEY ARE. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED BETTER WHAT THE HUMAN COST WAS TO THOSE FIRST AMERICAN SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT AND DIED OVER TWO CENTURIES AGO, THAT THEN ALLOWED OTHER MEN THE FREEDOM TO WRITE THEM DOWN FOR THE AGES—AND LIVE THEM.
WHEN I RETURNED TO ANBAR IN FEBRUARY I'D BEEN AWAY THREE YEARS. WHAT I FOUND CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS SHOCKING. WHEN I WAS HERE LAST DOZENS OF IEDS DETONATED EVERYDAY IN AL ANBAR. FIRE FIGHTS WERE AS COMMON AS IEDS, AND MORTAR AND ROCKET ATTACKS A NIGHTLY ROUTINE. THE EMIRS OF AL QAEDA AND OTHER EQUALLY MURDEROUS GROUPS PREDICTED OUR IMMINENT DEFEAT AS THEY PURSUED A SICK FORM OF EXTREMISM NO RATIONAL MAN OR WOMAN HERE, OR ANYPLACE ELSE, COULD COMPREHEND. WHEN I LEFT HERE MANY IN MY OWN COUNTRY FOR ANY NUMBER OF REASONS BEGAN TO LOSE FAITH—BUT THE SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN, AND MARINES WHO FOUGHT OUR COMMON ENEMY TO A STANDSTILL NEVER DOUBTED OR WAIVERED IN THEIR DETERMINATION TO WIN. THE DAY AFTER I RETURNED IN FEBRUARY I WALKED THROUGH THE MARKET SECTION OF FALLUJAH. IT WAS BUSTLING WITH IRAQIS OF ALL AGES BUYING AND SELLING PRODUCTS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. ADULTS WAVED, PRESSED FORWARD TO SHAKE HANDS, AND MANY LIKE GOOD BUSINESSMEN EVERYWHERE TRIED TO MAKE A SALE . KIDS SWARMED AROUND THE MARINES TRYING OUT THE FEW ENGLISH WORDS THEY HAVE LEARNED IN SCHOOLS THAT ARE ALL NOW OPEN. PARENTS NO LONGER FEAR TO SEND THEIR BOYS AND GIRLS TO LEARN, A PRACTICE THAT UNDER THE EXTREMISTS WAS OFTEN A DEATH SENTENCE.
WHEN I LAST VISITED THAT CITY IT WAS THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE ON EARTH. IT WAS A GUNFIGHT GOING IN, AND A GUNFIGHT COMING OUT EVERYDAY. THE MAJORITY OF THE CITY'S POPULATION LIVED IN STARK TERROR FROM THE MOST EVIL MEN ON THE PLANET. IT WAS THE SAME THEN IN RAMADI, HADITHAH, AND ALL THE WAY ALONG THE EUPHRATES RIVER VALLEY TO THE SYRIAN BORDER—BUT NO LONGER. LIKE FALLUJAH THE SCHOOLS ARE OPEN, MARKETS THRIVE, AND POST-WAR RECOVERY GAINS MOMENTUM ACROSS AL ANBAR. THIS WAR IS NOT QUITE OVER, BUT IS BEING WON AND TODAY PRIMARILY BY THE PEOPLE OF ANBAR. AL QAEDA IS NOT ENTIRELY DEFEATED IN ANBAR, BUT THEIR END IS NEAR. THEY NO LONGER HAVE ANY SUPPORT FROM THE PEOPLE OF ANBAR. THEY ARE NO LONGER AN ORGANIZED INSURGENCY, BUT A SENSELESS GROUP OF MURDERS. AL QAIDA KNOWS NOW MORE THAN EVER THAT IF THEY ARE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO COME OUT OF THE HOLES THEY HIDE IN TO MURDER AND INTIMIDATE, THEY WILL IMMEDIATELY BE MET BY DEDICATED IRAQI POLICE AND SOLDIERS IN VASTLY INCREASED NUMBERS AND EFFECTIVENESS, WITH TOUGH YOUNG AMERICANS STANDING FIRM AND UNAFRAID IN THE BACKGROUND ALWAYS READY TO SUPPORT.
ANBAR IS STILL A DANGEROUS PLACE I DO NOT HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT, BUT LESS SO EVERYDAY AND NOTHING LIKE IT WAS THANK GOD ONLY A SHORT TIME AGO. I KNOW I DO NOT HAVE TO CONVINCE THE PEOPLE OF ANBAR TO SEE THIS FIGHT THROUGH TO THE END AS YOUR LIVES AND THE LIVES OF YOUR CHILDREN DEPEND ON VICTORY. AMERICANS SHOULD ALSO UNDERSTAND THE STAKES THAT ARE INVOLVED NOT ONLY FOR IRAQ , BUT FOR OUR OWN COUNTRY. WE TOO MUST SEE THIS EFFORT THROUGH BECAUSE IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO, THE AMERICAN THING TO DO, AND IT PROTECTS OUR HOMES AS WELL. AMERICANS SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID OF DEFEAT HERE OR ANYWHERE ELSE BECAUSE WE HAVE A NEW "GREATEST GENERATION" IN JUST ENOUGH NUMBERS WILLING TO GIVE UP THE COMFORT OF THEIR HOMES AND DEFEND US ALL, WHILE SPREADING FREEDOM TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER KNOW IT. AMERICA 'S WARRIORS HAVE NEVER KNOWN DEFEAT IN THE PAST. WHEN WE HAVE LOST OTHERS HAVE DECLARED DEFEAT, NOT US. THIS CONFLICT IS ALMOST WON AND THESE PEOPLE ARE ALMOST FREE—WE SHOULD NOT WAIVER AND I AM CONFIDENT WE WILL SEE IT THROUGH AND REMAIN HERE WITH YOU UNTIL THE TIME IS RIGHT TOLEAVE.
IN CLOSING, WE ARE IN THE LAST TEN YARDS OF THIS FIGHT AND THE GOAL LINE IS SO CLOSE. THE IRONY IS THAT SECURITY FORCES, IRAQI AND AMERICAN, CAN DO LITTLE IN THIS FINAL PLAY OF THE GAME THAN HOLD WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED AND NOT LOSE AN INCH TO THE TERRORISTS. WHAT ANBAR NEEDS NOW, WHAT WILL END THIS CONFLICT FOREVER AND PREVENT AL QAIDA FROM EVER COMING BACK ARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, RECONSTRUCTION, AND FUNDS FOR COMPENSATION. THIS CAN ONLY COME FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT IN BAGHDAD AND I AM CONFIDENT IT WILL AS ANBAR HAS JUST SUBMITTED A COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET AND SUPPLEMENTAL REQUEST THAT WHEN FULLY FUNDED WILL CAUSE A DIFFERENT KIND OF EXPLOSION IN ANBAR, AN EXPLOSION OF FUEL AVAILABILITY, ELECTRICITY, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION, AND JOBS. THERE ARE TWO OTHER THINGS THAT ARE DESPERATELY NEEDED THAT SECURITY FORCES CANNOT PROVIDE: TRUST AND FRIENDSHIP AMONGST YOU, AND BETWEEN THE PROVINCE AND THE REST OF IRAQ . I PRAY GOD YOU CAN ACHIEVE THIS AS YOU WILL FAIL IF YOU DO NOT, AND THE AGONY WE HAVE ENDURED TOGETHER WILL HAVE BEEN FOR NOTHING.
This is official notification from Headquarters Marine Corps that the HBO Series "Kill Generation" is not an accurate depiction of Marines in Iraq. Viewed as a whole it does not properly portray the Marine Corps ' professionalism , honor and core values..Please watch it with this in mind and please let others know of this Marine Corps opinion.
ColJohn Saputo, USMCR
The information below is provided to you as an official Marine Corps response regarding this series. We ask that you distribute this comment to your constituents as you deem appropriate.
From: Acting Director, Division of Public Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps
The recent airing of the first episode of HBO's "Generation Kill" has generated numerous inquiries regarding Marine Corps support of the series. The Marine Corps did not provide any official support to the filmmakers. The series is based on the book by the same title by Evan Wright, a former Rolling Stone magazine reporter who was embedded with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While there are certainly aspects of the film that are accurate, it is at its heart a commercial production. It's raw and has elements that are very much out of synch with the core values our nation rightly expects of its Marines. Viewed as a whole, in my estimation, it does not accurately portray the honor and professionalism of our Corps of Marines.
Semper Fidelis,
Major David Romley
Director, Community Relations
Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps
3000 Pentagon Rm 4A532
Washington, DC 20350-3000
A school district near Austin, TX wants to name a new high school there Vandegrift High School after a fallen Marine who graduated in 1999. He was killed in Iraq serving his country, and the local school board voted to name the new high school after him. This is a great gesture of appreciation. But unfortunately some lunatic leftists are protesting this decision. Please read the background below and contact the Leander ISD to let them know you support their decision, despite what a vocal, anti-American minority has to say.Call the school district at 512-434-5000. Fax a letter to them at 512-434-5398. Email them at governance.team@leanderisd.org
The Leander ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously at their June 19,2008 meeting to name LISD High School #5 "Lt. Matthew Vandegrift High School.
Unfortunately, a vocal minority is pressing to change the name away fromVandergrift to something else.
Lt. Matthew Ryan Vandegrift (USMC) - a Leander High School honorsgraduate (Class of 1999) and athlete - was killed in Iraq in April 2008. 1st Lt.Vandegrift grew up in the Steiner Ranch community, and graduated from TexasA&M with honors and a degree in international business, before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in August 2005. He was killed four days short of his 28th birthday.
During the school naming process public comment was accepted and theVandergrift name was the top vote getter. Since the June 18th meetingmembers of the LISD Board of Trustees have been pelted with emails assailing their choice.
One such email reads in part, "Naming the school after someone who signed upto serve in an illegal war promotes the board's political pro-war message.If you are set on honoring a service person, honor a fallen fireman or policeman. For many of us who are, and have been from the beginning, against this war, this is not the message that we want to send to our kids. Both my sons will attend this school. Both of them will know that it was named after someone who willingly signed up to take part in an illegal war defending, mainly, business interests. While I feel terribly sorry for bothLt. Matthew Vandegrift and his family for their loss, I cannot agree with their actions".
Those of us who are veterans know that civilians set policy and our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines follow their orders and serve where they are told. To denigrate the memory of such honorable service and a life well led is shockingly sad. That is why I am calling on you to do threethings.
1. Email the LISD at the address below and thank them for naming thenewhigh School after Lieutenant Vandergrift.governance.team@leanderisd.org
2. Contact your friends and associates and ask them to do the same.
3. Attend, and encourage attendance at the next LISD Board meetingandgive public comment in favor of the Vandergrift honor. The meeting willstart at 6:15 on Thursday July 17 at the Cedar Park High School Auditorium.
Citizen's comments are normally around 7PM. I am sure that those opposed to supporting our soldiers will be there en masse.There is a strong chance that the naming of the school will come up for reconsideration by the board. It is up to Americans like you to stand up and recognize the honor, courage and sacrifice of service members like Lieutenant Vandergrift. Lieutenant Vandergrift stood up for you.will you stand up for him?
To the members of the LISD Board:
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Honoring the Honorable
Joseph Kinney | June 30, 2008
We need the best, and that is exactly what Brad Kasal gave us. But we are coming perilously close to dishonoring him by denying the tribute he deserves: the Medal of Honor. "Brad Kasal defines exactly what it is to be a hero," Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Mike Lehnert said recently. "It is hard to see how anyone could rate a Medal of Honor more than Brad." Let me second Lehnert. I, too, am a combat Marine (Vietnam) and testified about this honor before the House Armed Services Committee in 2006. By acknowledging those who serve above and beyond the call of duty, we pay tribute to the military services while putting a human face on the war. If you doubt the importance of courage, consider the counsel of Winston Churchill: "Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities ... because it is the quality which guarantees all others." The short history of Kasal's actions is that he saved numerous Marines in a hellhole called Fallujah, Iraq. He valiantly responded to a distress call from his platoon. He pulled Marines out of the line of fire and was shot seven times in the process. Then an insurgent rolled a grenade toward Kasal, who was badly injured and on the ground. Seeing the grenade, Kasal rolled over another Marine, shielding him from the blast. Kasal absorbed 40 shrapnel wounds. Unfortunately, this Pentagon acts as if it is afraid to honor the most valiant among us. Since the battles in Afghanistan and Iraq began in 2002, we have yet to honor a single living member of the armed forces with the nation's most cherished award. In fairness, President Bush has awarded five Medals of Honor, all to decedents. To place this in context, one can divide the number of fatalities by the number of medals awarded, comparing Vietnam with current engagements. For Afghanistan and Iraq, the ratio is 820 fatalities for each Medal of Honor awarded. For Vietnam, the ratio is 235 fatalities for each medal. The Pentagon has also been slow in preparing documentation. Evidence suggests that a process done with astonishing speed when powered by carrier pigeons in World War II has now decelerated to a slow crawl in an age of e-mail and satellite phones. The statutory requirement for the Medal of Honor has not changed: conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. Throughout this century, three pieces of paper have been required, a page for each of the two eyewitness accounts, and one for a narrative of the valorous action. To undertake this process, the Pentagon is now averaging more than two years, or eight months a page. By comparison, President Clinton awarded two Medals of Honor for valor in Somalia about six months after the acts of heroism. Kasal has endured 21 operations to repair the injuries that will plague him for life. One leg is 4 inches shorter than the other. But that doesn't stop Kasal, who goes to work every day as a sergeant major at the Des Moines U.S. Marine Corps recruiting command. Kasal doesn't believe he rates the Medal of Honor. He sees his incredible act of heroism as duty, even a privilege. He has his own list of who should receive the Medal of Honor, and his name isn't on it. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates should immediately upgrade Kasal's Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor. He also should replace the current awards committee with combat veterans who understand the importance of valor and of honoring the living. The heroes of this war deserve their day in the sun. Sound Off...What do you think? Join the discussion. |
Ben Hayden
Iowa State Captain, VFF
As America moves closer to November, we need to be informed on the issues. One issue that is very misunderstood is the war in Iraq. A number of Americans are basing their decision in the 08’ elections on this topic, which makes it extremely important to be well educated on the issue. It is also important because America has invested so much into Iraq, both financially and physically.
Typically, when we have to make an educated decision we don’t do so based on feelings alone. We do so with the aid of research and knowledge on the topic. When making an important medical decision we don’t turn to our mechanic, we turn to our doctor, and vice versa. So why, when making an important decision about whether or not to stay the course in Iraq, would we listen to someone other than the experts? Why would we make such an important decision, a decision that carries with it so many lives and so much money, without listening to the men and women that have been there? The Hero’s that have given so much, yet asked for so little in return.
Some say that we have failed in Iraq. This is detrimental to the moral of our troops. Say what you want about the President and his Administration, but don’t tell our troops that they have failed, because they haven’t. They have achieved success and are continuing to achieve more and more. In November, Iraq will hold its first provincial elections. This proves success. Iraq now has an Air Force and an Army, with their security forces numbering over 540,000 people. Over the past year they have seen enormous economic gains and will continue to grow economically in the months to come. They are now outspending the U.S. ten to one on major reconstructive projects.
As a Marine Veteran that served two tours of duty in Iraq, I know how important success there is. I know how important it is that America knows the truths about Iraq. I can assure you that the experts, the men and women that have been there fighting, know the importance of success and want our help in winning the war on terror. Help them, help us.
A Marine wife and mom answers moveon's anti-McCain ad.
I have read quotes from Lt. Col. Chessani’s lawyer saying his client is considering suing Murtha. I hope he does. The colonel’s career has been ruined, his reputation besmirched and our country has lost the services of a man who by all accounts is among the most dedicated and capable of Marines. I hope he takes Murtha for every dime he has, his party has, his neighbors can collect, and his staff can pony up.
But before that happens I have one other suggestion.
After the Colonel body slams that windbag Congressman, I would suggest that he settle, under these conditions: the President of the United States agrees to recall Murtha to active duty for 24 hours; the Commandant of the Marine Corps agrees to hold a Special Court Martial on the spot; a panel of Chessani’s peers hears Murtha’s comments to the news media; they give him five minutes to make whatever statement he wants; then they find the bastard guilty of conduct unbecoming.
Then the Commandant strips Murtha of his rank, his retirement, the phony combat medals he never deserved in the first place, and drums him out of the Corps in disgrace. Then the defense lawyers for the falsely charged Marines can set their sights on libel suits against the media; slander if they think the malice issue might get in the way, although I believe most American juries would convict the news media on the first ballot.
This Tuesday, June 17th at 5:00PM EDT, Author and Talon contributor Ronald Winter ("Masters of the Art; A Fighting Marine's Memoir of Vietnam") will be the sole guest for one hour on the top rated program at Global Talk Radio's "Calling All Authors." Valerie Connelly is the host for this popular long running show. You can listen live and call in to ask Ron questions by visiting http://www.globaltalkradio.com/shows/callingallauthors/
Marines come in all shapes, shades, weights, sizes and states of sobriety, misery, and confusion.
A Marine is as sly as a fox, has the nerve of a dope addict, the stories of an old sailor, the sincerity of a politician and the subtly of Mt. Saint Helens.
They are extremely irresistible, totally irrational and completely indestructible.
A Marine is a Marine all their life. They're a magical creature.
You can kick a Marine out of your house, but not out of your heart.
You can take them off your mailing list, but not off your mind.
They are found everywhere. In love, in battle, in lust, in trouble, in debt, in bars... and behind them.
No one can write so seldom and yet think so much of you.
No one else can get so much enjoyment out of a letter or clean clothes or a six pack.
A Marine is a genius with a deck of cards.
A millionaire without a cent and brave without a grain of sense.
They are the PROTECTORS OF AMERICA, with the latest copy of Playboy/Playgirl in their back pocket.
When they want something it's usually 30 days leave, music that hurts the ears, a five dollar bill or someone they can count on.
The other branches envy them, mothers tolerate them, fathers brag about them, the government pays them, the police watch out for them and somehow they all work together.
You can beat their bodies but not their minds.
You can tame their hearts but not their souls.
They love the opposite sex!
A Marine dislikes small checks, working weekends, answering letters, missing chow, waking up, maintaining a uniform and the day before payday.
You may as well give in. They are your long distance lover.
They are your steel eyed, warm smiling, blank minded, hyperactive, over reacting, curious, passive, talented, spontaneous, physically fit, good for nothing bundle of worry... and will always be there for you regardless of how long it's been since you've last talked. -Unknown
Desert Christian High School honors Marine alumnus, fallen GI grad
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press
Saturday, March 29, 2008.By DENNIS ANDERSON
Valley Press Editor
LANCASTER - The football team at Desert Christian High School rose as one Friday morning, standing at attention to celebrate a Marine alum's return from Iraq and to honor another Desert Christian graduate, an Army soldier killed in action on Easter Sunday."What is a Knight?" the team shouted in unison. "I am my brother's keeper! I am a warrior! I am a champion!"
Each student-athlete was signaling respect, rejoicing and mourning.
