Mark

Tadaki Falls Sept 5, 2011

2011-10-07T23:11:00.002-04:00

There is a neat set of falls that we hiked to on the 5th of September. We really had a great time, and I think we picked the perfect time of year to go. Not too hot outside and the water is not too cold.

To get to the falls, you trek up the creek. There is pretty much no way to stay dry. It is a really good time though. We didn't see any banana spiders or habu snakes.

Some of us went up to the top of the falls, but it is STEEP! So much so that the locals put in ropes to make it possible.

Katie and Seth seem to be enjoying themselves here on this rock.

Semper Fi,

High Speed Vessel (HSV)

2011-02-19T21:13:00.000-05:00

The HSV is how we got over to Korea this last time and how we got back.

It is a really neat vessel... basically a HUGE catamaran on jet-ski's.

The ride over there, the seas were pretty rough and I would say a majority of the Marines got sea-sick.

It is not really that bad of a ride.

The inside has seating, similar to that of an airline; the seats some-what recline and are set up in rows with aisles in-between. There are no stewardesses, but there is a mess-deck we man ourselves and can use if we think ahead to bring food.

As for the ride back, it seemed to be a much better trip as far as the sea states were concerned. We experienced far less sea-sickness and I must say, morale was MUCH higher!

Semper Fi,

110126 Status Update

2011-01-25T20:05:00.002-05:00

Korea is a wintry wonderland still. Snow is all over the trees, roads, tents, and it stopped snowing about 2 days ago. To top that all off, it only snowed a few inches.

Now if I were in Jacksonville or most places I have lived in Virginia, the snow would be nearly gone by now, just due to the warm temperatures and efforts of locals to get it out of the roads. Here though, it was 2 degrees Centigrade IN the tent and easily 15 degrees colder outside. People where I am just toss sand down and salt every now and again, but don't seem to plow.

I can't count the number of Marines who have fallen on the ice, most just get a jostling, but some really fall hard.

We didn't do any cold weather training before we left, and really should have. I am not sure why we didn't, but there didn't seem to be much time. Some of these Marines just don't know how to dress in this weather or use the gear (sleeping system, socks, poly-pro, etc) that they have.

When I was a young Lance Corporal, I was trained that there are 3 layers you are supposed to wear out in the elements: a wicking layer, an insulation layer and a protection layer.

The wicking layer is something that takes sweat and moisture away from the body. It needs to be relatively tight/close to the skin and thin. Silk makes a good sock wicking layer.

Insulation layer(s) go between the wicking layer and the protection layer and is designed to be thick and trap lots of air. This layer is important in both cold and hot weather. In hot weather, cooler air can get trapped in this layer, keeping the body cool. Inhabitants of African and Arabic deserts wear several light layers in their extremely hot environments for this reason.

The protection layer is designed to protect the insulation layer and person wearing it from the outside elements. It also allows the insulation to trap the air.

Wearing 2 wicking layers doesn't help and sometimes causes moisture to stay next to the skin. Two protective layers can also keep moisture in. Multiple insulation layers on the other hand are good, as they simply trap air. You have to wear these layers in order or they just don't work.

So in the cold weather, on you feet, you should wear silk or dress socks, under thick socks, under good boots. The sleeping system is designed to have each of the three layers as well, but if you don't put it together right, you have the wrong layers in the wrong order or wear extra layers you defeat the way it was designed.

OK, so there you have it. Those of you planning on going out into the elements, get your layers right first. Those Marines of mine that are out here with me, think about how you are doing what you are doing and do it right!

Semper Fi,
m

South Korea

2011-01-09T21:49:00.005-05:00

... is much more developed than what I was expecting. I came over here expecting it to be much more sprawled out. We pulled in to a port area where there were very high apartment high-rises.

It is very urban in several locations and very built up.

Driving through South Korea really reminds me of driving through West Virginia with the mountains, roads carved into the jagged slopes and "Charleston-like" cities in very developled pockets. It is silly cold over here in the winter, much like West Virginia and the people have a long history of strong beliefs (much like the Hatfields and McCoys).

As we drove here, we stopped at a little rest area along the highway. One of the Marines with me asked what I thought the stairs were for in this picture. I just chuckled and said, "well, they are to go up." Well, what else are they for right? Maybe to go down?

Speaking Japanese is very frowned upon and can get you into social trouble. Koreans have a good memory and tend to remember what the Japanese people did to their forefathers back in the days of WWII and before. It seems more Koreans speak English better than we speak Korean or than Japanese speak English.

Internet access is not nearly as prevalent as it was in Japan for me and harder to get to, to stay in touch with family, atleast right now.

COLD.... it is extremely cold over here. From what the forcasters are saying, it is not supposed to get above freezing during our entire stay here. In my book that is cold. Even the highs are below freezing. Contrast that to Japan and we are, well, chillin!

Semper Fi,
m

On Oki!

2010-08-12T06:45:00.003-04:00

We are on Okinawa, Japan! First time here and first time stationed overseas as a family. The language is VERY different and it seems everything is more complicated.

We are staying in a hotel off base, so we are having to interact quite a bit more with the local populace, to get stuff done.

We purchased the first of two vehicles today and that was quite interesting. Tomorrow, we should purchase our second one.

There are numerous little bases over here and it seems you cannot do much with out going to another base to do it. Most people live on one, but there is no commissary on that one, so they have to go to another base. The chapel they would go to is on a different base all together. Work is on a different base still... even the elementary school and the middle school are on two different bases (and why wouldn't they be...).

Not that any of this stuff is a big deal, it is all just different to what we are used to.

I actually start working next week sometime, well at least until the housing office calls and offers us a house. Once that happens, we will need to start the process of getting moved in and getting our stuff unpacked.

Work has been extremely flexible with me. We have an Awesome sponsor as well. Our sponsors are a family who are assigned to take care of us and make sure we have transportation to get done what we need to do. It is a great concept. We are very blessed and thankful to have them as our sponsors.

Well, more to follow!

Semper Fi,
m

2010 Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-30T12:44:00.009-04:00

Veterans, Happy Memorial day.

For those who have served, it is often hard to think back about brothers we have served with who have gone before us. I must say it has been an honor to serve with each of them, and it is to honor them that I give everything I have to do what I do.

To those still serving, I am honored to be your brother in arms.

To those who have retired from active service: Thanks for your awe inspiring service. I hope one day to make it to that 20 year mark.

To those who served but did not retire but served: Thanks for playing a part in keeping our nation free from tyranny.

To those considering service in the armed forces of this great land: Don't. If it is something you can even consider saying no to, you are not called. U.S. Military service takes unwavering commitment and a willingness to spill blood, yours or your enemy's, in a fight you may be opposed to. You won't make it.

Only those who can't stop thinking about it, who just feel drawn to excellence, who absolutely must serve will make it. Every one of the brothers I have lost in combat were not there because they signed some silly contract (and they did voluntarily); not because they had considered it and decided it was a great idea; but because they just had to be there, doing what they felt called to do.

On Friday afternoon, the scouts of troop 597 and I placed flags at the headstones at the North Carolina veterans cemetery. The ground was hard and the flag staffs were breaking as we stuck them into the ground. Some of the fathers were smart and brought screw-drivers with them to poke a hole in the ground in order to put the flags in. All I had was a knife, but I cannot think of a more honorable task for a knife to complete.

After placing the flags, my sons and I went over to the Beirut, 9/11 and Vietnam Memorials, to talk about Memorial Day and what it really means.

I will never forget.

Semper Fi,
m

Back from OIF 9.2

2010-02-08T04:52:00.002-05:00

Well, for those of you who don't know, I am back from OIF 09-10 and don't plan to go back to Iraq anytime soon. We will see, though right. We turned Anbar Province over to the 82nd Airborne, the same unit that turned it over to us back in 2004... Oh the irony.

It was not an easy deployment that is for sure. We worked, hard and long hours. The main reason I did not blog on this last deployment is our rules and regulations forbade it, but in reality, my schedule would have prevented it anyway. Our section worked too many hours for it to have been feasible. We had more drama than my last four deployments combined and most of it was unnecessary. We seemed to shoot ourselves in the foot and create more problems than we fixed.

Two of the Marines in my team were not just promoted, but promoted meritoriously. Those two were just two examples of the Marines we had that got recognized for their persistent efforts and hard work. Numerous awards and medals were earned and awarded by the time it was all over and we have now returned able to say we accomplished our mission.

During the trip, I got to go to Baghdad for a week. That was quite a trip, complete with several walk-abouts. The palaces there, although not in the best of shape, were so very interesting to look at. I got to walk into where they held Saddam Hussein before he was hanged.

We got back just in time to see the SuperBowl, in time for Colleen’s birthday, Caleb and Seth’s birthday and Valentine’s Day.

Yup, one more in the books… now on to the more important stuff: my family.

I am planning on getting overly involved in my boys’ scouting and enjoying what time I can squeak in with Katelyn. All three of my kiddo’s are just growing like crazy. All three of them are hitting that age when they need a daddy’s discipline and love.

Thank you so very much for all of your support over these last few months. The care packages were all shared and made a significant impact on the Marines, their morale and the performance of their duties. As hard as this deployment was, your support made it bearable and made our successes possible.

Semper Fi,
m

He's Coming Home!

2010-01-11T10:54:00.005-05:00

In case you haven't heard the news... Mark is coming home in early/mid February. Nearly 2 months before his scheduled homecoming. Many people have asked why, and quite simply the reason is the Army showed up several months early. So the Marines are leaving early. Mark's unit was slated to "turn the lights out on Iraq", but the Army will now do that as Marines all over the globe prepare for their next assignment... Afghanistan. We have no reason to believe Mark will head there anytime soon, but we are certainly praying he'll be home for longer than he has been over the past couple of years.

So Mark if you are reading this, come home soon and come home safely.

We all love you and can't wait to hug your neck, give you a high five and simply live life with you!

"The Devil You Know"

2009-07-08T18:47:00.003-04:00

The American Scholar magezine published an article titled "The Devil You Know," written by an American Army Officer.

I don't agree with all he says in the article about trust or understand his perspective, but I worked with "Rambo" and can honestly say I understand his perspective.

In the actual article, you can see a picture of "Rambo" and some of my actual handwriting on the wall behind him.

In a wild-west kinda way, he is imparting the only kind of justice he understands to the best of his ability.

Anyway, the article is a glimpse into what we lived in over there.

http://www.theamericanscholar.org/the-devil-you-know/

Semper Fi,
m

Pool Uncovered

2009-05-14T07:59:00.002-04:00

I am still on leave and enjoying time with the family.

The kids are back in school and getting ready for their End Of Grade (EOG) tests. Apparently those are some kind of important test that everyone teaches to. That concept eludes me. If you are teaching the things kids need in life, life will be the test to whether or not they learned it, right? Natural selection will just happen....

We uncovered the pool yesterday and should have it completely filled by tonight. We have been working in the yard non-stop since we got back and are just starting to see the fruits of our labors. We still have lots to go though, so no pics yet.

As for reading, I am slowly making my way thought the H. John Poole book, The Tiger's Way. It is pretty good so far, but I am not sure I buy all that he is preaching.

Semper Fi,
m

Somali Pirates using Intel!

2009-05-11T20:34:00.003-04:00

Well who would have figured? I guess the Pirates off the coast of Somalia are not all that archaic and rudimentary in their methods after all.

Just because our imaginations go to images of "Hook" and his band when we think of pirates, doesn't mean they are not very sophisticated in their methods.

Consider the article written by Giles Tremlett in the Guardian and what he says about pirates picking targets.

That area is one of the most critical waterways in getting goods from the Eastern to the Western hemisphere and back. "The Gulf of Aden, which links the Suez Canal and the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, is the shortest route from Asia to Europe and one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, crossed by more than 20,000 ships each year. The alternative route around the continent's southern Cape of Good Hope takes up to two weeks longer at huge expense."

These Pirates are using RPG's and relatively small weapons to take down the crews of these ships. I know better than to arm-chair-quarterback this one, but will go so far as to say they are using very little to impede global commerce.

This is kind of like the elephant getting terrified by the mouse. What would it take to introduce some "cats" into the elephant's cage to take care of these rodents? How soon until the pirates migrate up to speed-boats with torpedo's and heavier weapons....

My thought is that the pirates really don't want to sink the ship or even hurt the crew. In my mind, a sunken ship has no value to them. A dead crew brings no ransom.

The fact that they are working with the Brits (infidels in the mind of a Muslim) says that this has nothing to do with religion, but then again, no one said it did.

The fact that they are working with the Brits says that they are developing an international coalition to do their work...

First generational warfare thinking would have us sending out mother ships and pirate rigs to hunt them down, broad side to broad side... I am just not convinced that would work.

Second generational warfare thinking would say we need to fortify the ship and strengthen her defenses. A good tactic I suppose, but doing that for the estimated 20,000 ships that pass that way each year would get extremely costly in a hurry.

Third generational warfare thinking would have us blitzing to the "head of the snake" (pirate leadership) to take it out so that the body (pirates themselves) die with it. My capitalist mind believes that if the bounty is still out there, a new profiteer will emerge.

Fourth generational warfare thinking erodes the pirate support base by turning the populace against the pirates. Some how making them socially corrosive to their own environment. These pirates are actually supporting their own tribe/local community with the scraps that fall from their tables. In Somalia, they are the ones with money, so they actually pay for services/goods and they are paying the locals.... It is kinda tough to see the guy feeding your family as a bad man.

So what is the solution? In my mind, and I eluded to this earlier, we must make the cost greater than the gain. Make it more painful to be a pirate than pleasurable to live that life.

No gain: If no ransoms were paid, pirates would eventually stop. If pirated ships were simply taken back with nothing gained by the pirates, eventually there would be no reward for taking the ships in the first place.

More pain: Aggressively prosecute all pirates that are caught in the act. Gather intelligence on the Pirate infrastructure and attack it with a vengeance. Return pirated wealth to those who were plundered.

Combine the "No gain" concept with the "More pain" concept and I think you have a working idea to combat this problem.

What say you?

Semper Fi,
m

Back from Disney 2009!!!!

2009-05-10T18:52:00.004-04:00

We are finally back from Disney!!!

I will have more internet access now and will be posting more stuff... (I say that all the time, don't I...). I am working on it.

On a related note, we are working on my kids writing skills and have convinced them that blogging is a good idea! I will be posting their site information up here soon, so all you relatives and those who would like a glimpse into their lives, stay tuned!!! Their Blog's will be listed in my Blog Roll here to the right. ===>

Semper Fi,
m

Is Torture Right?

2009-04-23T20:52:00.003-04:00

Torture is in the news quite a bit lately.

Here is one article written by a Retired Marine (http://www.thebutter-cutter.com/Torture_in_Interrogation.php) and another from the NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/opinion/23soufan.html?ref=opinion).

"Water-boarding," or other extreme/ traditional methods of interrogation can be effective if used correctly or can simply elicit stop-the-pain responses.

The real issues here, in my mind anyway, are: 1. Defining torture, and 2. Does the end justify the means?

At what point does physically or verbally communicating with someone become torture? I can recall numerous professors who "tortured" their students with hour after hour of grueling powerpoint slides. I can also recall Drill Instructors "training" me with hundreds of push-ups and 8-count body-builders. Where is the line?

In both of those cases, I think the end justified the means. I learned the lessons they were trying to teach me and am a better man because of it... but their lessons were intended for a very, very small audience. They were influencing me, a classroom, or a platoon of Marines, at most.

Information gleaned from a solid interrogation is often used to protect thousands if not millions of American lives. That said, effective intelligence impossible to quantify. You never know how many lives were saved because a "9/11" was averted by good intelligence. We don't know what our intelligence has prevented or how much good was done because of "water-boarding" or other traditional methods.

We simply cannot see the ends the means has brought about and therefore cannot tell whether the ends justify the means.

All that said, I am against inhumane treatment of all sorts against all non-combatants; however, I am also all for doing what needs to be done to protect non-combatants as well.

Any thoughts?

Semper Fi,
m

Anti-Pirate Duty

2009-04-22T17:44:00.003-04:00

Colorado Representative, Republican Mike Coffman is pushing to put military members on board all U.S. flagged ships passing through pirate waters. http://coffman.house.gov/2009/04/coffman-wants-us-military-on-merchant-ships.shtml

Marine Commandant, General Conway wants Marines to have more of a maritime presence, like we did at our inception. http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4101

It is my opinion that the primary roles of the Marine Corps is to defend ships, conduct amphibious, expeditionary operations, and operate in small teams to defend installations/persons vital to U.S. interests.

If we adhered to these missions, Marines would:
- do just what Representative Coffman is suggesting and man all U.S. ships,
- remain at U.S. Embassies and diplomatic facilities both domestic and abroad,
- pull completely out of Iraq, Afghanistan and all other protracted struggles more suitable for U.S. Army involvement and,
- expand the number of Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU's) that are currently deploying.

We are good at protracted ground combat and know how to engage a land adversary in conventional combat, but that doesn't mean it is or should be our mission. Hammers are good at pounding in screws, but that shouldn't necessarily be their mission.

What do you think?

Semper Fi,
m

Happy Easter '09

2009-04-13T08:46:00.003-04:00

Well, I sure hope you all had a happy Easter this year. We sure did. If you have seen Colleen's page, you know that the boys and I painted our heads like Easter eggs this year.

We spent lots of time together as a family and doing things together we enjoy. We, I mean the Easter Bunny, hid the kids Easter gifts and they had a blast doing the hunting.

Church was our next activity. Between ushering and work in childrens church, we spent that part of our day serving, which we find more rewarding than just sitting in the service. We get the CD, so we still get fed, but making sure others get fed is just so rewarding.

We went out to eat, so Colleen could have a break from dishes and cooking chores.

Then we came home and just relaxed around the house. Colleen and I napped to the background noise of the TV and the kids cuddled with us in between playing with their Easter stuff.

Before our dinner of popcorn and a movie, we colored 48 hard-boiled eggs... and yes, Colleen cooked them so I would not make a mess.

The Marine Corps saw fit to let me sleep in today and is only requiring me to come in at 1130... how nice of them. Actually, they would be much nicer to me if I were back in my unit. Most units on base don't have to go back to work until Tuesday at 6pm. Since I am at the Academy, I have less time... gotta get those academic hours in.

The kids are on Spring Break and enjoying time with mom.

Have a great week!!!

Semper Fi,
m

CFT at the Advanced Course

2009-04-09T20:39:00.006-04:00

So I got to do my first Combat Fitness Test the other day and what a butt kicker that thing is. It may not look like much, but good-googly-moogly (ya had to be in class for that one...).

It is a lot of running, crawling, buddy-dragging/carrying, ammo-can lifting/carrying and heavy breathing!

This is me doing my best not to drop GySgt Bowling on his head. It is supposed to simulate me carrying his carcass off the battlefield, but my goodnes, "that mug" is heavy... (another one you had to be there for...).

This is the ammo-can lift... ya lift the 35 pound ammo-can as many times as you can, from your shoulders to a full elbow extension for 2 minutes. Somehow that thing gets heavier, the more you lift it.

Good times, and I am so glad they are history!

Semper Fi,
m

The Advanced Course is Slowing down

2009-04-09T19:41:00.005-04:00

Man, the Advanced Course is one crazy time. It is nothing like I had expected and nothing like they said it was going to be. In some ways I am disappointed and in other ways, I have really benefited from the experience.

The PT was more intense than I am used to, so it really helped to get me in better shape. From my perspective, I still have a long way to go, but this certainly helped.

Academically, it has been a disappointment. I haven't really learned much. The tests are more key word recognition, than subject matter mastery, so they are very elemental.

Relationship wise, there is little time to build social networks and since the focus is on academics, we are really discouraged from sharing information.

The time management on the part of the scheduling is lacking, so we are there way too early and spend more time waiting for things to happen than we do engaged in activities.

They are treating us like Gunny's, so that is a plus, but for the most part, this check in the box has been just that. I must say, it was worth coming back from Iraq 2 months early, that is for sure!

Maybe next time....

Semper Fi,
m

Training Day 3... UNCLE!

2009-03-11T15:05:00.003-04:00

My goodness... I feel like I have been hit by a train.

Monday, the PFT was a challenge, simply because I pushed myself.

Tuesday, really wasn't that bad. It was a circuit course that was really based on our own pace, but it was high repetitions of specific sets.

Today.... Sheesh! For some reason, I am getting SORE from Monday and Tuesday and then we ran a circuit course where we are competing against other platoons. We really pushed ourselves again and man are we sore!!!

Academically, we covered Combat Operational Stress and had the Course Director come in and talked with us about awarding our Marines and creative ways to build morale in those who really do good work. What a dynamic speaker!

This Academy is run by and attended by ONLY enlisted Marines. No commissioned officers are involved at the school-house level. Our SgtMaj is the director at the school and he is absolutely a dynamic speaker.

Semper Fi,
m

Handy-man Scouts/ Tumbling

2009-03-10T21:20:00.005-04:00

Tonight was the night the boys began earning their handy-man pins for WeBeLoS. They really seem to enjoy that program.

We took their bikes and some tools. We got under the hood of Mr. Ben's truck and learned about fluids and where they went. We took some skate-board wheels off and tinkered around with our bikes. FUN, FUN, FUN.

Meanwhile Katelyn went to her tumbling class. She is taking it to supplement her cheerleading class and teach her some basics that will help her in most athletic activities she gets involved with. She really enjoys those kinds of things.

Colleen and I have been given the opportunity to teach the FireProof curriculum at our church. We have already watched the movie and are now going through the lesson plans. Seems to be a good set of principals it is teaching. Not to toot our own horns, but this stuff is really second nature to us. Keep the communication lines open, talk early and often and really, really take care of the other person's needs first.

Now it is evening time and time for Dad to do his "homework"... blogging is more fun!

Semper Fi,
m

Training Day 2

2009-03-10T21:08:00.003-04:00

We covered Force Protection stuff today. Good classes over all, but still using some of the old manuals. We as a class recommended them updating the publications and had some good overall discussions.

I really am learning more from my peers than the discussions.

Then there was the PT for the day. Not too bad considering... My quads are feeling it, but other than that, I am doing GREAT.

Following PT was chow, followed by a discussion of the Marine Corps Reading Program. I am not so sure this is what it is supposed to be anymore. We need to take a glimps back every now and again so we don't make the same mistakes, but enemies adapt. They change. Their changes require us to change as well. When presented with a screw, we need to use something different than the same old hammer.

Semper Fi,
m

Training Day 1

2009-03-09T17:06:00.003-04:00

Finally all the checking in is complete and we conducted training today.

After arriving at 0630 and turning in our auto-biographies, we had our first class at 0700 on the Marine Corps' Body Composition Program and Military Appearance Program. That class was mostly guided discussion with a little lecture thrown in.

At 0900 we kicked off a class on nutrition and overuse injuries. That too was mostly guided discussion but where our knowledge ended the instructor was quick to pick up and fill in the gaps.

1100 was chow time and 1200 was show-time for the Physical Fitness Test.

The PFT was a standard PFT, but the instructors were really strict on following the letter of the order... which I think is Great. I got a first class PFT again, scoring 233 out of 300.

T-Day 1 is now in the books. I think this is going to be a good course, but only time will tell.

Semper Fi,
m

Advanced Academy Day 1

2009-03-05T14:31:00.003-05:00

Today was the check-in day for the Advanced Academy. As is Marine Corps custom, I checked in, in my "Alpha's". Colleen wanted to get a picture of me in my uniform, so here you have it.

I checked in at 0617 this morning and then waited until 0930 for the in-brief. After that, we were dismissed until out "SNCO Social" tonight at the All-Ranks Club on Camp Johnson at 1600.

So far, it has been a relatively simple check-in process. If this keeps up, it just may be a good course.

Semper Fi,
m

2009-02-26T18:53:00.001-05:00

Front Door Landing

2009-02-22T09:07:00.005-05:00

Colleen is the Greatest!!!

Any of you that have been to our house in the past know that the entryway had a hole where a vent used to be. Colleen cut the carpet out of that area and put in hardwood laminate flooring in in that area. Not only did she put it in, she did an AWESOME job!

Great work Beautiful!

Semper Fi,

Keep Up...

2009-02-22T09:04:00.003-05:00

For those of you who want to really keep up with the happenings of the Marine Corps and Marine Corps policy, here are a few sites to consider.

This is the main Marine Corps page: http://www.marines.mil/Pages/Default.aspx

This is the site for all the Marine Administration messages, to include promotion schedules and the like: http://www.usmc.mil/news/messages/Pages/maradmins.aspx

I will keep posting things as they happen.

Semper Fi,
m

Back to Work

2009-02-17T20:01:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow it is back to the grind. We did half days last week, and now that our President's Day '96 is over, we are back to work.

I think Colleen is ready for some normalcy and ready to have me out from under foot.

Pastor is putting me back to work as a member of the Men's Council there at church. He has commissioned me to get our Men's group mobilized and on a mission. We are picking out "Goliaths" to slay and taking them out one by one.

He also has me getting ready to tackle several other projects and I am stoked about it.

Beyond all that, there is the "Honey-Do" list I am working around here. That list is ever growing and as the seasons change, so does the list of things needing done.

The Corps has me getting ready to attend the "Advanced Academy." It is just a mid-career course that teaches us how to be upper-level enlisted leaders. In preparation for this course, we have a "Gunny-Do" list (as only Gunny's go to the course and we have to have the list completed before we can attend).

Of course after all this schooling, there is the short vacation and then it is pre-deployment work-ups all over again.

Semper Fi,
m

Warrior Transition

2009-02-12T06:50:00.004-05:00

Sgt Garrett and I were the only two who re-deployed from PTT-3. The other fellas are still out there, doing AWESOME work.

We got home on a Thursday and got the next 3 days off. We are now completing a week of half days, getting our administrative, medical, dental and other minute issues handled.

Yesterday was Colleen's birthday and today is Caleb and Seth's birthday (and I am so BLESSED to be home for both!!!) Colleen is 29 again and the boys, well they are finally double-digit-midgets of 10 years of age!!!

Colleen got to go bowling yesterday and had fun doing her things all day long.

The boys will have their birthdays with us around the house today, will eat their dinners at Chuck-e-Cheeses and then their party is on Sunday (spoiled rotten I say, but we love them...).

After this week of half days, we are enjoying a long weekend for President's Day and then it is back to work as usual. Our courses start the first week of March and will last up until the last week of April. There are lots of things to do prior to this intense training and lots of ways to prepare.

I will write more on that later.

Semper Fi,
m

Surprise, I am HOME! 09

2009-02-10T06:19:00.007-05:00

By now, hopefully you have put most of the pieces together.

We finished our job down there at the I-PTT in Ramadi, so we were pulled back to our unit. The unit didn't really have further work for us to do and the Marine Corps has decided to make a career course manditory for promotion. These two factors worked in concert and our unit leadership took care of Sgt Garrett and me and sent us back for the courses.

At this point, we are here until the courses are over in late April. Following that we will take a little vacation and start up the next set of pre-deployment work-ups, preparing for fall.

Until that point, I will still blog about what we are doing and what we are going through in our preparations for our next little trip.

Below are just a few shots from the homecoming... I think you know most of the dialog!

Seth, Katelyn, Caleb and Dad.

Me and Sgt Garrett standing next to the "Angelic" bus that carried us home on the last leg of our journey. (Can you hear me now?)

Semper Fi,

Small Corps

2009-01-31T14:01:00.003-05:00

Just today I was able to eat dinner with a Major That I go to church with! He and his family are AWESOME and they are hanging out with our family on a regular basis. (He is doing awesome Danielle!)

Tonight I also saw a Marine who's bride sings in our church choir. He just got here and still looks jet-lagged....

Then there is a GySgt who was a SSgt Intel student of mine... got to see him walking out of the chow hall....

Then there was another student of mine who came up to me and told me stories of stuff I had taught him back in the day....

Two of the civilians working here were active duty Marines back in the day and were students of mine. Now they are telling me to hold on to their contact information for when I retire....

Seems I can't go a day here with out someone coming up to me or me going up to them and reconnecting.

It is neat to see the threads of our lives make a pattern of friendly faces over the years. Personal seeds sown then are reaping a harvest now. Sure glad they were sown with care and kindness and not with malice.

Semper Fi,
m

Sandbox Shoes (Camp Cupcake edition)

2009-01-29T02:21:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to give you an idea of what we are living in at Camp Cupcake... give you an idea of you walking in our shoes.

- Move into one of the kids rooms. Lock all the rest of the bedroom doors, bathroom doors, closet doors and deny access to the kitchen and all other rooms of the house.... Now send the family to live about 7 time-zones away. One more thing: we are going to move 3 of your favorite neighbors in with you, and I will even let you pick which ones.

- The bullet above leads into what you have... You only get two big duffel bags, one carry-on sized bag, one laptop computer bag and one big back-pack sized bag. Mind you, that is a lot of space, but everyone else in the room will get that same amount of stuff, and you have to be able to carry ALL of it at the same time about 50 yards. (That is how far we have to carry it to and from the helo's we have to move around in.) One more thing about the stuff. You have to have all your combat gear, including your weapon(s) and stuff which takes both sea-bags to carry and starts your weight off at about 100 pounds. Happy packing!

- You have no vehicle asset on this camp, so you have to walk everywhere you go... Other people have vehicles because, well, you don't know why, but they do.

- The good news is that all the food in your camp is free, except the restaurants... but you still have to walk and the nearest grocery store or chow hall is about a half-mile away.

- Your nearest bathroom is a quarter-mile away and it is a port-a-john. There is a warm, shower/bathroom facility about a half-mile away. Both are cleaned and re-stocked with toilet paper about once a week. You have to take navy showers to conserve water. That means you turn on the cold water to get wet, turn it off to shave or whatever, turn it back on to rinse off, turn it off to lather up or shampoo or ..., and then turn it back on to rinse and repeat as necessary.

- Your work is about a half-mile away and you get to work 12-18 hour days. Those neighbors of yours, yeah, they all work different shifts and need to get into their/your room every so often in the middle of their shift.

- The laundry service is free, but it too is about a half-mile away. They are open from 0500-midnight, so they have very flexible hours.

- About every quarter mile, someone is stopping you and asking to show your ID card. In every facility you go into, you have to show your ID card.

- Everyone is wearing the same uniforms, including you, for the whole time you are there. No one is wearing denim or colors or normal clothes except for civilian contractors and foreign nationals and they are not all that prevalent. At this location, there are thousands of people walking around, looking just like you, haircuts and all.

- The gym is also free and about a half-mile away. It is full of any type of running or riding machine and every free-weight or resistance exercise machine available.

- Throw your phones away and cut off your cable. You can watch the TV at the restaurant, but you cannot choose the channel. Your internet is now dial-up and even that is intermittent. There are pay-phones but they are, you guessed it, about a half-mile away.

- You are required to carry a pistol and 15 rounds everywhere you go and are required to clear it before entering any building.

- At night, you have to wear a reflective belt and/or carry an illuminated flashlight with you everywhere you go.

- Every 3 months you are going to move neighborhoods. It is OK, you are going to a friend's room who lives across town and he is going to go to yours. The trick is, we are not going to tell you exactly when or if it is really going to be 3 months or not. You don't know what the living conditions will be like there and don't know about the room-mate situation. Remember, you get to carry all that stuff with you too....

- About 4 times a day, you hear an explosion off in the distance, just for fun. You really don't know what it was or who was doing it, and it happens at random. Most of the time it is just Marines shooting things at a range or conducting a controlled detonation, but ya just never know.

- Helo's fly around at all hours of the day and night.

- There are no animals around and the only plants around are trees in random places.

- You get mail once a week and still have to pay all the bills. The good news there is you get a 20% pay increase.

As goofy as this life would seem, that is what we are living in over here... and this is much, much better than at the Ramadi Police District Headquarters. We (those of us over here) chose this life though, so we are all good with it.

Obviously some have it better than others, and some have it worse.

Thanks for all your prayers, and now you can have your master bedroom back!

Semper Fi,
m

Camp Cupcake

2009-01-28T00:27:00.002-05:00

Well this new place is only the latest of a continuing transition. I am now on an established base that is considered extremely secure.

There is a section of stores that has been deemed Northpoint Mall. In that compound there is a Pizza Hut, KFC, Berger King and even a Cinnabun.

This place is so comfortable that the Marines have deemed it Camp Cupcake. That is probably a common name for bases abroad that are just too comfortable.

At first I found that concept completely backwards. "Too Comfortable?" Is there such thing?

Actually, in a combat zone, there is. Creature comforts like these breed complacency and complacency kills.

Where Sgt Garrett and I were before, there was a constant sharpening of our combat skills. We routinely had ranges, reset training, radio training, and opportunities to practice combat convoys. On top of all that, we were doing the job we were sent out to do.

The Marines on Camp Cupcake are so engaged in their work that the additional training and practice never happens... but they are not so engaged that they can't make it to KFC or one of the other creature comfort locations.

If they had to go on a combat convoy, like Sgt Garrett and I did every other day, would they be ready? Would they have that sharp edge they would need to react properly in a split-second?

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we were something special or that these Marines are not doing their jobs. They are doing AWESOME out here, but the life lived here is so much different. It is almost like we were in a different country down there in Ramadi.

There are two out-door pools that the Marines here can use when the weather is right... POOLS!

At the Ramadi DHQ, we never unloaded our pistols. I haven't loaded my pistol since I have been at Camp Cupcake.

Hopefully my upcoming assignment will be somewhere I can stay sharp and still have a few of the comforts of home at the same time.

Semper Fi,
m

Mark's New Email

2009-01-26T07:11:00.002-05:00

mark.francis@cf.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
Here is Mark's new email. Send him a note, he has a bit more time to respond right now, and I know he'd love to hear from all of you!

Transition

2009-01-25T11:26:00.008-05:00

Well, the last two weeks have brought little in the way of mission accomplishment and lots in the form of little frustrations. Seems like every step forward is up hill and accompanied by two steps back.

As you can see, since the last time I was on here has been a couple weeks +. Since then, I have moved two times and am expecting a third move. Addresses are in flux and internet connectivity is sporadic and restricted. When I do have internet, the firewalls are always blocking the places I would want to get to... (Face-book, this blog, and G-mail specifically).

Since I last blogged, I have met Major General Mills and written about 46 pages of reports, taken a Physical Fitness test and exercised more in the last few weeks than in a long time. The pull-up challenge had to stop because some of the places we were waiting for movement to didn't have the bar... but I am now running again and getting faster each and every time.

Thank you all so very much for your prayer and support. I really appreciate them and your patience. I am now going back through my e-mail in-box and will be doing my best to reply to your e-mail. At this point I also have a .mil account, but don't have that address on this computer... Colleen, when you read this, please post that address on here if I don't beat you to it.
The camp I am on now is a polar opposite to the little Police station I was living at in Ramadi! Yeah, can you believe it, I was actually out in the city of Ramadi, one of the most violent cities in Iraq over the last few years. Well, the Iraqi Police have really cleaned that place up and quelled most of the violence. They still have their incidents, but so does every other city. Although we were really safe there, we were constantly vigilant.

The stuff we did there. Man. Daily I wished I could write about it and really tell the stories. Some of the stuff we did there still blow my mind.

Remember on 3 November when I thanked you for your prayers? Yeah, this picture tells a little of that story: (I will post it when the internet cooperates... but at least I have the text up, right?)
That is a bullet-hole in the ceiling of the hooch right next to ours. When the bullet came in through the roof, it was about 12 feet from where I was sitting. Sgt Garrett was on Camp Ramadi, but he would have likely been about the same distance from it had he been there. Apart from a little ventilation in the roof, the bullet caused no other known damage. We are assessing it was celebratory fire, based on the near vertical trajectory of the round. Where we are now, that type of incident is more likely to happen in the states than here (so no worries!).

We got to go to each of the 5 Precinct Headquarters and work with the IP's there. (I will post a pic or two from those adventures as well). We made those trips out into the city 2-5 times a week and any time we left the wire was a good opportunity for positive interaction.

We had to stay sharp on our skills, so monthly we went to ranges, got to send some rounds down range and review our standard operating procedures.

Iraqi police had negligent discharges of their AK's about 3-4 times a week. We had to re-review how to handle their weapons safely.

We worked directly with the IPs in the handling of their detainees and probably helped to prevent countless abuses.

We made a difference out there in that city and in the lives of those we worked with. In the words of our 1stSgt, we worked ourselves out of a job.

I will write more later...

Semper Fi,
m

Not Much Internet Access...

2009-01-15T19:39:00.003-05:00

Even though Mark's moved and he thought he'd have more time/internet access it is obvious he does not. He's doing well, just busy and working long hours. He'll get back on here, sooner or later. I just wanted to let everyone know that he's safe and all is good!

Back with the Unit

2009-01-10T15:33:00.003-05:00

I am now back with my parent unit, at least until they decide to send me home, and who knows when that will be. We are comfortably nestled into a base and relatively secure... much more so than we were before.

My internet access is very limited now though. Where before we had dial-up to share between about 16 people and had it for free, I share it with several thousand now and pay about as much as I do for cable internet back home.

Anyway, the connection is SLOW and the usage sporadic. Please forgive me for taking a little longer to reply.

My busy work has significantly increased and my schedule is no longer my own.

I will write more when I can...

Semper Fi,
m

Checking in

2009-01-08T19:31:00.001-05:00

Mark is doing well, for an update on his status, please click here...
www.combatcroppers.blogspot.com

Internet Access

2009-01-05T13:46:00.002-05:00

Due to Internet access this blog may not be updated as frequently as before. As soon as Mark gets coms he will blog again, check back often for further updates. You can also check updates on his status by visiting... www.combatcroppers.blogspot.com

written by Colleen, per Mark's request.

Car Accident

2009-01-04T12:38:00.003-05:00

A LtCol/Sheik, a Captain and a Lt that we work with out here died in a car accident yesterday. Two sheiks were also injured and are currently being treated in Ramadi General Hospital.

They were on their way to an election event and were hit by a truck that was traveling the wrong direction.

God bless their families and let them rest in peace.

Semper Fi,
m

Cpl Jonathan Yale and LCpl Jordan Haerter

2009-01-03T08:17:00.003-05:00

Los Angeles Times
December 29, 2008

A Speeding Truck Bomb, And A Shared Act Of Courage

Two Marines in Iraq saved dozens -- but not themselves. They'll be awarded the Navy Cross.

By Tony Perry

SAN DIEGO -- They had known each other only a few minutes, but they will be linked forever in what Marine brass say is one of the most extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice in the Iraq war.

Cpl. Jonathan Yale, 21, grew up poor in rural Virginia. He had joined the Marine Corps to put structure in his life and to help support his mother and sister. He was within a few days of heading home.

Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, 19, was from a comfortably middle-class suburb on Long Island. As a boy, he had worn military garb, and he had felt the pull of adventure and patriotism. He had just arrived in Iraq.

On April 22, the two were assigned to guard the main gate to Joint Security Station Nasser in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, once an insurgent stronghold and still a dangerous region. Dozens of Marines and Iraqi police lived at the compound, and some were still sleeping after all-night patrols when Yale and Haerter reported for duty that warm, sultry morning.

Yale, respected for his quiet, efficient manner, was assigned to show Haerter how to take over his duties.

Haerter had volunteered to watch the main gate, even though it was considered the most hazardous of the compound's three guard stations because it could be approached from a busy thoroughfare.

The sun had barely risen when the two sentries spotted a 20-foot-long truck headed toward the gate, weaving with increasing speed through the concrete barriers. Two Iraqi police officers assigned to the gate ran for their lives. So did several Iraqi police on the adjacent street.

Yale and Haerter tried to wave off the truck, but it kept coming. They opened fire, Yale with a machine gun, Haerter with an M-16. Their bullets peppered the radiator and windshield. The truck slowed but kept rolling.

A few dozen feet from the gate, the truck exploded. Investigators found that it was loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives and that its driver, his hand on a "dead-man switch," was determined to commit suicide and slaughter Marines and Iraqi police.

The thunderous explosion rocked much of Ramadi, interrupting the morning call to prayers from the many mosques. A nearby mosque and a home were flattened. The blast ripped a crater 5 feet deep and 20 feet across into the street.

Shards of concrete scattered everywhere, and choking dust filled the air.

Haerter was dead; Yale was dying.

Three Marines about 300 feet away were injured. So were eight Iraqi police and two dozen civilians.

But several dozen other nearby Marines and Iraqi police, while shaken, were unhurt. A Black Hawk helicopter was summoned in a futile attempt to get Yale to a field hospital in time. A sheet was placed over Haerter.

When it was considered safe to take Haerter's body to a second helicopter, his section leader insisted he be covered by an American flag. "We did not want him carried out with just a sheet," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Grooms.

Maj. Gen. John Kelly, the top Marine in Iraq, wanted to know how the attack happened. Like many veteran Marines, he is haunted by the memory of the 1983 bombing of the barracks in Beirut, when a blast from an explosives-laden truck killed 241 U.S. service personnel, including 220 Marines.

Not given to dark thoughts or insecurities, Kelly, who commanded Marines in the fight for Baghdad and Tikrit in 2003 and Fallouja in 2004, admits that the specter of another Beirut gives him nightmares as he commands the 22,000 Marines in Iraq.

He went to Ramadi to interview Iraqi witnesses -- a task generals usually delegate to subordinates.

Some Iraqis told him they were incredulous that the two Marines had not fled.

When Marine technicians restored a damaged security camera, the images were undeniable.

While Iraqi police fled, Haerter and Yale had never flinched and never stopped firing as the Mercedes truck -- the same model used in the Beirut bombing -- sped directly toward them.

Without their steadfastness, the truck would probably have penetrated the compound before it exploded, and 50 or more Marines and Iraqis would have been killed. The incident happened in just six seconds.

"No time to talk it over; no time to call the lieutenant; no time to think about their own lives or even the American and Iraqi lives they were protecting," Kelly said. "More than enough time, however, to do their duty. They never hesitated or tried to escape."

Kelly nominated the two for the Navy Cross, the second-highest award for combat bravery for Marines and sailors. Even by the standards expected of Marine "grunts," their bravery was exceptional, Kelly said.

The Haerter and Yale families will receive the medals early next year.

On the night after the bombing, Kelly wrote to each family that though he never knew its Marine, "I will remember him, and pray for him and for all those who mourn his loss, for the rest of my life."

A motorcade escorted Haerter's casket through Sag Harbor on Long Island, as residents lined the streets and wept and saluted.

Yale's casket made the 83-mile trip from the airport at Richmond, Va., to Farmville with an honor guard provided by the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group of former service members.

"He's not supposed to be dead," said the Rev. Leon Burchett, who did the eulogy at Yale's funeral and in whose home Yale had often lived as a teenager. "The casket was flag-draped but it couldn't be opened. There's no closure -- it's like we're still waiting for him to come home."

On Long Island, a bridge was renamed for Haerter. His high school put a flag from his funeral in a time capsule. His family set up a memorial website, www.jordanhaerter.com.

At a Wounded Warrior Project event, Haerter's mother, JoAnn Lyles, her voice breaking, talked of how she had hoped to do something special for his 20th birthday. "We now know that Jordan -- Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter -- was already a man, a courageous and brave young man."

Their battalions are now back at Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- for Haerter, the 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment; for Yale, the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment. In Iraq, both units were part of the Camp Pendleton-based Regimental Combat Team One.

Yale's unit was within a week of going home when the attack occurred. His death seemed to deflate its sense of achievement.

"The Marines were very upset and very disappointed because of the effort they had made to make a better life for the Iraqis and then to have this happen," said Capt. Matthew Martin, Yale's company commander.

Haerter's unit had just arrived for a seven-month deployment, and officers tried to make sure his death did not unduly distract the Marines.

"It's something you don't get over," said Lt. Dan Runzheimer, 24, Haerter's platoon leader.

"I wouldn't say it put a cloud on us, but it was always there. The men still knew what they had to do: You have to . . . complete the mission."

As both battalions train for possible deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan, the deaths of their comrades are still in their thoughts.

Yale was always trying to boost the morale of his buddies, said Lance Cpl. Brandon Creely, 21, of Boise, Idaho. "Whenever I was down, he'd tell a joke, tell me it's not as bad as it seems."

Staff Sgt. Grooms, 28, said he knows how Haerter should be remembered.

"He was a hero," Grooms said, "and a damn fine person."

This happened at a station right down the road, at a station just like the one I am living at. These are the kinds of men I am serving with. These are the kinds of men that America has sent to represent her. They are among our best. They are hero's. Remember them.

Semper Fi,
m

Iraq... An Update

2009-01-03T06:25:00.003-05:00

The New York Times published work from the Brookings Institute discussing their take on the overall situation in Iraq (http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2008/1229_iraq_ohanlon.aspx).

Their overall numbers can be found here:(http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/12/29/opinion/20081229_IRAQ_GRAPHIC.html).

They have taken numbers from November's 2004, 2006 and 2008 and compared them. Oddly enough, I was here for 2 of those Novembers: 2004 and 2008.

The numbers presented only tell a part of the story.

Just remember that Operation Al Fajr (the HUGE offensive where Marines took back Fallujah the second and final time) took place in November 2004. Large scale operations were executed during that month, causing not only high numbers of incidents, but also significant displacement of people. Their first statistic that discusses only 2,650 civilian deaths from war in November 2004 is AWESOME considering all the infrastructural havoc we wreaked that month.

The numbers addressing Iraqi Security Forces and Judges.... Those they had back then had very little training and were mostly Sheik's personal security details. The ones they have now have much more training and coalition support.

In working with the IP's, they seem to be taking leaps and bounds forward in some areas and in other areas they are not doing so well.

In general, they are manning posts and attending training like they should, but in doing the details and supervising those details to effective completion, they are still struggling. Delegation is very un-natural to them. They prefer the appearance of power over its application. They prefer the appearances of authority over its responsibilities.

That is all in general of course. Specifically speaking, there are many good, solid leaders who are there for the betterment of Iraq and are consistently working to achieve it.

At this point however, I am not so sure we Americans are doing much good. If we act to make a situation better, those security forces who should be doing that appear incapable, so we are undermining those supposed to be doing the job. If we don't act, then why are we still here?

Semper Fi,
m

January 09.

2009-01-01T03:21:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! It is 2009 and a good one it could be. I will be coming home, this year!

We are one year closer to.... you fill in the blank. Hopefully you have long range goals that you can aspire to attain or achieve that will complete that sentence.

Today is day 70 in the pull-up challenge. ... hang in there....

Semper Fi,
m

Address Change

2008-12-30T10:16:00.004-05:00

Our (Sgt Garrett's and my) mailing address has changed:

GySgt Mark Francis (or Sgt Victor Garrett)
2d Intelligence Bn, P & A Company
Unit 76650
FPO AE 09509-6650

We haven't moved anywhere yet, but have been instructed to have our mailing address changed.

Anything sent will be forwarded, but it will take a few extra days to get to us sending it to the old address. Please update your address books.

If and when we do change geographic locations, our internet access may change as well.

Thank you for all your prayers and continued support.

Semper Fi,
m

The Last Few Days

2008-12-28T01:21:00.002-05:00

Most of what has happened the last few days, I can't really talk about on here.... Sorry I haven't posted much, but we have been plenty busy and again, it is stuff that just has to come out in the news.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081226/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq

I can tell you that we (my team) are all safe and have had our hands in all of this, but that is about all.

The Islamic culture is very different from the American culture. Aside from the point that one revolves around a religious dominance and the other around a nation of religious freedoms, there is the point of where they put their faith.

Muslims seem to believe that God has outcomes despite our actions. (en sha Allah: God willing) In other words, if it is your time to die, you will die, regardless of what you do. If God wills it, your actions will be completely fruitless. You have no free will. You have no choices or decisions, or power to create your own destiny, it is ALL, COMPLETELY up to Allah.

Americans seem to believe that your actions allow God to move or prevent Him from acting. If you are in the right place at the right time, because of actions or choices you make, God can use you to accomplish something.

Consider the biblical example of Noah. Had he not taken that hundred years to build the ark, where would we be today?

Consider Lot. He actually bartered with God to spare people from a city God had decided to destroy with fire. Although he couldn't find the people he had bartered to save, he had choices and influence on the outcome, based on his actions.

There are many more examples, but you get my point.

We were training a few students and the question "why" kept coming up. We would tell them that when you think there is an IED in a vehicle, don't let anyone go near it. Get an expert to get on his protective gear and professionally disarm the bomb.

They would ask why all that was necessary. If it is God's will, that bomb will kill you even in all that gear. You might as well go up, open the car door and cut the wire, because if it is not your time, you will not die... it is completely up to God.

How do you teach someone with that mindset to be careful? I don't know either, but stand back... I think we have some volunteers to work on the Iraqi bomb squad....

Semper Fi,
m

A MARINE'S NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T14:23:00.002-05:00

I didn't write this, and it makes its rounds every year, but it is a good one worth repeating.

T'was the night before Christmas,
He lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house
made of Plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney
with presents to give,
And to see just who
in this home did live.

I looked all about,
a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
not even a tree.

No stockings by mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
on the wall hung pictures
of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
a sober thought
came through my mind.

For this house was different,
it was dark and dreary;
I found the home of a Marine,
once I could see clearly.

The Marine lay sleeping,
silent, alone,
curled up on the floor
in this one bedroom home.

His face was so worn;
it looked so serene,
not how I had pictured
A US Marine.

Was this the hero
of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho,
the floor for a bed?

I realized the families
that I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these Marines
Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate
a bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom
each month of the year,
Because of Marines,
Like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder
how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve
In a land far from home.

The very thought
Brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees
and started to cry.

The Marine awakened
and I heard a rough voice.
"Santa, don't cry,
this life is my choice."

"I fight for freedom.
I don't ask for more.
My life is my God,
My country, my Corps."

The Marine rolled over
and drifted to sleep.
I couldn't control it,
I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours.
So silent and still
and we both shivered
from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave
on that cold, dark night,
and this guardian of honor
so willing to fight.

Then, the Marine rolled over;
with a voice soft and pure
Whispered, "Carry on, Santa,
It's Christmas Day. All is secure."

One look at my watch,
and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas, my friend,
and to all a good night."

-Author Unknown

Semper Fi,
m

Classes

2008-12-23T03:22:00.003-05:00

Teaching classes takes a bunch of administration.

Lately we have been doing lots of training and you would think the hard part would be getting up in front of the students and instructing. Nope, even with the language barrier, that part is pretty simple.

First, you have the class preparation stuff that goes into getting the students here, getting the handouts printed, course materials updated, maps and gear assembled... and all in both English and Arabic of course.

Then there is the paperwork following the classes. You have to track attendance, monitor what was specifically taught on what days, who needs remedial training and when that will take place, what the students are retaining (tests?), what percentage of training is complete and what is still to be conducted, who is scheduled to teach what blocks tomorrow... and all that has to be done in both English and Arabic of course.

Then there is the certificate development so you can reward the students for completing your course of instruction. Those things are never right, even when you finally get the English and Arabic wording correct, because it should be done on better paper or with someone more important signing it or they want it presented by someone from their parent Precinct instead of the District...

At the end of the day, the important thing is that learning occurred, right? Learning is occurring and these students are all, well worth it.

Sgt Garrett is a consummate professional when it comes to this training. He is functioning as the primary instructor and it seems like he has been doing this kind of thing his entire life. He knows just how to set stuff up and how to prepare his class room. The spreadsheet kicked his butt initially, but he has that about nailed now.

Fawwas came back off leave and jumped right back into the swing of things. He too has been instrumental in making this training happen.

Semper Fi,
m

Throwing Shoes

2008-12-17T13:42:00.004-05:00

The journalist that threw his shoes at the President the other day has been detained, as you could probably surmise or read else where on the internet. Most Iraqis disagree with this action.

Most that disagree call this man a hero for representing the views of so many in Iraq on such a public stage.

Some say that this was a journalist exercising "freedom of expression." Others go with "freedom of speech" (although hurling a shoe goes beyond speech) or "freedom of the press."

To voice their dissenting views, crowds have taken to the streets of several Iraqi cities for the last few days, exercising their "freedom to assemble," and quite honestly, they are thrilled that they are permitted to assemble at all.

Here soon they are going to get the opportunity to freely vote for which ever candidate they want for whatever reason they want. Their little girls are free to go to school.

Isn't it ironic that the very man that made them free to do all those things is the target of their shoe?

When I made this point with a few Iraqi leaders here where I work, they tell me that Iraqi's can't live in a democracy. They need the heavy fist of a dictator.

The word Islam means to submit or to obey, implying that they must have someone to obey or submit to. This makes a dictatorship feel natural and a democracy, ripe with freedoms, feel like chaos.

What we consider inalienable rights, they willfully give up for a sense of direction or order. Shouldn't they be free to do so?

Semper Fi,
m

Instruction is seen as Punishment

2008-12-17T13:20:00.003-05:00

As a trainer over here, one of the things we have encountered is the negative stigma Iraqis associate with training.

Apparently, on one hand you have to be trained and trained well to become an officer (just like in any professional force) and those that are well trained are coveted human resources. That said, only those needing the training get assigned to get trained, so they are some how deficient.

In other words, no one wants to get sent to training, because it makes them feel like they are lacking some skill their commander was looking for. Once they get out of training though, they act like they are the best thing since sliced bread and know so much more than their peers... and quite honestly, they are treated that way too.

Wasta is such a weird and powerful thing over here. (Wasta is like machismo... that intangible thing that makes one person better, more popular, than another.) The opposite of wasta is humility, and humility is a VERY unpopular thing over here.

To admit guilt or ignorance is absolutely social suicide. Marines are taught that a straight forward, "I don't know the answer, but I will research it and get back to you" is far better than a wrong answer or a lie. Iraqi's would rather straight up lie to you than admit there was a detail that they didn't know.

That said, if you are getting training, then there is obviously a subject of material that you don't know, or else you would be giving the training, not getting trained.

Marines are taught to "know yourself and seek self improvement." If you don't admit, even to yourself, that you have an area that you need to improve on, you will stagnate and never develop.

From my perspective, training is not punishment. Training is constant. Training is happening every second we are conscious. Leaders are constantly looking to train those in their team and constantly looking to train themselves.

Semper Fi,
m

Passed Over...

2008-12-16T00:18:00.002-05:00

Well, I was passed over for promotion to Master Sergeant. Please follow this link http://www.marines.mil/news/messages/Pages/MARADMIN708-08.aspx and make sure you scan the list for anyone you may know. Some very qualified Marines got picked.

They were selecting 3 people from a group of about 20 in my field, and I was either not the most qualified or the three they selected were simply more competitive.

In reality, God promotes and God has timing for when we get promoted in life. I have no problem with his timing and will do the very best I can where I am.

Gunny is a great rank and I have plenty of work I can do from this position.

Semper Fi,
m

Day 50

2008-12-12T05:10:00.002-05:00

We are going to do 50 pull-ups today. I would say we are half way there, but that would only be in days....

As of the end of today we will have done 1275 pull-ups in 50 days.

By the end of the challenge, we will have 5050 pull-ups done in 100 days.

As you can see by the numbers, we are not even close to having completed half of the pull-ups for this challenge.

In fact, halfway is in about two weeks, when we will be doing 63 and 64 pull-ups. We will then have about 36 days to do the other half of the 5050 pull-ups!

Sgt Garrett is still doing his weight-lifting regimine and I don't know how his elbows are doing it. The insides of my elbows are screaming at the end of the day and I am just doing pull-ups and push-ups.

Semper Fi,
m

Christmas Tree

2008-12-12T04:56:00.002-05:00

We were not so sure how the Iraqis were going to handle us having Christmas in the DHQ(District Headquarters), so we asked a terp to give us their perspective and the perspective of the Iraqis here.

He did some asking around and the Iraqis expect us to have Christmas. In fact, they would respect us less if we didn't celebrate our own religious holidays. They don't stop celebrating their holidays for us and we respect their traditions... so they feel we should act the same way.

Iraqis see us Americans as Christians and they see Christians as "people of the book." They believe we follow the Bible and so they expect us to act in accordance with customs and ways that are taught in the bible. ... more on that later....

Here is a picture with SSgt "Crash" McRae and the Christmas Tree we have set up in the DHQ.

Just for fun, we are doing a "Secret Santa" this year so that everyone gets a little something. The gifts you see under the tree are ones for that and ones for the NCO's. The SNCO's got together to make sure the NCO's and below all got something too.

Hopefully this will help us all just feel a little closer to home.

We remember all of you and really appreciate all the love and support you send our way.

Semper Fi,

Symbols of Power

2008-12-09T04:49:00.005-05:00

In the book Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell, the concept of "thin slicing" is brought up. It is the concept where you make a split decision about a person or situation or ... basically taking a thin slice of perceived information about an individual or issue to found your opinions.

In the first so-many-seconds after meeting a person, you are able to tell if you like that person or don't. In the first few seconds, a cop or military member has to decide to shoot someone or not to. These are examples of thin slicing.

Back to my point. Iraqi's seem to really like an office, and in that office, the more TV's and phones they have, the more weapons they have, the more room they have, the more influential they seem to feel.

Really, what is the point of all that?

We silly Americans do the same thing. Rich people have to have a HUGE house, with lots of cars and lots of this and plenty of those. Seriously, how many cars can you drive at one time? Collectors... OK, I get that, but other than that, I just don't understand.

One of the Col's we have here, for example, demands new this and new that for his office. Not for the things that will make the office (team) more effective, but for pictures and flowers and the like for his office.

When something new comes in, he gets it and gives the leftovers to his men. When it is time to eat, he eats first and lets his men fight for what is left. When new boots or uniform items arrive, he makes sure he gets his before his men even know it is there, and if they get it first, they make sure he gets his first.

In the US military, it seems to be the other way around, in most cases anyway. The junior Marines eat first, get first dibs on the new gear, get the first days off... We seem to get the idea that true power empowers others. We seem to get that if we take care of our Marines, our Marines will take care of us.

Semper Fi,
m

Eid Mubarak

2008-12-08T11:30:00.003-05:00

Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid)

The Eid, as discussed before is a celebration of Abraham's faith and God's provision. For those of you who have had faith, God is starting to provide. The below is an article that really speaks volumes if you consider what was being said from Islamic podiums just a few short years ago...

http://www.euronews.net/en/article/07/12/2008/mecca-head-calls-muslims-to-fight-terror/

Mecca head calls Muslims to fight terror
CETWORLD NEWS

Mecca’s top Imam the Grand Mufti Abdel Aziz has called on Muslims to combat all forms of terrorism.

The declaration is believed to be the first of its kind at Haj by the religious leader.

During the Sermon the Grand Mufti also called for peace and tolerance.

“ Islam is a religion of peace, mercy and justice. It preserves all kinds of rights, among them human rights,’‘ he said.

Today, some two to three million Muslim pilgrims have been making their way to Mount Arafat to meditate and pray to Allah as part of the Haj ceremony.

Retracing the same route taken by Mohammad around 14 centuries ago, the faithful will pray until sunset before moving under night sky to begin the ritual stoning of the devil tomorrow.

With some worshippers saying they will pray for the end of the global financial crisis the climax of the event comes with believers walking around the Kabba in the Grand Mosque.

This message is what we are seeing lived out on the ground over here as well. People are acting peaceful towards us and generally practicing tolerance. HOPEFULLY some Islamic leaders from Afghanistan were on the Hajj this year!

Semper Fi,
m

Green = Money

2008-12-06T07:56:00.003-05:00

I was walking through the trash yard here at the Station and kicked an aluminum can. That made me think of the cans back home and how some have written on the sides how much certain states will pay for recycling.

...that got me thinking about Iraq and wondering if they recycle... that could be a way to get some of the factories going again here and get them productive. Productive factories mean jobs and jobs mean more money to buy products from productive factories.

...and that got me thinking about home and about how our economy seems to be struggling. If we started really putting monetary in developing "green" products and energy efficient technologies, we could develop jobs (and you know the cycle that starts up).

Oddly enough, I was reading through a Newsweek (10 November, 2008) that LCdr Bernstein sent to me (thank you Sir!!!). There was a great, two page article on this same concept.

The article talked about how much money governments were paying for this kind of technology (wind-energy, non-fossil-fuel cars, etc.) and how many jobs were being invented by forward thinking, ecologically minded entrepreneurs.

I asked one of our terps, who grew up here in Iraq, if they had a recycling system in Iraq. He said that they used to, but since 2003, it has gone away. We both agreed that it would be a good thing to get going again.

Then we both kinda sat there, nodded, and went our separate ways... the good idea factory was working, but we realized it would produce little results sitting in our brains. Guess I will have to bring that up next time I find myself visiting socially with the Ramadi Mayor.

...in the past, it has been the tree-huggers that have prevented advances in technology because they were concerned it would degrade the environment. Now it looks like they have a niche to make technology better.

Semper Fi,
m

Eid Al Adha

2008-12-05T10:58:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day of the Hajj. That is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and a time where Muslims travel to Mecca if they can afford it and attend services at the Mosques if they cannot.

Immediately following the Hajj is a holiday called Eid Al Adha. Muslims spend lots of time with family and give gifts. It lasts from about the 8th through the 12th or 13th.

Eid Al Adha is actually a celebration of Abraham's faith and God's provision in his time of need. (Genesis 22) God had told Abraham to sacrifice his long awaited son on an alter. He was just about to kill him (faith) and God told him to stop. Nearby, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead (provision).

This means that traffic is going to be crazy busy during some parts of this holiday and non-existent during other parts.

The Iraqi's I am working with have established a rotating duty position and started celebrating already. We are glad that they get to spend this time with their families in peace.

They know we are here too and we will hold down the fort for them, so to speak.

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. I write for my job and sometimes, after writing pages and pages, the last thing you want to do is come back and write some more... if you know what I mean.

Anyway, I am back on the writing kick and will start doing better, I promise.

Today was day 43 in the pull-up challenge. I am going to make the first set ATLEAST 15 from now on. I am also going to try and do no less than 10 on any given set. I hope to eventually work up to no less than 20 on that first set... but lets get to 60 first, right?

Yesterday our team took a little trip to Baghdad. Apparently they had fun and somehow enjoyed a 3+ hour trip in tactical vehicles. What a literal pain in the butt... all that gear, those rugged, armored seats, practically no leg or arm room... are we there yet?

I got to stay here and work, so no Burger King from Baghdad for me. I am going to try and get some pics from them from their trip, and I will post a few good ones if I do.

OK, I am going to go and shower now. Have a great weekend!!!

Semper Fi,
m

December 08!

2008-12-01T04:25:00.002-05:00

For those of you not paying attention to the calendar, it is now December... again, no matter how you slice it, we are now one month closer to going home!!!

Today is also day 39 on our pull-up challenge. I am starting to feel pain in my elbows, but that just means I am starting to work. As any boxer can tell you, not all pain is gain, so I will listen closely to what my body is telling me and adjust accordingly.

In order to lessen the pain, I am doing more sets with fewer numbers. I was doing 20 in one set and then finishing off the rest with a second set. Now I am doing sets of 10, a few hours apart. It seems to be working.

Last month started out really crazy and started slowing down there near the end. We are expecting things to get more active around the middle of December and probably slow down there at the end with the onset of 2009, the implementation of the newly signed SOFA (Status Of Forces Agreement) signed between the U.S. and Iraq.

If you follow international politics at all, you need to get a copy of that agreement and read it. It is relatively short (about 18 pages) and outlines what both countries are responsible for. There is some legalese in there, but it isn't too bad.

Semper Fi,
m

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T00:05:00.010-05:00

If a picture is worth a 1000 words, this is going to be a long one.

...just a few shots of Thanksgiving in Iraq.

Semper Fi,

Thankful

2008-11-27T00:49:00.003-05:00

I really am thankful.

I am so very thankful for my family. My bride, my kids, my parents, my grandparents, brothers and sisters... all of my family.

I am thankful for my freedoms and my brothers and sisters in arms who help me secure those freedoms... The sheep-dogs of society.

I am thankful for my up-bringing. We are a mix of genetics and experiences and I owe all of one and much of the other to my parents. You really helped to make me who I am.

I am thankful for my opportunity to serve my country, by far, the greatest country in the world.

I am thankful for all your support. You keep this Marine fed and smiling and I couldn't do this without you.

Semper Fi,
m

Iraqi Democracy

2008-11-25T10:56:00.002-05:00

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1861869,00.html

This is a really good article about some of the goings-on here where I am.

Democracy is being applied, loosely.

Semper Fi,
m

Happy T-Day!

2008-11-25T10:45:00.004-05:00

T-Day in this case being Tuesday.

I don't know why, but it really doesn't matter at this point. Thursday this week will be another Thursday here. Yeah the meat and potatoes will taste a little different, and we will eat together, but it will not be a traditional Thanksgiving.

Sure, we can give thanks that day, but we give thanks EVERY day God lets us keep on serving.

We will all stop and eat together, but we try and do that anyway, every day.

Family talk will probably be avoided, so that will be different, but that is because talk of family on that day would be painful.

Don't feel bad for us. We are doing just fine. Be thankful for what you have and that we will one day come home and spend weekly T-Day's (Tuesdays) with our families.

Semper Fi,
m

Flies, Flies, Flies...

2008-11-25T06:37:00.002-05:00

There are flies practically everywhere! They are just your common housefly, but they are aggressive and adament about just agitating the mess out of you.

We have done a pretty good job of keeping them out of the working and living spaces, but they are all over everything else.

There are bag traps, tape traps, and even this purple bait traps that we have set up all over the place to kill them. Then there are the Marines who are actively hunting them.

I gotta brag, I got 6 in one swatter swing!

Anyway, the weather is perfect and they are loving it!

Not much going on over here....

Semper Fi,
m

Emotions

2008-11-23T14:47:00.003-05:00

I don't like them.

I don't like the good ones and don't like the bad ones. For some reason, I think Data (the android on Star Trek that could not feel) had a real advantage. He could see things without emotions blinding him and could make decisions based on logic and not feelings. Spock was always so logical too.

Even the good emotions seem to cause pain or a longing to do silly things to keep a good emotion. The bad emotions... well, are there really any good or bad emotions? In reality, aren't they just chemical changes in the brain that happen based on sensory triggers and learned responses?

Spouses cheat on their deployed spouses to some how feel love or acceptance in their service member's absence. Service members feel jealous over a plumber coming over to fix a busted pipe. Suicides are the results of feeling hopeless about situations that are most often temporary and based almost entirely on emotions.

3 marriages are on the rocks right now because of either infidelity or perceived infidelity, and that is just out of 20 or so guys, in the last 2 months. 2 months? Are you kidding me?

Last time I was out here, a Marine suck-started his M-16 in a port-a-john because he was feeling lonely. It was a 7 month deployment... only 7 months.

Here come the holidays. People here either get really depressed, really withdrawn, or totally immersed in their jobs. Why? Because they feel or so they don't have to feel.

The love I have for my family makes me miss them, so without that emotion of love, I would be better able to focus on my work?

Emotions make it hard to survive in a combat zone. Fear causes hesitation and hesitation makes you slower on the trigger than your enemy. Care about your Marines makes you hesitate before sending them into combat at all, for fear that they could be hurt.

Trust is so much more logical. I simply trust the Marine to do his job because he is a consummate professional. There is no fear involved or love or compassion. Unfortunately some of these emotions cause there to be a lack of trust though.

Acceptance is not a feeling, it is a state of being. You either are or are not accepted. Let an emotion get in there though and now there are some that are more accepted than others and some that are jealous or ashamed or ....

Then there is God. God is love. Why can't God be courage? Courage is feeling fear and acting anyway. Acting despite a silly emotion.

I really struggle with emotions.

Most Iraqi's right now are doing things that are counter-productive because of some fear or another. Many of their fears are founded in reality, but that doesn't make them any more or less influential on the Iraqi's actions.

Law-men over here fear for their lives in enforcing rule of law instead of tribal law and sometimes that fear causes them to become corruptible. Innocent civilians fear for their safety in the areas al Qaeda has influence so they cooperate with actions against the Iraqi government and coalition forces. Fear of being considered a terrorist causes them to sever ties with family members and fear of family members prevents them from working with coalition forces.

Dude, this is the law. You broke the law, You go to jail. I don't care who your sheik is.

Women have lots and lots and lots of emotions and who really understands them when they get emotional? Half the time, they cannot even tell you why they are emotional, they just are.

Emotions lie.

How often do little kids think there is some goofy monster under the bed or outside their 2nd story window, when in reality it is a balled up sweater or the wind tapping a branch? I guess that would be imagination (not an emotion...) I will have to re-think that one....

They still lie. One minute we are feeling one way and the next we are feeling totally different while only our perceptions have changed, not reality.

(In case you are wondering, nothing has happened, it is just 2352 at night, I have not blogged for today and I cannot sleep, so you are getting my philosophical thoughts on emotions....)

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Semper Fi,
m

Eagle Globe and Anchor

2008-11-22T15:26:00.004-05:00

The Eagle Globe and Anchor (seen to the right here) is the emblem of the Marine Corps.

The Eagle represents service to our nation. It is right on top and carrying a banner with the Marine Corps logo on it that reads, "Semper Fidelis." That Latin phrase is the Marine Corps motto and means Always Faithful. Marines are always faithful to their nation and to her service.

The Globe represents world-wide service. Marines are found in every "climb and place where we can take a gun." We are at every US Embassy and everywhere the Commander in Chief goes.
Finally, the Anchor represents our naval heritage and sea-service. We started out defending ships. We still do that duty but we have also evolved to serve in amphibious and ground combat roles as well. The anchor in our logo keeps us founded in our sea-faring days and remembering our historical domain.

We are to be "most ready when our nation is least ready," (author unknown). Everything about our Corp revolves around service. We exist to serve. It is our honor to serve.

Semper Fi,
m

Two little Girls...

2008-11-22T10:33:00.005-05:00

Debbie Jacks is my brother's mother in law. She is a great lady with heart of gold.

Last time I was deployed, I worked with teams of Marines who had access to the streets and in many cases, scores of kids.

She sent me packages full of Beanie-Babies and I gave them to Marines who would hand them out to the kids. This was a way the Marines could make instant friends and show the kids they were friendly without saying a word.

Well, I don't have near that access to the kids that I did last time, but this time I do have a little bit. She sent me one such package this go round, and I am not so sure I am going to get all the toys out, but I am going to do my best.

On rare occasions, people seeking help from the Iraqi Police will bring their kids with them and that is what little time I would get to give them a toy.

On one such occasion, I noticed a man with his two daughters walking with one of our interpreters (Willie), as they were leaving the compound. I asked Willie about their story and if next time they came if I could give them a stuffed animal from Debbie's package. He was elated and said that anything like that would be appreciated.

Their mother had been killed by an insurgent's IED about a year ago and the man has had to quit his job to care for his daughters. Willie has been helping out ever since he met them.

From everything we have seen, the man does a great job taking care of them. They are always well behaved and act like respectful, playful girls their age should act.

Well, they came back and I was ready this time... only, I wasn't there. Fortunately, I had left some of the toys with Willie, along with some of the goodies out of some of the other care packages I had received. Willie was spot on, gave them the toys and goodies and then took their picture with a couple near-by Marines.

Thanks for all your support. You back home are supporting me and my efforts to take some of the pressure off of these people. Together, WE are doing great things over here, and I could not do it without you.

Semper Fi,
m

Day 30

2008-11-22T10:15:00.003-05:00

It is Day 30 in the pull-up challenge. Today I did the first twenty in a row, just like I would in a PFT, except wearing a pistol belt and my cammies. Then about 10 minutes later, I came back and knocked out the other 10.

This is not as hard as I was thinking it would be (said the man with most of the pull-ups to go). I really do think that the hard part is developing the habit and remembering to knock them out daily. The body will adjust slowly to the exercises, but the mental remembering and determination are the hard parts.

The day was a usual day. Intermittent, often distant gunfire was heard through out the day. We worked to get Iraqi's proper badges and filed paperwork. We set up mentoring opportunities for the upcoming week and training sessions for us to give.

Our internet was down for about half the day, but now that it is back up, I am back to blogging.

Sgt Garrett and I got into some relatively deep conversations today about values. We discussed the concept as it relates to different cultures and then different individuals we know.

Some cultures really seem to value human life (modern, Western cultures) and other cultures don't value it as much (Middle Eastern cultures and African cultures). We were obviously generalizing, based on our own personal experiences and not intending to offend, but making the link back to terrorism, tactics and military operations. You know, how some would be willing to be suicide bombers to further a cause and others wouldn't even get off their butts to support their candidate in a Presidential election. ...values...

We considered how one President valued public opinion more than another and how some Americans value material things more than others. We discussed what some would do for money and what money others would give up for things they valued more.

(There at the end of the conversation, we both hit each other in the chest, grunted and cleaned our guns, just to get back to our masculine side...).

Semper Fi,
m

Good, Bad and Ugly

2008-11-21T04:20:00.003-05:00

We have had the opportunity to work with several different units out here. Some of those experiences were great and others were not so great... we learned from all of them.

The Army's 194th MP Company... they have been nothing but great. They hook us up left and right with good logistical support, to and from the locations our missions require us to get to. The teams we have worked with have been consummate professionals, constantly doing the right things and making stuff happen.

The SeaBee det. I am going to leave the unit designator off here because the experience has been relatively negative. Their leadership seems to just come in, log into their computer and chill while their men work on important projects throughout the facility. There seems to be little leadership involved in accomplishing the mission. On one occasion, they were working in our hooch and left the doors open all day... FLIES WERE EVERYWHERE! Seriously, hundreds of flies. Try getting to sleep when you are getting bombarded by flies. We put up literally 30 sticky-traps for them and eventually it was livable, but we wouldn't have had to do that had they just used a little consideration. They come into the chow hall, eat a bunch of our food and then leave the place a mess. If their leadership were more involved, they could probably be a lot more effective....

2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. Great guys. What can I say, they are stretched really thin, trying to cover ground previously covered by numerous battalions. They are very supportive compared to other battalions I have worked with and focused on mission accomplishment. Their leadership is just what this area needs right now: firm, fair and determined to get different groups communicating. Their operations are effective and conducted as jointly as possible.

The IPA det. These guys are law enforcement professionals from the states that are the best in their fields. The US didn't hold back in sending these guys over. They are a bunch of solid guys who provide good advice to the IP's here on everything from investigations to effective patrolling techniques.

Semper Fi,
m

Colleen's Blog

2008-11-19T14:27:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don't know, my bride, Colleen, now has her own blog and she is doing a great job. You will find a link to it in my Blog Roll, to the right here ===>

Semper Fi,
m

Hooters In Ramadi!

2008-11-19T03:57:00.006-05:00

Not a real Hooters, but the restaurant in our facility is affectionately called Hooters in Ramadi. This is a picture of our cook, waiter and entertainment in the restaurant standing with CWO2 Nolan. Incidentally, he likes the New York Yankees...

From the picture below, you can see the single table, the top corner of the menu on the wall, the grilling area and many of the regular customers. It was taken all they way against the wall, so you see about the whole place, in this one snapshot.

The guys who run the restaurant drive in from Baghdad every week, just to run this little shop. That said, they make about $4.00, total, per meal, and that is what we pay, not their profits.

Yes, that is duck-tape holding their air conditioner in the wall. I am not sure how they do it, but they stay in business and they help us feel like we are eating in a restaurant, which gives us a little taste of home.

In all reality, we are not allowed to travel outside the compound with out three vehicles and a specific mission. It is not like we can just go down the road to a McDonald's or something and eat. We have fewer freedoms than the Iraqi's here do. I am good with that, because this is the life I chose, but some don't realize that.

It is an interesting paradox that soldiers so often give up the very freedoms they fight to protect.
Semper Fi,
m

Peppers are NOT Pickles

2008-11-19T03:36:00.005-05:00

Sgt Garrett, Metal (our interpreter while Yoda is on vacation) and I were having lunch with an Iraqi LtCol one recent afternoon. It was the traditional kabob, chicken, vegetables and football bread.

It was a typical lunch, but with Iraqi's, we have to be overly careful to be courteous, respectful and mindful of our actions. You don't shake hands when either of you are eating; you don't talk business when you are eating a social meal, talking with your mouthful is fine, as it implies that your social conversations are more important than the food you are eating; you eat with your hands and you share plates of food.

The conversations were great. We talked about families, Obama and Bush, current events in the US and upcoming Iraqi elections.

Somewhere in the important conversation, I stopped paying attention to what I was doing and started really getting into the points my counterparts were making... the problem was, I was still eating.

...tear off a piece of bread, put some meat on there, some veggies on there and stuff in face... repeat process until you cannot sit up-right any more and then smile and comment on how great the food was....

I like switching the meat between kabob (lamb) and chicken, and switching the veggies, alternating between tomatoes, onions and pickles. That way, each bite tastes different, for at least 6 bites.

In putting one such bite together, I grabbed the bread, put some chicken on there and put a pickle (or what I thought was a pickle) in there and stuffed it in my face. 3... 2... 1....

About that time, an IED exploded in my face and I was on FIRE. That pickle was not a pickle. It was a pepper. My eyes immediately kicked in and tried to water it out, but they were not helping my social standing in the conversation.

OK, it really wasn't that hot, but when you are expecting a sweet, dill-ish taste and you wind up with something resembling a jalapeno, it gets your attention.

I reached for my ... I didn't have a water handy... The LtCol asked me a question (thank goodness for Metal. He noticed I was having a little gastric difficulty and took his time translating.)

I had to use the bread and a bite of chicken to calm the fire a little.

The question was small-talk, so I don't remember it or my answer, but shortly thereafter an IP brought us each in a can of Sprite. That did the trick and I was back in action.

Although I don't think anyone but Metal and maybe the LtCol noticed, but WOW!!!

At that point, I took all the peppers off my plate and strategically placed them on Sgt Garrett's plate (he actually likes them).

Semper Fi,

Slow Progress

2008-11-16T14:33:00.002-05:00

Everything is going just fine out here. We are making our mission happen and adapting to the little things.

Meetings become verbal commitments to train Iraqi's and the training spawns meetings to discuss the degrees of success the training has had. These meetings become more meetings to discuss further follow-on training and so on.

Well today, we had a meeting on meetings. We actually discussed how meetings were supposed to be done... so it was a meeting training meeting.

Oddly enough, the meeting training meeting also scheduled training for tomorrow, so there will be meetings on how that training goes too.

Don't get me started about the reports that are generated about the trainings or meetings. Aye, aye, aye!!!

I guess there was some high level meeting going on today about the status of forces or something concerning our future support to the Iraqi people. Honestly, I am too far down in the weeds to really get much of what is going on way up there in the stratusphere.

I know Ohio State won yesterday, Iraqi men are still playing musical fuses, mosquitoes are still out and biting in mid-November here and that is about it.

Semper Fi,
m

Day 22

2008-11-14T01:54:00.003-05:00

For those of you keeping track, today is day 22 in our pull-up challenge and it has been really easy so far. It has also been very effective in increaseing the number of pull-ups I can do.

When I first got here, I would have been doing well to knock out 15, non-stop. Yesterday, I did the first 20, non-stop.

Sgt Garrett was pretty impressed and I was surprised myself. What I have learned so far is that the best way to get better at pull-ups is to do pull-ups. Lifting weights hasn't really helped me in the past, but this is really working.

Now they were not perfect pull-ups, but they were all the way up and all the way down.

For those of you doing these with me, hang in there... (pun intended). We only have 78 days left!!!

Semper Fi,
m

Jump Start

2008-11-14T01:42:00.003-05:00

Once again, the Iraqi Police have shown their ability to adapt and get stuff working.

They used two thin cables to jump one vehicle with another. This time, the cables were too thin, and there was no ends on the cable, just copper nubs, so one guy had to hold the cables right down on the posts while the other guy did the same. Finally, a third guy had to start the disabled vehicle.

I was amazed! These guys are crazy brave, messing with electricity like that. There were several Marines and probably a dozen IP's around watching this excitement, as were doing all they could to make the car start.

One of the Marines watching decided to be sneaky and play a little prank on the guys working to start the car (and no, I will not use his name here... you may know him). He crept up to the working vehicle and honked the horn.

Both men holding the cables jumped! The guy holding the cables to the dead vehicle screamed, dropped the cables and shouted something in Arabic that sounded like it had four letters in it. He then started chasing the antagonist around the parking lot shouting at him. By the end of the chase, everyone, including the Iraqi giving chase were laughing.

It was hilarious.

They finally got the vehicle started, and got it started without the use of an ambulance or medical team.

Semper Fi,
m

9 November Surprise

2008-11-11T23:36:00.007-05:00

So there I was, still drowsy from a relatively successful nights sleep, walking around to get to the shower and I hear this, uh, sound. Not so sure if it was my head playing with me or some Marine prankster, but it had to be the best sheep impression I have ever heard in my life.

I take the bait, glance to my right and sure enough, there is a sheep. No, I mean a real live sheep.

I gotta wake up!!! I shake my head a little, squint my eyes and look again... it is moving. It is a sheep.... in Ramadi.

Now I am not one for farm animals, and certainly not one to just walk up to some strange farm animal that I have never been formally introduced to (my mother taught me better than that) so I just walked in and took my shower.

After I was done, I noticed that a few other Marines had found the sheep too. "That your sheep Gunny," one of them asked. "Nope, not my sheep," I retorted.

We chuckled and pondered for a few minutes before we went about our separate ways.

Come to find out, it was one of the interpreter's sheep. He had picked it up to have, um, over for dinner, the night after the Marine Corps birthday.

Immediately I thought, "I ain't eatin' that sheep," and then I started thinking about steak, chicken, salmon.... CHEESEBURGERS..........

OK, I will give the sheep a shot... I mean I will taste it if they offer some to me. Although they never did, we did share some cake with them. It was a really good ceremony with some Marines I will never forget.

We cut the cake with a Bayonet! How totally fitting for a band of warriors, deployed to a combat zone, don't you think?

(That piece on the right was ALL MINE!) There were several of these cakes, so there was plenty to have for breakfast the next morning.

The Marines who drink got to have two beers a piece, courtesy of 2/9's SgtMaj. Those of us who don't drink were standing ready, just in case something went down... It didn't and all was well.

.... a sheep.....

Semper Fi,
m

Little Trip to Jazeera

2008-11-10T06:42:00.006-05:00

We were able to get out to Jazeera Precinct the other day and work with some of our students there. They are doing well.

This picture was taken in the entry way to their building.

It is their wall of heroes. Each is a picture of a Policeman who gave his life in the line of duty. I don't care what country you are from, it takes a hero to lay your life down for the greater good.

The Major I was with called them hero's, not martyrs, but hero's. He told us that they died over the last few years, fighting the insurgency. During Saddam's time, these men would not have been considered hero's unless they were from his family or tribe.

The IP's out at Jazeera are well trained and really impressed us with how well they did their jobs. Some mentoring on our part and they will be ready to roll

Semper Fi,

Happy 233rd Birthday, Marines!

2008-11-10T06:13:00.005-05:00

Today, November 10, 2008 is the Marine Corps' 233rd Birthday. That means that we have been at this profession of protection since 10 November, 1775! For those of you doing the math, we gained our independence, as a nation, in 1776... on the shoulders of some damn fine Marines.

My Corps started in a Tavern in Pennsylvania... how fitting. It was a Major who was the first Commandant and one of the best recruiters in history.

He basically got his recruits drunk enough to agree to volunteer to sit up in the crow's nest of a colonial ship and function as a sharp shooter from aloft. Can you say sea-sick???

The officers on the decks wore an embroidered design called a quatrefoil on their hats so the Marines in the crow's nests knew who to watch for commands and who to shoot (I mean not to shoot...).

The Marines of that time were called "leather-necks" because their collars were high enough to cover their necks and made of thick leather to protect them from the blades of their enemy's swords.

The blues uniform worn by today's enlisted Marines looks similar to that worn by our predecessors on the ships.

Marines of that day often had salt stains on their uniforms after they had been at sea for a while, so those that are seasoned veterans today are often called, "salty".

Our Corps is steeped with traditions and it is the traditions that make our Corps special.

Today we celebrate our birthday in different ways, because of our deployed locations. Traditionally, the current Commandant's birthday message is read aloud and General John A. Lejeune's first birthday message is read aloud. Then a cake is cut with a traditional Marine Corps blade (Sword for some and K-Bar for others). The first piece is given to the oldest Marine, representing the respect for our predecessors and traditions. The second piece is cut by the oldest Marine and given to the youngest Marine present, representing the traditions getting passed down to the new generation. Following that, all Marines eat cake and typically tell a bunch of "remember-when" stories.

US Navy Corpsmen (medical personnel assigned to Marine Units) and Chaplains are not left out and are normally, specifically remembered in our ceremonies. They serve right there with us.

These ceremonies have happened in airports, battlefields, training areas, ball-rooms, colleges and, well, just about every climb and place.

Happy Birthday, Marines!

Semper Fi,
m

Unrestricted Warfare

2008-11-08T13:41:00.003-05:00

Sgt G and I are reading through a book called Unstrestricted Warfare.

http://www.terrorism.com/documents/TRC-Analysis/unrestricted.pdf

It was written by two Chinese Colonels back in 1999. They are very predictive in their writing, and very close to being right on.

Reading helps to pass the time after work and get us thinking about something other than our daily grind.

This book discusses higher theories of war and suggests that the nature of war has changed. It says that war is no longer about soldiers on battlefields, but has become a rule-less, omni-present state of conflict where hackers and identity entrepreneurs use everyday objects wield power. ...1999....

It talks about thinking about war differently and considering EVERYTHING a weapon and EVERYONE capable of doing international damage. ...you know, relaxing reading before bed!

Honestly though, complacency kills in an environment like this, and a book like this keeps us on our toes. We have to keep our minds in a heightened state of readiness so we remain a hard target to hit.

Hopefully we will have it done in a week or so and we will be on to something else... I will keep you posted.

Semper Fi,
m

LIC

2008-11-08T11:03:00.005-05:00

Back in my academic days, I studied a concept called Low Intensity Conflict (LIC... yes, everything in the military MUST have an acronym).

I always had a problem with this term. In fact, my disputing this very term for about 10 pages got me an "A" on one of my papers, but that is another story....

Anyway, LIC is a state of conflict where most of the conventional combat is over... Iraq is a good example of what they would call "Low Intensity Conflict". It is not all out combat... we are not nuking anyone and could, the insurgents are not anyone we can really negotiate with, but are still an adversary we engage in semi-military manners.

My problem with the LIC term is that it is only "low intensity" if you are not the one in the fight.

In fact, right now, a military scholar could argue the point that we are not even in LIC right now, but more of a police action.

Read the following article: http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE4A71KE20081108 .

I would challenge you to convince the Iraqi Police that they are in a "low intensity conflict". Those officers that survived these men are giving their lives in this fight. Those families that survived these officers have paid an extreme price for their country and would certainly consider the conflict more than "low intensity".

Pray for the IP's resolve today. Pray for their families. Pray that these brave men continue to fight for what they believe in. They are doing great and their success is critical to peace in this region.

Semper Fi,
m

Changes

2008-11-06T04:29:00.003-05:00

Because we are turning more and more responsibilities and duties over to the Iraqi people, our jobs are really starting to change. They are changing for the better, as it the Iraqi people are becoming more and more independent, but the changes are not always comfortable.

Things we are used to doing and used to see through to the end are now being done by Iraqis who do things differently or are not as transparent.

It is like we built a car, by hand, and are now handing the keys to someone else and telling them to drive it away. That person can drive down the block, wrap that car around a telephone pole and we have no control over their actions.

I guess it bothers me because I really do care about how this all turns out. I want there to be stability over here. Peace and security of the individual Iraqi is important to me, and if the Iraqi government doesn't do this right, it means I failed, we are needed in this area longer and we probably won't be staying, which means instability and....

These changes are necessary, but it is frustrating to give up control of something you have really put your heart into, you know?

I see me having these issues as my kids get older too, especially with Katelyn. As she becomes more and more independent, I am going to have to start giving her the freedoms to succeed or fail on her own.

Back to the car analogy... I have to eventually give them the keys to a car and let them drive it off, knowing they could possibly wrap it around a telephone pole or worse.

I know they are going to surpass my wildest expectations and make me extremely proud, but it is that transition, that time of change that is the hardest.

I am safe on first base and safe on second, but very vulnerable in between. It is that unknown factor of will I make it or will I get tagged out?

There really is a lot riding on the success of the Iraqi government though. Mainly the lives of its people. Personalities drive so much over here, and it is personalities in power. I guess it is like that everywhere.

Pray that the system works and that it sets the innocent free and prosecutes the guilty.

Semper Fi,
m

The Results...

2008-11-05T00:02:00.005-05:00

Well, the results are in, and I am really, REALLY happy about them!!! Who would have ever dreamed??? Who could have imagined???

I have been waiting 15 years to say this, and it is NOW TIME! The time is finally here!!! Colleen and I have been married for 15 years today!!! (and you thought I was talking about the election???)

When we first got married, in November of 1993, we were so happy.

I was happy because I was marrying the greatest lady in the world. I knew she wasn't going anywhere. While I was in boot camp, she sent me letters every single day. We were engaged the whole time.

When we first got engaged, we told each other that divorce simply wasn't an option, period. It was either stick it out or die trying. With that perspective, we were determined to get by our differences and make compromising adjustments no matter what came our way.

With God's help and the support of our family (and quite despite the Marine Corps' best efforts I might add) we have made it 15 years and have many more to come.

I love you Beautiful!

Semper Fi,
m

Vote

2008-11-04T00:08:00.002-05:00

Today is your last opportunity to vote in this year's pivotal election. Make sure you at least consider the freedoms you have to vote.

I cast my ballot via absentee and hope that you will set a good example and do the same.

In a total change of subject, I decided to never use the lone port-a-john out by the parking lot. Iraqi drivers, specifically IP's in their own parking lot, really, really scare me.

In trying not to be predictable, I avoid routines. I walk to work at different times of the morning and vary my daily routines as much as possible. It makes me a harder target....

So on one such occasion, I decided to use the port-a-john out by the parking lot. It is not as clean, but this was a quick pit-stop and I would be on my way.

About mid-way through, I hear an IP truck come squealing around the lot and start making its way toward a spot over by the IP hooch. Through the little slits in the top of the port-a-john, I helplessly watched as this truck came dangerously close to hitting the flimsy plastic box that would have offered no protection to an incoming F-350.

Mere inches I am telling you, mere inches. It about knocked the port-a-john onto its side... this would have been really, really bad and my blog entry would have been quite different.

Anyway, from this point forward, I am sticking to the facilities closer to the buildings and out of the potential paths of incoming trucks.

Semper Fi,
m

Your Prayers

2008-11-03T09:35:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you all for your prayers. Today, at about 1600 (4pm) my time, they really, really worked.

You are the difference. Your prayers significantly impacted my life today and I just wanted to say thank you.

All is well, no one is hurt and it is a result of God answering your prayers.

Semper Fi,
m

November 08 Promotions

2008-11-02T01:19:00.005-04:00

Last night was daylight savings time for the US and much of the rest of the world. Iraq does not recognize daylight savings as of last year, so I am now 8 hours ahead of home.

It just seems like I am just that much farther away, but it is November, right? One month closer.

We promoted a Cpl to Sgt yesterday. He was nearly speechless in front of the formation. It is always good to see Marines moving forward in their careers.

Today the SgtMaj and MGySgt list came out. Only 3 MGySgt's got selected for my MOS, so that means next year there are going to be only a few who get selected for MSgt. I am expecting the MSgt and 1stSgt lists to come out here real soon.

We are doing really well out here at the station. We will be awarding 4 students with certificates of completion of our highest level of training. One of them will be certified as an instructor to train his co-workers on the skills he has learned so far. We will still be mentoring them all in their duties, but they are doing very well.

Seems like many are getting promoted and these advancements are bringing further responsibility.

We are doing really well, supported by the greatest nation in the world. We are accomplishing the missions involved with securing an unstable Iraq and doing it with honor and dignity. Our forefathers would be proud of our individual actions. We are representing you and representing them to the best of our ability.

Semper Fi,
m

NOVEMBER!!!

2008-11-01T01:32:00.002-04:00

No matter how you slice it, we are month closer to coming home.

It was October, now it is November. We have one less pay day 'til we come home. We are one more month down. It is Saturday, so that is one week closer to getting home too.

I realize that we are still talking about only having been here so long, but when you are over here, you gotta squeeze every drop of motivation out of everything to keep those eyes on the prize.

It is going to be a good day!!! We are going to make it a good day.

Today is 9 pull-ups and we are stoked and ready to hit them. Colleen had me do the math the other day, and with nothing getting in the way of them, we should be at 100 pull-ups on 31 January, 2009. We are going to have some serious shoulders (or serious shoulder pain) by then.

Well, the skies are blue over here in our sand-box! Have an AWESOME November!!!

Semper Fi,
m

Pull-Up Challenge

2008-10-30T14:55:00.003-04:00

Sgt Garrett and I are taking a pull-up challenge.

Seven days ago, we did 1 pull-up. The next day we did 2. Then next day we did 3. (not very challenging, I know...)

Well today we did seven, and we are going to 100. That is right, in 93 days, we are going to do 100 pull-ups in one day and the day before we will have done 99, etc.

I am convinced that this is going to be a challenge, but we are determined to succeed.

If we miss a day, we are going to make it up the following day ON TOP OF that day's pull-ups. So if we miss day 50, we get to do 101 the following day.... Lets hope we don't miss, right?

In this challenge, we can break up the pull-ups throughout the day. We can kip, change grips and even get a spot now and again.

This is going to be tough, but if we keep at it, we are going to have an easy 200 points on our next PFT. The trick is going to be to keep what we gain by continuing to do pull-ups after the 100 days is up.

Anyone want to join in, just start where we are (today you would do 7, tomorrow you would do 8) and keep up!

Semper Fi,
m

Musical Fuses

2008-10-30T14:33:00.005-04:00

Here I am, just minding my own business, trying to get back from the office to the hooch, in the dark, with my little flashlight and out of no where I hear an Iraqi come out from behind an IP truck saying, "Mista, Mista, you give me light?"

It is really dark outside, but I am slow to say no, so he grabs my arm and walks me over to the truck. He then proceeds to hold my hand up under his open hood and adjust my wrist to shine my light on the fuse box.

Relatively relieved that he didn't "want" my flashlight, I obliged and noticed that about half the fuses where missing.

This is a nice, Ford F350 truck, relatively new, and missing half the fuses....

He would grab a fuse from one spot, move it to another spot, get in the truck and try and start it. When that didn't work, he would repeat the process until the truck started, well, tried to start until the fuse blew.

He quickly jumped out of the truck, grabbed the fuse with the highest number on it and stuck it in that spot. Then he jumped back in the truck, started it up, got out and shook my hand. Just as I was walking away, I heard him get in the truck, pause, get back out of the truck and say, "Mista, Mista you give me light?"

Did he want the flashlight now? No, he grabbed my hand and we shined on the fuse box one more time. This time, he pulled the fuse out that started the truck and put it back where it was. With the truck running, I guess he didn't need that one there, but he needed headlights.

Sure enough, the headlights came on and he was closing the hood of his IP truck, ready to start his shift.

All I could do was shake my head. This was truly improvising at its best. These guys may not be able to run a country in a game of Risk, but they could probably teach McGuyver a thing or two about making things work.

Semper Fi,
m

Whacky Day!

2008-10-27T15:37:00.004-04:00

OK, this was one for the record books. Today started off just nutty from the beginning.

I get up (wearing shorts and a t-shirt) and need to get my uniform on. I slide my socks on, and grab my cammie top... wait, I am forgetting something... next thing I know, I am staring at my gun belt in my left hand and thinking, "I should really have pants on before I put this on..."

Control-Alt-Delete... I went back and sat down on my bed and laid out a plan for getting dressed. You know it is going to be one of those days when they start out like that, right?

At a quarter to nine, I went over and talked to the instructors that were supposed to be teaching our guys. They were ready. All was well.

At about 10:00, one of the students comes over to the office and tells us that the instructors are no where to be found (yeah, those guys who were waiting on the students at 08:45). Cue the Twilight Zone music and start spinning up the Gunny.

I go over to where I saw them last and they were gone. I looked everywhere they would go on our compound and nothing. Finally, as I am about to learn the rest of the story, here they come from the adjascent compound.

I asked them where they were and they said they were over talking to the other precinct guys and that the students had not shown up.

Of course, no one told me this, and no one had gone to their boss to ask where they were, so I guess we just call an audible and punt the ball away on second down???? Basically.

In getting to the bottom of this one, I learned that only one of their students had shown up. Some head-bumping and chest beating happened and we got it all figured out after a few thumb-wrestling matches and bouts of rock-paper-scissors.

While we were over talking to the 2nd in command of the students (because the Col was out of the office) we learned that he needed a new badge. We can work that out.

Sgt Garrett went and made him a new badge. On the way to deliver it, they see the Col is back. They stop in to pay their respects and tell him in passing that they are taking the new badge to his second in command.

Somehow this displeased the Col... Now you really have to understand the culture of the people to get this concept, and since I don't, I am not going to try and explain it. How in the world can you get mad at someone for helping someone else when they have asked for your help? Yeah, I am at a loss too.

Shortly thereafter, we make our way to the vehicles. We are heading to pick up some chow and run a few other errands.

When we get to the Chow-hall in our many-ton MRAP, we notice that there are two vehicles there a-head of us. We decide to pull over to the side of the very muddy and wet road and wait for them to get done so we can slide in there next to them.

(now think back if you will to my "Rain" blog)

Yeah, you probably guessed it, we got that buffalo of a vehicle stuck!

Yeah, those Army guys getting chow were pretty excited to see the Marines acting amphibious in a puddle, but we were none-too-happy about the whole idea of conducting a beach landing in the middle of Iraq.

Eventually, after everyone was bored with the show and the drivers Gunny had shown up and yelled at him, the driver actually got himself out of the ditch, somehow.

We got the chow and finished our mission without further incident, but what a messed up day! It seemed like we were getting frustrated at every turn. It was a Monday, that is for sure, and it is over.

You know that tomorrow will be better, right!

Semper Fi,
m

Group Shot of the PTT

2008-10-26T11:36:00.006-04:00

The Police Transition Team got together and took a group shot today. There is no way I will be able to get all the names spelled right and all that, so I am going to take the lazy way out and just stick them up here.

We have the MRAP in the picture because she is our main set of wheels around town. The HMMWV's are not nearly as reliable as she has been, but none the less we cannot get around without them.

Some of us in the picture have our eyes closed or hands in our pockets. We got guys lurking in the back, one smashing his face all up and a professional wrestler who could smash up any of our faces at will (Sorry Sir, just had to throw that one in there...). Some of us are confident and others ugly, but we are all here doing the best we can, especially the ugly ones.

Semper Fi,

Rain

2008-10-26T11:03:00.003-04:00

I think I posted that changing seasons blog a little too soon.

Over the last couple days, the temps have dropped and it has RAINED. We learned that our hooch is not made to be all-weather and it is far from North Carolina building codes.

We had some leaks spring up and they sprung up at about 0500 in the morning.

Our driving-range/dust field became a field of mud that spanned exactly the distance from our front door to the port-a-johns. What wasn't about 3 inches of mud was about 3 inches of water. Of course it is kind of hard to tell the difference at that time in the dark, I mean morning, when you are still drowsy and have left your flashlight right where you wouldn't forget it.

We have since built a path on some of the high spots so we can more easily traverse the mud/lake at any hour.

The weather finally let up today at about 1000. The lightening and thunder were spectacular. If you weren't paying attention, you could confuse it for other loud noises one would hear in a combat zone.

All is well though. Nothing permanently damaged by water, no one hurt and everyone is still mission capable.

Hope you are all staying safe and dry!!!

Semper Fi,
m

Football Evolution

2008-10-26T10:45:00.004-04:00

OK, so those of you who would read this know that I am an OHIO STATE fan and so you probably think that I am going to blog about their loss to Penn State. Nope.

Three days ago, Sgt Garrett grabbed a football from the COC desk and figured we would toss it around a little. Sounded good. I had to put some stuff down in the room and tie my shoes.

While he was waiting on me, he tossed it to an IP. They pitched it back and forth until I got out there. Well we are not fellas who like to exclude people, so we kept tossing it with the IP.

It wasn't long before a few others walked by. They would look at us like what we were doing was unusual (because it kind'a was) and so while they were looking, we would toss it to them.

Before long, we had probably 10 fellas standing around in a circle passing an American football around the circle.

I don't know much of what they said and they didn't know much of what we said, but for about an hour and a half, the pig-skin was our universal language.

At first it was a nice, easy, arching pass that they were able to handle easily. Then one of them made the mistake of rifling it at one of us. That was our cue. We started zinging it around the circle with some speed.

After a while, when one would miss and have to chase it down, then he would try to throw it from where he was.

Now we added distance into the equation. Most of the IP's had to use a cut off guy because couldn't throw that far (they didn't have the practice that Sgt Garrett and I have had...), but they seemed to like the long ball when it was thrown.

Long balls tend to stay in the air for a while... just long enough for one of them to try and get an interception from another one... Well you know how that goes. Then we are starting to organize plays.

We stopped short of picking teams and drawing lines, but that would have been the next logical step.

What a blast! We watched football evolve between a group of about ten fellas aging from probably 19-20 to, well, I don't know how old this one fella was, but he was having fun with the rest of us, and not all of us could even verbally communicate.

No one was hurt and in the spirit of the game, respect was earned all the way around.

Next time we will use a soccer ball or something like that.

Semper Fi!
m

"What is it about you Marines?"

2008-10-25T00:42:00.003-04:00

If you have ever wondered this, the following may give you something to think about. It was written by a very eloquent Marine Capt Gerry Porthier and written to Marines to help them answer the question. You know, we are a very odd bunch. Who else pulls off some of the insane stuff we are crazy enough to try? Enough from me, enjoy:

How many times have we been asked, "What is it about you Marines?"

This may help explain what we share that is so special and what we have lived that makes us remember. To understand, you have to live our experience, share what we have all shared, and feel what we have all felt. It is about Corps values, and honor. It is about character. It is about a shared experience that changed our lives.

The common experience starts with DISORIENTATION. The Corps creates a vacuum in your life. It takes away your hair, clothes, and friends, and fills it with a drill instructor. He says things like get off MY bus ... do it NOW and as you stand asshole to belly-button on the yellow footprints, your identity disappears. The D.I. gives you a short lesson on the UCMJ, and you learn that rights belong to the institution, not to the individual.

You will live in a squad bay and you will march everywhere. He speaks to you in the future imperative ... he says. YOU WILL ... and you do! He gives you a new language ... deck, hatch, head. It is a language that is steeped in a tradition you don't understand yet. He takes away your right to speak in the first person, and he takes away your first name. Your platoon number is what's important now.

Before your first meal you get 20 seconds to stow your gear, and you learn that the only way to get it done within the time limit is to help one another... The TRANSFORMATION begins. This is the culture of the Group, and its members are anonymous.

Although you don't know it, your drill instructor will become the most important person you will ever meet, and your weeks of boot camp will become t he defining cultural experience of your life. For the first time in your life you encounter absolute standards of right and wrong, success and failure. When you screw up, everyone stops, and they penalize you, immediately, so you won't forget.

Disorientation and Transformation are followed by TRAINING.

The rules are simple:
a. Tell the truth
b. Always do your best no matter how trivial the task
c. Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong
d. Don't whine or make excuses
e. Judge others by their actions

And above all, look out for the group, before you look out for yourself. During your training you are pushed beyond your limits, and you achieve. You learn to make excellence a habit. The common denominator among you and your fellow recruits is pride and accomplishment. Through your training you develop spirit, and you develop self-discipline.Y

ou learn the ingredients of CHARACTER: Integrity, Selflessness, and Moral Courage. And you learn the Corps Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.

These are your roots. The Corps is a rigid code that will stay with you forever. It will define your character, and it will guide you for the rest of your life. This is why there are no EX-Marines.

Once you can appreciate what you are about to become, you learn about those who have gone before you. You study our history, and learn the lessons of countless heroes who acted, not for self, but for comrade, Corps, and Country. Marines are about taking care of each other, always have been, always will. It is our culture and it holds us together. As you learn the history, you become part of the tradition. You have a new appreciation of your God, your Country, and your Corps.

One final element completes your training - you become a rifleman.

The magnitude of what you have accomplished becomes apparent to you at graduation, when you finally earn your title and are called Marine.

What you know then, in your heart, but what you can't put into words, is that there is something very special about this organization that is unlike any other organization you ever have been a part of. What you can't put into words, but what you know in your heart is that the essence of the Marine Corps resides with the lowest in rank; The Marine is the Corps, and the Corps is the Marine. ... Your uniform says it all. When someone looks at you they don't see the name of your ship, a unit patch, or a branch insignia ... what they see is a MARINE. That's all that counts! You are a Marine! It is what matters to you, and it is what matters to every other Marine. You know that you may never feel this important again, and you will spend the rest of our life living the code, and holding on to the feeling that every Marine is a rifleman and that's the essence.

But there is more to our story than our boot camp experience. There is our experience of sacrifice and our participation in the history & tradition of the Corps. We share stories and tell of the humor that got us through the tough times, but we also have stories we keep to ourselves, hiding the painful memories too personal to share.

Shared experience and personal sacrifice are reasons the Marine Corps is a Band of Brothers. It is the reason we celebrate today. The feeling you have when you become a Marine lasts a lifetime. Whether you serve 3 years, or 30, your experiences will never be forgotten. You will never work as closely, or depend on others more, than you did in the Corps. The Corps is your family, you can never leave, and you are always welcome back. You are EXPECTED to come back!

This shared experience, and personal sacrifice is our common bond. It is why we love each other and our country so much, and why we cling to our traditions. Our celebration preserves and honors the memory of all who have gone before us and it is an example, and a standard, for all who follow. In a time when there are so few proud and good examples to follow, when so little seems to count, our views, our beliefs, our PRACTICE of our tradition is, by others standards, EXTREME. We are perhaps all our country has left to guarantee that the principles upon which this nation was founded will survive.

Many presidents, and congressmen, have tried to do away with the Marine Corps, but we are still here. Why? The answer is simple - America doesn't need a Marine Corps, America WANTS one! Marine, you are the reason she feels that way. Remember that, and feel good about it.

"It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men."

Attributed to Capt. Gerry Porthier

Gear

2008-10-24T01:55:00.003-04:00

Just a few observations on gear I have, gear I wish I had and gear I shouldn't have messed with...:

Body Armor: ...weights way too much with all the stuff we have to have strapped on it (ammo, first aid kit, 4 different armor plates, the vest itself and all those collar, groin, rib-cage add-ons...). How the expect us to fight in that rig is beyond me. Simply put, we must have the ammo and first aid kit, but the rest of that junk is simply over weight. Further, I have read about tests that it doesn't stop 7.62mm rounds... the rounds fired out of an AK-47. In other words, the weapon our enemy uses will penetrate the vest that in itself will prevent us from fighting effectively. I know there is technology out there that would allow us to build a lightweight, 7.62mm round stopping vest.

Boots: The boots we wear out here MUST be comfortable or your feet are never going to heal. If they are not comfortable, they will rub sores in your feet and wearing them 7 days a week, 12-20 hours a day and you are going to be hurting. I am wearing a pair of boots issued to me by MARSOC. They are made by Oakley and they work great! They feel like sneakers.

Camel-Back: This is a great tool if you are going on a walk or going to put it in your pack...BUT if you are going to be jumping in and out of vehicles or if you are going to lean up against something, beware! I have now seen three different Marines soaked from the back of their lower body armor to the back of their boots because they were sitting in a HMMWV and burst their camel-back bladder. Then they had to patrol around doing their mission soaked from the butt down. I am sticking with the canteen/canteen cup/canteen stove for now, but will revisit this later on, on different missions.

Cotton: If you are planning on wearing cotton socks or cotton t-shirts or cotton... re-consider. Compared to some of the other materials out there, it is heavy, doesn't wick moisture well and bunches/chafes unforgivably. XGO makes a poly-spandex blend t-shirt that is really effective and is flame retardant.

Toilet paper: 1 or 2 rolls of the good stuff. Let the Port-a-John be out of paper one time and you will know exactly what I mean.

Lap-top computer: Have one with a DVD player and make sure you bring a universal power converter kit. It makes a great journal, even if you don't blog it; you can watch movies on it; play video games on it... it is just a good piece of gear. Oh, and I almost forgot, get the warrentee when you buy it, so if it happens to go tumbling out of the back of the truck, you can get it fixed by the company who made it... not that this happened to me.

Stay tuned for more on this later....

Semper Fi,
m

YRWSII Part 2

2008-10-24T01:10:00.002-04:00

In the circles I am moving around in, the theories seem to be the similar to the last post I made on this topic: $$$.

The Iraqi people I work with are mostly governmental employees, many of them officers. They are ready for "us" to leave, but want the money to keep flowing in. They want to take charge of their country and want to have things run their way again.

When we pulled our bases out of Puerto Rico and the Philippines, the initial reaction of the people was favorable. They wanted us gone. Soon thereafter, they started to realize how much money the US government and the US service members pumped into the local economy and then they started wanting that income back.

We spend quite a bit of money hiring Iraqi's as contractors to construct buildings and make infrastructural improvements while we provide security for these improvements. Both the money for these contracts and the security will go away when we leave and the people I work with all seem to realize that.

On the American side of the coin, it is going to be expensive in resources and time to get all of the Americans, over 100,000, back to the states. Now I realize that it costs quite a bit to keep us here and pulling us out will save some of those resources, but the bottom line is that we are still here largely because of money.

Doing things right the first time normally costs less than doing them several times. Paying now to only conduct Operation Iraqi Freedom once WILL cost less than paying to re-deploy the military generation after generation after generation.

This would have been a good philosophy to have employed back in the early 90's when we were here during the first President Bush's tenure. Had the military my father was in been permitted to finish the job, the military I am in probably would not have had to come back out here in the 2000's.

Don't get me wrong, I am not upset about that. It is water under the bridge and there is nothing I can do to change it, but I can recommend that we make it right for the military of my children's age. We are still here for the sake of their national treasure and their money.

Finally, the oil in this region costs money and the stability of that resource is critical. It is critical for the oil in Iran to be controlled by a stable regime as well, but that is another blog for another day.

We need to still be here to stabilize the Iraqi government to a point that they can fairly distribute the oil they control. We need to pay a fair price for a fair commodity, but that is not possible if there is no one controlling its distribution and maintaining order.

Nigeria is in the situation now where they cannot control the distribution of their oil. Bandits and gangs of thugs are raiding oil rigs and stealing oil by the tens of thousands of barrels a week and the Nigerian government has not been able to stop them.

In Sudan, 9 Chinese oil workers (yet another blogable topic for another day) have been kidnapped by rebels wanting to influence the oil distribution for a state that has not been able to protect it.

Nigeria's/Sudan's national well-being, to include the well-being of the rebels, could improve if they would stop all this non-sense and start allowing the oil workers to do their jobs. Iraq is in the same boat. It needs to have the strength in its security apparatus to control its oil distribution.

This disruption in oil distribution is bad for the global economy as well as the US economy and impacts more than just the prices at the pump. It impacts the imports and exports of food commodity.

Farmers in America or India or Brazil or... will not be able to sell their goods to the same consumers they were able to before if there are fuel problems that cause costs to marginalize profits.

Bottom Line: We are still in Iraq largely due to monitary reasons.

More will surely follow!!!

Semper Fi,
m

Communciations

2008-10-24T00:53:00.004-04:00

Communications have really helped Colleen and I stay married and keep our marriage strong.

We are always telling each other how much we love and cherish each other. That part is so important to me. If that is not manly, then fine, but it is keeping our marriage strong.

My nick-name for Colleen is Beautiful. Remember, nick-names are important. Words have meaning. She knows how I feel about her every time I call her name.

She gets flowers once a month while I am gone, and normally on days she would not expect them. If there is a birthday or anniversary in a month (and they all seem to happen while I am deployed) then she gets two orders of flowers because the one is just me telling her I love her.

We will be married 15 years on the 5th of November, and she has been the best gift God could have given me. She is a loving, faithful and capable lady who only knows the good in people. She is a true Proverbs 31 wife and an awesome mother. I could not do what I do without her support and love and failing to communicate this would be fatal to our marriage.

Beautiful, I love and appreciate you.
m

Remember Beirut

2008-10-23T01:07:00.002-04:00

The Beirut bombing happened 25 years ago, today.

Do you know where Beirut is in the world?

Do you know how long the US service members were there in the barracks before it was hit?

How many died in the attack?

Why were they there?

Were they attacking someone or defending someone?

Who attacked them?

Could they have prevented their attacker from succeeding? How?

Hopefully I have built up some patriotic curiosity. Me telling you the answers to these questions would defeat the point. If you have read this far, you have access to the internet. Read up on this for yourself and you will find some very interesting answers. Those who served then and there are some of my heroes. I strive to be like many who served then/there.

Remember Beirut.

Semper Fi,
m

A Change in Seasons

2008-10-22T00:44:00.004-04:00

Colleen's Aunt Sue wrote me a great e-mail talking about her deer hunting trip and much of it revolved around the weather. She mentioned a change in seasons and that got me thinking... I even walked outside to look.

It really is starting to change seasons around here. The sky was mostly overcast and that big yellow heat-tab in the sky was behind a blanket of low clouds.

Now that I think about it, that has been the case for the last few days. The morning clouds seem to hang around until about 9 or 10 in the morning and then the heat of the day dissipates them until evening and then they start to come out again.

The temps are starting to fall and it is going from an unbearable 95-100 degrees at night to a more reasonable 75-80. It is definitely fall around here now, but the leaves are still resiliently green under their blankets of dust.

Seasons seem to be changing around here too. People seem to be out and about more. They seem to be enjoying not being cooped up in the sporadic AC all day hiding from the energy sapping heat.

There are good things coming up around here and the seasons are changing. Evidences that we are slowing getting pulled out of Iraq are starting to show. General Kelly talks about it in this article http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,439612,00.html .

The seasons are changing and although change is not always comfortable, it is constant.

Thanks Sue for that great e-mail and I will reply, hopefully sometime today!

Semper Fi,
m

Seeing Something better

2008-10-20T00:57:00.003-04:00

Of there Marines that are here, one of them is looking to get into my MOS when he gets back.

About every other night he comes by and we go over academic concepts that will eventually help him get through the school if the Marine Corps lets him switch. It is a really good deal for him as he will be looking at a bonus of about $76,000.00 when he completes the school. That bonus would make a welcomed impact on any young Marine, especially in times like this.

He seems really motivated to learn and very interested in our job. They are constantly taxi-ing people around and then waiting for a few hours for a meeting to end, just to ferry them somewhere else waiting for a briefing to end. At one point during his last trip out here, he kinda asked himself if wanted to be the one ferrying or getting ferried. His answer is obvious, so he started asking questions about how to be that latter guy.

The people giving the briefs were in my field, so he asked a career planner on Camp Lejeune what needed to happen to lat move into another MOS. He got screened and approved.

Now it is just a matter of getting back to Lejeune and heading off to school.

Why don't the Iraqi's get that.

Some of the Iraqi staff I was working with had a conversation the other day. We discussed how Iraq had everything it needed (except security) to get back on its feet itself. We all agreed that we (the Americans) were just here to help Iraq stay secure and train its security forces long enough to help everything else get back on its feet.

During this discussion, and I think I mentioned this part previously, we talked about Iraq needing a strong dictatorial hand to lead the people, and that the people didn't know how to act free. Basically, they were saying they wanted a Saddam Hussein-like authority figure back in power to control things.

This leads me back to the Marine who sees something better, wants something better and takes action to get something better when that improvement is offered.

Iraq as a nation is rejecting personal freedoms by clinging to the hope that a dictator will emerge from after the Americans leave.

I would suggest that maybe they don't see what we have (freedom) as better than tyrany, but is that possible? They have western TV (I have seen it), internet (I have seen that they have it) and examples right here in front of them.

Semper Fi,
m

Missing Family Time

2008-10-19T06:41:00.002-04:00

It is days like today that I really miss my family. We really enjoy going to church together and being around like-minded people.

There are not too many people who think more like you than your nuclear family (those family members that you live with) and going to a church week after week develops a church family of very like-minded people as well.

I picture Katelyn picking out clothes. She is so proud of her selection and comes out to show Mommy, only to learn that her orange shirt does not match her purple pants and probably won't for a few more years.

Colleen has to stop what she is doing and work her way back to help them out and as she does she finds Seth emptying the last bit of tooth-paste onto his toothbrush. She gets him the replacement tube and continues on to help Katelyn.

On her way, she helps Caleb get his tie tied and adjust his mo-hawk (he really does have one you know) and notices their "piggy-bank" which reminds her to pay them their allowance so they can tithe today... that is more important, so she races back to the kitchen to get their money from our allowance jar.

By the time she has their allowance straightened out, Katelyn has fixed her outfit and now has on something cute and appropriate.

One by one the kids come out, ready, and all of them sit down for breakfast.

It is a crazy Sunday morning, but one I miss being a part of. We all know what has to be done and just seem to do it to the best of our abilities to help the family get where it needs to be. Sometimes it needs some extra pushing and sometimes it needs to slow down and relax a bit.

My morning was relatively the same. Meeting preparation followed by meeting, followed by meeting recovery and documentation, followed by a social lunch, followed by ... well, more routine kinds of things.

The difference was that it was with people we are convinced are not all of the same mind. Even among the Iraqi professional colleagues in the room, many differ in their motives, agenda's and objectives. Most of the Marines in the meeting had varying missions and ideas of how things should be.

It was almost like a huge game of chess where 20 people all have pieces on the table and each persons objective is to "win." Alliances of convenience and short duration form, but only until temporary objectives are met.

I miss the little girl hugs my daughter would bring me. I miss the "nuckle-bumps" my boys would exchange with me. I miss my brides goodmorning embrace.

It is Sunday. Dog-gone-it, I miss Mexican food and football!

...Sorry about that out-burst, I just miss home.

Semper Fi,
m

Beautiful Morning

2008-10-18T00:51:00.002-04:00

The sun is up here in Ramadi. The sky has that light blue tint to it of clean clear air and the sun is just starting to warm the 63 degree air.

The cats are playing with a dust bunny (no wait, that is one of the kittens) out in our dirt yard and the pigeons are searching for something up in one of the two palm trees next to the building across the way.

Our Iraqi students are going to be here for the first day of their week, ready to learn. Friday is their day off. Now don't get all concerned thinking they get only one day off. Friday is like their Sunday, and that is the day all of them expect to have off.

Our students split their six day work week. Half of them work Saturday through Monday and take Tuesday through Friday off while the other half of them work from Tuesday through Thursday and take Friday through Monday off. By the way, they work from 9am through 3pm on a long work day.

I know at this point you are saying that is a pretty sweet deal, an 18 hour work week and all, but when your division of the government doesn't have a budget to pay you from, and you are working for very little money, even 18 hours a week seems a little much.

Anyway, it is back to work for Sgt Garrett, Yoda and me, so have a wonderful weekend!!!

Semper Fi,
m

Why Are We Still In Iraq? (YRWSII?) Part I

2008-10-17T16:33:00.003-04:00

Philosophy was never my strong suite as a kid. In fact, it was the only college course I ever withdrew from due to a complete lack of interest. (Winter Term of 1993... remember that one Mom?)

That said, I am going to do my best here with what I have, philosophically speaking.

Further, I am going to get the opinion of some of the Iraqi people here (with Yoda's help of course) as to why they think we are still in Iraq.

I am also going to ask some Marines why they think we are still in Iraq.

Hopefully, you will comment discussing why you think we are in Iraq.

There will be some humor thrown in here about what other people (politicians and the like) would say or have said about why we are still in Iraq.

We can get some devil's advocate going on why we should NOT be in Iraq.

And eventually, maybe we can figure out that this is all just academic and a good way to stay connected while 7 time zones apart... or not.

Now I realize that there are already lots and LOTS of blogs out there on this topic, but this one is mine and it is keeping me sane! I promise to do my best to keep each part original, short and bearable.

My Mom e-mailed me a story today and gave me permission to use it. I am going to take a little liberty here and omit the last little part of it, just for the sake of staying on topic:

Once upon a time there were 2 neighbors. One neighbor was injured and the other, out of kindness brought meals every day. After about 6 months, the injury was healed and the kind neighbor saw that the injured neighbor no longer needed the meals. However, when the kind neighbor stopped supplying the meals, the injured neighbor became irate demanding his free meals.....

From my perspective, we are in our 5th month of handing Iraq it's free meals. We are getting closer and closer to month 6 and we are telling them in advance that they need to do their part with the last few weeks of free food to get a new job and start feeding themselves.

In fact, my job here is an example of the US going that extra mile and teaching them the skills they may not have to feed themselves here in a few "weeks."

I think there are numerous reasons we are still in Iraq, but using the illustration of the story above, we are still here because our injured neighbor is still healing... but it is month 5.

I have lots more to share on this and am interested in your comments!!! Please let me know when you send them if you would like them posted or just want to share them with me. I will respect your wishes.

Semper Fi,
m

Don't Feed the Cats

2008-10-16T03:18:00.002-04:00

We have this mother cat with her 2 (used to be 3) kittens who hangs around the make-shift chow hall at night begging for scraps. There are probably another 6 cats that hang around the yard that are just way too skittish to go near the chow-hall.

The Marines always try to sneak the cats scraps and when we catch them doing it, we have to tell them not to feed the cats or kittens.

I am not sure who is more pitiful, the Marines when we scold them for feeding the poor little kittens and mother cat or the kittens themselves, but they don't see the whole picture.

First off, it is the rules, plain and simple. Coalition forces are forbidden from turning strays into pets. It is the rules for a reason though.

When you feed these cats, they often lose their killer instincts to kill the mice and pests that otherwise spread disease. Losing that instinct will cause them to starve to death later. Besides that, they or their parasites are often the carriers of disease, so it is a bad idea to have them around.

The reason I have learned though seems to carry a little more weight than the flimsy "rules" excuse that seems to smack of a, "because I said so" mentality.

One of the Iraqi Policemen asked if he could go into the chow-hall and have dinner. He knew it was against the rules, but the Marine he was asking was feeding a cat. When the Marine said no, he asked him why the cat could get fed from the chow-hall but not the Iraqi Police.

Thinking quickly, the Marine turned and replied, "pork."

Although the Marine won that battle (the Iraqi Policeman immediately ended the conversation and walked away) he completely missed the point. That Marine just put the value of the cat's full stomach above the value of the Iraqi Policeman's full stomach.

Be assured, that Iraqi Policeman went back and told his peers that the cats were now unclean (as they had consumed pork) and that the Marines care more for the cats than for the Iraqi's. Do you think that story stopped there?

I don't think that the results of that little exchange will cause US mission failure, but it certainly causes us to work harder for progress.

The Marines who stock the chow-hall have limited funds to keep food in it and only get enough food to replace what the number of Marines on hand would eat in a given time. That said, we don't get enough rations for all the Iraqi's here to eat from our chow-hall.

Here again, if we do start getting enough rations, they will stop requesting from their Iraqi higher headquarters the food rations they are getting from us. Like the cat, they will lose the instinct or the need to get food of their own, from their own sources.

Isn't it crazy how feeding a few hungry cats can have such resounding, strategic effects.

Don't feed the Cats.

Semper Fi,
m

Sick

2008-10-15T00:11:00.003-04:00

Please forgive my delay in posting, but my digestive tract has been very angry with me lately. It is liquefying everything that made it by my stomach and rejecting everything else. (I am really trying to convey an idea gently but know of not too many other ways to say it).

Needless to say, I have been out of commission lately, but I am back on my feet now.

According to Doc, it is a virus. He said one of his SSgt's got it about a day before I started showing symptoms. Lets hope it ends with my, right?

Sgt Garrett and Fawwas were great. Sgt Garrett did both our jobs for a day and Fawwaz was there to keep shoving food down me. That man knows probably 5 different languages and several more dialects but "no thank you" is not in any of them. I am telling you, Colleen hand-picked him to take care of me and keep me out of trouble, but I am not sure how she did it.

Well, I feel better today and should be back to 100% within a day or two.

I hope you are all safe and healthy.

Semper Fi,
m