Regimental Combat Team 1

To our friends, families, and all those who support us...

2009-01-24T01:55:00.000-08:00

Well everyone, our tour has come to an end. We, Regimental Combat Team 1, have accomplished a lot over the last year. Just see our last post to learn more about that. But none of it would have been possible without the great support of our friends, families and everyone else who has our backs there in the U.S. We have received countless care packages, letters, e-mails and other gestures of support throughout this tour and we owe our fondest gratitude to you all.

We are on our way home now and we look forward to arriving back on U.S. soil. We have missed the everyday luxuries that we sometimes forget about until we don't have them anymore, especially spending time with our loved ones. Deployments are always difficult on everyone, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we are proud to serve you, the great citizens of the United States of America.

Again, thank you all for your support. Please continue to visit us on our stateside Web site www.i-mef.usmc.mil/div/1mar/default.asp.

Semper Fidelis

Regimental Combat Team 1 completes third Iraq tour

2009-01-19T02:23:00.000-08:00

Story by SSgt. Joshua S. Higgins

RAMADI, Iraq (January 20, 2009) – Marines with Regimental Combat Team 1 turned another page in the history books, completing the regiment’s third tour in Iraq in only four years, Jan. 20.

RCT-1 was the first Marine Corps unit to take command in the eastern region of al Anbar Province, a mostly Sunni tribal area that includes such vital cities as Fallujah, Saqlawiyah and Karmah.

It is also one of the Corps’ only units to participate in the march up through Baghdad in 2003 and in both Operation Vigilant Resolve and Operation al Fajr in Fallujah in 2004, where they saw some of the heaviest combat of the war in Iraq.

The regiment again took command of the province’s eastern region 12 months ago, and jumped on a wave of momentum set by its predecessors during the last few years to continue the region’s advancements in security, development and governance.

The Marines have seen a lot of positive change since they started their tour. When they arrived the Anbar Awakening had reached its pinnacle, the troop surge was still in effect and al Qaeda was beginning its decline.

Security in al Anbar Province and throughout Iraq had improved enough by early summer to begin drawing down Coalition forces.

In March, the regiment had taken over security in Ramadi, a city of nearly 1.2 million people, and its area of operations grew 5,200 square miles, twice its original size. Since then, its number of forces was reduced from approximately 8,600 early in the deployment to only about 3,800 today.

The challenge in growing geographically while reducing personnel was maintaining momentum, according to Col. Lewis A. Craparotta, the regiment’s commander.

Yet on Sept. 1, the regiment handed over control of security in the region to the Government of Iraq following the notable Provincial Iraqi Control ceremony in Ramadi, Aug. 26, during which local Iraqi leaders signed a Command and Control Memorandum of Understanding.

The success the regiment is having on the battlefield today is the result of five years of Coalition forces’ sacrifices, but a lot of credit should also go to Iraqi security forces and the military training teams who trained them.

Iraq’s army and police units have grown from a “fledgling police and military force to a fully capable and operational counterinsurgency force in an amazingly short amount of time,” according to Maj. Tony Barrett, the RCT-1 intelligence officer.

“Al Anbar has not had this good of an outlook in the millennia-long history of its people,” said Barrett. “There are constantly improving essential services, increasing political rivalries that are not turning violent, multiple internal and foreign investment firms looking to invest in al Anbar and a sustained reduction in violence that is making this all possible.”

To support reconstruction efforts in al Anbar, RCT-1 has spent over $50 million in aid spanning a range of projects from repairing battle-damaged buildings to purchasing school supplies.

Capt. Emily Grant, the embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team liaison officer with RCT-1, said money the regiment put into the local economy has spurred the economic recovery eastern al Anbar is experiencing today.

“This economic recovery is evident to anyone driving down a city street,” said Grant. “Construction companies are rebuilding privately-owned buildings, restaurants are opening daily, auto-repair shops are doing brisk business and billboards are advertising all sorts of goods for sale. The economy has really taken off.”

Some of the money, she said, has also supported small business owners who often face significant financial difficulties. The regiment has provided $90 thousand in grants to supplement business loans when traditional banks have been unwilling to lend.

To solve the loan problem, RCT-1 worked closely with the United States Agency for International Development to expand branches of the Al Takadum micro-finance agency into Fallujah and Ramadi.

But the aid RCT-1 and other Coalition forces have provided was not handed over without holding the Iraqi government accountable.

Marines have been meeting twice weekly with essential services managers at al Anbar’s provincial government center, and USAID has provided training programs, technical expertise and budgeting software to improve their budget planning and spending.

“Budget planning and budget execution is, in my opinion, the key to Iraq’s future,” said Grant.

Part of the budget problem has also been ethno-sectarian struggles between al Anbar and the rest of Iraq, which has led to gross underfunding of the region by the central government.
Coalition forces are hoping upcoming elections throughout Iraq will help to solve some of the budget problems.

“Eastern al Anbar needs to be able to secure funding from the national government to enable industrial reconstruction that will offer jobs to all of its people as well as people from outside Anbar,” said Barrett. “But I think great hope exists in the upcoming (provincial) elections and next year’s national elections.”

Iraq’s provincial elections are scheduled to take place Jan. 31, a short time after Marines with RCT-1 have made their way home to reunite with friends and family in the U.S.

Though they are leaving Iraq behind, possibly for the last time, their efforts and sacrifices will live on.

“While this deployment may be closing the Iraq chapter in RCT-1’s illustrious history there is much we can look back on and be proud of,” said Barrett. “We continue to mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters we have lost on the battlefields and we can honestly say that they did not die in vain; the Marines and sailors of RCT-1 served their memory well and there are literally hundreds of thousands of Iraqis that have their sacrifice to thank as they look towards a bright and prosperous future.”

Generous donations help keep Karmah children warm during winter

2009-01-13T23:40:00.000-08:00

Photos and story by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

KARMAH, Iraq (January 6, 2009) – Marines of Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, distributed shoes and cold-weather jackets to children living in Karmah, Iraq, Jan. 6.

During Karmah’s coldest months, ranging from 60 degrees during the day to freezing temperatures after dusk, many children are without winter apparel and some even without shoes on their feet.

The battalion’s chaplain, Navy Lt. Brandon Harding, a 38-year-old from Kailua, Hawaii, with 1st Bn., 3rd Marines, initiated the effort to help Karmah’s less fortunate youth, contacting various organizations and non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. to help donate clothing several months ago at the beginning of the winter season.

The clothing drive was the fifth the battalion has coordinated, donating approximately 4,500 pounds of clothing overall.

“The response has been overwhelming,” Harding said. “It’s amazing to see how generous Americans are. Hopefully it helps [Iraqi people] see we’re good people.”

Iraqi children lined up by the dozens, patiently waiting to receive a pair of shoes and a jacket to combat the biting cold at sundown.

The children were more than enthusiastic and could not stop smiling and thanking the Marines and sailors for the valued donations.

“It’s very good,” said Hamid Naief, a father of seven residing in central Karmah. “From the first time [Coalition forces] got here, things have been very good. This shows the generosity first hand.”

Naief said even as the city’s economic situation slowly improves, it is still difficult to afford clothing for his children and he can not say enough about how much the donation helps his family at such pivotal time.

“We need it so much,” he said. “I do not like seeing the kids go to school or to play with bare feet and without jackets. The Americans helping us means so much. They are our friends and we thank them.”

Aside from the countless children walking off with new shoes and coats, modeling to their friends their newfound spoils, the clothing drive further promotes relationships with Karmah’s citizens.

Marines trained in urban warfare performed a completely unrelated task assuming the role of shoe-salesmen and fashion consultant by helping groups of young children select different shoes, mindful of complementary colors for their new jackets.

Although the Marines’ training went untested during the clothing drive, most of them were enthusiastic about helping less-fortunate children.

“On one side, we just lost a Marine yet we’re giving (Iraqis) clothes,” said Lance Cpl. Derek Nelson, a 21-year-old team leader from Chino Hills, Calif., with 2nd Platoon, C Company, 1st Bn., 3rd Marines. “But on the other side – they’re just little kids,” he further explained. “They don’t know (about the complexities of war) and they have to go to school in the freezing cold without shoes or jackets. It feels good to help them, and it’ll just keep helping us gain support from the local people. They know we’re helping.”

Marines gather, pay respects to fallen brother

2009-01-11T10:25:00.000-08:00

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

CAMP BAHARIA, Iraq (Dec. 28, 2008) – As the Marines stood at attention, perfectly aligned and covered, they listened as the first sergeant called roll.

After calling one Marine’s name, no one responded. He yelled it again—no reply. The Marines in attendance knew there would be no reply, no matter how much they wanted to hear a voice.

The first sergeant turned around after his last call and Marines with rifles fired in succession a three-volley salute into the sky.

Marines with Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and other units on Camp Baharia gathered to honor Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Reilly, Jr., a rifleman who served with the battalion’s C Company, December 28.

Reilly was killed in action during a patrol in Karmah, Iraq, Dec. 21. A 19-year-old rifleman from London, Ky., he served as a platoon radio operator with 2nd Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines.

One could tell by the ceremony Reilly had made many close friends during his time with the battalion and is sure to be remembered by all those with whom he served.

Several Marines, including the battalion’s commanding officer, Lt. Col. Andrew R. Milburn, spoke about their memories of Reilly.

“(Reilly) did not die in vain,” Milburn said. “He died a Marine in the service of (his) country, and he will be remembered. He was an exceptional young man.”

Reilly’s friends talked about some of their most memorable times with him, and about moments that defined who he was.

“For me and T.J. it was all fun and games,” said Lance Cpl. Floyd Rude, a 21-year-old team leader from Bowling Green, Ohio, with 2nd Platoon. “T.J. was by far my best friend that I’ve ever had, and that I could’ve ever asked for. He was always there for anyone, whether you needed him to be or not.”

Capt. Paul Stubbs, commanding officer of C Company, talked about how Reilly chose the hardest road in life and how his memory reminds Marines why they are truly a band of brothers.

“Of all possible endeavors, he chose the rockiest road and the toughest clime (by joining the Marine Corps),” Stubbs said. “Our brother Tom is now among the revered and solemn group of Marines who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice.”

“I take comfort that my fallen son will be cherished in the hearts of so many,” Stubbs tearfully added.

Staff Sgt. Mike Brown, 2nd Platoon commander, said he will always remember Reilly as an exceptional Marine.

“We watched Reilly grow,” Brown said. “We watched him grow to one of the finest Marines I’ve ever known. He was always smiling. He just had that aura about him.”

Brown told the gathered Marines how Reilly was always on top of his work, and how if someone slipped up, he wouldn’t hesitate to remind them.

“I remember I was trying to get a radio check one day,” Brown said. “I was getting frustrated no one was answering, so I called him over. I said, ‘you’re the radio operator aren’t you – how am I suppose to trust you when we’re about to go outside the wire and I can’t get the radio to work.’ He said, ‘staff sergeant, you have to turn the radio on.’ He never let me forget that.”

Reilly was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon for his service. He is survived by his father Thomas Reilly, mother Georgina Bray, sister Regina Reilly, and brother Kenneth Bray.

Coalition forces pay visit to hospital, donate supplies

2009-01-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

Story by Staff Sgt. Joshua S. Higgins

RAMADI, Iraq (January 7, 2009) – Service members at Camp Ramadi, Iraq, toured Ramadi General Hospital and donated 20 crates of medical supplies including oxygen masks, IV bags and mass casualty equipment, Jan. 7.

Soldiers and sailors with the embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team-Ramadi and with Regimental Combat Team 1 visited with staff at the hospital to discuss emergency response capabilities and preparedness for potential threats during Iraq’s elections scheduled for Jan. 31.

While Coalition forces and citizens alike hope for a peaceful election process, the need to be prepared for mass casualties is everpresent as Iraqis work to rid insurgent activity and build a sovereign nation.

“Since Ramadi General Hospital is the regional referral and trauma center for al Anbar Province and for the city of Ramadi respectively, it was imperative to reassess its capabilities,” said Cmdr. Sung W. Song, the regimental surgeon for Regimental Combat Team 1.

The hospital is one of 11 hospitals in al Anbar and has the province’s only burn center. It is capable of handling just over 400 patients, with a one-nurse-per-20-patient ratio.
With four floors and 13 operating suites, the hospital operates at 70 percent capacity, on average, with a staff of 45 surgeons.

Dr. Thaer Mohammed Dhaher al-Sa’ad, a general surgeon and the hospital manager, said his staff has discussed plans for the election period, and “as always we will be ready and on stand-by.”

Thaer thanked the service members for the hospital supplies, and said there are many more things the hospital needs.

The hospital was built in 1984 and could use some refurbishments. Thaer pointed out plumbing and flooring problems throughout the hospital and some faulty medical equipment in need of repair.

Lt. Colonel Joseph Fasceski, a civil affairs officer with ePRT-Ramadi, said he and others work closely with the hospital to provide whatever possible, but with Iraq’s new government there is a budgeting system in place for financial needs.

“We work with them as much as possible,” Fasceski explained. “But the long-term key to (the hospital’s stability) is to work in the direction of making their system work better.”

Fasceski said finances and equipment had always been “pushed down from the top” in the past, and the new system of budgeting from bottom to top is one that he and other ePRT members are assisting the hospital staff with. He said getting results has been slow, but he hopes after the elections the process will become more fluent.

Marines sacrificing in more ways than one

2009-01-08T21:09:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (Dec. 31, 2008) -- Deployed service members sacrifice more than just time away from home, they find ways to give to communities back home and around the world through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

Marines of Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 1, made donations to the campaign totaling $6,002 from 43 contributors, which exceeds the company’s goal of $5,700 and averages to just over $140 per person.

Ensign Peter Bruss, a 33-year-old Information Operations officer from Green Bay, Wis., with Regimental Combat Team 1, served as the CFC coordinator for the regiment during the recent campaign from Sept. 1 through Dec. 15.

“Most of the Marines (with the company) have been out here almost a year and the fact that they are willing to donate despite being in Iraq and away from their families is a true testament of their dedication and willingness to help others,” Bruss said. “These Marines find it in their hearts to give a little bit out of their paychecks every month and that’s what the CFC is all about.”

Administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the CFC allows federal employees an opportunity to provide monetary donations to their choice of more than 1400 charitable organizations.

According to Bruss, it is easy for federal employees to contribute to the campaign; all they have to do is contact their unit’s campaign key worker to get the process started.

“Any federal employee is eligible to donate through the CFC and one of the best ways (federal employees) find out about the CFC is through word-of-mouth,” he said. “They can also talk to their unit’s CFC coordinator or key people, and the internet is also a great source of information.”

Bruss said contributors have the choice of making a one-time cash donation or having an allotment taken out of their paychecks.

“All you have to do is choose which charity you want to give your money to and fill out the form. You can give as little as $1 if you want,” Bruss said.

Bruss added that it is usually not hard to choose a charity to donate to because most people can relate to one or more charities in some way or another.

“There are thousands of charities to choose from and many relate to (most individuals),” said Bruss. “I can open the booklet to a page and at least a few of them can relate to me.”

For more information about the CFC, visit the campaign’s Web site at www.opm.gov/CFC or contact your unit’s campaign key worker.

Marines continue drawing down in al Anbar

2009-01-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

Story and photos by Cpl. Chris T. Mann
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Marines with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, handed over control of several forward operating bases and combat outposts in the city of Fallujah, Iraq, to Iraqi Security Forces Jan. 1.

The turnover is concurrent with U.S. plans to begin drawing down forces in Iraq throughout the next three years.

During a media round table at the Pentagon Briefing Room in Arlington, Va., December 2, 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said service members should be out of populated areas in the country by the end of June 2009.

“We will confront or have a different kind of situation, in Iraq, at the end of June 2009 than we would have thought perhaps in June of 2008,” he said at the meeting. “And I think that the commanders are already looking at what the implications of that are, in terms of the potential for accelerating the drawdown and in terms of how we meet our obligations to the Iraqis.”

1st Battalion, 4th Marines, is among several battalions in al Anbar leading the way to tear down, demilitarize or turn over bases and outposts to Iraqi Security Forces.

The battalion has consolidated its forces into centralized locations and is currently only keeping a small number of its forces in the city.

Lt. Col. Chris Hastings, the battalion’s commanding officer, said his Marines will continue to maintain a presence in their area of operations, but they are minimizing their movements through the cities.

Marines conducting security patrols in Fallujah have already started minimizing their presence, and new considerations have been put in place for travel and daily routines in other cities, Hastings said.

Iraqi Security Forces has the lead on security and protecting the citizens living in Fallujah, and they conduct their own security operations without the aid of Coalition forces, he said.

“This is just one more step that we have taken towards seeing a sovereign, democratic and free Iraq,” said Hastings. “I have seen what the ISF are capable of doing, and I know that they will continue to do great things as they conduct their own operations, search for weapons caches and continue following the rule of law.”

Hastings said his Marines are continuing readiness training and remain on the alert in the event that their help is requested by ISF.

“We will be ready to respond to incidents should they occur and also when we are requested for support,” said Hastings.

A different approach to healthcare

2009-01-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

Photos and story by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

KARMAH, Iraq (December 27, 2008) – Marines and sailors with Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, conducted a “health fair” combined medical engagement in the Sitcher area of Karmah, Iraq, Dec. 27.

Roughly 300 Karmah citizens attended the CME to learn basic, preventive healthcare.

Navy Lt. Richard Ellis, the 33-year-old battalion surgeon from Panama City, with 1st Bn., 3rd Marines, said CMEs traditionally facilitated engagements between Iraqi physicians and people without healthcare capabilities and to distribute basic medications to people in need.

As Iraq increases its local healthcare capabilities, service members have begun to focus their efforts toward educating the local populace.

“No matter how many physicians or clinics Karmah has, we need to educate the people in order for long term success,” Ellis said. “When we gave them medicine, there was no real, long-term benefit. The new approach to [CMEs] is a grassroots effort in the most preventive level of healthcare. It’s going to help overall healthcare in Karmah drastically.”

During the CME, service members demonstrated how to effectively combat the spread of easily avoidable common illnesses and methods to improve Iraqis’ overall well-being. They also stressed the importance of avoiding explosives, wild animals and polluted water supplies.

Focusing on basic preventive healthcare advances Iraq’s medical system by reducing avoidable illnesses and it promotes a more efficient healthcare service in the area, said Ellis.

Service members are hoping their new focus of educating Karmah’s citizens in preventive medicine will broaden the medical system by preventing unnecessary hospital visits, simultaneously reducing strain on local health clinics in Iraq as it becomes increasingly capable of providing for its citizens.

A contributing factor in Karmah’s overall development is proper healthcare, said Lt. Jacob Gray, a 26-year-old operations officer from Essex, Vt., with Company C, 1st Bn., 3rd Marines.

“We’re trying to teach them how to become self-sufficient – vice just giving them the goods,” Gray said. “It’s a necessity for a country to grow economically and improve overall quality of life.”

Iraqi police respond to Fallujah attack

2009-01-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

Story and photos by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Iraqi Police in Karmah demonstrated their ability to take charge of a crime scene after a suicide bomber attacked citizens and policemen on a local highway in Fallujah, Iraq, Dec. 28.

Maj. Yessien, assistant police commander for the Karmah police station, said policemen were quick to provide casualty evacuation and security at the scene. The policemen stopped all traffic on the highway and set up a cordon while they searched the area for additional suspects and explosive devices.

The attacker was driving a compact car with an unknown amount of explosives inside the vehicle and detonated the bomb beside police vehicles located near an entry control point.

“We have determined that the vehicle being driven was reported stolen, and we are investigating what happened here,” said Yessien. “We have also determined that the attacker was a known terrorist. If there are others behind these attacks, we will catch them.”

Marines with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, arrived to provide assistance after police had initially cleared the scene.

“Overall, the Iraqi police were able to evacuate and secure the scene, and bring in the necessary equipment to clean up the road within an hour,” said 1st Lt. William R. VanCise, the platoon commander for Scout Sniper Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, RCT-1. “For the most part they had the scene under control, cleaned up, and were ready to move on by the time we arrived.”

Yessien said the attacker was possibly targeting a police patrol when he steered his vehicle in their general direction.

Officials have not yet determined a motive behind the attack and are calling it an isolated incident. Iraqi Security Forces are continuing the investigation.

“I think the overall gist is that the Iraqis are capable of conducting their own (operations), and from here on out we’re in the supporting role and will be utilized when they call for us or if the situation seems overwhelming,” said VanCise.

Making the switch

2009-01-06T00:41:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann
FALLUJAH, Iraq – Field wiremen with Communications Technical Control Facility Detachment, a joint unit made up of Marines from Regimental Combat Team 1 and 9th Communications Battalion, set up a new multifaceted digital switch on Camp Baharia, recently.

The new switch was part of a larger scale commercialization project to enable personnel aboard the camp with improved Defense Switched Networking, which provides worldwide non-secure voice, secure voice, and facsimile services for the DOD.

Staff Sgt. Jarris D. Mayfield, the detachment’s communications chief from High Point, N.C., said he and other Marines with the detachment spent months coordinating with other communication elements and adjacent units across a large area of operations to make the switch as seamless as possible.

The Marines’ efforts helped to provide a successful migration to the new switch from a smaller, less capable one to support the growing number of personnel on the camp.

Service members from nearby Camp Fallujah and others serving throughout the city relocated here as part of Coalition forces’ plan to reposition into strategic overwatch. The number of service members living on the camp has more than doubled from the approximately 1200 living here prior to the move.

Because of their coordination efforts, it “took only a total of three hours to reestablish communication between units across the entire AO and have all users fully operational,” said Mayfield.

“The (short) amount of time that it took us to install the new switch is completely unheard of, and wouldn’t have been possible without all the hard work and dedication that our Marines put into the project,” he said.

During the months leading up to the migration, the Marines worked two shifts to run nearly 60,000 feet of new communication wire and test termination points around the camp.

“The process was very time consuming, to test all the circuits on the switch, and our office sounded like it was receiving phone calls all day long,” said Cpl. Michael J. Ruiz, a 25-year-old switchboard operator from Cuero, Texas, with the detachment.

After installing the new switch, the wiremen assigned new telephone numbers to all of the camp’s existing phones lines and installed new lines where they were needed.
“Commercialized switching is a fairly new thing for the Marine Corps, and everyone here worked really hard to get this thing set up,” said Ruiz.

The Camp Baharia Communications Technical Control Facility is the first successful Joint System Control Site at the regimental and battalion level. With a joining effort between Marines from 9th Communication Bn. and RCT-1, this hybrid team supports commercialized capabilities for Camp Baharia and a majority of RCT-1’s area of operations.

Santa pays visit to troops in Iraq

2008-12-28T00:19:00.000-08:00

Photo by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Master Sgt. Douglas P. Fraser, a 39-year-old operations chief from Santa Barbara, Calif., with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, visits several combat outposts and entry control points, Dec. 24. Fraser and a few staff members with the battalion convoyed to several areas in Fallujah, Iraq, to spread holiday cheer. “It was just great to see the Marines smile during the holidays and hear them laugh,” said Fraser. “This year Santa went around Fallujah with a flak jacket on and brought candy to Marines.” (Official Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chris T. Mann)
(Released)

MNC-I commander makes holiday visit

2008-12-26T22:27:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, the commanding general of Multi-National Corps Iraq, visited Marines and Sailors with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, at Camp Baharia in Fallujah, Iraq, Dec. 25.

The commander arrived to the camp in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for the first of several stops at camps throughout Iraq to speak and visit with service members during the holidays.

Austin recognized the Marines, Soldiers and Sailors at the camp for their achievements over the past few months.

“I just want to say thank you for all that hard work that you do out here,” said Austin. “We have a lot of experienced military members out here, and you are making great progress and using the experience you have gained to move forward.”

Austin also joined Lt. Col. Chris Hastings, commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, in recognizing nine service members during a formation held behind the battalion’s command operating center.

Two Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines; one Marine with Combat Logistic Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group; and six service members with 1st Battalion, 4th Marines were all acknowledged for various exemplary actions.

“This was a great opportunity today for several of the Marines to speak with the individual in charge of all combat forces in Iraq and know that others are thinking about them during the holiday,” said Hastings. “We also recognize the sacrifice that all of our families back home are making on a daily basis.”

Cpl. Ryan Marshall, a motor transportation operator from Winnemucca, Nev., with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, was among those recognized.
“It was pretty motivating to see him come out here for Christmas and just say a few words to us,” said Cpl. William W. Decostanza an optics technician with Headquarters Company, 1/4, from Hallsville, Texas.

Austin took on his current position Feb. 15 and has been working with Marines and service members in Iraq over the past few months to transition to a position of overwatch and give control of security to Iraqi forces.

Ramadi Marines get Christmas surprise

2008-12-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy

RAMADI, Iraq (Dec. 25, 2008) – Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, serving throughout Ramadi, Iraq expected very little on Christmas Day.

Thanks to their battalion commander and a generous group of people who make up the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Department of State their expectations were upturned.
Lt. Col. Thad R. Trapp, the battalion commander of 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, made stops at his battalion’s forward operating bases (FOB), combat outposts (COP) and outposts (OP), and handed out gifts donated by the BDS.

Trapp showed his Christmas spirit by wearing a Santa Claus hat as he told his Marines that he is proud of them and proud to serve with them in Iraq.

“I wish there was more that I can do for you today but I can promise you a plane ticket home in a few months,” Trapp said to a group of Marines opening the presents. “Make sure to call your families today and keep doing the great job you’re doing.”

Cpl. Mike J. Nygaard, a 23-year-old sergeant of the guard at OP International in Ramadi, from Fort Myers, Fla., with Company E, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, said it meant a lot to him and his Marines that people back home took time out of their busy holiday schedules to put together the packages and send them overseas.

“It’s encouraging. We greatly appreciate the overwhelming support for us by the folks back home. It’s what keeps us going over here,” Nygaard said. “The fact that people take the time out of their day to send packages to us during the holidays means a lot.”

The packages included DVD’s, hot chocolate, knife sets, candy and other various Christmas items. The Marines seemed glad to have the opportunity to experience their own Christmas in Iraq.

“We weren’t expecting this at all. We kind of just figured that it would just be another day in Iraq, waking up and going on post,” said Lance Cpl. Joe M. Gonzales, an amphibious assault crewman from Lodi, Calif., with Company G, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines. “But it does add to our Christmas out here and it’s nice to know that people back home still care about us over here.”

Anywhere, anytime

2008-12-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Scout snipers with Teams 2 and 4 of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, have taken on a new role during their deployment to Iraq.

The group of Marines, trained to conduct hidden movements and long-range target strikes, are now tasked as their battalion’s quick reaction force to serve as the first Coalition forces responders to any emergency.

“Being with the QRF means that we can be called out anywhere in the AO (area of operation) at anytime and support anyone,” said Cpl. Nicolas B. Abernathy, a 25-year-old scout sniper from Las Vegas. “We have to remain versatile; our missions keep us working on many tasks and we need to be ready for anything that comes our way.”

Since arriving to Iraq in October, Marines with the QRF team have trained and drilled to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible. Marines with the team say they are typically in their vehicles with their gear in less than three minutes.

“After arriving in country, we quickly learned to be a QRF and adapt to the changes,” said Abernathy.

“We make it a point to be at the right place at the right time,” added Sgt. Ryan D. Wiley, a 23-year-old scout sniper from Forest Grove, Ore. “We are doing what it takes to get this new job that has been given to us done.”

During a recent mission, the team responded to a unit pinned down by enemy forces. The team quickly maneuvered to where the other unit was located and provided instantaneous support during a mass casualty evacuation.

“These guys immediately responded to the urgent situation and moved to the side of a building to provide support, and this allowed the other team to clear the building,” said Staff Sgt. Ismael G. Bamba, a 32-year-old platoon sergeant from Ivory Coast, Africa.

“The team trains so they are nowhere to be seen, nowhere to be heard, and they can quickly react to situations at a moments notice,” said Bamba. “They are using these skills while applying them to their QRF duties and also use their sniper rifles to provide support to units calling for them.”

Although the Marines function as a QRF, they continue to occasionally conduct sniper missions, offering the battalion added capabilities.

The team also provides convoy escorts for service members traveling through Fallujah and occasionally provides personnel security for Iraqi city council members.

“These guys are doing a good job of being a QRF and applying the skills they have learned in the past to their current missions,” said Bamba.

2/9 hosts Ramadi leaders

2008-12-26T21:46:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (Dec. 19, 2008) – Ramadi - once considered the most dangerous city in Iraq - is now considered by many a model of security and professionalism the rest of Iraq can mold itself after.
The city’s Provincial Security Forces have taken it upon themselves to ensure a safer place for citizens to live.

Commanders of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1 and chief leaders of Ramadi’s Provincial Security Forces elements met at Camp Ramadi, Iraq, Dec. 18 to discuss maintaining and building on their successes.

“We brought the leaders of Ramadi here today to discuss the security issues of Ramadi,” said Master Sgt. John A. McGrath, a 41-year-old assistant operations chief from Melbourne, Fla., with 2nd Bn., 9th Marines. “We all share the same goal and that’s to get the bad guys off the street.”

The leaders only hold the security conferences once every few months, making this 2nd Bn., 9th Marines’ first meeting with the PSF leaders since the battalion arrived in Iraq.

The leaders generally hold the conferences at a neutral site, according to Lt. Col. Thad R. Trapp, battalion commander of 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, who decided to host the most recent gathering at his battalion’s headquarters.

“It’s important to hold these conferences at a neutral location because it doesn’t show favoritism towards any one element of the PSF,” Trapp said. “We held it here because this is a neutral site, yet still a secure location and it demonstrates a level of trust we have towards the PSF.”

Inviting the leaders of the PSF elements aboard Camp Ramadi demonstrates a long-standing and ongoing level of trust between the two forces.

“They invite us to their headquarters and we trust that it will be a secure environment for us to meet,” Trapp said. “And it goes the same with when they come here. They trust us and believe that when they are invited here, the environment will be safe and secure. This continues to build on the strong relationship we have with them.”

Although security in Ramadi has improved and the city has become a safer place for its people, there is still work to be done.

“The security in the city has improved significantly in the last year and we are very happy with what is going on and the rebuilding that is being done in the city, but we still have a lot of work to do here,” said Col. Mahdi Saleh, the chief of Ramadi police. “There are still terrorists smuggling explosives and weapons into the city and we are working on putting an end to that, and with the help of Coalition forces it is very possible.”

As the conference ended there seemed to be a general agreement: the main goal is to work together to get the ‘bad guys’ off the street and provide a secure environment for the people of Ramadi.

“This conference is good because all of the different elements of Ramadi’s PSF are able to come together and share information and intelligence and help one another to capture terrorists and make the city a safer place,” Saleh said.

Taking care of your own, one package at a time

2008-12-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – The holiday season can pose a particularly hard time for some service members deployed overseas and away from their families.

Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Z. Udovich, a 21-year-old mail clerk from Trenton, Mo., with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, is focused on a mission to brighten others’ spirits.

Udovich helps the battalion’s Marines and Sailors combat any lonely feelings they may have one mail package at a time.

“Udovich is working twice as hard as he usually does to get the Marines their mail and packages on time for the holidays,” said Cpl. Chris A. Beaver, a 26-year-old field wireman from St. Louis, Mo., with the battalion. “Getting a package, anytime, will boost your morale over here in Iraq, whether it is just a care package or a special box from home.”

Udovich ensures the battalion’s mail is sorted correctly into piles of registered, certified and high priority mail, as well as processes the standard mail the battalion receives. Afterward, he places the packages into containers. This tedious process has only increased with the large volume of items being sent during the holidays to the battalion’s nearly 1200 Marines and Sailors.
Even though he stays busy with work, Udovich said he will frequently go out of his way to ensure a Marine gets a package that he has been waiting for.

“When I get the chance, I like to hand deliver packages to Marines that have been waiting a long time for their package to come in,” said Udovich. “It gives me a good feeling to hand a Marine their package, and you can see their morale go up when they get a package from home.”
Udovich said even with the help of a few volunteers, he has been flooded with more and more mail. He said it is a sign that family and friends back home continue to support their loved ones.

“All of the packages that have come in lately just show you that families are still thinking about us, and sometimes these packages just let you have Christmas even away from home,” said Udovich. “It doesn’t matter how grown up you are, when you see a package from your mom or grandmother, you just get a smile on your face.”

Marines drawing down in Iraq

2008-12-17T23:19:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

KARMAH, Iraq – Marines with Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and other Coalition forces are making operational adjustments.

In the wake of the decrease in violence tied to the improvements in the Iraqi Security Forces and governance, Marines have started pulling back.

In al Anbar Province, Marines have already begun demilitarizing and realigning operating posts and increasing operational area with fewer Marines, as Iraqi Security Forces continue to step forward and gain control. Coalition forces were once sprawled throughout Anbar, maximizing their presence within communities by operating out of outposts throughout cities and towns.

Living amongst the population enabled Marines to deny insurgents freedom of movement; however, the proficiency and competency of local forces have allowed Coalition forces to continue stepping back.

Camp Fallujah, a central U.S. base in the area, was pivotal in supporting the surrounding combat outposts. Yet with sweeping decreases in enemy activity, the camp, once one of the largest in Anbar province, has been demilitarized and is being turned over to the Government of Iraq.

Marines operating in the greater Fallujah area, a onetime insurgent stronghold widely seen as vital to the province, have already transitioned to an overwatch position. The maturity of Iraqi Security Forces is evident as they have progressively begun conducting patrols independently, requesting Coalition forces support as they feel necessary.

Marines, upon request by Iraqi Security Forces, supplement Iraqi patrols and search or detain suspected insurgents only with approved warrants and Iraqi Security Forces support.

Concurrent with the drawdown of U.S. Forces, Marines of 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, recently inherited additional areas, over fifty percent larger than its original battle space where it was once necessary for two battalions to provide security. Coalition troops will further disburse and decrease as forces realign their presence and Iraqi Security Forces operate in increasingly independent roles.

“It’s definitely a sign that we, and the Iraqi Security Forces, are headed in the right direction,” said Capt. Michael Deredita, a 26-year-old assistant operations officer from Stafford, Va., with 1st Bn., 3rd Marines.

Once considered the deadliest area in al Anbar, Iraqi Forces operating in Karmah have made the consolidation possible by substantial gains in proficiency and competence.

“On our level, this would be like us passing the baton to the Iraqi people right before the finish line,” Deredita explained.

Iraqi Security Forces in the expanded area and throughout the area of operations have even begun turning away Marines on patrols, thanking them for their support and informing them assistance is not necessary.

With Marines turned away from patrolling and Iraqi Security Forces leading operations, the provisions of the drawdown illustrate much of the operational shift Marines have already made on the ground.

“Due to the nature of the (area of operations), just by pure numbers (Marines) had already begun transitioning to an overwatch position,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Rhodes, the commander of Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, from Chicago.
With less responsibility in the area Marines have also been able to shift even more focus on training the Iraqi Army and Police.

“Our big focus now is embedded reconstruction teams,” Rhodes said. “Once (Iraqi Security Forces) have their systems in place our withdrawal is imminent at that point.”
The Marines’ guidance and mentorship has shifted to organizational and logistics training, ensuring sustainability for local forces after they are gone.

“We suggest focus areas,” explained Rhodes, regarding the evolving role of Marines. “We facilitate city council meetings, share information, pretty much play the neutral party to keep things moving in the right direction. To be honest, our biggest problem is keeping the platoons, squads, gainfully employed.”

With the rise in Iraqi Security Forces competency and confidence, the vision of a sustainable peace and prosperity in Iraq is closer to becoming reality.

From refugee to Marine

2008-12-17T22:52:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

KARMAH, Iraq – Very few Marines have experienced war outside their duties working for Uncle Sam.

Not Cpl. Bajro Buzaljko, a 21-year-old ammunition technician from Utica, N.Y., with Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1.

As Bosnia erupted into civil war in the early ‘90’s, Buzaljko’s mixed Muslim-Catholic family’s life in Stolac was shattered. His father and uncle were placed in a Croatian concentration camp, leaving his mother alone to care for Buzaljko and his baby brother.

Buzaljko said he cherishes memories of Bosnia prior to the civil war. He described the country as having a scenic environment with lush fields and streams. Buzaljko said the erupting violence was completely contradictory of everything he remembered up to that point.

“Before the war it was a beautiful place,” he said. “We would always play and have so much fun. It is full of history and had gorgeous scenery. Then one day, tanks and [troops] came through our town.”

Not until mortars began falling in the town did Buzaljko realize the danger his home, and everything he knew, was in.

“My mother tried her best to keep me unaware of the violence surrounding us,” said Buzaljko. “One day we were getting ready to escape the city and we were covering the lights on our car to avoid detection. All of a sudden everyone started running; it was chaos. I heard this loud whistling, and all of a sudden, boom! My school was gone.”

Buzaljko’s father and uncle spent a year doing hard labor and were afforded little food, until United Nations officials helped to free them.

When his mother woke him up to tell him his father was home, Buzaljko did not recognize him.
“I saw him standing in front of me and I didn’t know who he was,” Buzaljko said. “He had several shirts on and I could still see his bones through his clothing.”

Only prisoners nearing death were released from the concentration camp, Buzaljko said. After his family reunited, U.N. officials told them they could go wherever they wished.
They wanted to go to America.

“We moved to New York, and my family started rebuilding our lives,” Buzaljko said. “In Bosnia, my family was established. We had good jobs, financial security, everything we needed. It was taken away.”

Buzaljko grew up appreciating life in Utica, N.Y., quickly accepting it as his new home and thoroughly enjoying the land of opportunity.
“It was great,” he said. “Even as we were leaving Bosnia, they told my mother she could stay, but the children could not since she came from a mixed marriage of Catholicism and Muslim. In America that never even came up.”

Buzaljko’s interest in the military started in high school, where he was actively involved in the JROTC program.

After the attacks of September 11, Buzaljko said he knew he would take his interest further, and joined the Marine Corps after graduating.

“When we were attacked, it just made me feel like my home was being attacked again,” he said. “I wasn’t going to let that happen to me. That was the final factor in my decision to join. I wanted to go help fellow Americans.”

During Buzaljko’s first deployment, to Afghanistan with 1st Bn., 3rd Marines, he discovered another aspect to his service.

“When I got there, I realized not only was I doing my part for a country that took me in and helped my family, but I was helping other people in need, just like (the U.N.) helped me when my family was in trouble.”

Buzaljko’s care and concern has carried over to his current deployment with his unit to Karmah, Iraq.

It says a lot about someone to go back to a similar environment they left under such unfavorable circumstances, explained Cpl. Matthew Clay, a 23-year-old logistics operations center watch chief from Chicago, with 1st Bn., 3rd Marines.

“Anyone who’s lived through a war and volunteered to go back has a lot of courage,” Clay said. “I have a lot of respect for him.”

Despite the hardships Buzaljko’s family endured to leave their war-torn home, they remain supportive of their son and his service to their new country.

“I am very proud; you can’t even imagine,” said the his mother, Vesna Buzaljko. “He joined to say thank you to the [United States] for welcoming us with open arms. It was a tough time when we left, but America took us in and saved our family. Now he has a purpose to help others like we were helped when we needed it and we are so proud.”

Barbecue a morale booster for Marines in Iraq

2008-12-17T22:46:00.001-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – There is nothing like a backyard barbecue to take your mind off the daily grind of fighting terrorism.

That was the shared sentiment of Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1 during their unit barbecue at Camp Baharia, Iraq, Dec. 7.

Leaders with the company organized the event to build camaraderie and to afford the Marines some relaxation time. The unit arrived to Iraq from Camp Pendleton, Calif., in early October and is nearing the halfway mark in the deployment.

Marines periodically joined others at the barbecue as they were relieved of their duties throughout the day. They also played a pick-up soccer game on a dirt lot using hand-made soccer nets.

“We had an awesome game of soccer,” said Cpl. Ruben D. Menachosalas, a 23-year-old administration clerk from Incline Village, Nev. “Games like these get your blood flowing and boost morale for us.”

Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Z. Udovich, a 21-year-old mail clerk from Trenton, Mo., volunteered to cook and prepared chicken and steak.

“I love doing things like this for other Marines. I know they get to enjoy a little food and sometimes things like this just make your day go that much better,” said Udovich. “This is one of the few moments when everyone stops working for a little bit to spend time with each other.”

Although the barbecue offered only a small break from their daily duties in a combat zone, the Marines seemed happy to spend a few relaxing moments with each other. “It is good to spend time with your friends when you don’t have to work, and stuff like soccer takes your mind away from where you are,” said Menachosalas.

Flushing out the enemy

2008-12-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy

RAHALIYAH, Iraq (Dec. 10, 2008) – Marines with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and Iraqi Police swept through the rough, desolate area outside Rahaliyah, Iraq, Dec. 8, hoping to weed-out any possible insurgents or weapons caches in the area.

The Marines and IPs acted on intelligence reports stating the desert area was a possible safe haven for members of al Qaida in Iraq.

“We heard reports that there were possible HVI’s (high valued individual) hiding out in this area and we wanted to scare them out and capture them,” said Sgt. Steve E. Bonk, a 27-year-old assistant section leader from Pine Hill, N.J., with 1st section, 2nd Platoon, Company E. “We had blocking positions set up so that if someone were to try to run, we would catch them by surprise and corner them.”

The Marines and IPs set up the blocking positions in areas where reports stated were the most-likely routes to be taken by insurgents trying to flee the area. The mission was quiet in terms of uncovering potential ‘hot spots’ until a call came over the radio about a suspicious vehicle traveling away from the Marines’ position at a high rate of speed.

“We got a call from one of the (helicopters) saying that a vehicle matching the descriptions of a BOLO (be on the lookout for) vehicle was traveling at about 60 mph away from our position,” Bonk said.

“Initially, we tried to chase him down but he was too far ahead and we had to let him go. He ended up running right into one of the blocking positions but when he tried to flee, our other positions were able to corner and detain him.”

The suspect’s identification checked out and he was released, but he was warned about the dangers of traveling at such a high rate of speed.
The Marines and IPs also stopped at two cement and construction factories to speak with the owners and workers about any abnormal activities in the area.

“They pretty much all said the same thing; that nothing out of the ordinary has been going on in the area,” said Lance Cpl. Ed M. Davila, a 19-year-old rifleman from Miami with Company E. “They were very cooperative, but just didn’t have anything useful to tell us.”

Upon leaving, the Marines and IPs placed signs throughout the factories informing anyone who passes through that the area is being monitored by Iraqi Security Forces, RCT-1 and Multinational Forces – West, hoping to thwart off insurgents who might try to set up safe havens in the area.

“We hadn’t been that far west of Wadi Ghadaf recently and we want to make sure any insurgents know that the area isn’t forgotten,” Bonk said.
Although no HVIs or weapons caches were discovered, the Marines were able to gain terrain intelligence of the area for future missions.
“Overall, the mission was a success. Now we know what’s back there and how to maneuver through the rough terrain,” Bonk said. “We’ll know if anything suspicious is going on and the people there will report it.”

RCT-1, Team 2 takes Turkey Bowl at Camp Ramadi

2008-12-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – Regimental Combat Team 1, Team 2, outscored opponents 155-60 to sweep the 2008 Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament at Camp Ramadi, Iraq, Nov. 24-27.
The single-elimination tournament was hosted by 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team and featured 16 teams competing for the title.

All of the teams made valiant efforts, but none could match the raw talent of RCT-1, Team 2.

As a late entry in the tournament, Marines with RCT-1, Team 2 played in the last game of the first day of the competition, winning in the final minutes 20-12 over the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment.

RCT-1, Team 2’s next two games were not nearly as close. The team won each game convincingly by scores of 44-12 against 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and 53-18 against Combat Logistics Battalion 5.

In the championship on Thanksgiving Day, they faced off against Soldiers with the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment.

158th won the coin toss, opted to receive the ball first and quickly marched down field to score on their first drive.

RCT-1, Team 2 turned the ball over on downs during their first offensive possession, but their reorganized defense forced Army to punt and the Marines’ offense was able to capitalize on the ensuing drive with a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bryan Hughes to receiver Jerry Murphy.

Going into halftime RCT-1, Team 2 led 18-12. The six-point difference marked the smallest lead margin the Marines held at the half since their first game in the tournament. In the second half that all changed.

Hughes opened up the second half with a series of precision passes to receivers Rodney Lane, Tracy Johnson, and Cedric Foster, and then a touchdown strike to receiver Jeremy Franklin.

The high-powered RCT-1, Team 2 offense scored 20 unanswered points thanks in part to their tenacious defense, led by linebacker Philip Benzie and safety Stephen Geib. Benzie led the team with 18 tackles through the tournament, and Geib led the team with four interceptions.

The 38-18 victory won the team a championship trophy and bragging rights aboard the camp.

“We had a great team who worked well together and just went out there and played football,” said RCT-1, Team 2 coach Brad Owen. “I had a large selection of athletes to choose from and we had an outstanding team from top to bottom.”

Col. Ronald Kapral, the commanding officer of 81st HBCT, said after the game that while most Americans were just waking-up to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Camp Ramadi Turkey Bowl was possibly the first Thanksgiving football game of the year.

Kapral also thanked everyone involved for their participation and congratulated the Marines on their win as he presented them with the trophy.

WWE Superstars Tribute Troops

2008-12-10T00:39:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Nicholas J. Lienemann

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (Dec. 04, 2008) – Six World Wrestling Entertainment superstars and divas jumped out of the ring and headed across the world to visit troops at Camp Ramadi, Iraq, Dec.3.

The visit was part of WWE’s sixth annual “Tribute to the Troops” tour, and consisted of approximately 55 wrestlers and support personnel touring bases throughout Iraq for three days.

Dave “Batista” Bautista, Victoria “Alicia Fox” Crawford, Mickie James, John “Morrison” Hennigan, Phillip “CM Punk” Brooks, and Mike “Miz” Mizanin were met by more than 300 cheering Marines, Sailors and Soldiers as they took the stage to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

“You guys are awesome and sacrifice so much for us. We are all just so grateful for what you’re doing,” James said as she addressed the screaming crowd.
Service members waited in line for the opportunity to personally meet each wrestler and shake their hand.

“They’re all excited to see us, but honestly we’re just as excited to see them,” said James. “The whole experience is overwhelming.”

“Iraq isn’t exactly a vacation hotspot so it’s awesome that they were willing to take the time out of their busy schedules and come visit us,” said HM3 Terrance R. Jones, a corpsman with Regimental Combat Team 1. “They were all really down to earth and friendly. It was a big time show of patriotism.”

Jones, who described himself as being a lifelong fan of wrestling, said the tour reached out to a broad range of fans by incorporating both young and upcoming talent as well as seasoned veterans.

“I remember watching Batista when he made his debut in the ring, and now here I am years later meeting him in Iraq,” said Jones, 23, from Sacramento, Calif. “It was one of the best special guest visits we’ve had out here.”

The WWE started the tradition of entertaining troops overseas during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s.

According to the Armed Forces Entertainment website, WWE has sponsored more than 200 visits to military installations both at home and overseas, over the past six years.

WWE was awarded the first-ever Corporate Patriot Award in May 2008 by the GI film Festival for its extensive support of U.S. troops.

WWE will air its special “Tribute to the Troops” edition of the program, featuring footage and interviews from throughout the tour, on NBC, Dec. 20.

Chief of Chaplains visits Camp Ramadi

2008-12-10T00:27:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Stephen McGinnis

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – U.S. Navy Chief of Chaplains Rear Adm. Robert Burt visited Camp Ramadi, Iraq, Dec. 5, to attend a special prayer breakfast and address service members with words of encouragement.

About 30 Marines, Soldiers and Sailors attended the breakfast, several of whom were chaplains and religious program specialists from units serving throughout al Anbar Province.

“Anytime I can come and speak to a group like this is great,” said Burt, who traveled from the U.S. to attend the event. “It doesn’t matter if it’s early in the morning or late at night, I love it.”

Burt opened his speech by telling the group a story about his favorite scripture passage, “In God, all things are possible.” Through the remainder of his speech, he related the passage to challenges service members here face.

He told the group about visiting a Marine who was wounded in Iraq and lost both hands in an explosion. Burt said he was surprised to find the Marine in good spirits, and was encouraged by his desire to not only stay in the Marine Corps but to also break the physical fitness test’s pull-up record.

“Talk about overcoming an impossible situation; this guy understood that with God all things are possible,” Burt said.
Burt’s favorite passage may be very short and simple, but to those serving their country in Iraq, the passage is one that many hold very dear.

“Burt’s speech really inspired me to never give up,” said Staff Sgt. Jermaine J. Otey, a 31-year-old supply chief from Nashville, Tenn. with Regimental Combat Team. “It was really special that the admiral came to see us. I think he really cares about the Marines and Sailors that are serving in Iraq.”

Burt, a native of Springfield, Ore., enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1970 and served six years in the communications field.

After his honorable discharge, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Biblical Sudies at Eugene Bible College in Eugene, Ore., and his Master of Divinity degree at Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Ore.

As a chaplain, Burt has served aboard the USS Arkansas, the USS Kansas City, the USS Nimitz and with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton Calif.
Burt served as the deputy chief of Navy chaplains, chaplain of the Marine Corps from 2003 until 2006.

As the chief of chaplains, Burt serves as the director of religious ministries to administer and manage the Navy Chaplain Corps and implement religious ministries to meet the needs of personnel in the service and their dependents in their pursuit of the free exercise of religion.

“It important for men like Burt to come out and spend time with Marines and Sailors because there is a natural and a spiritual side to a man. It is good for someone to speak to the spiritual side,” said Otey.

Marines maintain combat mindset

2008-12-09T22:25:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

CAMP BAHARIA, Iraq – As Marines with Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, continue their transition to an advisory and over watch position in Iraq, retaining combat skills remains a priority.
Lately, the Marines are conducting daily Marine Corps Martial Arts Program courses to help them maintain their ability to be vigilant both mentally and physically.

MCMAP is a combat system developed in 2001 by the U.S. Marine Corps to combine existing and new hand-to-hand and close quarters combat techniques with morale and team-building functions.

Sgt. Matthew Lankenau, a 22-year-old platoon sergeant and MCMAP instructor from Liverpool, N.Y., with 1st Bn., 3rd Marines, said it is important for Marines to maintain and advance their skills, especially in a combat zone.

“If (a bad) situation occurs (MCMAP) will help keep you in the right mindset; your ready to react,” said Lankenau. “It keeps you in the combat mentality, and if that’s not important during a deployment I don’t know what is.”

Lankenau and several other Marines have been volunteering their time to teach and train any Marine wanting to advance in MCMAP.
“We give them the tools,” he said. “We supply them with the equipment they need, and instruct them for the worse case scenario.”
Lance Cpl. Ridge Blackburn, an assaultman with Headquarters & Support Company, 1st Bn., 3rd Marines, said the courses have been a tremendous help to him. He said when on patrol he feels more confident and alert because of the training.

“(MCMAP) is very important, especially for the war we’re in,” said Blackburn. “Anyone could get within an arm’s distance and grab your rifle.”
“It comes down to always being ready and prepared for anything,” Lankenau said. “(Training) is what it’s all about, and like they say ‘complacency kills.’”

HOPE in sight

2008-12-05T02:45:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

SAQLAWIYAH, Iraq (November 18, 2008) – The Saqlawiyah City Council, local Iraqi Police and Coalition forces facilitated a specialized Combined Medical Engagement (CME) at the Saqlawiyah Clinic, Nov. 18.

The engagement was the first Iraqi and Coalition force effort to diagnose and treat eyesight issues among the populous, fitting local Iraqis with more than 400 pairs of prescription eyewear.
Lt. Cmdr. Michael Tomlinson, the chaplain for Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, worked with a network of battalion family members to request the eyeglasses from Humanitarian Optical Prescription Endeavor (HOPE).

HOPE is a stateside charitable organization intended to provide less fortunate people around the world with prescription eyeglasses to enhance their quality of life.
During the CME, Navy Lt. Mickey Deel, a 30-year-old medical officer from Haysi, Va., examined Iraqis using a Slit Lamp, a high-intensity light source which provides a magnified view of different parts of the eye.
Deel said prescribing eyewear was something unique and different when compared to other CME’s the battalion has helped coordinate.

“In the past, we’ve only dealt with acute issues and provided (short-term) medicine and care,” explained Deel. “This CME was unique because this is something that will help people for years.”

Dr. Ayad Al-Hadithy, a government-employed medical doctor, runs the busy medical clinic, where he and his staff treat hundreds of patients each week despite a shortage of supplies and equipment.
Ayad and his medical assistants aided in determining the proper prescription for the Iraqis.

“It was a great thing to be able to use the technology to help so many people,” said Ayad. “Something that would normally take weeks or months to do with our equipment was accomplished in a matter of hours.”

Ayad said the CME was a big success, thanks to extensive planning by the city council, and to the professionalism of Iraqi Police and Coalition forces providing security for the event.
The Iraqi Police provided the bulk of security along surrounding roads while Marines with Company B, Task Force 1st Bn., 2nd Marines, RCT-1, served in an over-watch and advisory role.

Progress in the cities’ security has allowed the local Iraqi leadership to focus their efforts on providing a “transition to a self reliant and sustainable government and an economy able to provide the essential services their community needs,” said Sgt. Tim Maurer, a 25-year-old squad leader from Fairhope, Ala., with the company,

The community is also growing to trust in the abilities of their leaders and what their city council is capable of accomplishing, added Maurer. Governmental support by Iraq’s citizens is a key element in continuing to defeat insurgents who may try to exploit people.

“The community supports the police and their local governments and the success of events like the CME makes the progress evident,” said Maurer.

The ultimate sacrifice, an act of professionalism

2008-12-05T02:37:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy

RAMADI, Iraq (Dec. 2, 2008) –Capt. Ali Rezaij, an Iraqi Policeman (IP) at the Taamen Police station in Ramadi, Iraq, spent his last hours on Earth ensuring the safety and well-being of his fellow Iraqis.

Rezaij had spent an exhausting night sitting at the bedside of a sickly woman he escorted to the hospital. He stayed with the women, whom he did not even know, into the early morning hours and then returned to work the next day not knowing it would be his last. That afternoon he responded to a report of a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) Nov. 13.

At the scene, Rezaij cleared two houses near the site of the suspected VBIED, sending two families a safe distance down the street. He ensured that children playing soccer in the street were out of harms way. Rezaij reportedly did all of this despite suffering from influenza and not having slept in more than a day. Once the scene was clear of civilians, Rezaij took it upon himself to inspect the vehicle, which exploded into flames and took his life.

“Capt. Ali sacrificed everything to save the lives of children and families he hardly knew,” said Lt. Col. Hathim Abdallah, the chief of police of the Huriyah Police Station. “He was one of the most professional IPs in the area and we will miss him here in the Huriyah Police District.”
Rezaij’s story of professionalism and sacrifice is the most recent of many heroic stories within the ranks of the IP.
And stories like Rezaij’s are helping the people of Iraq to grow more confident in the professionalism of their local IPs.
Today, the IPs are taking the lead, using training they received from Coalition forces (CF) to conduct missions and investigations.

“You always need professionalism in any business and now we strive on it,” Abdallah said. “In the past we did certain things wrong. We arrested people with little evidence because we didn’t know how evidence worked. The Marines trained us well and taught us the right things.”

Capt. Brian O’Shea, the commander of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, the latest unit to assist IPs in Ramadi, said he has full faith and confidence in the abilities of the IPs.

“The professionalism of the Iraqi Police has increased in many different ways; from small everyday occurrences to the overall mission. Everything from tactics, mounted and dismounted patrols, to planning and executing has improved,” O’Shea said. “It used to take them 45 minutes from receiving the call of an incident to the time they left the gate. Now, they get the call, stand in formation for a brief, and are out the gate.”

According to O’Shea, the IPs’ quality performance has led to a significant improvement in the security of Ramadi throughout the last several months.

“The road ahead for Ramadi security looks bright because of the team in this room,” O’Shea said in a meeting with the chiefs of police in the Huriyah Police District, Dec. 2. “In Iraq, its’ neighboring countries and around the world people will see the confidence in security in Iraq and will invest money into the country, which will in turn create more jobs for the Iraqi people.”

As Iraqis continue progressing toward taking problems into their own hands, stories like Capt. Ali Rezaij’s will surface and paint a picture of the strides they have taken in re-building their country.

Historic cemetery rededicated on Armistice Day

2008-12-05T02:29:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

HABBANIYAH, Iraq (November 11, 2008) – Every year on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, people around the world take time to remember the signing of the Armistice Treaty in 1918 between the allied forces and Germany, officially ending the First World War.

This Nov. 11, Iraqi and Coalition forces’ senior officials observed Armistice Day with a rededication ceremony for the newly restored British Royal Air Force Cemetery in Habbaniyah, Iraq.
Airmen and Soldiers assigned to the Coalition Army Advisory Training Team at Camp Habbaniyah, with support from Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, have spent countless hours over the past several months voluntarily cleaning and renovating the cemetery, which had become unkempt since the British departed the camp in 1959.

The camp has played a critical military role in Iraq’s history dating back to its construction in 1934 by the British. Its prime location and geography gave the British flat ground for an airfield.
The camp was home to thousands of British and Commonwealth servicemen and civilians during England’s 25 years in Iraq. It was also the home to the No. 4 Service Flying Training School, a battalion of the King’s Own Royal Regiment, and the 107th RAF Iraqi Levies. Men from these units fought valiantly in April and May of 1941, when pro-German Iraqis attacked and laid siege to the station.

As a result the pivotal battle, 289 British and Commonwealth servicemembers and civilians, including women and children, were laid to rest in the cemetery.
Growing anti-British sentiment among Iraqi government officials, headed by Rashid Ali al-Gaylani, fueled the attack.

Rashid, a politically ambitious Iraqi lawyer, along with four Sunni Iraqi Army generals, formed a political group known as the “Golden Square.” Rashid and his new “Golden Square,” which included Khairallah Talfah, Saddam Hussein’s uncle who raised him, forced themselves into power in March 1940 during the Rashid Ali Rebellion. The group ultimately led the attack against the British military base.

Student pilots from the Royal Air Force training school and fellow British and Commonwealth servicemen defended the station and their families during the siege. Their gallant efforts helped maintain Allied dominance in the Middle East throughout the war and allowed the presence of

the RAF to remain at the camp until turning it over to the Iraqi Army in 1959.

During the ceremony, a traditional two minutes of silence was observed in remembrance of the men and women who perished in the battle. Ceremonial wreaths were placed at a memorial marker which once displayed a magnificent cross that was the centerpiece of the cemetery.

Among the senior leadership in attending the ceremony were Lt. Gen. John Cooper, deputy commanding general of Multi-National Forces Iraq, Maj. Gen. John Kelly, commanding general of Multi-National Forces West, and the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Iraq, His Excellency Christopher Prentice.

Prentice noted the sacrifice of his countrymen in Iraq, and explained that this day was a “symbolic example of the shared sacrifices of (servicemen). This is a renewal of our pledge of faith.”

Prentice humbly admitted this was his first time speaking at an Armistice Day ceremony, and that he was honored for it to be in Iraq for the dedication of this cemetery.

Also in attendance at the ceremony was British Army Brig. Johnny Torrens-Spence, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq Deputy commander, Brig. Mark Castle, Ministry of Interior Training Team commander, and Brig. Gen. Steven Salazar, Coalition Army Advisory Training Team commander.

Gen. Ali, commanding general of 1st Iraq Army Division, also dedicated a moment of silence during the ceremony to the fallen Iraqis.

“Bringing the love over and hauling back the truth”

2008-12-05T02:09:00.000-08:00

Story by Staff Sgt. Joshua S. Higgins

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (November 26, 2008) – Country music songwriter and singer Aaron Tippin visited Camp Ramadi, Iraq, during a tour throughout the country, Nov. 26.

Tippin, a long-time supporter of the military, signed autographs and performed a variety of songs as part of his annual visit with deployed service members.

After scoring his first contract with RCA Records in 1990, Tippin’s first tour landed him in Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War. He credits the launch of his career to military men and women who stuck by him after the tour.

“Some folks may not know this but my career was kind of kicked off by the military,” said Tippin. “Before I ever did a single show in America, the first Americans to ever hear me sing “You’ve Got to Stand for Something” were in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; they were our troops. It’s a friendship that’s lasted 20 years.”

Before the show, Tippin met and ate dinner with several service members at the camp’s dining facility.

Sgt. Bradford M. Owen, an intelligence analyst from Murfreesboro, Tenn., with Regimental Combat Team 1, attended the dinner and spoke with Tippin about the on goings in his hometown area.

“Aaron resides just one county over in Liberty, Tenn., only 20 minutes from where I grew up,” said Owen. “It felt good to talk to someone, especially a well-known performer, about what’s going on back home. I appreciate him coming out around the holidays to put on a show for us.”

Tippin and his band performed over an hour during the concert, playing several of his hits including “My Blue Angel,” “Drill Here, Drill Now,” and crowd favorite “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly.”

Afterward, service members lined up for autographs and photos with the band. “Shaking hands with (service members) is a big blessing,” Tippin said.

Another aspect of the tours Tippin enjoys is seeing the progress Coalition forces are making in war-torn communities. He said too often main stream media paint a bad picture of what goes on in Iraq, and he enjoys working to counter any negativity that might lie in the hearts and minds of both U.S. citizens and service members.

“Not everybody in America has the opportunity that I have to come over here on the battle field and see what you guys have done, and to see what you have done for Iraqi people,” he said. “That’s what I like to do; I like to do what I call bringing the love over and hauling the truth back. It’s a blessing to be the messenger boy.”

In 2002 Tippin visited troops in Afghanistan and has since made annual visits to Iraq. He is the celebrity spokesperson for the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Armed Services YMCA and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.

New schools may set example

2008-12-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Marines with Team 2, Civil Affairs Group, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, visited one of four new schools being constructed in Fallujah, Iraq, recently.

The construction projects were launched by the government of Iraq in 2005, but insurgent activity in the city halted progress.
Now, the CAG team and Iraqi provincial government agencies are working together to complete the projects.

The team has been working with a local Iraqi contractor for the past month to ensure the schools will be finished and opened as quickly as possible.
Marines with the team say that the progress is promising and the results will speak for themselves.

“These new schools will be state of the art, well decorated and have a power transformer that will connect them to the city power grid,” said Chief Warrant Officer Byron T. Yoshida, a 29-year-old civil affairs officer from Van Nuys, Calif.

The projects differ from others that various civil affairs teams have worked on in the past, due to the fact that funding is coming from the Government of Iraq and not Coalition forces.
The CAG team members are working closely with Iraqi education ministries and provincial organizations to certify the funds are being put to the best possible use.
CAG team members hope the new schools will serve as examples for future school projects throughout al Anbar Province.

“The four schools might soon become a standard for other Iraqi schools that will be built in the future,” said Yoshida.

“Fallujah is really on top of education; this new building shows that,” said Staff Sgt. Alimare S. Ferrer, a 28-year-old team chief from Greshan, Ore., during a visit to the new school in the Nazaal are of the city. “This school will really be up to date once it is done. Many other schools around the country don’t have nice things like this school will have.”

Overcrowding at schools has been a problem throughout Iraq, forcing many Iraqi schools to hold elementary classes in the mornings and advanced classes in the evening.
The new schools’ design will allow for more students to attend at one time and will allow for more teachers.

The Deputy General of Education for Fallujah recently hired 1,000 new school masters and teachers to begin teaching students throughout the city.
The schools will also include a large cafeteria, soccer field and a parking lot.
Final construction on the projects is slated to be finished in approximately two months.

Giving thanks…in Iraq

2008-11-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

By Staff Sgt. Joshua S. Higgins

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (November 28, 2008) – Thanksgiving Day aboard Camp Ramadi, Iraq, started out like most days—Marines woke up early and went right to work. Some Marines with Regimental Combat Team 1 even said they forgot the holiday had arrived until someone greeted them with the stereotypical phrase, “Happy Thanksgiving!” But by mid-day, holiday festivities were in full swing.

For lunch, the dining facility served turkey and ham, accompanied by dressing, corn-on-the-cob, yams and most other side dishes associated with a typical holiday meal. I got half-way through the serving line and my plate was piled high. Thankfully there are to-go boxes by the front door.

Dessert is something the facility is never short on, but today was—well, for a lack of better words—ridiculous. There was pumpkin pie, apple pie, cherry pie, carrot cake, chocolate cake, cakes with turkeys drawn with frosting, cobblers, more flavors of ice cream to name, and finally, a pineapple cut in half with chunks of cake and pineapple mixed up inside and covered with whipped cream, topped with cherries. Most of the service members enjoying the latter treat were usually sharing, passing the concoction around and sampling it a few bites at a time.

Never missing an opportunity to decorate, the dining facility staff hung Thanksgiving decorations throughout. Of course there were several paper mache turkeys, but one oddity that seemed a little out of place was a bread carving of an alligator. I still have no idea what that had to do with giving thanks.
Some service members had the pleasure of eating with one of several distinguished visitors who made their way around to camps, forward operating bases and combat outposts.

Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the Multinational Forces-Iraq commander, visited and ate with service members here, taking the opportunity to thank them for their sacrifices. He reminded everyone that people back home in the U.S. are thinking about us and are thankful for the job we are doing.

One of those thoughtful Americans is song writer and country music artist Aaron Tippin, who made stops throughout Iraq during the week and performed here for over an hour as part of his annual tour visiting deployed service members.

Tippin performed songs including ‘My Blue Angel’, ‘Drill Here, Drill Now’, ‘You’ve Got to Stand for Something’, and crowd favorite ‘Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly’. After the show he signed autographs and posed for photos with fans.

And what would Thanksgiving Day be without some good, old-fashioned backyard American football? Or in this case, a flag football tournament dubbed the Camp Ramadi Turkey Bowl.

Sixteen teams competed throughout the week, and the event culminated Thanksgiving Day with the championship game between my team (RCT-1) and the Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment.

All week long we hoped for a final match-up against an Army team. The camp is primarily split between Army and Marines, so playing the championship against our Army brothers would continue a long-running rivalry and give the winner bragging rights at least until the next tournament.

During the first half, scoring went back and forth nearly as much as the “trash talking.” But in the second half, our defense held them to only one score while our offense continued piling on the points. The final score was Marines 38, Army 18, but more importantly everyone seemed to have a good time and the games gave us all a feel of home for the holiday.

Serving abroad far away from our families can be very difficult, especially during the holidays when most of us are accustomed to large family gatherings. But thanks to staff at the camps dining facility and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office; visits from officials and others who took time out of their busy schedules; and the all-important care packages sent by loved ones and complete strangers we are able to keep our spirits up and focus on our mission.

The end of our tour is in sight, and I think the majority of us are looking beyond the holidays to our return home sometime in January. But as long as we are here we will continue to make the best of our time.

Secretary of the Navy visits Marines in Fallujah

2008-11-28T06:05:00.000-08:00

Story By Cpl. Christopher T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq –Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter visited Marines and other service members operating in Fallujah, Iraq, during the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Winter met with the Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, at Camp Baharia to take part in holiday festivities and to praise progress they and other service members are making throughout Iraq, Nov. 27.

During a brief town hall meeting, Winter spoke about the future of the War on Terror and about several changes that are currently taking place in Iraq as part of the transfer of security.

“We are currently in a transition period, and we need to make sure we hand over security to the Iraqis in a proper manner,” said Winter.

Earlier in the day, Winter and Lt. Col. Chris Hastings, commanding officer, 1st Bn., 4th Marines, visited Entry Control Point 1A in Fallujah to witness progress Iraqi Security Forces have made.

Iraqi Police now handle security at the ECP, replacing Marines with the battalion. The ECP regulates civilian and military traffic into the city.

“We looked at operations taking place at the ECP because of the shift in the way they are run,” said Hastings. “The past two weeks have been extremely successful with the way it has been ran, and we suspect that they will continue to prevent violence from occurring.”

MNF-I commander spends Thanksgiving with Ramadi troops

2008-11-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

Story By Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (Nov. 27, 2008) – Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the commanding general of Multinational Forces–Iraq, spent his Thanksgiving visiting troops at Camp Ramadi and other locations throughout Iraq, Nov. 27.

During his visit at Camp Ramadi, Odierno greeted Marines of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and later ate Thanksgiving lunch with Marines from the regiment and Soldiers with Task Force Ramadi.

Odierno thanked the Marines and Soldiers for their service and said he is proud to be serving with them during this demanding time.

“I just want to say that I am proud to be able to serve with you, especially on days like this,” Odierno said to Marines at the 2nd Bn., 9th Marines’ headquarters. “Many people all over the United States are thankful for a lot of things but I’ll tell you one thing, they’re thankful for you and the job you do.”

Sgt. John F. Newhouse, a 36-year-old maintenance chief from Pittsburg with Headquarters and Support Company, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines, commented on what it meant to him and his Marines that Odierno took time to visit on the special day.

“He just stopped by to see how we were doing and it’s great that out of all the places he could have stopped on Ramadi, he came here to our shop. It’s really a great morale boost for the Marines,” Newhouse said.

Odierno left the Marines with some advice before departing for the camp’s dining facility.

“It’s a different world in Iraq now than it was 18 months or even a year ago,” Odierno said. “What you need to do now is stay focused on what you’re doing, take care of your battle buddies, maintain standards and don’t get complacent.”

Odierno also made stops in Baghdad, at Forward Operating Base Iskan and at Contingency Operating Base Speicher.

Marines settled at Camp Ramadi, continue improvements for future units

2008-11-28T04:45:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Stephen McGinnis

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (November 25, 2008) – Recently, Marines with Regimental Combat Team 1’s headquarters element packed their bags and for the first time since the war in Iraq began, moved an entire Marine regiment out of Fallujah.

Regimental Combat Team 1 moved out and stuck their guidon in the sands at Camp Ramadi.
Camp Fallujah was ideal; a former military compound, much of its infrastructure was already in place and fortified walls surrounded its inhabitants.

The Marines found their Camp Ramadi facilities in a much different state. Most of their new offices needed renovations, and others had to be built entirely. New lots for the motor transport and supply sections had to be graveled and fenced. And some Marines lived in large tents until living quarters were renovated.

But the Marines adapted and quickly began making Camp Ramadi a home away from home, and they plan to leave it better than they found it.

“It is important to get the facilities as safe and comfortable as possible,” said Maj. Todd Sanders, a 36-year-old logistics officer from Bryan, Texas, with RCT-1. “We also want to ensure that the unit that is replacing us has the best facilities that they can, so that they can focus on their mission rather than their facilities.”

Some of the camp’s improvements required a large amount of heavy construction and renovation. Marines would have spent a great deal of time and man power to make these renovations on their own, so instead they reached out to the local community.

“The Iraqi contractors help us do a lot of the specific construction work, which allows Marines to focus on their mission,” said Sgt. Joshua J. Gatewood, a 25-year-old construction and logistics noncommissioned officer from Everett, Wash., with RCT-1.

The use of Iraqi contractors not only makes Marines more readily available to complete missions, it also provides jobs and revenue to help boost the Iraqi economy.

“Hiring local contractors will have a positive effect on the relationship between the Iraqi people and Coalition forces through the influx of funds into the local economy,” said Sanders. “As Coalition forces utilize local national contractors, it provides another outlet for jobs and funding to permeate into the local economy.”

With only a couple of months left on their deployment, Marines are trying to put the finishing touches on the improvements to leave their facilities in good shape for incoming units.

“When Marines are able to rest and relax in a non-austere environment, it has a positive effect on their moral and allows them to be better focused when they are conducting their mission,” said Sanders.

Marines, Iraqi Security Forces search for answers to Ferris attack

2008-11-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FERRIS, Iraq – A recent enemy attack at a hospital in Ferris, Iraq has Marines and Iraqi Security Forces searching the city for clues to find suspects linked to the incident.

Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, assisted the ISF during a joint operation in the city to gather information, recently.

ISF work daily to ensure safety of the citizens by walking through local streets and visiting businesses to talk with those who live, work and commute in the area.
IPs from the Ferris station often gather useful information and work with many of the citizens to help prevent violent attacks. They ask questions about suspicious activity that goes on in the cities neighborhoods and investigate their findings.

Weapons Company Marines have aided several of these missions, adding to the number of forces going on security patrols in recent months.

The Marines use the opportunity to teach IPs what they know about security.

“Local security patrols are now joint with Iraqi Police, and we are ensuring they are doing their job and help fix their shortcomings, so they will be ready to completely take over and keep Ferris safe,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron K. Johnson, a platoon sergeant with the company. “The (patrols) are going well; IPs are doing what needs to be done and we will keep working with them.”

The recent attack in the area is being called an isolated incident, but security forces are not taking any chances. IPs and Marines are continuing efforts to prevent attacks and are taking several proactive measures such as additional security patrols as well as hiring more personnel to conduct searches at check points.

In past combat deployments to Iraq, Marines usually patrolled separately from the IPs.
Today’s mission calls for Marines to take a different approach to security. They are assuming an over-watch position, and in many areas IPs are taking the lead in security operations while Marines provide assistance when necessary.

Lance Cpl. Zachary K. Kapinus, a team leader with the company, was deployed to the area last year. He said despite the recent attack, overall security in the area has improved tremendously. “I worked with the Iraqi Security Forces last year during my deployment and I think things for this deployment are getting better,” said the 20-year-old from New Braunfels, Texas. “We (Marines and ISF) are definitely working together well.”

Remembering a friend, hero, Marine

2008-11-27T00:10:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – A small pump station on the outskirts of Fallujah, Iraq, sends streams of water through large metal pipes and into the homes and businesses of local citizens.

Today, these metal pipes carry not only water, but a flood of memories of one Marine’s sacrifice and dedication to his duties.

Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, gathered at “Pump House Barney,” a combat outpost overlooking the pump station, to remember Cpl. Aaron M. Allen, from Buellton, Calif., during a ceremony, Nov. 22.

Allen, a 24-year-old team leader with the company’s 3rd Platoon, was killed while conducting combat operations not far from the outpost, where he and other Marines lived and worked.

Tears filled eyes of Marines with the company during the ceremony as they spoke quietly to each other, reflecting on the memories of their fellow Marine and close friend.

“The first time I met him, I knew there was just something different about him,” said Lance Cpl. Louis J. Denise, a rifleman with Company A. “When you walked into a room where he was, everyone was centered around him and you just wanted to be next to him.”

Several Marines with 3rd Platoon spoke about Allen’s dedication, telling the crowd of Marines how he had impacted their lives in many positive ways.

Each Marine described Allen’s commitment to the Corps and his devotion to being selfless. Allen was said to have given everything he had to ensure the Marines around him were taken care of before he took care of himself.

The young team leader was well known by most Marines with the company and was looked up to by many, said Denise. He was known for his natural leadership skills and his inapt ability to make others smile.

“From the first day that I checked into Alpha Company, Allen was the first Marine that stuck out to me,” said 2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Stafford, 3rd Platoon commander. “He had a sense of humor that was recognized by his whole unit.”

Several Marines described him as someone who turned their bad days into laughter and kept things tolerable, even during the worst of times.

“I remember when he would sing songs from ‘Top Gun’ in the back of the (Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected vehicle),” said Sgt. Matthew J. Antonik, a section leader with 3rd Platoon. “He could always make us laugh.”

Allen joined the Marine Corps March 22, 2004 and joined up with 1st Bn., 4th Marines, Dec. 12, 2006. Allen had built several close relationships with many of the Marines in the unit.

“Corporal Allen was the best Marine that I knew,” said Antonik. “You couldn’t help but smile when you met him.”

In his first assignment before joining the battalion, Allen served as a basic security guard with Marine Security Force Company at Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, Georgia, where he completed several military training courses and was a member of a Close Quarters Battle team.

His knowledge and experience in CQB led him to be chosen as the senior instructor for urban patrolling and assault training for his platoon.

Doors open at Karmah Hospital

2008-11-27T00:04:00.001-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

KARMAH, Iraq– Officials in Karmah opened the doors to a new hospital after years of planning and construction, recently.

A shortage in funding threatened to delay the opening of the Karmah Hospital, but Marines with Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1’s Civil Affairs Group, helped to facilitate final construction efforts.

Prior to the hospital opening, only a small under-manned, under-equipped clinic served the entire Karmah region’s 40,000 citizens, requiring people to travel to Fallujah for anything beyond basic healthcare.

“It was just a health clinic before,” said Sgt. Andrew Hodgdon, a 24-year-old operations chief from Houston, with CAG. “Now they have a modern hospital with top of the line equipment.”
The hospital will facilitate most general services and will include a dental clinic among other specialized service clinics. It will also house three ambulances to expedite medical emergencies.

The hospital’s opening marks significant gains for the Karmah region, largely due to profound improvements in security. Citizens here have pulled together to thwart violence and insurgent activity.

“The level of progress is unbelievable,” Hodgdon said. “Finishing construction would have been impossible without [Karmah’s] help. They earned this hospital, and they definitely deserve it.”
The people of Karmah were more than enthusiastic to see the completion of a critical piece of infrastructure.
“It’s an excellent hospital,” said Basim Sami, a doctor’s assistant at the hospital. “It was very important to Karmah, the future of Karmah, to complete this hospital. It gives the people faith, all of us faith, that we are getting better one school, one hospital at a time.”

Service members said the new hospital should reduce the strain on surrounding hospitals, such as Fallujah General Hospital, where over-crowding has been a problem.

“A big key to its importance is giving people in Karmah access to a wide variety of healthcare without the need to travel to other cities,” said Navy Lt. Richard Ellis, the battalion surgeon, from Panama City, Fla., with 1st Bn., 3rd Marines.

Ellis said the more people go to general practitioners before going to see a specialty doctor in cities like Fallujah, the more efficiently the overall medical system runs.
“For them to have a brand new hospital—it’s a sign things are progressing,” Ellis said.

Heightened security allows for closer friendships

2008-11-24T02:19:00.001-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

SATTACK, Iraq – Iraqi Security Force and Marine efforts have facilitated a continued lull in violence and increased the opportunity for an Iraqi infrastructure in al Anbar Province.

Lance Cpl. Roger Burda, a 25-year-old scout sniper from Daytona, Fla., with Mobile Assault Company, Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and other Marines in the unit took advantage of the area’s stability recently, visiting the Sattack Elementary School to spend time with Iraqi children.

Marines helped the children build wooden trains and bird houses using material donated by a Lowe’s Home Improvement store in his hometown.
Burda’s mother, who works at the store and spends volunteer hours building the same toys with American children, helped him arrange the donation.

“We’ve made really good rapport with the locals and I wanted to give the children something to lift their spirits,” explained Burda.

Burda planed the mission with 1st Sgt. Paul Costanzo, MAC first sergeant, who said everyone was very eager to take the toys to the children.

“The company is always looking for opportunities to help the community,” said Costanzo. “This was one of the better chances we’ve had.”

Burda said during his deployment last year to Iraq, humanitarian efforts were impossible because of the depleted security situation. Now security has improved allowing Marines to step back into an over-watch role, merely advising and assisting ISF where needed.

“Things are much different from past deployments,” Burda said. “(Some schools in the area) weren’t even open and the children had no place to learn.”

Burda said it is important that Iraq’s children understand he and other Coalition forces are here to help.

“We are here to make a difference. The children are Iraq’s future,” Burda said.

The day spent with the children, added Burda, left him with a feeling of accomplishment that will last long past this deployment.

‘Roller Boy’ reverses role; RCT-1 pilot takes on new perspective

2008-11-24T01:58:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl Nicholas J. Lienemann

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq (Nov. 19, 2008) – The sun hung blindingly high in the afternoon sky as Capt. James R. “Roller Boy” Berard poured over terrain maps stretched out on the hood of a humvee.

His voice remained calm and collected despite the frenzy of chatter exploding from the radio handset pressed tightly against his head. Like an actor reciting his lines, he methodically relayed grid coordinates and target locations to aircraft soaring above.

Berard’s role as a forward air controller was a complete role reversal for him as he guided ordnance drops during the Tactical Air Control Party training exercise Nov. 11-14, outside Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.

An F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet pilot by trade, Berard is currently serving as an assistant air officer with Regimental Combat Team 1 in Ramadi, Iraq.

A TACP shoot is a combined-arms training exercise designed to refresh forward air controllers on the ground and pilots in the sky on the tactics and skills necessary to successfully engage targets from the aircraft to the ground.

Berard, usually piloting a jet, deployed to Al Asad Air Base with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron-121 as an F/A-18 fighter pilot in Feb. 2007 and logged roughly 400 combat flight hours during his tour.

He explained how his unique understanding of the pilot’s perspective played a crucial role as a FAC during the training exercise.

“Our job as forward air controllers is to relay all the information and coordinate with the pilots on where they need to safely and effectively drop their ordnance,” said Berard, 29, from Morgantown, WV. “That includes everything from target location, location of friendlies, how we want them to attack and the timeframe in which to attack. Having been in (the pilot’s) position before, I know exactly what they’re looking for.”

The FACs used equipment ranging from basic compasses and binoculars to high-tech guided laser target designators to acquire the necessary information.

Berard and four other FACs coordinated attacks with U.S. Marine Corps Huey and Cobra helicopters and F/A-18 fighter jets, as well as U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets on destroyed armor hulks as close as 1,500 meters from their position.
While the F/A-18’s and helicopters unleashed a hailstorm of rockets and machinegun fire, the F-16s delivered precision drops with two 1,000-pound bombs that rattled the earth on impact.

Two 81mm mortar sections and an artillery scout supported the FACs, firing mortars to simulate suppressing the enemy and marking targets with smoke.

Cpl. Jason D. Calo, an artillery/mortar scout observer attached to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, served as the primary liaison between the mortar teams and the FACs.

“This training is important because what you don’t use, you lose,” said Calo, 21, from Mancelona, Mich. “This evolution not only let me practice and hone my skills, but there’s nothing cooler than having a fighter jet fly over your shoulder and annihilate the enemy with a 1,000 pound bomb.”

Timing between the mortar sections and the FACs was essential, Berard said. Time needed to be exact and down to the very second.

“The mortar rounds were flying as high as 11,000 feet and we had aircraft flying between 10-12,000 feet,” Berard explained. “As FACs, we need to know exactly where everything is at all times. If I call for a (mortar round) at 5 minutes past because there’s an aircraft coming in at 5 minutes and 30 seconds, you can see why the mortarman’s watch can’t be even a few seconds off.”

Pilots usually spend the first two to four years of their careers flying before they are required to fill a b-billet. A b-billet, or secondary job, typically requires the pilot to step out of the cockpit.

While Berard said he misses flying, he’s glad for the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with the ground side of the Marine Corps.

“A big part of what I took from my last deployment is remembering the guys on the ground,” he said. “Everything I did in a close air support role, all the flying and all the planning, was for the guy on the ground that gets on the radio so I could hook him up on a bad day.”

Community gets new IDs

2008-11-24T01:52:00.000-08:00

Story by Cpl. Chris T. Mann

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Marines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, assisted by Iraqi Police, issued identification badges to civilians living in the Abuyuset area near Fallujah, Iraq, Nov. 8.
The Abuyuset area is predominantly rural and many of its community members have been unable to travel and obtain ID badges, which are issued by Coalition forces and allow passage through Iraq’s entry control points where Iraqi Police search personnel and vehicles for contraband.

“The reason behind this operation is that it allows people that may not have a vehicle access to the IDs,” said Sgt. Daniel R. Mata, a 22-year-old mobile assault platoon section leader from Seguin, Texas. “The idea is to try and get to the poorer, rural areas and alleviate some of the stress caused by travel.”
Badges are issued to Iraqi male civilians between the ages of 15 and 60 and can allow Iraq-wide access or access to only a specific region.

Each ID card contains a photograph of the individual it belongs to, and can be scanned to display information including his birthday, job, and address.

The Marines also handed out food bags as an incentive to those who participated in the badge process. Approximately 125 food bags were distributed to the area’s citizens.

“This is the first time that the company has done a remote operation like this and I feel today was very successful,” said 2nd Lt. James P. O’Neill, a 28-year-old platoon commander from Sacramento, Calif., with the battalion. “We distributed a lot of food bags to people who got badges.”

The badge system is only one of the many ways Iraqi Police and Marines have combined forces in Fallujah to make the city safer.

Medical college opens in Ramadi

2008-11-24T00:51:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. J.J. Murphy

RAMADI, Iraq (Nov. 14, 2008) – Officials at al Anbar University held a ceremony commemorating the addition of its medical college during a ceremony in Ramadi, Iraq, Nov. 13.
During heavy fighting, many of Iraq’s physicians fled to neighboring countries in hopes of finding better business opportunities. Ramadi officials and Coalition forces are hoping the opening the medical college fills the void that was left.
“Iraq’s healthcare system is suffering from a severe shortage of physicians, as many physicians fled to Syria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan during the war,” said 1st Lt. Emily Grant, the embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team Ramadi LNO. “This re-opening will not solve the current lack of physicians but it will help to increase the number of physicians down the line.”
The college is a six year institution, with students entering medical school immediately following high school. Upon graduation, students receive their doctorate in medicine.

“Education is always important and if we can help the people become educated, it will lead to a better life for them and Ramadi,” said 1st Lt. David Gilliland, officer-in-charge of Civil Affairs Group, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1.
Officials are also hoping the college brings Ramadi one step closer to breaking away from the Iraqi insurgency.
“The teachers will give experience to the younger generations of Iraqis and they aren’t scared to anymore,” said Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Abudiyabi, president of the university. “When terrorism first came into the region, their first target was al Anbar University. They don’t want educated people, they want ignorant people and attacking the university helped that. Now, we are educating the students against terrorism so that they know that it is not what we want here.”

The completion of the medical college and other projects in Ramadi have assisted in strengthening the relationship between Coalition forces and Iraqi citizens. “We want Ramadi to have a better picture for the future and opening institutions like this one is essential,” said Karieem Arak, the chief of the North Provincial Council. “Ramadi has been changed a lot by Coalition forces and we want them to keep going and help us make Ramadi more beautiful. We are very happy with the relationship between the city of Ramadi and Coalition forces. We want to thank them for their continued help and support.”

No one throws a birthday party like the Corps

2008-11-12T23:52:00.000-08:00

Blog by Cpl. Stephen McGinnis

Marines everywhere recently celebrated the Corps’ 233rd Marine Corps Birthday. For many, November 10th means Dress Blues, a date, a beautiful venue, and an even more beautiful ceremony.

Those of us here at Camp Ramadi, Iraq, also celebrate—only a little differently.

Instead of Dress Blues, we wore cammies to the birthday celebration.

Instead of a beautiful venue, we held the ceremony in a gymnasium and celebrated in a large tent.

Instead of an open bar, we were afforded two beers, guaranteed to us by the commandant of the Marine Corps himself. And in case you’re wondering, age was not a factor. Every Marine, if he chose to, had two beers to enjoy with his fellow Marine in celebration of the birthday.

Regardless of where we celebrate, the history and traditions of the Marine Corps abound. As long as we are surrounded by our fellow brothers-in-arms enjoying the taste of a cold beer and reflecting on that history and those traditions, Marines are happy.

For us, the celebration was a time we could almost forget that we’re in Iraq; it’s just us sitting around with a bunch of our Marine buddies having a few beers, watching a movie, and smoking cigars just as we might do on a weekend day back home.

We engulfed ourselves with Americana on that night, and what a better way to celebrate the birth of our beloved Corps than in a combat zone, an area that Marines both past and present are all too familiar with.

Marines celebrate birthday alongside Iraqi counterparts

2008-11-12T22:12:00.000-08:00

Story By: Lance Cpl. Jerry Murphy

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (Nov. 11, 2008) – Founded in a small Philadelphia tavern on Nov. 10, 1775, by order of the Second Continental Congress, the Marine Corps’ history books were opened, and today, in Ramadi, Iraq, 2008, the pages are still being written.

Marines of 2nd Bn., 9th Marines celebrated the Marine Corps’ 233rd birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony aboard Camp Ramadi, Nov. 11.

“In three years, five years, 10 years, 20 years, Marines are going to be standing on battlefields we haven’t even begun to imagine yet and they’re going to pause on Nov. 10th and think back to the legacy you have created here,” said Lt. Col. Thad R. Trapp, the commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, speaking to Marines of Company F and Headquarters and Support Company. “You guys, right now, are laying out history for future generations. You are fulfilling the legacy of the heroes that have fallen before us. You’re making your own page in history.”

Iraqi Police from Ramadi also attended the ceremony, and the guest of honor was Mayor Latif Obaid Iyada al Chulaybawi, the mayor of Ramadi.

The ceremony opened with a video message by Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Major Carlton W. Kent presenting the traditional birthday message and was followed by the reading of General John A. Lejeune’s historic birthday message.

“When our chapter of history is written, it will be a saga of a selfless generation of Marines who were willing to stand up and fight for our Nation; to defend those who could not defend themselves; to thrive on the hardship and sacrifice expected of an elite warrior class; to march to the sound of the guns; and to ably shoulder the legacy of those Marines who have gone before,” Conway said in the taped message.

Mayor Latif, shared with everyone in attendance a few words of what it meant to him to be the guest of honor at the ceremony.

“We all came here today to congratulate the Marines on their 233rd birthday and wish them a happy birthday,” he said. “I am honored to be the guest of honor at this ceremony.”

Traditionally, the guest of honor, the oldest Marine present and the youngest Marine present receive the first pieces of the birthday cake. The first piece is given to the guest of honor and the second piece is passed from the oldest Marine present to the youngest.

The oldest Marine at the ceremony was Sgt. Maj. Jose Santiago, the battalion sergeant major, and the youngest Marine was Pfc. Travis Taylor, an 18-year-old rifleman with Company G, 2nd Bn., 9th Marines.

Marines call U.S. home—legitimately

2008-11-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

BAGHDAD (November 5, 2008) – Freedom, opportunity, equality and service is how U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker described the U.S. to a mass of the countries newest citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, Nov. 4.

Two Marines with Company A, Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, were among 184 service members who were sworn in during the ceremony.

“It was a satisfying day,” explained Lance Cpl. Moises Monterofrias, a 21-year-old rifleman and new U.S. citizen from the Dominican Republic. “It feels good to call myself an American.”

With most of his family already living in the United States, Monterofrias left the Dominican Republic for New York when he was 13-years-old. He later relocated to Bellingham, Mass., where he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Cpl. Dwight Newby, a 30-year-old team leader from Jamaica also received his U.S. citizenship during the ceremony. Newby left Jamaica in 2005 for New York to build a foundation for his wife and 7-year-old daughter.

“I wanted her to have a good life and it was time for a change from Jamaica,” explained Newby, now the only U.S. citizen in his family.

Both Marines are serving their second combat tour in Iraq and said their citizenship legitimizes everything they have been fighting in Iraq.

Crocker noted the service members’ extraordinary sacrifice for their adopted country and commended their decision to serve in the U.S. military even before becoming citizens.

As veteran Marines of the War on Terror, both

Monterofrias and Newby have fought for the

freedoms, liberties and hopes of every American and

will continue to do so during their present

deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Khalidyah safer after capture of terrorist suspect

2008-11-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

Story and photos by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

KHALIDYAH, Iraq – Marines with Company C, Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, conducted a cordon and search operation recently, which led to the detainment of the battalion’s number one High Value Individual.

Muhammad Ayid Fayyad is suspected of being involved with individuals who planned and executed attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces.

The company learned Fayyad was in the vicinity of a local barbershop in Khalidyah and quickly responded by establishing a cordon around the area.

Marines with 4th Platoon, Company C, set up blocking positions on the main roads leading in and out of the cordon where the company’s Personal Security Detachment provided security for the closed off area.

Lance Cpl. Chelsey Wilson, a 24-year-old assaultman from Pensacola, Fla., was a vehicle commander in 2nd Platoon, which was responsible for the assault and search of the area.

Wilson said as he and two other Marines patrolled near the barbershop they began to notice suspicious behavior.

“There were four men cutting hair inside the shop at the time,” Wilson recalled. “Some of them tried to leave when they saw us, but we held them in the shop.”

The Marines realized one of the four men in the shop was indeed Fayyad after questioning the men and then took him into custody.

Sgt. Keith Fuqua, a 25-year-old squad leader from Milton, Fla., said it was no surprise Fayyad did not resist being detained.

“The operation was successful due to the precision in which it was executed,” Fuqua said. “Every element came together and we got this guy off the streets. The Iraqis are safer.”

Fayyad was immediately taken to the battalion’s Detainee Collection Point for questioning, and then was transported to a higher command for follow-on questioning.

The operation was successfully completed with no casualties to Marines, local nationals or Fayyad.

Marines finding new ways to find caches

2008-11-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Achilles Tsantarliotis

KARMAH, Iraq (October 24, 2008) – Marines in northern Karmah have been busy, finding hidden weapons caches daily for the last few weeks.

Since arriving to the area in August, the Marines, with 2nd Platoon, Company B, Task Force 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, have raked in more than 60 small arms, 50 mortars, hundreds of explosives fuses and various types of explosives, most of which they found over the last month.

But their finds did not come as easily initially during their deployment. The Marines have become more attuned to finding ordnance which each cache they find.

“We learn more with each cache,” said Cpl. Timothy Golden, a 21-year-old squad leader from Williamsburg, Va., with 2nd Platoon. “The story of each cache is told by how it was buried. After finding so many caches, we start to know what to look for.”

The Marines say they have adopted the mentality of desperate insurgents. They view the area as a grid, and while thinking like the enemy they scan for natural markers and areas where they would hide weapons.

Each cache find potentially saves scores of lives, both Coalition and civilian, and significantly slows the insurgency.

“It feels good finding so many caches,” said Sgt. Marc Mcgarry, a 26-year-old squad leader from Rockland, Mass., with 2nd Platoon. “The more caches we find the safer Karmah citizens and Marines are.”

But the Marines say smaller, more easily defended attacks have been launched by desperate insurgents showing their frustrations.

Mcgarry said assaults on their post are regular after an active week of heavily denting insurgents’ weapons supplies.

“(Before), the enemy felt comfortable hiding things here,” he said. “And now there’s definitely blowback with each cache we find, or guys we detain. They’re basically ‘thumping their chest.’”

Karmah has been key terrain for the insurgents smuggling weapons into Anbar province, making the Marines’ role of influencing future security that much more important.

“We’re removing accelerants from the insurgency,” said Capt. Michael L. Mayne, the 35-year-old commanding officer of Company B, Task Force 1st Bn., 3rd Marines, from Napa Calif. “We’re taking the gasoline from their tank, and we’re going to keep taking it.”

Government center opens for Habbaniyah citizens

2008-11-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

Story by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

HABBANIYAH, Iraq (October 25, 2008) – A throng of Habbaniyah government officials, police and citizens gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of the Habbaniyah Government Center, Oct. 25.

The government center has been four months in the making and is now complete, standing as a symbol of a representative government taking hold in the area. Now both the mayor of Habbaniyah and the city council work together, under the same roof, to govern the district.

“The collaboration among different local governments is critical,” explained Kevin Anderson, a representative from the Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team – Ramadi. “The government center promotes stability and fosters a theme of progress in the community.”

The government center houses the necessary facilities needed for legitimate governance of the district. Anderson explained the effect of these facilities on the community is two-fold. The government center creates a spirit of cooperation between the mayor and city council and “ensures the transparency of the government process by creating a system of checks and balances.”

In a sign of unity and continued cooperation, both mayor, Hussein Ali Hussein and the head of the city council, Ali Dawood, cut the ceremonial ribbon simultaneously. After the ribbon cutting ceremony, the mayor met with the city council and other officials to discuss the direction in which Habbaniyah is headed. The new unified relationship between the mayor and city council is one that will foster only good things to come, commented the mayor.

“We all are looking forward to working together to govern Habbaniyah,” the mayor told the group. “This is a good thing, to be able to work together for the community”

The positive attitude within the confines of the local government has been encouraging to the area’s advancement, said Anderson.

“Habbaniyah’s spirit of team work and willingness to work together is a model of governance for other cities to follow,” he added.