John got online around 6am this morning. I was sleeping but since my computer makes a "MOOO" sound when he signs on AIM, I wake right up and talk to him despite the fact I am half alseep and can't even see what I typing. He FINALLY got my package!! He said it was the best package ever. It took about 3 weeks for him to get. Others on the 1/6 yahoo online chat group have sent stuff in the beginning of January and their loved ones still haven't gotten it. So, I am lucky John got his package as quickly as he did with all the slowness that has been happening with their mail. In the package I sent him I put in a green flannel fitted sheet for his bed. I washed it with extra detergent and dried it with lots of dryer sheets. Then I proceeded to spray it with my perfume, so that it would smell like me! haha. He said it smelled great and that he already had it on his mattress.
We are FINALLY getting our plane tickets for Jackie's wedding. It's such a relief to finally get them and know where we are leaving from and the dates. We are both really excited to go. It is going to be here before we know it. I cannot believe that tomorrow is the 1st day of March. It doesn't even seem possible. The time is just flying by for me.
67 days til I graduate! and then shortly after that John will be home!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Police Unite to Redeem Ramadi
All Things Considered, February 22, 2007
by Tom Bowman
·“We should be out on the street patrolling, doing what we do best.”
-U.S. Marine at his squadron leader's memorial
U.S. troops fought a six-hour gun battle with insurgents in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, Thursday. For years, Ramadi has been wracked with violence. Much of it was destroyed in the fighting, and many residents fled. Now American and Iraqi forces are starting to take back the city.
Ahmed Majid cooks kabobs in his open-air shop in western Ramadi. Children dart in and out.
"Five months ago, you couldn't do this," Majid says through a translator. He went to Baghdad to hide, but when that city's security deteriorated, he came back to Ramadi. The translator says, "He said the area's really nice now."
So what's changed in Ramadi? American forces are getting out of their fortified base at the edge of the city. They are setting up small outposts in the neighborhoods, and patrolling with Iraqi police.
Ramadi Mayor Latif Ayadah says through a translator, "They started looking at locations for police stations that had never seen police in the past.
"The spreading of police in neighborhoods… eradicated the terrorists in those areas, mostly, and they are fearing the police."
Ayadah knows more than most that Ramadi is far from being pacified. He was late for this interview because a car bomb injured his nephew.
But there are signs of progress. Small businesses are opening, adult literacy classes are attracting hundreds of residents, and children are returning to schools.
Young boys spill out of the Al Adel Boys School in western Ramadi. They cluster around American soldiers and talk about the fighters who once controlled this neighborhood.
"They'd tell (us) don't come to school," the boys say in Arabic. "They'd just scare us. They'd force us to go home and not go to school. They used to threaten us with guns."
A key figure in the early efforts to stabilize Ramadi has been Col. Sean MacFarland, a wiry and laconic West Point graduate.
MacFarland spent time in the Balkans. It was there he learned a key tenet of counterinsurgency warfare — cooperating with local leaders.
"The most important thing in a counterinsurgency is to separate the people from the insurgents. And we went about doing that by looking for who the local leaders are. Every place is different. In Baghdad, you have elected leaders. Out here in the tribal areas, it's the sheiks."
When MacFarland arrived last year, some of the sheiks were aligned with Al Qaeda. Many were neutral. But the tribes were vulnerable — caught in the middle of the bitter fighting.
When MacFarland started setting up small outposts, the sheiks asked for help.
He agreed to set up police stations in their areas, but only if the sheiks would provide 100 men to serve as police elsewhere in the city.
Last year there were roughly one hundred police patrolling Ramadi. Now there are about 4,000. And where there were once four outposts, there are 24, where Americans and Iraqis live together.
But there still are parts of Ramadi where Al Qaeda and other insurgents remain strong, including the city center and the eastern edge.
Maj. Scott Kish, a civil affairs officer, rides toward the city center in convoy of Humvees.
"We're going down what we call MSR Michigan – what the local Iraqis call Main Street."
It is a long and lonely stretch of urban misery. Many of the high-rise buildings are vacant. Some are partially collapsed from shelling. All are pockmarked with bullet holes.
But there are signs of color and life. A fruit stand. Then a mechanic's shop. A small playground. Children sit on swings and watch the convoy pass.
Kish says, "You see some benches in there. You see some slides. Kids playing. So that's a good thing. The bus stops are going to get repaired here in the next three weeks."
The convoy pulls into Outpost Virginia, a fortress trimmed with razor wire and topped with camouflage netting.
Maj. Daniel Zappa walks into the operations center, and points to a cluster of pins on a map. They show reports of possible roadside bombs in the eastern part of the city.
For U.S. troops here, Ramadi is a constant cat and mouse game. The Americans ply the roads in massive armored trucks called Buffalos, to disarm roadside bombs. The insurgents respond with more ingenuity.
The insurgents launch mortars and rockets at the American outposts before melting into the night. American drones circle the sky. Infrared cameras try to capture the silhouette created by an insurgent's body heat.
Into this world heads a patrol of Iraqis and American troops. They're off to talk with a source, a teacher who monitors Al Qaeda and insurgent movements.
They load their weapons and pull on their armored vests.
They walk into a city at war.
They hear gunfire, but radio back that no shots reached them. "But there is contact northeast of our position," they say.
It is a sign that the fate of Ramadi is far from certain. And there will be a high price in taking back this city.
That price has already been paid by Sgt. Joshua Frazier. Just 24. He was killed by a sniper at a marketplace in the city center.
His rifle, helmet and combat boots are set in a stand in the front of a room where Marines are holding a memorial service. A Marine stands to remember his squad leader.
"Sgt. Frazier wouldn't want us all to be thinking about the loss of a couple of days ago. Or thinking about today – but instead, that we should be out on the street patrolling, doing what we do best."
A few of the Marines wipe their eyes. Then they all file quietly out of the room.
U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Police Unite to Redeem Ramadi
by Tom Bowman
·“We should be out on the street patrolling, doing what we do best.”
-U.S. Marine at his squadron leader's memorial
U.S. troops fought a six-hour gun battle with insurgents in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, Thursday. For years, Ramadi has been wracked with violence. Much of it was destroyed in the fighting, and many residents fled. Now American and Iraqi forces are starting to take back the city.
Ahmed Majid cooks kabobs in his open-air shop in western Ramadi. Children dart in and out.
"Five months ago, you couldn't do this," Majid says through a translator. He went to Baghdad to hide, but when that city's security deteriorated, he came back to Ramadi. The translator says, "He said the area's really nice now."
So what's changed in Ramadi? American forces are getting out of their fortified base at the edge of the city. They are setting up small outposts in the neighborhoods, and patrolling with Iraqi police.
Ramadi Mayor Latif Ayadah says through a translator, "They started looking at locations for police stations that had never seen police in the past.
"The spreading of police in neighborhoods… eradicated the terrorists in those areas, mostly, and they are fearing the police."
Ayadah knows more than most that Ramadi is far from being pacified. He was late for this interview because a car bomb injured his nephew.
But there are signs of progress. Small businesses are opening, adult literacy classes are attracting hundreds of residents, and children are returning to schools.
Young boys spill out of the Al Adel Boys School in western Ramadi. They cluster around American soldiers and talk about the fighters who once controlled this neighborhood.
"They'd tell (us) don't come to school," the boys say in Arabic. "They'd just scare us. They'd force us to go home and not go to school. They used to threaten us with guns."
A key figure in the early efforts to stabilize Ramadi has been Col. Sean MacFarland, a wiry and laconic West Point graduate.
MacFarland spent time in the Balkans. It was there he learned a key tenet of counterinsurgency warfare — cooperating with local leaders.
"The most important thing in a counterinsurgency is to separate the people from the insurgents. And we went about doing that by looking for who the local leaders are. Every place is different. In Baghdad, you have elected leaders. Out here in the tribal areas, it's the sheiks."
When MacFarland arrived last year, some of the sheiks were aligned with Al Qaeda. Many were neutral. But the tribes were vulnerable — caught in the middle of the bitter fighting.
When MacFarland started setting up small outposts, the sheiks asked for help.
He agreed to set up police stations in their areas, but only if the sheiks would provide 100 men to serve as police elsewhere in the city.
Last year there were roughly one hundred police patrolling Ramadi. Now there are about 4,000. And where there were once four outposts, there are 24, where Americans and Iraqis live together.
But there still are parts of Ramadi where Al Qaeda and other insurgents remain strong, including the city center and the eastern edge.
Maj. Scott Kish, a civil affairs officer, rides toward the city center in convoy of Humvees.
"We're going down what we call MSR Michigan – what the local Iraqis call Main Street."
It is a long and lonely stretch of urban misery. Many of the high-rise buildings are vacant. Some are partially collapsed from shelling. All are pockmarked with bullet holes.
But there are signs of color and life. A fruit stand. Then a mechanic's shop. A small playground. Children sit on swings and watch the convoy pass.
Kish says, "You see some benches in there. You see some slides. Kids playing. So that's a good thing. The bus stops are going to get repaired here in the next three weeks."
The convoy pulls into Outpost Virginia, a fortress trimmed with razor wire and topped with camouflage netting.
Maj. Daniel Zappa walks into the operations center, and points to a cluster of pins on a map. They show reports of possible roadside bombs in the eastern part of the city.
For U.S. troops here, Ramadi is a constant cat and mouse game. The Americans ply the roads in massive armored trucks called Buffalos, to disarm roadside bombs. The insurgents respond with more ingenuity.
The insurgents launch mortars and rockets at the American outposts before melting into the night. American drones circle the sky. Infrared cameras try to capture the silhouette created by an insurgent's body heat.
Into this world heads a patrol of Iraqis and American troops. They're off to talk with a source, a teacher who monitors Al Qaeda and insurgent movements.
They load their weapons and pull on their armored vests.
They walk into a city at war.
They hear gunfire, but radio back that no shots reached them. "But there is contact northeast of our position," they say.
It is a sign that the fate of Ramadi is far from certain. And there will be a high price in taking back this city.
That price has already been paid by Sgt. Joshua Frazier. Just 24. He was killed by a sniper at a marketplace in the city center.
His rifle, helmet and combat boots are set in a stand in the front of a room where Marines are holding a memorial service. A Marine stands to remember his squad leader.
"Sgt. Frazier wouldn't want us all to be thinking about the loss of a couple of days ago. Or thinking about today – but instead, that we should be out on the street patrolling, doing what we do best."
A few of the Marines wipe their eyes. Then they all file quietly out of the room.
U.S. Soldiers, Iraqi Police Unite to Redeem Ramadi
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Security detail escorts battlefield leader through dangerous missions
Submitted by: II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
Story Identification #: 20072220955
CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ(Feb. 23, 2007) -- The Marines assigned to the Personal Security Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) exist for one specific reason: to protect their general officer regardless of circumstances. It sounds simple enough, but their general is a combat commander who spends much of his time visiting Marines on the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom. To complete their solitary mission, the Marines of the detachment need a laundry list of infantry skills to escort their chieftain safely through a combat zone.
Brig. Gen. Charles. M. Gurganus, commanding general, Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, makes frequent stops to outposts throughout Iraq to attend ceremonies, take care of business, assess situations and check on the morale of his Marines. His security detail works around the clock to curtail the constant threat of Improvised Explosive Devices during convoys, sniper fire from city buildings, mortar attacks and assaults that can take place while the general conducts his everyday business.
The general’s personal security detail is always with him. Sometimes they’re visible, and sometimes they’re not, but they’re always by his side whenever he steps outside the wire.
Photos included with story:
RAMADI, IRAQ—Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, peers through an observation post, Feb. 18, at Hurricane Point in downtown Ramadi. The Marines of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, who live in the compound, keep a low profile around windows to avoid drawing sniper fire from surrounding city buildings.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, meets with Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment Feb. 18 at Hurricane Point, in the heart of Al Anbar’s capitol city of Ramadi. The Marines of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines live in cramped quarters inside a building notorious for terrorist assaults.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commander of ground combat elements, Multi-National Force-West, meets with a Marine of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Feb. 18. In the background, seized terrorist weapons double as wallpaper.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Lt. Col. William M. Jurney, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Divison, is a passenger in a humvee escorting Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, through the city of Ramadi to give his general a boots-on-the-ground view of the area.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, meets with Marines, Feb. 18, who live in the Government Center in the heart of Ramadi, the capital of Al Anbar Province. The Government Center has been consistently attacked by extremists throughout the past year.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Marines of the personal security detail for Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, prepare to convoy back to Camp Fallujah Feb. 18. The vehicles and individual Marines are intricately armed.
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ—Lance Cpl. John Wood, a Marine assigned to Personal Security Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), sits in the driver’s seat of a humvee, Feb. 18. Both the humvee and Wood himself are intricately armed in preparation for a convoy from Fallujah to Ramadi.
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ—A passenger’s view from the back seat of a tactical convoy Feb. 18 reveals miles of open desert. Military convoy vehicles display Arabic signs, which warn locals to keep a safe distance.
Security detail escorts battlefield leader through dangerous missions
Story by: Computed Name: Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
Story Identification #: 20072220955
CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ(Feb. 23, 2007) -- The Marines assigned to the Personal Security Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) exist for one specific reason: to protect their general officer regardless of circumstances. It sounds simple enough, but their general is a combat commander who spends much of his time visiting Marines on the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom. To complete their solitary mission, the Marines of the detachment need a laundry list of infantry skills to escort their chieftain safely through a combat zone.
Brig. Gen. Charles. M. Gurganus, commanding general, Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, makes frequent stops to outposts throughout Iraq to attend ceremonies, take care of business, assess situations and check on the morale of his Marines. His security detail works around the clock to curtail the constant threat of Improvised Explosive Devices during convoys, sniper fire from city buildings, mortar attacks and assaults that can take place while the general conducts his everyday business.
The general’s personal security detail is always with him. Sometimes they’re visible, and sometimes they’re not, but they’re always by his side whenever he steps outside the wire.
Photos included with story:
RAMADI, IRAQ—Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, peers through an observation post, Feb. 18, at Hurricane Point in downtown Ramadi. The Marines of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, who live in the compound, keep a low profile around windows to avoid drawing sniper fire from surrounding city buildings.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, meets with Marines from 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment Feb. 18 at Hurricane Point, in the heart of Al Anbar’s capitol city of Ramadi. The Marines of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines live in cramped quarters inside a building notorious for terrorist assaults.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commander of ground combat elements, Multi-National Force-West, meets with a Marine of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Feb. 18. In the background, seized terrorist weapons double as wallpaper.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Lt. Col. William M. Jurney, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Divison, is a passenger in a humvee escorting Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, through the city of Ramadi to give his general a boots-on-the-ground view of the area.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, meets with Marines, Feb. 18, who live in the Government Center in the heart of Ramadi, the capital of Al Anbar Province. The Government Center has been consistently attacked by extremists throughout the past year.
RAMADI, IRAQ—Marines of the personal security detail for Brig. Gen. Charles M. Gurganus, commanding general of Ground Combat Element, Multi-National Force-West, prepare to convoy back to Camp Fallujah Feb. 18. The vehicles and individual Marines are intricately armed.
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ—Lance Cpl. John Wood, a Marine assigned to Personal Security Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), sits in the driver’s seat of a humvee, Feb. 18. Both the humvee and Wood himself are intricately armed in preparation for a convoy from Fallujah to Ramadi.
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ—A passenger’s view from the back seat of a tactical convoy Feb. 18 reveals miles of open desert. Military convoy vehicles display Arabic signs, which warn locals to keep a safe distance.
Security detail escorts battlefield leader through dangerous missions
My Hero
When freedom needed heroes
To answer duty's call,
You packed your bag and left home,
For the greater good of all.
And though I can't be with you,
I still do understand,
You have an important job to do,
In a distant foreign land.
You represent so many things,
Even though you are not here,
Courage, Faith, and Honor,
The message is quite clear.
So, until your job is finished,
And you're back home to stay,
Remember, you're my Hero,
And in my prayers each day.
-Beth Murphy-
To answer duty's call,
You packed your bag and left home,
For the greater good of all.
And though I can't be with you,
I still do understand,
You have an important job to do,
In a distant foreign land.
You represent so many things,
Even though you are not here,
Courage, Faith, and Honor,
The message is quite clear.
So, until your job is finished,
And you're back home to stay,
Remember, you're my Hero,
And in my prayers each day.
-Beth Murphy-
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Weekend in DC
This past weekend I went to DC. I stayed with Anna. Her husband is with 1/6 H&S along with John. They both actually got the same reenlistment job at Quantico. So, we are going to be seeing a lot of each other very soon! We couldn't stop talking about them all weekend. They seemed to have a lot in common (hunting, fishing, baseball). I guess they jokingly said to one another that they could tell us they had to work late and then go out drinking instead. I dunno about that one haha...
We had such a good time and did lots of fun things. I got to see the cute condo they just bought. The closing is in less than a week (Anna get packing!!) Anna has been my lifesaver lately (THANKS!!!)...She helped me work on my resume, this blog (she's a pro) and look for places to live. I cannot believe how EXPENSIVE it is to live in Northern Virginia as well as how shitty the traffic is!! Yikes...but otherwise it's a really beautiful area with lots to do.
The time is flying by with only a couple more months to go. They will be back before we know it.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
greetings from paradise
just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your support it is a great feeling to know that i have so many people that care, the days here in iraq are long but comeing back and finding out you have mail makes the day so much better only a few more months left in this hell hole and i cant wait to come home and see you all again im sure there will be a big bash and you all better be there. Well thanks again for your support you all have made my time here much more enjoyable see you all in a couple months love john
Monday, February 19, 2007
Wandering musician finds his way in the Corps
Submitted by: I Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by: Cpl. Paul Robbins Jr.
Story Identification #: 2007217114141
Lance Cpl. Jeff S. Bailey, a 27-year-old high mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicle driver for Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, stands outside of his vehicle on Camp Hurricane Point. Bailey spent more than four years as a wandering musician and street performer before enlisting in the Corps.
Lance Cpl. Jeff S. Bailey, a 27-year-old high mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicle driver for Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, sits in the driver’s seat of his vehicle on Camp Hurricane Point. Bailey spent more than four years as a wandering musician and street performer before enlisting in the Corps.
AR RAMADI, Iraq(Feb. 17, 2007) -- From college student to wandering musician to United States Marine, Lance Cpl. Jeff S. Bailey walked a long, twisting road into military service.
Now a high mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicle driver for Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Bailey spent seven years working odd jobs and traveling the country before enlisting at the age of 25.
Directly after high school, Bailey began classes at Roane State Community College to become a mass communications major.
With the ability to play several instruments including the guitar, bass guitar, violin, piano and cello, Bailey hoped to find a career in music.
“You can do a lot with a mass communications degree,” said Bailey, a 27-year-old native of Nashville, Tenn. “I wanted to weasel my way into the music business.”
Bailey never achieved the degree however, leaving college after two years and a few transfers between schools.
“I didn’t really have much direction in my life at the time,” said Bailey.
After leaving school, Bailey picked up his belongings and began a road trip that would carry him through much of the Southwest and some northern states.
Moving through Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, and every state after, Bailey performed as a solo musical act on the streets or anywhere he could find to play.
Staying where he could and sometimes living out of his car, Bailey made his living through his performances and intermittent employment at restaurants or stores.
“Some nights were good and some nights weren’t, but I got to see a lot of the country” said Bailey.
Bailey carried on this lifestyle for more than four years while searching for something he couldn’t find.
Looking back on the experience, Bailey sees the time as one of personal reflection.
“I was trying to use my music and the travel to fix my spiritual and cultural confusion,” said Bailey. “I was trying to find myself.”
It was during this long endeavor that Bailey’s eye was turned to military service.
Socializing with other musicians and artists as he traveled, Bailey was subject to a variety of strong opinions on the war.
Through his own interest and an aversion to the extreme stances on the conflict he witnessed in the music community, Bailey felt drawn towards the military.
“Like everyone else, I was looking at why we were over (in Iraq), and I got tired of people saying it couldn’t be fixed,” said Bailey. “I figured, I’m 25, and not doing anything.”
Bailey became the first United States Marine in his family by attending Marine Corps boot camp on April 18, 2005.
With a strong interest in the happenings around the world, Bailey saw his service as a chance to make a difference.
“I knew about a lot of things wrong with the world, and I figured, as a Marine, I could take part in stopping some of the atrocities,” said Bailey.
Bailey is now on his first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, helping to provide security and stability to a vital area in the country.
Operating with an infantry battalion that aims to bring peace to a previously embattled area has given Bailey a sense of accomplishment he sought by entering the Corps.
“I feel like I’ve done my part now,” said Bailey.
Bailey’s experiences and training as a Marine have also helped him in his personal journey of self reflection.
Life in the Marine Corps has strengthened Bailey, not only physically, but mentally and morally.
“My values have become more solid and, direction-wise, I’m more confident in what I want,” said Bailey.
Bailey intends to pursue a career in teaching after his term with the Marine Corps ends, hoping to become a college professor.
Wandering musician finds his way in the Corps
Story by: Cpl. Paul Robbins Jr.
Story Identification #: 2007217114141
Lance Cpl. Jeff S. Bailey, a 27-year-old high mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicle driver for Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, stands outside of his vehicle on Camp Hurricane Point. Bailey spent more than four years as a wandering musician and street performer before enlisting in the Corps.
Lance Cpl. Jeff S. Bailey, a 27-year-old high mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicle driver for Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, sits in the driver’s seat of his vehicle on Camp Hurricane Point. Bailey spent more than four years as a wandering musician and street performer before enlisting in the Corps.
AR RAMADI, Iraq(Feb. 17, 2007) -- From college student to wandering musician to United States Marine, Lance Cpl. Jeff S. Bailey walked a long, twisting road into military service.
Now a high mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicle driver for Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Bailey spent seven years working odd jobs and traveling the country before enlisting at the age of 25.
Directly after high school, Bailey began classes at Roane State Community College to become a mass communications major.
With the ability to play several instruments including the guitar, bass guitar, violin, piano and cello, Bailey hoped to find a career in music.
“You can do a lot with a mass communications degree,” said Bailey, a 27-year-old native of Nashville, Tenn. “I wanted to weasel my way into the music business.”
Bailey never achieved the degree however, leaving college after two years and a few transfers between schools.
“I didn’t really have much direction in my life at the time,” said Bailey.
After leaving school, Bailey picked up his belongings and began a road trip that would carry him through much of the Southwest and some northern states.
Moving through Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, and every state after, Bailey performed as a solo musical act on the streets or anywhere he could find to play.
Staying where he could and sometimes living out of his car, Bailey made his living through his performances and intermittent employment at restaurants or stores.
“Some nights were good and some nights weren’t, but I got to see a lot of the country” said Bailey.
Bailey carried on this lifestyle for more than four years while searching for something he couldn’t find.
Looking back on the experience, Bailey sees the time as one of personal reflection.
“I was trying to use my music and the travel to fix my spiritual and cultural confusion,” said Bailey. “I was trying to find myself.”
It was during this long endeavor that Bailey’s eye was turned to military service.
Socializing with other musicians and artists as he traveled, Bailey was subject to a variety of strong opinions on the war.
Through his own interest and an aversion to the extreme stances on the conflict he witnessed in the music community, Bailey felt drawn towards the military.
“Like everyone else, I was looking at why we were over (in Iraq), and I got tired of people saying it couldn’t be fixed,” said Bailey. “I figured, I’m 25, and not doing anything.”
Bailey became the first United States Marine in his family by attending Marine Corps boot camp on April 18, 2005.
With a strong interest in the happenings around the world, Bailey saw his service as a chance to make a difference.
“I knew about a lot of things wrong with the world, and I figured, as a Marine, I could take part in stopping some of the atrocities,” said Bailey.
Bailey is now on his first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, helping to provide security and stability to a vital area in the country.
Operating with an infantry battalion that aims to bring peace to a previously embattled area has given Bailey a sense of accomplishment he sought by entering the Corps.
“I feel like I’ve done my part now,” said Bailey.
Bailey’s experiences and training as a Marine have also helped him in his personal journey of self reflection.
Life in the Marine Corps has strengthened Bailey, not only physically, but mentally and morally.
“My values have become more solid and, direction-wise, I’m more confident in what I want,” said Bailey.
Bailey intends to pursue a career in teaching after his term with the Marine Corps ends, hoping to become a college professor.
Wandering musician finds his way in the Corps
Sunday, February 18, 2007
From fighting a war to fighting fires, soon
Local Marine named lifetime member at fire company's banquet
February 18, 2007
By Alison Walker-Baird
News-Post Staff
Photo by Doug Koontz
Rick O’Brien, left, president of United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3, presents Lance Cpl. Christopher Bickel with a lifetime membership at the fire company’s annual banquet Saturday night. His mother, Robin Bickel, is at center.
FREDERICK -- An honor bestowed Saturday on a local Marine still recovering from a devastating war injury is helping make his life a little closer to normal. United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3 in Frederick named volunteer firefighter Lance Cpl. Christopher Bickel a lifetime member during the company's annual banquet. Bickel suffered a tour-ending injury Oct. 3, one month after he was deployed to Iraq for the second time.
"He was very active in the fire company -- the least we can do is honor him for what he's done for our country," United vice president Jim Morgan said. "He almost lost his life."
Bickel, 25, graduated from Frederick High School in 1999. He volunteered with the company for more than four years until joining the Marine Corps in 2004.
He plans to return to United as soon as possible, though the time frame is uncertain -- after six months of hospitalization and intensive physical therapy, Bickel may still need additional surgery.
"He's wanting to get back on with the fire department, but he knows it's going to be a lifelong injury," said his mother, Robin Bickel.
He had just left his base in Ramadi when enemy forces shot a homemade rocket through a wall, piercing the truck he was riding in. The attack tore apart his right leg and broke his femur.
Doctors at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda removed a 3 1/2-inch damaged section of bone from Christopher Bickel's leg in November. They implanted a fixation screw, which he has gradually turned to fill in the missing tissue.
The bone section has nearly finished regenerating and Bickel has been walking with the help of crutches and attends physical therapy in Frederick three times each week.
His fixation screw apparatus could be removed in the next few weeks, Robin Bickel said. He may need surgery after his bones have finished maturing to reduce excessive bone mass during the regeneration.
Christopher Bickel's next phase of recovery is beginning to walk again on his right leg, which hasn't been able to bear any weight since the injury.
U.S. Marine Gen. Michael Hagee, the former U.S. Marine Corps commandant who retired in January, awarded Bickel the Purple Heart in November.
When Bickel arrived at his Frederick home for the first time in December, following two months of recovery, United firefighters, dozens of neighbors, American flags and fire trucks heralded his return.
Bickel deployed to Iraq in September with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C. The rest of his platoon is scheduled to return home in May.
During Saturday's banquet, held at the Frederick Moose Lodge, United also announced a new Frederick Community College scholarship in honor of the company's long-time secretary and historian, Lydia Butterworth of Frederick.
Butterworth died in October 2006 at age 46, after a battle with cancer. The $1,030 scholarship is the fire company's first scholarship, Morgan said.
Butterworth worked for many years as a senior fire protection engineer for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and was inducted into the Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association Hall of Fame. She served on the Maryland Fire Prevention Commission and the National Fire Protection Association Standards Council.
From fighting a war to fighting fires, soon
February 18, 2007
By Alison Walker-Baird
News-Post Staff
Photo by Doug Koontz
Rick O’Brien, left, president of United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3, presents Lance Cpl. Christopher Bickel with a lifetime membership at the fire company’s annual banquet Saturday night. His mother, Robin Bickel, is at center.
FREDERICK -- An honor bestowed Saturday on a local Marine still recovering from a devastating war injury is helping make his life a little closer to normal. United Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3 in Frederick named volunteer firefighter Lance Cpl. Christopher Bickel a lifetime member during the company's annual banquet. Bickel suffered a tour-ending injury Oct. 3, one month after he was deployed to Iraq for the second time.
"He was very active in the fire company -- the least we can do is honor him for what he's done for our country," United vice president Jim Morgan said. "He almost lost his life."
Bickel, 25, graduated from Frederick High School in 1999. He volunteered with the company for more than four years until joining the Marine Corps in 2004.
He plans to return to United as soon as possible, though the time frame is uncertain -- after six months of hospitalization and intensive physical therapy, Bickel may still need additional surgery.
"He's wanting to get back on with the fire department, but he knows it's going to be a lifelong injury," said his mother, Robin Bickel.
He had just left his base in Ramadi when enemy forces shot a homemade rocket through a wall, piercing the truck he was riding in. The attack tore apart his right leg and broke his femur.
Doctors at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda removed a 3 1/2-inch damaged section of bone from Christopher Bickel's leg in November. They implanted a fixation screw, which he has gradually turned to fill in the missing tissue.
The bone section has nearly finished regenerating and Bickel has been walking with the help of crutches and attends physical therapy in Frederick three times each week.
His fixation screw apparatus could be removed in the next few weeks, Robin Bickel said. He may need surgery after his bones have finished maturing to reduce excessive bone mass during the regeneration.
Christopher Bickel's next phase of recovery is beginning to walk again on his right leg, which hasn't been able to bear any weight since the injury.
U.S. Marine Gen. Michael Hagee, the former U.S. Marine Corps commandant who retired in January, awarded Bickel the Purple Heart in November.
When Bickel arrived at his Frederick home for the first time in December, following two months of recovery, United firefighters, dozens of neighbors, American flags and fire trucks heralded his return.
Bickel deployed to Iraq in September with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, based in Camp Lejeune, N.C. The rest of his platoon is scheduled to return home in May.
During Saturday's banquet, held at the Frederick Moose Lodge, United also announced a new Frederick Community College scholarship in honor of the company's long-time secretary and historian, Lydia Butterworth of Frederick.
Butterworth died in October 2006 at age 46, after a battle with cancer. The $1,030 scholarship is the fire company's first scholarship, Morgan said.
Butterworth worked for many years as a senior fire protection engineer for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington and was inducted into the Frederick County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association Hall of Fame. She served on the Maryland Fire Prevention Commission and the National Fire Protection Association Standards Council.
From fighting a war to fighting fires, soon
Analysis: Loudspeaker Diplomacy
By Pamela Hess
Feb 17, 2007
It's old fashioned. It's low-tech but it works. One U.S. unit operating in Iraq has found the best way to win hearts and minds is to put loudspeakers on police stations.
The speaker systems are erected over the police stations. The daily broadcasts are 10 to 15 minutes long. They are timed not to compete with the call to prayers, and the messages are written by the police and local political officials. Some of the speeches are copied onto CDs and distributed around town.
The broadcasts include Iraqi top 40 music; news dispatches taken from the BBC and Al Jazeera, speeches by the governor and the police chief, warnings about high threat areas, and the national anthem.
"That's a pretty catchy song," said Maj. Dan Zappa, the executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, responsible for security operations in some of the most contested areas of Ramadi. "It's interspersed with popular music. We've got video of kids dancing, hundreds of them, jumping around."
"We have the police chief in western Ramadi" Zappa said, "and he's addressing his family, his extended family and his tribe," said Maj. Tiley Nunnink, a guest staff member of the battalion sent by the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab in Virginia. "It's a vehicle for Iraqi policemen to say what they need to say to the people."
The loudspeaker program would be a gamble in a town without a legitimate local police presence. In that case it would just be the overbearing -- and clumsily worded -- symbol of the occupation trying to co-opt local religious customs, senior commanders said.
But they believe the loudspeaker broadcasts are part of what seems to be turning the population in Ramadi against the insurgency.
"The system's working because the local population is approaching the Iraqi police with valuable information to help put down criminal acts - roadside bombs, building IEDs, stuff like that," Zappa said.
"Those are definitely the metrics, how does the population respond to this?" Nunnink said. "You can hear it in the broadcast. The broadcast says thank you for providing this information. You're contributing to the further security of the city."
The loudspeaker initiative addresses a huge hole in U.S. warfighting capabilities in Iraq: Insurgents can turn around videos of successful attacks on U.S. convoys, or dead Iraqi soldiers, or doctored or misrepresented footage of events within hours, sometimes before those events have even been reported to American headquarters. The videos show up on racks of bootlegged DVDs and CDs that seem to be for sale on nearly every street corner almost instantaneously.
Analysis: Loudspeaker Diplomacy
Feb 17, 2007
It's old fashioned. It's low-tech but it works. One U.S. unit operating in Iraq has found the best way to win hearts and minds is to put loudspeakers on police stations.
The speaker systems are erected over the police stations. The daily broadcasts are 10 to 15 minutes long. They are timed not to compete with the call to prayers, and the messages are written by the police and local political officials. Some of the speeches are copied onto CDs and distributed around town.
The broadcasts include Iraqi top 40 music; news dispatches taken from the BBC and Al Jazeera, speeches by the governor and the police chief, warnings about high threat areas, and the national anthem.
"That's a pretty catchy song," said Maj. Dan Zappa, the executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, responsible for security operations in some of the most contested areas of Ramadi. "It's interspersed with popular music. We've got video of kids dancing, hundreds of them, jumping around."
"We have the police chief in western Ramadi" Zappa said, "and he's addressing his family, his extended family and his tribe," said Maj. Tiley Nunnink, a guest staff member of the battalion sent by the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab in Virginia. "It's a vehicle for Iraqi policemen to say what they need to say to the people."
The loudspeaker program would be a gamble in a town without a legitimate local police presence. In that case it would just be the overbearing -- and clumsily worded -- symbol of the occupation trying to co-opt local religious customs, senior commanders said.
But they believe the loudspeaker broadcasts are part of what seems to be turning the population in Ramadi against the insurgency.
"The system's working because the local population is approaching the Iraqi police with valuable information to help put down criminal acts - roadside bombs, building IEDs, stuff like that," Zappa said.
"Those are definitely the metrics, how does the population respond to this?" Nunnink said. "You can hear it in the broadcast. The broadcast says thank you for providing this information. You're contributing to the further security of the city."
The loudspeaker initiative addresses a huge hole in U.S. warfighting capabilities in Iraq: Insurgents can turn around videos of successful attacks on U.S. convoys, or dead Iraqi soldiers, or doctored or misrepresented footage of events within hours, sometimes before those events have even been reported to American headquarters. The videos show up on racks of bootlegged DVDs and CDs that seem to be for sale on nearly every street corner almost instantaneously.
Analysis: Loudspeaker Diplomacy
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Missed John twice today online
John got online twice today when I was in my classes (the first classes I have gone to all week...I have really bad senioritis!). He left me a message on instant messenger just saying he loved me and that he still hasn't gotten my package. It usually takes 2 weeks for packages to get there and I sent his Valentine's Day package out a week and a day ago. So, hopefully it will get there soon. He says he has been checking everyday for it. I told him it's the best package I have ever sent, so he is really excited and looking forward to what I put in there. I know he will get it after Valentine's Day, but hey better late then never!! Right??
A Wife's Request
A WIFE'S REQUEST
I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with long neck beers and sizzling platters.
Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely "military": clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that "squared away" look that comes with pride.
Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East. That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home.
I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him?
As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts. "I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq. You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know how, he stole the election."
I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them, as they began an endless tirade running down our president. I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax
shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills.
Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts. "It is all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom'. Hmmm! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought? It's pure greed, you know."
My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still see how handsome my husband looked in his "mess dress" the day he slipped it on my finger. I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed "co ffee stains" with a heavy bulletproof vest over it.
"You know, we should just leave Iraq alone. I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the president's popularity. That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense of our social security and education. And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-11. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it."
Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one even appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom? Do they even know what "freedom" is?
I glanced at the table where the young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking.
"Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq, and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby-killers we call a military."
Professional baby-killers? I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again. That's it! Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our troops be known.
Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, smiling I said, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone. And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him."
"Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the 'freedom' to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it."
I must have been louder that I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was all right. "Yes, thank you," I replied. Then, turning back to the women, I said, "Enjoy the rest of your meal."
As I returned to my booth applause broke out. I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half eaten steak. The women picked up their check and scurried away.
After finishing my meal, and while waiting for my check, the manager returned with a huge apple cobbler ala mode. "Compliments of those soldiers," he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but that another couple had beaten them to it. When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of "one of our boys."
With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth. "We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did."
As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers. I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day.
Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military who protect her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country, would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain it's freedom.
As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference. Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the base where I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, "Thank You!" To those who fought for our Nation: Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need."
I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steak houses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with long neck beers and sizzling platters.
Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely "military": clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that "squared away" look that comes with pride.
Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East. That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home.
I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him?
As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts. "I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq. You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know how, he stole the election."
I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them, as they began an endless tirade running down our president. I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax
shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills.
Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts. "It is all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom'. Hmmm! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought? It's pure greed, you know."
My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still see how handsome my husband looked in his "mess dress" the day he slipped it on my finger. I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed "co ffee stains" with a heavy bulletproof vest over it.
"You know, we should just leave Iraq alone. I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the president's popularity. That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense of our social security and education. And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-11. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it."
Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one even appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom? Do they even know what "freedom" is?
I glanced at the table where the young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking.
"Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq, and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby-killers we call a military."
Professional baby-killers? I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again. That's it! Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our troops be known.
Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, smiling I said, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone. And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him."
"Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the 'freedom' to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it."
I must have been louder that I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was all right. "Yes, thank you," I replied. Then, turning back to the women, I said, "Enjoy the rest of your meal."
As I returned to my booth applause broke out. I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half eaten steak. The women picked up their check and scurried away.
After finishing my meal, and while waiting for my check, the manager returned with a huge apple cobbler ala mode. "Compliments of those soldiers," he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but that another couple had beaten them to it. When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of "one of our boys."
With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth. "We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did."
As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers. I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day.
Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military who protect her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country, would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain it's freedom.
As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference. Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the base where I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, "Thank You!" To those who fought for our Nation: Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need."
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Funny
I saw this and thought of you Big John. I am sure it will give you a laugh.
--One sunny day in 2006, an old man approached the White House from
across Pennsylvania Avenue, where he'd been sitting on a park bench.
He spoke to the Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go
in and meet with President Hillary Clinton."
The Marine replied, "Sir, Mrs. Clinton is not President and doesn't
reside here."
The old man said, "Okay," and walked away.
The following day, the same man approached the White House and said
to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President
Hillary Clinton".
The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mrs.
Clinton is not President and doesn't reside here."
The man thanked him and again walked away . .
The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to
the very same Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with
President Hillary Clinton."
The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man
and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here
asking to speak to Mrs. Clinton. I've told you already several times
that Mrs. Clinton is not the President and doesn't reside here.
Don't you understand?"
The old man answered, "Oh, I understand you fine, I just love
hearing your answer!"
The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said,
"See you tomorrow."
--One sunny day in 2006, an old man approached the White House from
across Pennsylvania Avenue, where he'd been sitting on a park bench.
He spoke to the Marine standing guard and said, "I would like to go
in and meet with President Hillary Clinton."
The Marine replied, "Sir, Mrs. Clinton is not President and doesn't
reside here."
The old man said, "Okay," and walked away.
The following day, the same man approached the White House and said
to the same Marine, "I would like to go in and meet with President
Hillary Clinton".
The Marine again told the man, "Sir, as I said yesterday, Mrs.
Clinton is not President and doesn't reside here."
The man thanked him and again walked away . .
The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to
the very same Marine, saying "I would like to go in and meet with
President Hillary Clinton."
The Marine, understandably agitated at this point, looked at the man
and said, "Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here
asking to speak to Mrs. Clinton. I've told you already several times
that Mrs. Clinton is not the President and doesn't reside here.
Don't you understand?"
The old man answered, "Oh, I understand you fine, I just love
hearing your answer!"
The Marine snapped to attention, saluted, and said,
"See you tomorrow."
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day!! JMU was closed today due to the ice storm we had last night. I got to sleep in late, which was really great since I was tired from my drive back to school yesterday from home. John sent me a message on Myspace early this morning. I told him I didn't want anything for Valentine's Day and instead asked him to send me more pictures of him from Iraq. He said he would fulfill my Valentine's Day wish! Hopefully he keeps his promise even though he says it takes forever to upload one picture.
A Ramadi Rebirth - One Block at a Time
ON Point | Andrew Lubin | February 14, 2007 (http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,125137,00.html)
There's more news from Ramadi than just gunfire, IEDs, and Marine casualties. This is a city that is slowly returning to life.
The catastrophic destruction, visible throughout the town, was inflicted both by Iraqi insurgent and militia groups, as well as by Marines. But recently, the local residents have said "enough," fought back, and started rebuilding their city.
The most visible symbol in Ramadi -- a city of over 400,000 and the capital of Al Anbar Province -- is the Government Center. This building is the political heart of the province. And despite the presence of Al Qaeda in Iraq, and a smattering of other local insurgents, the Government Center is open for business.
Inside the building, Al Anbar Province Governor Mamouon Sami Rasheed presides over a council of Deputy Governors. His ministries include Education, Water, Sewage, Housing, Fire Stations, Health, and Communications & Telecom. Also represented is an elected Provincial Council. Like any provincial council, they meet, they discuss, and they work on plans for rebuilding their city. The new mayor, Latif Obaid Ayadah, just took office two weeks ago.
“I want to give the work to those who have come forward to help secure our city,” said Mayor Latif, according to a recent Marine Corps News article. “We don’t want to concentrate on certain individuals, but spread the work to involve more of the people.”
According to the article, the growth of Ramadi’s police force is the mayor’s top goal for the near future. “I hope for the return of all the police to the city for its security, because reconstruction cannot happen without it,” Mayor Latif said in the report.
But until the police return in full strength, the Marines will be on the streets. One recent result of the Marine presence is the reopening of markets. People shop -- during the day, at least -- for food, petrol, and clothing.
While American dollars are always welcome, the Iraqi Dinar is increasing in value. The local currency has strengthened 10 % since October 2006 against the Dollar, decreasing from D1500 to D1300 against U.S. $1. Ramadi’s contractors prefer payment in dinars instead of dollars. In Ramadi, the government’s food distribution system now operates as it did before the war. People don’t eat well, but they don’t starve.
The men of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (1/6) have contributed to Ramadi’s resuscitation. Lieutenant Colonel William Jurney, 1/6 commanding officer, took the Marine concept of “clear -- hold -- build” and refined it. Instead of making these three separate tasks, he had his Marines work them simultaneously in each Marine outpost, in conjunction with Iraqi soldiers, policeman, and neighborhood citizens as the situation allowed.
Schools are also re-opening. Marines from Captain Kyle Sloan’s Alpha Company keep tabs on two schools that have 2,000 students. Teachers operate 4 shifts each day, the Marines said. With Ramadi having an educated, middle-class populace, a combination of retired Sunni Iraqi Army officers and educated civilian professionals, the locals are trying to regain a normal life for themselves and their children. By patrolling the area, the Marines say, they have enabled the residents to regain the normal life that “the terrorists” had forced away.
Shortly after the Marines arrived in Al Anbar in 2004, Al Qaeda in Iraq, or AQI, destabilized the government -- which had remained relatively intact -- through a reign of terror and brutal intimidation. Some of the smaller sheiks and tribal leaders tried to stand against them. They were killed, decapitated, or simply disappeared.
Unlike the civil war in Baghdad, the brutality in Ramadi has been slightly easier to define. Although multiple Sunni insurgent groups emerged -- AQI, Ba’ath loyalists, fundamentalists, and Mafioso-style sheiks -- they all attacked anyone who worked with Americans. The local government was equally targeted. The result? Tribes refused to cooperate with the Americans. To do so meant death.
In referring to AQI, the term “terrorist” was used commonly by the locals, as it accurately described the tactics used. These men and their hired local guns targeted Iraqi Police, their families, the IP stations, Marines, their convoys, and any other high visibility targets available.
Because massive artillery, air, and infantry attacks could not be used to stabilize the city, the Marines have employed classic counterinsurgency concepts. They have pushed outposts into the city, handled security on a block-by-block basis, and then promptly handed over newly-secured areas to the Iraqi Police. Then, the battalion moves further into the city.
Although suicide attacks, firefights and IED explosions continue, those attacks are measured now in how many per week, instead of how many per day. As the “Outpost Concept” has proven successful, the local citizenry has bought into the idea and begun to co-operate. The largest tribes banded together, effectively saying that they’d “had enough” of AQI’s killing sprees. The elders sent their young men to join the Iraqi Police and root out “the terrorists.”
Last year only 40 local men volunteered to join the IPs. But this December, 800 volunteered to serve. In Ramadi, a job as an IP is now considered an honorable and respected position.
It took a year before the people of Ramadi were convinced that the Marines could and would provide the protection and security they needed. But now that they understand this, the tribal elders have banded together, joined forces with the Marines, and worked together to begin Ramadi’s restoration.
The city of Ramadi still has years of recovery ahead. Fortunately, the locals have begun taking the lead in the reconstruction. With the Marine concept of “simultaneous clear-hold-build” enabling the sheiks and locals to fight back against AQI and their hired thugs, the future of Ramadi might be one of the brightest in the Sunni Triangle.
“It’s neighborhoodism before nationalism,” said Major Daniel Zappa, 1/6 executive officer. To their credit, the Marines of 1/6 have aggressively used this motto to their advantage in their fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Copyright 2007 ON Point. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com.
There's more news from Ramadi than just gunfire, IEDs, and Marine casualties. This is a city that is slowly returning to life.
The catastrophic destruction, visible throughout the town, was inflicted both by Iraqi insurgent and militia groups, as well as by Marines. But recently, the local residents have said "enough," fought back, and started rebuilding their city.
The most visible symbol in Ramadi -- a city of over 400,000 and the capital of Al Anbar Province -- is the Government Center. This building is the political heart of the province. And despite the presence of Al Qaeda in Iraq, and a smattering of other local insurgents, the Government Center is open for business.
Inside the building, Al Anbar Province Governor Mamouon Sami Rasheed presides over a council of Deputy Governors. His ministries include Education, Water, Sewage, Housing, Fire Stations, Health, and Communications & Telecom. Also represented is an elected Provincial Council. Like any provincial council, they meet, they discuss, and they work on plans for rebuilding their city. The new mayor, Latif Obaid Ayadah, just took office two weeks ago.
“I want to give the work to those who have come forward to help secure our city,” said Mayor Latif, according to a recent Marine Corps News article. “We don’t want to concentrate on certain individuals, but spread the work to involve more of the people.”
According to the article, the growth of Ramadi’s police force is the mayor’s top goal for the near future. “I hope for the return of all the police to the city for its security, because reconstruction cannot happen without it,” Mayor Latif said in the report.
But until the police return in full strength, the Marines will be on the streets. One recent result of the Marine presence is the reopening of markets. People shop -- during the day, at least -- for food, petrol, and clothing.
While American dollars are always welcome, the Iraqi Dinar is increasing in value. The local currency has strengthened 10 % since October 2006 against the Dollar, decreasing from D1500 to D1300 against U.S. $1. Ramadi’s contractors prefer payment in dinars instead of dollars. In Ramadi, the government’s food distribution system now operates as it did before the war. People don’t eat well, but they don’t starve.
The men of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (1/6) have contributed to Ramadi’s resuscitation. Lieutenant Colonel William Jurney, 1/6 commanding officer, took the Marine concept of “clear -- hold -- build” and refined it. Instead of making these three separate tasks, he had his Marines work them simultaneously in each Marine outpost, in conjunction with Iraqi soldiers, policeman, and neighborhood citizens as the situation allowed.
Schools are also re-opening. Marines from Captain Kyle Sloan’s Alpha Company keep tabs on two schools that have 2,000 students. Teachers operate 4 shifts each day, the Marines said. With Ramadi having an educated, middle-class populace, a combination of retired Sunni Iraqi Army officers and educated civilian professionals, the locals are trying to regain a normal life for themselves and their children. By patrolling the area, the Marines say, they have enabled the residents to regain the normal life that “the terrorists” had forced away.
Shortly after the Marines arrived in Al Anbar in 2004, Al Qaeda in Iraq, or AQI, destabilized the government -- which had remained relatively intact -- through a reign of terror and brutal intimidation. Some of the smaller sheiks and tribal leaders tried to stand against them. They were killed, decapitated, or simply disappeared.
Unlike the civil war in Baghdad, the brutality in Ramadi has been slightly easier to define. Although multiple Sunni insurgent groups emerged -- AQI, Ba’ath loyalists, fundamentalists, and Mafioso-style sheiks -- they all attacked anyone who worked with Americans. The local government was equally targeted. The result? Tribes refused to cooperate with the Americans. To do so meant death.
In referring to AQI, the term “terrorist” was used commonly by the locals, as it accurately described the tactics used. These men and their hired local guns targeted Iraqi Police, their families, the IP stations, Marines, their convoys, and any other high visibility targets available.
Because massive artillery, air, and infantry attacks could not be used to stabilize the city, the Marines have employed classic counterinsurgency concepts. They have pushed outposts into the city, handled security on a block-by-block basis, and then promptly handed over newly-secured areas to the Iraqi Police. Then, the battalion moves further into the city.
Although suicide attacks, firefights and IED explosions continue, those attacks are measured now in how many per week, instead of how many per day. As the “Outpost Concept” has proven successful, the local citizenry has bought into the idea and begun to co-operate. The largest tribes banded together, effectively saying that they’d “had enough” of AQI’s killing sprees. The elders sent their young men to join the Iraqi Police and root out “the terrorists.”
Last year only 40 local men volunteered to join the IPs. But this December, 800 volunteered to serve. In Ramadi, a job as an IP is now considered an honorable and respected position.
It took a year before the people of Ramadi were convinced that the Marines could and would provide the protection and security they needed. But now that they understand this, the tribal elders have banded together, joined forces with the Marines, and worked together to begin Ramadi’s restoration.
The city of Ramadi still has years of recovery ahead. Fortunately, the locals have begun taking the lead in the reconstruction. With the Marine concept of “simultaneous clear-hold-build” enabling the sheiks and locals to fight back against AQI and their hired thugs, the future of Ramadi might be one of the brightest in the Sunni Triangle.
“It’s neighborhoodism before nationalism,” said Major Daniel Zappa, 1/6 executive officer. To their credit, the Marines of 1/6 have aggressively used this motto to their advantage in their fight against Al Qaeda in Iraq.
Copyright 2007 ON Point. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com.
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