Latest update from the 3/25 Battalion Commander

Here is the latest update from the 3/25 Battalion Commander. This letter will be posted on the battalion website as well.

Dear Families and Friends,

The Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers of Third Battalion, Twenty-fifth Marines continue to protect the innocent and eliminate the terrorists in the Al-Anbar Province of Iraq. We are more familiar with the roads, communities and landscape in this part of the world than we were when we last saw you, but there is still much to learn. We have accepted the reality that our daily routine will never be routine. We have learned to anticipate the enemy and to expect the unexpected. The weeks since our arrival have gone by quickly. During this time we have been assisting the local Iraqis through civil affair projects and by providing security that they currently cannot provide for themselves. Through constant patrols, vehicle checkpoints, and tactical operations, we have been removing those terrorists who are rash enough to try to overtly harm the local communities or the security forces assigned to protect the innocent.

We understand our mission, are intent on accomplishing it, and believe we are making a difference. Having witnessed firsthand the professionalism and courage of your loved ones, I am continually impressed by the caliber of the men of Task Force 3/25. Their ability to rapidly adjust our way of doing business to more effectively deal with the terrorist threat has been superb. We quickly learned firsthand that all Iraqis are not terrorists. In fact most do not like the terrorists and yearn for security and stability. But as we have painfully learned, there are terrorists. These terrorists claim to be many things, but have shown by their actions that they are liars, murderers, and bullies. Like all bullies they want to intimidate and control those who are weaker through violence and threats of violence. These terrorists prey on unarmed and untrained civilians. Whenever someone arrives who is either as powerful or more powerful, the terrorists run away. Typically the only fight the terrorists want to engage in is a cowardly one consisting of hiding Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and mines on roads where they indiscriminately explode--- many times harming innocent Iraqi civilians. When they are not hiding IEDs and mines, the terrorists are hiding in the local communities and countryside. They have shown by their actions that they are not men of honor. The local Iraqis rarely report them for fear of being beaten or killed. Our job is to: “Protect the Innocent, Eliminate the Terrorist and Know the Difference”. The ability of the individual Marine, Sailor, and Soldier to accomplish our mission has truly been noteworthy.

Our lives aren’t all work. We do get a few moments to catch our breath, clean up and prepare for the next mission. During those moments, we think of home; we think of you. Ultimately, you are the reason we are here. Each of us wants to ensure that the daily battle we are fighting against terrorism here in Iraq does not have to be fought in the United States. The letters and packages you send are valued more than any amount of money. The most popular thing to do when we’re relaxing is to spend time on the phone or Internet with you. Obviously with the amount of Marines, Sailors and Soldiers in Task Force 3/25 there is a lot of waiting for a chance to use a computer or phone, but when we hear your voice or read your words, all else is forgotten. I know I speak for everyone, when I say we can never truly express how much your thoughts, prayers, support, and concern mean to us. Thank you.

In closing, I would like to ask that we each take a moment to remember the families of those Marines and Sailors seriously injured, wounded or killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. HM3 Dauphin was seriously injured. Captain Hadsall, Lance Corporal Rice, and Lance Corporal Luning were seriously wounded. All were sent to the United States for follow on medical care. Corporal Bryan Richardson and Corporal Michael Lindemuth, United States Marine Corps, died fighting for a better tomorrow. Their deaths have saddened all of us, as we know they have you, but their courage and selflessness has inspired us to continue the fight against terrorism.

With sincere appreciation for your sacrifices, support and love,

Lionel B. Urquhart
Lieutenant Colonel, United States Marine Corps
Battalion Commander