Where's the beef?

Operation Sword

Operation Sword begins in Hit-Haditha corridor Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division Story by: Computed Name: 1st Lt. Blanca E. Binstock Story Id #: 200573113631 CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq(June 30, 2005) -- Iraq Security Forces and approximately 1,000 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers from Regimental Combat Team-2, comprised of elements of 2nd Marine Regiment and 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Marine Division began Operation Sword (Saif) in Al Anbar province during the early morning hours June 28. The operation is aimed at disrupting and rooting out insurgents in the area along the Euphrates River between the cities of Hit and Haditha. The first three days of the operation have been productive, yielding several weapons caches and the detainment of over 20 suspected insurgent. “The intent of Operation Sword is to remove insurgents from the city of Hit in order to provide security and stability for the local inhabitants,” said Lt. Col. Christopher C. Starling, RCT-2 operations officer. The majority of the units are conducting cordon and knock operations in and around Hit, approximately 100 miles northwest of Baghdad. Iraqi Security Forces, Marines and Soldiers discovered several weapons caches throughout the city. Several hundred mortar and artillery rounds have been discovered along with explosives, rifles, a machine gun and various bomb-making materials. In the past, insurgents have used the Hit-Haditha corridor to emplace roadside bombs and continue a campaign of intimidation against the citizens of Iraq. This is the second time in the past month that Marines from RCT-2 have conducted major counter-insurgency operations in the area. Iraqi Security Forces and Marines discovered numerous weapons caches during Operation New Market in the last week of May. Approximately 12 insurgents were killed and 30 detained during the operation. The citizens of Haditha were hospitable and openly pleased to see ISF and Marines during New Market. The citizens of Hit are responding similarly during Operation Sword (Saif). “Since the combined (3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment) and Iraqi Security Forces entered the city three days ago, there has been no significant resistance or opposition,” said Starling. “The people have been overwhelmingly receptive and have assisted Coalition and Iraqi forces in locating roadside bombs and weapons caches.” The 1st Company of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Division, comprised of approximately 100 Iraqi soldiers, is fully integrated with Marine and Army units during Operation Sword (Saif). The platoons within the company have been attached to Marine and U.S. Army infantry units. Iraqi soldiers help bridge the communication gap between Marines and the Iraqi civilians. Their professionalism has continued to foster the positive reception ISF and Coalition Forces have received from the citizens of Hit. Since the Operation Sword (Saif) began, one insurgent has been killed after employing a roadside bomb against Marines. Iraqi soldiers and Coalition Forces continue Operation Sword (Saif) to rid the city of insurgents and foreign fighters who intimidate the populace. -30-

Photos included with story:

	HIT, Iraq - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Company L searches an Iraqi man during a sweep of the city of Hit during Operation Sword. The operation was conducted to destroy insurgency leadership strong points. The Marines of 2nd Marine Division conducted counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-coalition forces. Photo by: Cpl. Eric C. Ely
	HIT, Iraq - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Company L patrols during a sweep of the city of Hit during Operation Sword. The operation was conducted to destroy insurgency leadership strong points. The Marines of 2nd Marine Division conducted counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-coalition forces. Photo by: Cpl. Eric C. Ely
	HIT, Iraq - A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Company L searches an Iraqi man during a sweep of the city of Hit during Operation Sword. The operation was conducted to destroy insurgency leadership strong points. The Marines of 2nd Marine Division conducted counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-coalition forces. Photo by: Cpl. Eric C. Ely
	HIT, Iraq - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Company L searches an Iraqi man during a sweep of the city of Hit during Operation Sword. The operation was conducted to destroy insurgency leadership strong points. The Marines of 2nd Marine Division conducted counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-coalition forces. Photo by: Cpl. Eric C. Ely
	HIT, Iraq - Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team prepare to dispose of ordnance found in a building used by insurgents. The Soldiers searched Hit during Operation Guardian Sword while Marines of the 2nd Marine Division conducted counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces in other areas of the city. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Kevin N. McCall
	HIT, Iraq - An Iraqi Security Force soldier patrols with Marines of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. They swept the streets here in search of terrorist activity. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Kevin N. McCall
	HIT, Iraq - An Iraqi Security Force soldier patrols with Marines of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. They swept the streets here in search of terrorist activity. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Kevin N. McCall
	HIT, Iraq - An Iraqi Security Force soldier patrols with Marines of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. They swept the streets here in search of terrorist activity. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Kevin N. McCall
	HIT, Iraq- A wall depicts anti-coalition graffiti "Long live the mujahideen" where Marines with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Company L search for weapons during Operation Sword. The operation was conducted to destroy insurgency leadership strong points. The Marines of 2nd Marine Division conducted counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-coalition forces. Photo by: Cpl. Eric C. Ely
	HIT, Iraq - A wall depicts anti-coalition graffiti "Long live the mujahideen in Fallujah" where Marines with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Company L search for weapons during Operation Sword. The operation was conducted to destroy insurgency leadership strong points. The Marines of 2nd Marine Division conducted counter-insurgency operations with Iraqi Security Forces to isolate and neutralize anti-coalition forces. Photo by: Cpl. Eric C. Ely

'As Iraqis Stand Up, We Will Stand Down,' Bush Tells Nation

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2005 – On the one-year anniversary of the transfer of sovereignty in Iraq to a transitional Iraqi government, President Bush tonight promised that U.S. forces would remain in Iraq until the job is complete, "but not one day longer."

President Bush told troops at Fort Bragg, N.C., June 28 that the terrorists in Iraq will fail. He said "terrorists do not understand America. The American people do not falter under threat. And we will not allow our future to be determined by car bombers and assassins." White House photo by Eric Draper

In a nationally televised speech at Fort Bragg, N.C., the president cited progress in Iraq and emphasized that the best way to complete the mission is to help the Iraqi people build a free nation they can govern and defend themselves.

"The principal task of our military is to find and defeat the terrorists," he said. "And that is why we are on the offense. And as we pursue the terrorists, our military is helping to train Iraqi security forces so that they can defend their people and fight the enemy on their own. Our strategy can be summed up this way: As the Iraqis stand up, we will stand down."

To read the rest of this story click here.

Transcript of President Bush's speech.

Support for the Troops Never Stronger

By Capt. Steve Alvarez, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 24, 2005 – When I came home from Iraq a couple of months ago, I kept the promise I made while I was still there: I wouldn't watch the news, and I'd step away from the war, ignoring the events that had consumed my life 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It was time to catch up with my family and make them the focus of my life 24/7.

For about a month I was able to successfully ignore the constant horrid imagery and sensational reports filed from Iraq. But as a public affairs officer and self-proclaimed news junkie, I soon found myself scanning headlines on the Web and tuning into radio news programs, instead of my favorite jazz station.

To read on, click here.

I hope this support continues for as long as they need it!

A hero

"He wasn't a hero because of the way he died. He was a hero
because of the way he lived"
    - Unidentified Marine Lance Corporal speaking of his
Company Gunnery Sergeant who died in his arms outside Baghdad

Happy Father's Day!

Too many father's are not able to be with their families today but one thing I know for sure is the amount of respect and pride those families and their loved ones feel for those currently in Iraq and elsewhere. I know that being able to be with my Dad yesterday I felt a bit of sadness for those that can't be with their Dads and the Dads who can't be with their children.

So we're sending a big fat Happy Father's Day wish to all those serving overseas and to those holding the fort down back home. Thank you Dad's!

Semper Fi and stay strong everyone!

Carrie

Lawmakers Want Troops Out of Iraq

(I have to say...it was SO good to see that headline!!!)

Associated Press
June 16, 2005

WASHINGTON - A small bipartisan group in the House, including a Republican who voted for war, is urging President Bush to start bringing home U.S. troops from Iraq by Oct. 1, 2006.

Two Republicans and two Democrats in the House were introducing a resolution Thursday calling for withdrawal. It is the first such resolution put forth by lawmakers from both parties, although an overwhelming number of Democrats and six House Republicans voted in 2002 against sending troops to Iraq.

The Bush administration has insisted that a timetable for withdrawal can't be considered until Iraq's security forces are strong enough to protect their country from insurgents.

While many Democrats and some Republicans repeatedly have voted against continued funding for the war, there has been no concerted joint effort before to bring troops home.

A low-water mark of 41 percent of adults said in an Associated Press-Ipsos poll this month that they supported Bush's handling of the war in Iraq. And a Gallup poll released Monday found that six in 10 Americans say they think the United States should withdraw some or all of its troops from Iraq.

Car bombings and attacks by insurgents killed 80 U.S. troops and more than 700 Iraqis last month. Pentagon officials acknowledge the level of violence is about the same as a year ago.

Among the resolution's sponsors are Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., who voted for the Iraq war but now says the United States has done what it can in Iraq and the reason for going to war - Saddam Hussein's alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction - has been proven false.

Two years ago, Jones helped lead an effort to ensure Capitol Hill cafeterias retooled their menus to advertise "freedom fries" instead of french fries to protest France's opposition to the war.

The other resolution sponsors are Ron Paul, R-Texas, who voted against the war, and two Democrats who've opposed it, Reps. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio and Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii.

http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,FL_out_061605,00.html?ESRC=eb.nl

Grand old Flag Customs

A Grand old flag custom suggests the U.S. flag be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless it is illuminated. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. It should not be allowed to touch the ground.

Old Glory has been our nation's symbol for more than two centuries. The country's colors fly everywhere, high above the Capitol dome and on front porches along suburban streets. Today is Flag Day. Here's some history of the Stars and Stripes and the basics for properly displaying the American flag.

SOURCES: Flag House Association, Smithsonian Institution, www.ushistory.org, World Book Encyclopedia, www.ctssar.org

Displaying the Stars and Stripes

Custom suggests the U.S. flag be displayed only from sunrise to sunset unless it is illuminated. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. It should not be allowed to touch the ground.
WALL

The flag can be displayed vertically or horizontally; the stars should be at the top of the flag on the observer's left.

PODIUM

The flag should be placed to right of a speaker or staging area; other flags should be placed to the left.

STREET

When a flag is suspended across a street, it should hang vertically with the stars to the north or the east.

HALF-STAFF

Flown at half-staff during national mourning, the flag should be hoisted to the top of the flagpole for a moment, then lowered to half-staff. The flag should be raised to the top of pole before lowering at end of the day.

WITH STATE FLAGS

The U.S. flag flies at the center and highest point of a group when flags of states, localities or societies are grouped for display.

WITH OTHER NATIONS' FLAGS

When the U.S. flag is flown with other national flags, they should be of equal size and flown on separate staffs of the same height. International law forbids a nation's flag to be flown above any other nation's in peacetime. Test Your Knowledge

Try answering these questions about Old Glory.

** 1. Francis Scott Key wrote the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the back of an envelope. What is the source of the music for the song?

** 2. Which president made official provision for the arrangement of the stars?

** 3. Who was Elizabeth Griscom and what was her connection to the flag?

** 4. Who planted the first U.S. flag on the moon?

** 5. Is it ever appropriate to fly the flag upside down?

** 6. What is done with worn or outdated flags?

** 7. The American flag first flew over a foreign fort in what country?

** 8. A vexillologist is an expert in what?

** 9. "Shipwreck" Kelly (1885-1952) was famous for sitting for long periods of time. What did he have to do with flags?

** 10. The United States has one of the oldest national flags. Which countries have older flags?

ANSWERS

A true patriot scores at least seven right. A score between four and seven means it's time to read up on Old Glory. If you scored below four, you might want to head back to civics class.

** 1. The music is from an English drinking song called "To Anacreon in Heaven."

** 2. In 1912, President William Taft ordered that there be six rows of eight stars, with each star pointing upward. Previously the arrangement of the stars had been left to the flagmaker's fancy.

** 3. Elizabeth Griscom, also known as Betsy, eloped with John Ross in November 1773. Betsy Ross, of course, sewed the first American flag.

** 4. Neil Armstrong, on July 20, 1969.

** 5. Yes, but only in an emergency to alert others you're in need of help.

** 6. Flags are used until they are worn out and then they are destroyed, preferably by burning.

** 7. Libya , over Fort Derne, on the shores of Tripoli.

** 8. The history of flags.

** 9. "Shipwreck" Kelly set many flagpole-sitting records. He sat for 49 days on one flagpole.

** 10. Austria, Denmark, Great Britain, Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

The U.S. flag should be folded in a military fold and put away when not in use. The procedure for folding the flag:

** Bring the four corners together lengthwise.

** Fold again lengthwise, forming one long strip.

** Beginning at the striped end, bring corner to flat edge.

** Keep folding in triangle pattern up to the stars' end.

** When finished, the folded flag should resemble a triangle.

This article can be found here: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,FL_customs_061405,00.html?ESRC=eb.nl

I've Got Your Back

I am a small and precious child,

My dad’s been sent to fight,
The only place I’ll see his face,
Is in my dreams at night.

He will be gone too many days
For my young mind to track,
I may be sad, but I am proud,
My daddy’s got your back.

I am a caring mother,
My son has gone to war,
My mind is filled with worries
That I've never known before.

Everyday I try to keep
My thoughts from turning black,
I may be scared, but I am proud,
My son has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife,
With my husband soon to go,
There are times that I am terrified,
In a way most never know.

I bite my lip, and force a smile
As I watch my husband pack,
My heart may break, but I am proud,
My husband’s got your back.

I am a soldier, a sailor, a marine, an airman
Serving proudly, standing tall,
I fight for freedom, yours and mine,
By answering this call.

I do my job while knowing,
The thanks it sometimes lacks,
Say a prayer that I’ll come home,
It’s me whose got your back.

Author: Unknown

Roadside Bomb Kills 5 Marines in Iraq

AP

June 10: Iraqis climb over the wreckage of a U.S. convoy after it was attacked by insurgents west of Baghdad.

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A roadside bomb killed five U.S. Marines during combat operations in western Iraq, and the bodies of 21 Iraqis were found scattered in separate locations near a town close to the Syrian border considered an insurgent hotbed, officials and witnesses said Friday.

The Marines were killed Thursday while conducting combat operations near the town of Haqlaniyah, 90 miles north of Baghdad, in the volatile Anbar province (search), the military said in a statement.

To find out more click here...

Memorial page click here.

Local lore flows about Iraq dam

Once a favorite fishing spot for the half-brother of Saddam Hussein, the Haditha Dam is now one of the favorite targets of Iraqi insurgents

By Michael Martinez
Tribune correspondent
Published June 9, 2005

HADITHA DAM, Iraq -- This towering dam on the Euphrates River, which serves as a garrison for the U.S. military, once was a surefire fishing spot for Saddam Hussein's half-brother.

When the hydroelectric dam was constructed in the 1980s with Soviet assistance, no chutes were built to allow fish to pass through the barrier, so large numbers of fish schooled in the roiling waters at the bottom of the dam.

Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan, Hussein's half-brother who headed Iraq's murderous intelligence service, saw his opportunity.

"He used bombs to kill a big quantity of fish," said Hassan Yahyah Hassan, 53, the dam's manager who has been working at the dam for two decades.

"We tried to tell them you can't do that. You'll damage the dam," the manager added. "You know the old Saddam people. They killed anything--animals, fish, people, anything."

The fish that were killed in the bombings during the 1990s were taken home by Hussein's half-brother and his crew, presumably to eat, the manager said. Al-Hassan, a top financier and organizer of the insurgency, was captured in February 2004.

Ever since its construction, the Haditha Dam has been at the center of local lore and violent explosions, especially in the past few months as guerrillas have stepped up their mortar attacks against the dam, 135 miles northwest of Baghdad.

To read on and how this story effects the 3/25 click here...

sand, sand, sand

RJ emailed me today. It's been a while since I'd gotten an email. So it was great to see and receive.

He told me about a sand storm that he was in recently. One that rivals that of the one in the movie Hidalgo. If you've seen the movie then you know what I'm talking about. Here is what he said... "Most recently ... 4 days ago we drove into a sand storm of biblical proportions ... no joke. It appeared like a wall of blackness in the sky a mile high. Even in the vehicles with windows ...we couldn't see the man sitting next to us. Within minutes ...it roared onto us at approx 50mph. We coughed and choked for nearly 4 hours .... I still had to sleep beside the vehicle for a few hours with my mouth an nose covered... I woke with an inch of sand covereing me. Today I am still treating some of the guys with Prednisone , levaquin, and albuterol for suspected chemical pneumonia.

So many things have happened and will continue to happen... I can't write fast enough. Some of it ....tough to absorb myself."

There's more but nothing I'd be comfortable with putting online. I can only imagine what the last sentence was about. They are strong men, mentally and physically. We might hear more when he gets home. If he cares to think about it all again and verbalize it. I can understand it if he didn't.

I hope you all are doing well. Take care.

Carrie Ann

Doc Miracle

Hello everyone-

As some of you know, RJ was recently in a terrible blast. 2 actually. One in which it was a miracle that he made it through. God certainly has other plans for him. I can't go into the details of it but he's fine and despite the horrific-ness of it all, is in ok spirits. A truly amazing man, he is. Doc Miracle as I prefer to call him now.

The 2nd blast was that of a mine. One built into the road that his Humvee drove over. The type of mine that people just don't make it through. Yet he did. With flying colors too. He said he had pictures of it although he said he wasn't sure I would want to see them...that they were pretty bad. So I don't know if I'll get to or not. Or if I even want to.

My thoughts and prayers are with those that were severly injured in that 2nd blast and on their way home, hopefully, to recover.

I hear most of you are hearing from your loved ones. Many are sounding just fine. I know that the call I got from RJ was very emotional, for both of us. If I could capture that call and share it with those that are not in the military world they might get a better appreciation for what our troops are going through...for us. They might get a tiny sense of the heartache of war and what it does not only to the troops, but to the families. It's hard to hear but it's so important to be there for them. They need us. We need them.

Letter from the Major (12 May 05)

(Edited for security)
12 May 05
Parents, Wives, family and friends,

That we are gone and yet you still manage to take the time out of your busy schedules to come together to spend time is important in maintaining the family atmospherics. I am thankful to you all for your efforts. It means a lot. I hope all is well with everyone and that everyone’s health is in good stead.

I just want to quickly say that your Marines/Sailors are doing a tremendous job! What a great bunch. I do not exaggerate when I say that they are contributing to a fight in ways that even I never imagined they would and the magnitude of their work and sacrifices is simply amazing. I mean that! They continue to work as professionals and the “espirit de Corps” shows in the way they are conducting themselves. I am truly honored to be amongst them.

The mood right now is somber. We have lost several Marines/Sailors (across the battalion) in the past few weeks ...... but as always other Marines/Sailors pick up that “pack” and continue to march. And even though you may not have known them, EVERY MARINE/SAILOR is a HUGE loss and it strikes at the heart of us all but we have to continue. To stop now would only diminish the effort spent by our fallen brothers. The best way for us to honor them is to keep on fighting…….. to keep the pressure on. That is what they would want – and that is what we will do. Not till the mission is complete will your Marines/Sailors stop.

To the families of the wounded; I see the magnitude of the sacrifices made by your loved ones and am at a loss to express my gratitude for the time they spent with us, for their devotion, their will, their service. I am eternally grateful that they survived their injuries and I pray for their full recoveries.

Again, be strong………. for them – they need you.

Take Care. Semper Fi.

Major Gordon

Marine sees miracles in mayhem (Lt. Malstrom)

Posted on Wed, Jun. 01, 2005
A column by Kevin Leininger

Chaplain believes U.S. cause in Iraq is worth sacrifices.
Malmstrom: Bible has taken on new meaning

Seventeen of Lt. Eric Malmstrom’s fellow Marines have been killed since the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment landed in Iraq in early March. But the carnage hasn’t shaken the Fort Wayne chaplain’s faith in a merciful God – or his belief in miracles.

Malmstrom taught seventh and eighth grades at Zion Lutheran Academy before his Cleveland-based reserve unit was activated in January, but for at least another four months he will be the spiritual adviser to 1,000 Leathernecks stationed near the Hadithah Dam, a hydroelectric complex on the Euphrates River northwest of Baghdad.

Malmstrom the teacher knows the region of the Euphrates and nearby Tigris River has long been called the “cradle of civilization.” Malmstrom the soldier, however, has witnessed a lifetime of barbarism there in just three months. If the irony has strengthened Malmstrom’s faith, it has also reinforced his conviction that America’s war on terror is a just one – despite the daily reports of deadly car bombings and ambushes.

Or, perhaps, because of them.

To read the rest of this article please click here.