[rcecale]

Missions are going very well for us. We have detained several bad guys and corresponded warrants for them. The weather has been hot, then full of sand as the movie like sandstorms roll into our area. As we conduct our partnered American and Iraqi missions, we compliment one another as they can notice things we cant and we can bring a hell storm to the scene in a blink of an eye. I know you arnt hearing anything about how well the Iraqi’s are doing but they are doing great things, every day. They are listening to us, learning and when we see them make several small strides we know we are on the right path. Some working for free, only to make a difference. They are making a difference!

Your Marines have great morale. Living in sandy uncomfortable conditions, covered in sand after each sandstorm as their wooden swahut allows the dirt to flow in from the constant blowing wind. I love these times, I really do. You have those unforgettable events with fellow Marines, you live them. Like the ones you may have have experienced at a family reunion when you laughed so hard you cried. Here, there are times to laugh and times you are ready to throttle up. Times that make you shake your head and think that there is no way you could make these things up. Sharing the misery, building an indescribable bond.

Making a difference, a difference that won’t be on the TV screen in front of America’s faces tonight but a difference to that family who has lived in fear but now can replant their fields to grow vegetables because “We are so glad the Marines are around to keep us safe”.

You’ve been on the go all day, have a thin layer of dirt on your face where your glasses aren’t. The sun beats down on you as you feel the sweat run down your back between your skin and your armor. Your skin looks like its permanently tattooed from the dirt. The blowing dirt collects in the corners of your eye and your clothes are soaked. Hot chow in the morning, MRE for lunch. Dinner brings a nice stuffed frozen pork chop or maybe some spaghetti. Neither will agree with you later on. There are no 15 min smoke breaks, you see Marines burn them at the cyclic rate. There is not a one hour lunch because you are eating in the hummer on your way to your next patrol. You might enjoy an occasional quiet gathering of Marines at sunset and enjoy a cigar. Talk and make deals and wheel and deal as you review the day.

These are your Marines.

From a supporter & my response.
Please know that there are those of us who are not only aware, but utterly grateful for your sacrifice. I don't know you, but I do, and I love you and I thank you. I am eternally in your debt and anything I can do to help ease your service, I will.

God bless you and all our troops, marines, Airmen&women, sailors! (And anyone else I don't know the proper military name for but who nonetheless deserves a prayer.)

From me to the supporter:
That’s all we ask for. A simple Thank you. We will walk through fire for you when you say that to us. We don’t do it for money, we don’t do it for gain. We do it for each other and for all of you so you don’t have to feel any pain. We are proud to be your Marines-Semper Fi

Source and more commentary.

Randy