JarHeadJim Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 This letter is from Major General John Kelly, who is the Commanding General of the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), currently deployed in Iraq. It was written to his wife for distribution to all of the Camp Pendleton families of Marines serving in the Anbar region of Iraq. << A Letter from Al Anbar 8 Feb 2008 Well we've all arrived safe and sound, and have all but taken responsibility for our little piece of the Global war on Terrorism. The Economics and Governance (BG Wiley Post), Wing (BG Tex Alles), MLG (BG Bob Ruark), and GCE (BG Rich Mills) have already taken over, and I will complete the set and take the reins from my good friend MajGen Walt Gaskin tomorrow in a ceremony that will be attended by all the local gentry to include Generals Petraeus and Odnierno. There will also be sheiks from every tribe in the province, and the local civic leadership as well. If you count every soldier, sailor airmen and Marine in I MEF (Forward), or Multi-National Force - Iraq(MNF-I) as we willbe known tomorrow, we are 33,000 strong, 25,000 or whom are Marines. Throw in the two Iraqi Army divisions and the police, and, well you get the point. For most this is the first deployment to Iraq, but luckily we have a pretty good percentage that are second and even third time offenders to show the new folks how to settle in, find a rack and the mess hall, and deal with the desert. Nothing illustrates this better-the vets helping the "boots"-than last night when we had a series of resounding "booms" in the camp. The new guys sat bolt upright with eyes wide indicating their concern until the "old timers"-most in their late teens or early 20 of course-confidently settled the issue by declaring "out going," and everything went back to normal. The very good news is we will seldom hear booms of any kind as the province is a vastly different place than it was even a year ago. Dangerous still, but nothing like it was when any of us were here last. By the way the food is great, plenty of hot water even for the grunts when can convince them to come in from patrol and ambush duties, and the temperatures are wonderfully cold something we will all look back on nostalgically in May. On a personal note I am privileged to be here, even if it is for the third lengthy tour, and I say this for a number of different reasons not the least of which is the opportunity to again serve with young Americans-the best of their generation-in combat. A second reason is there is no greater honor for any man or woman than to protect one's country in time of grave danger, while wearing the nation's cloth. Finally, I do not think there can be anything more gratifying on this earth for an American than to participate in the freeing of a people from the grip of a tyrant, then helping that same people realize the benefits of democracy. To actually exercise the God given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I have been away for three years. What I have found in the week I have been back can only be described as shocking. When I was here last dozens of IEDs detonated everyday in Al Anbar. Fire fights were as common as IEDs, and mortar and rocket attacks a nightly routine. The emirs of al Qaeda and other equally murderous groups predicted our imminent defeat as they pursued a sick form of extremism no rational man or woman here, or anyplace else, could fathom. Many in our own country for any number of reasons began to lose faith-but the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who fought our enemy to a standstill never doubted or wavered in their determination to win. Several days ago I walked through the market section of Fallujah. It was bustling with Iraqis of all ages buying and selling products of every description. Adults waved, pressed forward to shake hands, and many like good businessmen everywhere tried to make a sale. Kids swarmed around the Marines trying out the few English words they have learned in schools that are all now open. Parents no longer fear to send their boys and girls to learn, a practice that under the extremists was often a death sentence. When I last visited that city it was the most dangerous place on earth. It was a gunfight going in, and a gunfight coming out everyday. The majority of the city's population lived in stark terror from the most evil men on the planet. It was the same then in Ramadi, Haditha, and all the way along the Euphrates River Valley to the Syrian border-but no longer. Like Fallujah the schools are open, markets thrive, and post-war recovery gains momentum across al Anbar. This war is not won, but is being won and today primarily by the Iraqis themselves. Al Qaeda is not defeated, but it is on the ropes. Its membership knows that if they are foolish enough to come out of the holes they hide in, they will not only meet tough young Americans standing firm and unafraid, but also Iraqi police and soldiers in vastly increased numbers and effectiveness. Iraq is still a dangerous place, but nothing like it was only a short time ago. We should see this thing through because it's the right thing to do, the American thing to do, and we have the new "Greatest Generation" in just enough numbers willing to give up the comfort of their homes and defend us all while spreading freedom to a people who have never know it. In closing, one of the things that strike me most at times of turnover like we are executing right now with II MEF (Forward) is the power of the Marine Corps. With one boot camp experience for every enlisted Marine regardless of gender or MOS making them all riflemen first, and one officer training experience at TBS making every second lieutenant an infantry platoon leader, again, first and regardless of eventual MOS, we are one huge family. The Iraqis say tribe, and that is how they view us. It doesn't matter what MEF or duty assignment we come from, we all speak the same language, hold the same views about service to country, and have the finest and most dedicated NCOs, SNCOs, and officers in the United States Armed Forces. We have families that support this craziness year after year, a sacrifice few Americans outside the Corps can even imagine. We also have a secret weapon upon which all else rests. Our weapon, the secret of who your loved ones are, is a spirit and an esprit that arms Marines of all ages with a willingness-no an enthusiasm-to go out into the dark and dangerous night and drive convoys to distant locations, fly aircraft through hostile skies, or patrol the streets bravely hunting the nation's enemies. We never worry about our backs, because other Marines and our precious Navy Docs are covering. We don't worry if we will be left behind and forgotten, because we all know Marines don't do that. It doesn't matter what foolishness we might hear in the newspapers or on TV about those who doubt the mission, we don't. So please stay together, stay engaged, and do not worry as we will watch out for each other here in Iraq, as you should support each other home in the States. Also, do not forget the legions of retired and former Marines who want to help in the worst way. We who serve today stand on their shoulders, and they will do anything for you. We thank you all for what you do, for your patience, and for your love. Semper Fi Kelly >> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUFFALOTONE Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 This letter is from Major General John Kelly, who is the Commanding General of the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), currently deployed in Iraq. It was written to his wife for distribution to all of the Camp Pendleton families of Marines serving in the Anbar region of Iraq. << A Letter from Al Anbar 8 Feb 2008 Well we've all arrived safe and sound, and have all but taken responsibility for our little piece of the Global war on Terrorism. The Economics and Governance (BG Wiley Post), Wing (BG Tex Alles), MLG (BG Bob Ruark), and GCE (BG Rich Mills) have already taken over, and I will complete the set and take the reins from my good friend MajGen Walt Gaskin tomorrow in a ceremony that will be attended by all the local gentry to include Generals Petraeus and Odnierno. There will also be sheiks from every tribe in the province, and the local civic leadership as well. If you count every soldier, sailor airmen and Marine in I MEF (Forward), or Multi-National Force - Iraq(MNF-I) as we willbe known tomorrow, we are 33,000 strong, 25,000 or whom are Marines. Throw in the two Iraqi Army divisions and the police, and, well you get the point. For most this is the first deployment to Iraq, but luckily we have a pretty good percentage that are second and even third time offenders to show the new folks how to settle in, find a rack and the mess hall, and deal with the desert. Nothing illustrates this better-the vets helping the "boots"-than last night when we had a series of resounding "booms" in the camp. The new guys sat bolt upright with eyes wide indicating their concern until the "old timers"-most in their late teens or early 20 of course-confidently settled the issue by declaring "out going," and everything went back to normal. The very good news is we will seldom hear booms of any kind as the province is a vastly different place than it was even a year ago. Dangerous still, but nothing like it was when any of us were here last. By the way the food is great, plenty of hot water even for the grunts when can convince them to come in from patrol and ambush duties, and the temperatures are wonderfully cold something we will all look back on nostalgically in May. On a personal note I am privileged to be here, even if it is for the third lengthy tour, and I say this for a number of different reasons not the least of which is the opportunity to again serve with young Americans-the best of their generation-in combat. A second reason is there is no greater honor for any man or woman than to protect one's country in time of grave danger, while wearing the nation's cloth. Finally, I do not think there can be anything more gratifying on this earth for an American than to participate in the freeing of a people from the grip of a tyrant, then helping that same people realize the benefits of democracy. To actually exercise the God given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I have been away for three years. What I have found in the week I have been back can only be described as shocking. When I was here last dozens of IEDs detonated everyday in Al Anbar. Fire fights were as common as IEDs, and mortar and rocket attacks a nightly routine. The emirs of al Qaeda and other equally murderous groups predicted our imminent defeat as they pursued a sick form of extremism no rational man or woman here, or anyplace else, could fathom. Many in our own country for any number of reasons began to lose faith-but the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who fought our enemy to a standstill never doubted or wavered in their determination to win. Several days ago I walked through the market section of Fallujah. It was bustling with Iraqis of all ages buying and selling products of every description. Adults waved, pressed forward to shake hands, and many like good businessmen everywhere tried to make a sale. Kids swarmed around the Marines trying out the few English words they have learned in schools that are all now open. Parents no longer fear to send their boys and girls to learn, a practice that under the extremists was often a death sentence. When I last visited that city it was the most dangerous place on earth. It was a gunfight going in, and a gunfight coming out everyday. The majority of the city's population lived in stark terror from the most evil men on the planet. It was the same then in Ramadi, Haditha, and all the way along the Euphrates River Valley to the Syrian border-but no longer. Like Fallujah the schools are open, markets thrive, and post-war recovery gains momentum across al Anbar. This war is not won, but is being won and today primarily by the Iraqis themselves. Al Qaeda is not defeated, but it is on the ropes. Its membership knows that if they are foolish enough to come out of the holes they hide in, they will not only meet tough young Americans standing firm and unafraid, but also Iraqi police and soldiers in vastly increased numbers and effectiveness. Iraq is still a dangerous place, but nothing like it was only a short time ago. We should see this thing through because it's the right thing to do, the American thing to do, and we have the new "Greatest Generation" in just enough numbers willing to give up the comfort of their homes and defend us all while spreading freedom to a people who have never know it. In closing, one of the things that strike me most at times of turnover like we are executing right now with II MEF (Forward) is the power of the Marine Corps. With one boot camp experience for every enlisted Marine regardless of gender or MOS making them all riflemen first, and one officer training experience at TBS making every second lieutenant an infantry platoon leader, again, first and regardless of eventual MOS, we are one huge family. The Iraqis say tribe, and that is how they view us. It doesn't matter what MEF or duty assignment we come from, we all speak the same language, hold the same views about service to country, and have the finest and most dedicated NCOs, SNCOs, and officers in the United States Armed Forces. We have families that support this craziness year after year, a sacrifice few Americans outside the Corps can even imagine. We also have a secret weapon upon which all else rests. Our weapon, the secret of who your loved ones are, is a spirit and an esprit that arms Marines of all ages with a willingness-no an enthusiasm-to go out into the dark and dangerous night and drive convoys to distant locations, fly aircraft through hostile skies, or patrol the streets bravely hunting the nation's enemies. We never worry about our backs, because other Marines and our precious Navy Docs are covering. We don't worry if we will be left behind and forgotten, because we all know Marines don't do that. It doesn't matter what foolishness we might hear in the newspapers or on TV about those who doubt the mission, we don't. So please stay together, stay engaged, and do not worry as we will watch out for each other here in Iraq, as you should support each other home in the States. Also, do not forget the legions of retired and former Marines who want to help in the worst way. We who serve today stand on their shoulders, and they will do anything for you. We thank you all for what you do, for your patience, and for your love. Semper Fi Kelly >> Great Read Jim! Thank you for sharing. My brother serves and it never leaves your thoughts when they are over there. Not just them but all the soldiers who fight for everything we take for granted. We are all guilty of it. Some don't agree with what is taking place there but I will back those soldiers for doing what they do. These are the real heroes who should be looked up to and emulated, not these spoiled cry baby athletes. I know most of this will fall on deaf ears but just stop and think for a second, when your day sucks, work is dragging or the ball doesnt bounce your way. There are men and woman who havent seen there kids and loved ones faces in months, who havent had the luxury to stop in and grab a beer while watching the game. Who cant just take a minute to relax without the worry of beong shot at from a mile away.... Lil things folks. 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Spun Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 It gets me sometimes when I think about people in our country who squander what they get in life but act like they don't. Then I think of the relentless stress the troops have day and night especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. I occasionally see military Mom's out and about with the kids trying to do their best. The families are shouldering a lot. I worry about our troops upon their return. I just hope our country takes care of them all and their families. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in San Diego Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 Awesome letter ! Thanks for posting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Darin Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 I just hope our country takes care of them all and their families. The system is setup to all but guarantee that a decent percentage are gonna get screwed outta their benefits for at least a period of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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