http://www.supportingourheroes.net/index.htmlUpdates from Iraqenwebsites@websitesdoneforyou.comCopyright 2008 WebsitesDoneForYou.com2008-10-15T22:39:09-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:40:02 -0500websites@websitesdoneforyou.comAfghanistan Updates2008-10-15T22:39:09-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/869eb1f7e0c75d93eede73de1afe124f-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/869eb1f7e0c75d93eede73de1afe124f-13.html#unique-entry-id-13Momma Marine!
 
Life here in good ol’ Afghanistan is coming to a close.  We are almost done, just wrapping things up and turning things over.  I can’t complain!  I’ll be home in time to see the family for Turkey day!
 
As for sending us more boxes, our mail is getting turned off in a couple of days so no worries.  You have done so much already that we are all very appreciative of, especially Cpl Robinson!  I dropped something in the mail for you a few days ago as well, hope you can read my handwriting!  I can hide that, my poor hand writing and spelling, with emails!
 
I wanted to tell you thank you again for everything.  Sometimes I don’t think people realize the power of not being forgotten.  Not that I am asking for anything, I really I can go about my business as a Marine and just be fine.  But there are great kids over here doing great things on a daily basis, so it’s nice that occasionally someone such as you shows appreciation.  Our country is such that, unless engaged in it, things are free from our mind.  The Marines out here performed better than anyone could have even predicted, under conditions that were more dynamic than anyone expected.  And ALWAYS came out on top.  So again thank you for remembering all of America’s greatest national treasures over here, the county’s youth.
 
Semper Fi Momma Marine,
Capt Matthew “Duck” Roberts
HMM-365 (REIN), Operations
24 MEU FWD DEPLOYED
Kandahar, Afghanistan
 ]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comAfghanistan Updates2008-07-15T20:52:38-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/UpdateFromAfghanistan.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/UpdateFromAfghanistan.html#unique-entry-id-12Mrs. McClellan!
Thank you for the great gift package, I loved it!  I split it up with a few Marines that work for me, a great surprise to start one of my days out here.  It seems out here food and sweets are such a big hit; we all devour them as soon as we get them.  If it wasn’t for the heat, I bet we’d all way 20 lbs more than we do right now.  But fortunately the heat and work hours keep us busy and moving.  I had never heard of Borger TX until reading you letter, but I believe I was once moderately close to it.  I went through an Air Force flight school program for 6 months in Enid OK, Vance Air Force Base, about an hour north of Oklahoma City if I remember correctly.  I’ve written some responses below to the other letters that were in the package you sent.  Please, if possible, make sure they find their way to all the great letter writers!  Thanks.
A few answers to your questions:  I am part of an 82 person detachment that was detached (hence detachment huh) from our parent squadron and attached to the squadron I am part of.  I fly CH-53Es (see attached picture) and the 82 person detachment I am part of all fly or work on the four aircraft we brought over.  We are attached to an ACE (Aviation Combat Element) composed of 4 different types of helicopters and 2 types of fixed wing aircraft.  The ACE is part of an even bigger unit, termed the MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) composed of about 2200 Marines, all working together to accomplish whatever missions we are tasked with.
Okay, a few words for the others:
Mattie !
First off, let me congratulate you on a great name   Mattie is also my nickname and was my call sign for a while as well until it was changed to Duck because I almost flew in to a flock of birds.  Good luck in the 6th grade and great to hear from you!
 
Lexi !
How are things in Borger TX this time of year?  Hot I imagine, I know a little about that.  It’s around 110 in the day time over here, but it gets down to the 80s at night. I am currently working the night shift, so I come in at 7 p.m. and go home at 7 a.m. so I am normally asleep during the hottest part of the day.  But it still gets really hot flying around my helicopter, even at night.  Have fun being 13 and enjoy the 8th grade!
 
Marissa !
The 8th grade, you are almost in high school!  Thank you for the letter and the support, it is always nice to know we are appreciated over hear.  What do you like to do for fun, sports, read, socialize?  Have fun this summer and enjoy the 8th grade, next year high school!
 
Emme !
Hello Emme, I like the way you wrote your letter with a pen and a marker.  It looks really cool!  Are you getting to go outside and play this summer?  I have two girls, Madison and Taylor.  Taylor just turned 6 on July 3rd and Madison is your age, 7.  She is going to be in the second grade too.  Madison loves to play outside in the summer.  Have fun in the second grade!
 
I wish all of you well!
 
Capt Matthew “Duck” Roberts
Kandahar Afghanistan
]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comLetters from the Home Front2008-07-10T20:57:29-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/WhenTheyComeHome.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/WhenTheyComeHome.html#unique-entry-id-11
And after that prayer we should write a letter or sign a card or go purchase something to put in the boxes for Supporting Our Heroes that are mailed out every week and really SHOW THEM HOW PROUD OF THEM WE ARE AND HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE AND LOVE THEM. . . . . 

But then that's just me, my thought and opinion and here of late, my life . . . 

To those who fought so I have the freedom "TO DO" what I want to do and to you who fought so that people in other countries could have the freedoms I enjoy everyday, YOU ARE AWESOME, YOU ARE CHAMPIONS, YOU ARE HEROES!  From a wide world of people, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! 

Love you all,
Jodi




When a Soldier or Marine returns home, they find it hard . . . .



          ...to listen to his son whine about being bored.



     ... to keep a straight face when people complain about pot holes.



    ... to be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.




     ... to be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night's sleep.




      ... to be silent when people pray to God for a new car. 



      ... to control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.




... to be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying.




... to keep from laughing when anxious parents say they are afraid to send their kids off to summer camp.





      ... to keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.





     ... to control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.




     ... to remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog.




     ... to be civil to people who complain about their jobs.





... to just walk away when someone says they ONLY get two weeks vacation a year.





... to be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house.





     The only thing harder than being a Soldier or Marine. . . .





      ... is loving one.




]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-06-25T15:11:17-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/FromMajorBourland24June08.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/FromMajorBourland24June08.html#unique-entry-id-10I love getting these messages. I know why I am doing what I am doing and I know it is costing a lot to do it, BUT when I read these letters it reinforces the HEART REASON I am doing what I do. And to all of you who are helping with your donations of money and supplies, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! from the bottom of my heart and THANK YOU EVEN MORE THAN THAT from the MARINES receiving the benefit of your efforts and gifts . . . .
Semper Fi and God Bless,
Jodi 


(via any Marine)  Major Bourland, 2/24 Weaps
 
24 June
 
Gang, first and most important, thank you all for your support. Mail has been hit or miss with air delivery but, hey, some is better than than none.. Don't be discouraged, though, it will get here eventually (like 2 days before we go home.. just kidding)
 
We have been making a nice meal out of the care packages we do get. Our Diets of Doritos, tail mix and easy open cans of Chef Boy R D are pretty good when you are hungry. Heat not required, you have the almighty sun 2 inches from your blaring face (it was only 117 today)  I have lost 30 pounds and none of my close fit any more... Great.. not. Trying to pack on the calories, I have resorted to a full attack diet of MRE's.  You are supposed to get around 2000 calories from each of these things but it's all in the delivery of the meal.   Hey, don't knock it until you try it or are so freaking hungry you can eat a dead cat in the road.. here kitty, kitty.
 
It was a tough decision today as I looked into the dirt filled leftovers in the cardboard MRE box, chicken and vegetables and noodles in some really kind of funky smelling sauce with mushrooms, or, the ever not so favorite Cajun meat(do they WANT me to explode?) or Jambalaya.. yes the stuff with the seafood.. in a bag... for a year or so. Okay, It looks like it's chicken and veggies.  As the chicken heated up in the almighty chemical heater pouch that took a layer off the skin of my hand it was so hot, I inhaled a small bag of pretzels. Tasty I thought.. Should have washed my hands, though, as the post thought goes through my head after I have shaken about 30 Iraqis hands recently. Grab the cracker packet that came in the pouch and pummeled them into crumbs "BAM" , this is the key to be mixed with the chicken and then, finally mash the cheese spread packet in it. BAM.. because everyone knows you can choke down anything with cheese on it ... and maybe ketchup, salt and pepper.
 
SO now everything is in place as you cut the envelope holding the hotter than the sun chicken and smell the omniscient fresh chicken smell fill the room. That's not chicken I smell though as the Marine in the next room just did a "crop dusting" ... gassing. For the love of GOD, Man, take that outside and burn your clothes and bleach your body all over until that dead animal smell goes away. This is the part where the women really love us fellas ! Booooya !

Crackers smashed and poured into chicken "BAM" , eyes still burning from the recent gas attack but no need for a gas mask jus yet as I tell myself "I'm tuff, I can take it" in a high pitched voice.  Wait, now I can't find my dang spoon. Never leave your spoon around while eating, often your best buddy will accidentally pick it up (because he lost his) or, y ou may set in mice poo or something that is never good. This is bad, no spoon means that I have to eat this like a dot eating food out of a bowl . Yes, I have done it, no I am not proud of it but will do it again. Wait, found it, it was in my pocket .. swhoo. Chemicals now continue to rise out of the MRE heater pouch combined with the recent gas attack, we might have a little problem. The first bite is a little off, perhaps dumping the small bag of highly melted M&M's into it will do the trick.. nope, that didn't work well and now the heat has caused a very bad looking chicken to turn worse.. with cheese, crackers and M&M syrup sprinkled on it. Too bad, it's "what's for dinner" as the commercial says. Second bite is delayed due to the two flies that thought they rated chow more than me as they did a drive by spoon pooping on the bite. Death to all flies, I say to myself. YUM.. and take the bite

The meal has now hit my stomach and began it's 3X expansion in the size completely attracting all water out of the other parts of my body. Why does my head hurt. Wipe hand off with sanitize napkin next to the quarter size "toilet paper" pkg which is only enough TP to really see a grown man make a complete mess. Begin to pick up the several empty envelopes of chow that will most likely stick to your butt if you don't pick them up.  Not a real symbol of authority (insert visual here) Stuff everything back into the jumbo bullet stopping plastic bag this heart attack meal came in and encourage with a manly size 12 foot to flatten.. again, "BAM" . Tell your kids to eat their dinner tonight or they get "what's for dinner" from Maj Pain.

Thanks again for all of the support and chow


 
 TAKE A LOOK AT THE LIVING QUARTERS OUR MARINES HAVE.  
AND KEEP IN  MIND THE 117* HEAT THE MAJOR MENTIONS.



COULD YOU WEAR ALL OF THIS STUFF IN 117* HEAT?  
I'M NOT SURE I COULD DO IT. 
]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-06-18T21:53:35-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/InsightsandDuststormsinIraq.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/InsightsandDuststormsinIraq.html#unique-entry-id-9
I'd like to share a piece of an e mail that I recently responded to. One of my good friends asked me why I felt such pride to be a Marine. Below is my response. I think this accurately captures why Marines do what we do here

"You asked me why I enjoy being a Marine so much. Being a Marine is all about taking pride in your job. Marines are an intensely proud and motivated lot. You won't hear too many Marines complain about being in Iraq too long like a few of our sister services do. To give an example, the other day I found out that we had to send a few Marines back early to get everything ready for our return to the states. I asked my clerk Cpl Soto if he'd like to go back early. He thought for a moment and said "nah, 1st Sgt, I like it here just fine". These young men are absolutely phenomenal. Let me give you some idea about how Marine are viewed by others :

 1.. In 1950 President Truman sent a special envoy to observe the Marines fighting in Korea. This envoy was General Frank Lowe, an Army General. Truman disliked the Marine Corps and thought we were a waste of money. He sent Lowe to spy on us and report back. Upon his return, Gen Lowe reported the following to the president "The safest place in all Korea was behind a platoon of Marines - lord how they could fight"
 2.. After the Marines' spectacular landing at Inchon, General Macarthur (another opponent of the Marine Corps) stated, "I have just returned from visiting the Marines at the front and there is no finer fighting organization in the world"
 3.. I was recruited out of SE Kentucky. There was this Japanese guy that was recruited with me. He got a visa to come to the States and join the Marines. When I asked him why, he said "every one in Japan knows that the United States Marine Corps is the toughest fighting unit in the world"
 4.. I went to boot camp with a Russian who said the same thing. He said that every Russian knew how tough U.S. Marines were. This was during the cold war by the way. When American's current and former enemies have that much regard for Marines that really says something.
 5.. During WW 1 at the Battle of Belleau Wood, the Germans nicknamed us "Teuffel Heunden (translated devil dog) because of the tough fight with the Marines there.
You asked me what makes a Marine. Pride, tradition, sense of belonging, brotherhood and camaraderie all make a Marine special. No other service has those things.

Please don't misunderstand me, all of our service men and women offer a huge personal sacrifice in the service to their country but the Marines are different.

Throughout history, Marines have continuously answered the nation's call with spectacular results. Everyone knows and fears Marines. That's pretty special. I have a tremendous sense of pride to serve with each and every one of these outstanding young men. They are truly awesome !!

P.S. - The picture I've attached was taken yesterday.  This is what a dust storm (not to be confused with sand storm - that's different) looks like.  We call them 'snow days' for good reason.  The look white when one of these sets in.

r/s 1stSgt Charles Wells
Weapons Company First Sergeant
3rd Bn, 4th Marines, RCT-5
Al Anbar, Iraq


"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week." - Patton

]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-06-09T20:59:31-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/HelloFromCaptMatory.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/HelloFromCaptMatory.html#unique-entry-id-8This is why I do what I do! God is certainly "Supporting Our Heroes" how on earth could I do any less. This came from Dianne, in Tampa FL.

Date: June 9, 2008 4:52:28 PM CDT
Subject: Hello from Capt Matory, Golf 2/3


Dearest Dianne,
 
I know this message is pretty late considering the wonderful support you and your people have shown Golf 2/3 but we just recently took over an area that had email.  While I always try to impress upon Your Marines that email is a "lazy" form of communication and that writing a letter and mailing it is always preferred when connecting with family and friends back home, I have found that I myself have just got to use email to ensure that folks back home know what is going on.
 
Also, I am not sure if you are aware, but due to our lack of email and internet, I failed to keep up with the Any Marine program so you are actually our sole supporter at this time.  I am not sure how your organization works but if you can no longer support us I understand.  We getting to the end of our deployment and they will actually be sending our mail to Hawaii beginning in Mid-July.
 
I wanted to take an opportunity to let you know how important your contribution has been to the Golf Company.  I am sure you are following developments in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but Iwanted to let you know how important the donations have been to our little part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the best way to do it is to tell you about something that happened very recently.
 
At about 6 AM one day I got a call in my office that something very bad had happened.  Of course, I cannot say exactly what happened but what I can say is that the incident had a negative effect on the many good things Golf Company is doing where we are.
 
By 9 AM I was standing in a home that had been nearly destroyed the night before and was listening to more than a few angry villagers.  All I could do was apologize.  I had nothing to give these people except for my time.  I don't carry money with me and whatever money I would be able to give them would really not be enough.  There are only so many ways to say "I am sorry" in Arabic but, there are plenty of ways to express how upset the Iraqis were at us at the time.
 
After a few more hours a number of children entered the home and the situation became more uncomfortable.  I don't like getting yelled at in front of children.  I really don't like any yelling or confrontation in front of these kids...they have seen enough.
 
After standing there a little while longer, I had an idea.  These people need water.  I had bottled water in my Humvee. I ordered my men to give them our water.  That helped a little.  I asked my Marines if there was anything else we could give the families.  All we had left was our mail.
 
I went to my vehicles to look at the mail, instinctively looking/hoping to see if there was a package from our  friend Dianne Villano.  Behold, there were three packages!  Two were for kids and another had writing pads and pens!
 
Seeing this, I took the notepads outside and asked the kids to follow me.  The yelling continued inside, but I ignored it.  Waiting for all the kids to follow me I sat down on the patio and began writing the ABCs on the pads.  All Iraqi kids begin to take English Lessons at a relatively early age so all of them either need practice on their ABCs but if you can imagine even pens and paper are very hard to come by in the rural areas in which we work.
 
To make a long story, short, a simple thing like pens and paper helped me to diffuse a very tense situation.    By the end of the day, all was fine in this little village because of three packages we received from Tampa Bay.
 
Your packages really helped the Marines look good on a very bad day in Iraq.
 
I will send photos in the next email when I have a better email connection.
 
Thank you very much!
 
Semper Fidelis,
Capt Bill Matory
]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-06-07T14:19:09-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/MajBourlandOnARoll.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/MajBourlandOnARoll.html#unique-entry-id-7Date: June 6, 2008 7:48:50 PM CDT
Subject: Major Bourland Is On A Roll.. 2/24 checking in 


We have been conducting several operations in the area. Badguys, unm you should find a new profession because your days are numbered, no really you should head for the mountains. Maybe Afghanistan?? They have mountains there. I'll put in a good word for you with a couple hundred of my close Marine buddies there. 
 
Last week there we were on a patrol, following some warm foot prints on the trail, sweat salt in the eyes, body armor pulling at your muscles in your back, thin layer of dirt covering all of your exposed skin and we got a nice calling card from Mr Scumbag. A nice IED that scratched our truck. OK maybe a bit more than scratched but every one was good to go but pissed. Not the kind of pissed when you step in a pile dog shit that your neighbors dog left but the "I'm gonna enjoy gutting you boy" (From the Movie - The Rock) kind of pissed, with an evil smile. I'm sure Mr Scum bag got a cheap ass chuckle from watching a black cloud engulf the armored truck but I bet he wasn't laughing when the attack helos showed up. What? Ahhhh you didn't like that so much my little scumbag buddy? Meet Mr Hellfire rocket. That's right you got a couple thousand dollars of hate and discontent filled with military grade explosive pointed at you. Oh look at that we have 8 rockets in the air today. Yes, those are the really big ones that are laser guided and very distinctive when hauling through the sky at you. Now you have met the "dirt people", some call us Marines. Choose whatever word you like, just remember we look good in our uniform and we'll kick you ass too!
 
A couple of my Marines shoot the shit with me as the normal duties of the day pass as we bare the 112 temps. You know the kind of guys that would wreck their dads car and try to fix it themselves or the ones that think everyone has gun racks in their truck at home. (What, you don't?)Yes,  and of course the ones who you glance at real quick and they hit you with this shit eating grin that says , "I didn't do it".  You know they are up to something but its probably better if you don't know. These are the early 20 year olds I would take a bullet for, no doubt.
 
Here in Iraq they are the glue that holds the villages together, the kindness that brings medical attention and the ones that breathe fire when you try to blow them up. Back in the states they are the kid that you know that lived next door but lost track of, "little billy?" that use to bag your groceries and the brother or dad you know like the back of your hand.  Yes, where do we get these guys I ask myself as we clear/search 15 football size blocks of potential bad guys in overflowing sewer areas, mount up and conduct vehicle check points with a smile.
 
Don't worry for a second about them getting attacked. Are they protected?  yes. Are they trained? hell yes! do they take the fight to the enemy?  well I wish you could ask the enemy on that one. We often do the job of several with only seven, but they are a magnificent seven! Semper Fidelis.



 THANK ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE CONTINUED TO SEND US CARE PKGS AND FOR THOSE WHO HAVE JUST BEEN ADDED TO THIS EMAIL LIST. EVERY TIME OUR SEMI-WEEKLY MAIL RUN ARIVES THE MARINES GROUP AROUND LIKE ITS CHRISTMAS-THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THEM ALOT OF COMFORT-SEMPER FI]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-06-04T14:45:13-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/149375bdd044f8e29e14d3ec2a02d2d2-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/149375bdd044f8e29e14d3ec2a02d2d2-6.html#unique-entry-id-6Via Any Marine Website:
 
03 June - Friends and family members of Weapons Company,
 
It's been a long week but I find myself once again writing my weekly post. Our Marines have done so much this week that it's hard to decide what to tell you about. I spent the week with one of my platoons that I don't normally see a lot because they are quite a distance from me. These warriors are counted among the most proficient and dedicated in the battalion. When I arrived at their position, I began talking to them about re enlistments. Right now, the moral in our company is very high and we have a lot of young men who want to "stay Marine".

I hadn't been talking to the Marines long when another young Marine came in and said, "1st Sgt, we jut got an EOD call. Would you like to come with us?" I couldn't refuse. This was a chance to see these young Spartans in action. We donned our heavy gear and headed out into the scorching heat. Less than 5 minutes passed from the moment that we received the call until we were rolling toward the cache site. 

Today's treasure trove of explosives was a few rockets that had been discovered on a small farm on the outskirts of a city. Farms are ea favorite place to bury caches for the bad guys. The ground is normally softer there and the freshly turned earth sometimes goes unnoticed. For today's work, the EOD team brought out several blocks of c 4 explosive. Marine and Navy EOD teams are very good at what they do so it's always great fun to watch them destroy a weapons cache. They take great pride in their work and you can see the sparkle in their eyes when they've finished a job.

As our security convoy arrived at the cache site, we took up positions to ensure that no Iraqi civilians wondered into the danger zone before the blast. I rode in vehicle number 4 which was commanded by Sgt Kirk Hermannskullberg - we call him "Kullberg" for short. This bear of a man makes our humvee appear smaller when he climbs in. Sitting behind him, I can barely see out the windshield. As we take up our position, Sgt K steps out and surveys our sector with  his binoculars. He then starts to point out landmarks and places nearby where they had recently found other weapons caches. Sgt K is good at his job and enjoys doing it. He is a Marine that you can't help feel safe around. He's intense, demanding and competent. Couple these with his enormous size and you can't help but respect him. He's just on  a long list of superb Marines that are part of his platoon. 

We stood in the searing sun waiting for EOD to destroy the cache. Once the deed was done, we proceeded back to base. It's always nice to ride along with these boys and see what exceptional Marines they truly are. The Marine Corps  has built some of the finest Americans that I know. These Marines know that they're making a huge difference here and they take great pride in that fact. 

Thank you so much for pride and support of our Marines as well. You play a big role in what we do here - Thank you
 
1st Sgt Charles Wells
]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-06-03T22:08:36-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/HeadquartersPlatoonCheckingIn.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/HeadquartersPlatoonCheckingIn.html#unique-entry-id-5From: Dianne Villano
Date: June 3, 2008 3:06:36 PM CDT
Subject: 3/4 Weaps Co Checking in.. HQ Plt this time ...

None of this, of course would be possible without each and every one of you :)   Thanks for your continued support!
 
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Dear Dianne,
 
First of all, let me start off by telling you how grateful we are for your support.  My name is Corporal Soto, and this is my second deployment to Iraq.  I served with First Sergeant Bass last deployment with CAAT 2 (Last deployment, we were known as Mobile Assault Platoon 2). For this deployment, I am with the Headquarters Platoon in Weapons Company serving under First Sergeant Wells.
 
This year Weapons Company is spread thin throughout the Al Anbar Province. All five platoons within the company (Headquarters Platoon, CAAT 1 Platoon, CAAT 2 Platoon, 81’s Platoon and Sniper Platoon) are all thankful for your support.  We greatly appreciate the time and effort you have put toward the support of the war. You may or may not know this, but when you send a package for a Marine, it really brightens their day. The items in the packages such as toys and snacks are usually given to the local Iraqi kids. By sending these items, you help strengthen our relations with the Iraqi people allowing them to feel more comfortable with coalition forces working with them. Without your support we couldn’t possibly reach out to the people of Iraq and help them as much.
 
Packages that we receive from you maintain troop morale, keep our spirits high, and remind us that we are supported by the people ofAmerica. That reason alone allows us to continue our fight with Honor, Courage, and Commitment. 
 
As I close this letter, let me once again thank you for the support and thought that you had put into each of these packages.  We hope to hear from you again soon.
 
Sincerely,
Corporal Alfredo Soto
3rd Bn, 4th Mar
Weapons Company Clerk
Headquarters Platoon]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-06-03T22:07:13-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/CommentsMajorBourland.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/CommentsMajorBourland.html#unique-entry-id-4From: Dianne Villano
Date: June 3, 2008 3:39:33 PM CDT
Subject: Comments and Thoughts From Maj Bourland ... 2/24

•          "Eighteen American soldiers died in May, the lowest total of the war and an 86 percent drop from the 126 who died in May 2007."

·         It will be an interesting campaign if the Dems continue to pull the get out of Iraq because we are losing schpeel - - just wonder if any journalist will have the guts to say, "Um, excuse me, last we checked, we're winning."
·         The surge didn't work in Iraq…………….no really, they said that, or should I say continue to say that.
Local Sheiks in our area have continued to tell of stories about how life was with Al-Qaida present. The evil that existed and now, its not a new way of life, it's a new era. Economy growing, shops opening, insurgents are now the outcast, not the shop owner, not the Iraqi Policeman, the insurgents. I remember how it was on my previous deployments; it was not a good way of life for any of the above, except for the enemy. Now things are back in the peoples hands. Why can't some Americans see this? Why can't they see the growth of the Iraq's, their leadership taking steps, their cohesion? May be those that deny it see it but ignore it. The insurgents see this, and they hate it.  Maybe a letter from one insurgent to another would read like this.
Dear fellow scumbag, how is your mother?
Oh yes that's right you killed her.  Any ways I was looking to find that prime spot to plant that IED in the city yesterday you know that hole your cousin dug last week just before he pre-detonated?? Any way I couldn't help but notice those dang Marines are everywhere, what is an insurgent to do? I can't even go get my insurgent unemployment card because they are in all of the streets.  Arrrghh!!
 
 I was trying to intimidate the local sheik but he told me to come by this afternoon to see him and when I got near his village. AArrrgghhh more Marines. You don't think he was trying to trick me do you? No of course not I am too intimidating for that…right?  I remember the old times when we could scare the silly Americans with threats, but those days are gone my fellow scumbag.  AArrgghh! Now I have this silly IED vest on that your brother made, you know I have to tell you he isn't all that smart, there is, no kidding explosives in this thing. I mean I could be getting out of my car smoking a cigarette looking at the new line of sheep in the area and boom dang detonator gets hung on the seat belt.
 
 Did I mention its cumbersome, how do I tend your funeral wearing this? It doesn't go with my latest attire. AAArrgghh. Well I must go my fiend, those pesky Marines are approaching and I have to run before they come here and I snag my fashionable detonator on the door handle on the way out. It will ruin the carpet…..AArrrgghh..]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-05-30T19:52:22-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/%20Updatesfrom1stSgtWellsandThe3-4.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/%20Updatesfrom1stSgtWellsandThe3-4.html#unique-entry-id-0Date: May 30, 2008 2:34:26 PM CDT
Subject: Updates from 1st Sgt Wells & The 3/4

Greetings to all the friends and family of Weapons Company 3/4. I would like to take a moment to update you on what your Marines have been doing in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  This year, the way in Iraq has proven to be a very different challenge than what we have historically seen.  Now, the fight here has shifted from a high intensity fight to a low intensity campaign. now are Marines are fully engaged in assisting the locals in establishing safe  neighborhoods and restoring infrastructure and building a strong government. By helping our Iraqi neighbors to build strong stable communities, the Marines of Weapons Company are ensuring that the insurgency will not regain a foothold once we leave.
 
One of the missions that Weapons Company routinely carries out is finding and destroying IED's and weapons caches. It takes a lot of manpower, time and money to get a lot of the sophisticated explosives into Iraq that some of the insurgents are using now. Anytime we find a destroy a cache, it makes it harder on the insurgency to carry out their fight against Coalition Forces. I get a great satisfaction in seeing the big, beautiful plume of smoke as it climbs skyward after a big weapons cache is demolished. Of course, the Marine side of me just likes seeing things go "BOOM". This week, Weapons Company was actively engaged in assisting EOD in detonating several large weapons caches. Weapons company has a symbiotic relationship with EOD. We provide security for them while they blow up the caches that we find. Our travels with EOD take us to new and exciting places. Each of these EOD Marines have been in the Marine Corps for less than 8 years but they have the lives of 15 young men in their care. A mistake on their part could cost lives.
 
Your Marines have truly represented their country well. Please take a moment to drop these marines a post card or just a few kind words from home. It makes their day to see that someone back home is thinking about them. I post your letters and cards in a place where all the Marines can see them. I can't count the amount of times that I have caught a young Marine just staring at the letters. For some of these young patriots, you are their only link to home. Some of them have very little family if any at all. Some of these Marines have received no packages in the nearly 3 months that we have been in Iraq. Thanks to you and the wonderful packages that have begun to arrive here, these Marines are seeing how much you all back home really appreciate their service.

Thank  you and God Bless You
 
R/s 1st Sgt Wells
 
"Freedom is not free, but the U.S. Marine Corps will pay most of your share"  - Ned Dolan]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comLetters from the Home Front2008-05-29T21:19:00-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/IAmAMarineMom.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/IAmAMarineMom.html#unique-entry-id-1Dear Sgt. Grit,

I wrote this last week, thinking of mother's day and having one of my children in a strange and faraway land. I had a delivery person come in and ask me who was in the picture on my counter, when I said my son, he asked where he was, when I said Iraq, he said (I kid you not), "That's no place to be, that's not good. We shouldn't even be there."
I then said to him, "Well, HE thinks it is and THAT'S what counts."
 The guy stayed in my lobby waiting for a ride for another 20 minutes and never said one more word. I just began seething. THIS is what became of my anger. To all the Sgt. Grit readers, please feel free to pass it around to anyone you think might need to read it. It is my creation, I can only hope someone who is feeling like I was that day can gain some strength from the words. Anyone who wishes to use it or pass it on, is more than welcome to. 

I am a Marine's Mom 

I proudly display my son's picture for all to see it is on the counter where I work, it is the most conspicuous on the wall at home. 

I am the woman you see in line at the store who has an American Flag pin, a "My Son is a Marine pin", and a red, white & blue ribbon with the blue service star in the middle. 

I am the person driving the car that is in front of you with the magnets that say "Support Our Troops", Proud Parent of a Marine, and a blue service star, a yellow ribbon attached to the top of my antenna. 

I am the one with the grocery cart full of cereal bars, beef jerky, flavorings and additives for water, Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers, and Skittles so my son and his fellow Marine brothers can have a little piece of home while in a strange and far away country. 

I am the person you see carrying boxes to the Post Office so my son and his fellow Marine brothers know there are people in the states that support them. 

I am the one you see with tears in my eyes whenever "The Star Spangled Banner" is played or sung before a ball game. 

I am the one that has tears in my eyes when the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag is said. 

When you see my son's picture when you come into my place of business and ask me who it is and where he is, please understand, this is MY SON. 

Please do not tell me we shouldn't be there. We are.  Please do not tell me the latest injury reports, the casualties, bombings and shootings. I know this, it is always in the back of my mind Please do not tell me the war is because of the President. This is my son's boss. I will not speak ill of him for whatever reason Please do not say that's no place to be, my son is there, he's serving our country, he would rather be home safe with his family, but he has a duty
Please do not say "I'm sorry", I'M NOT, my son volunteered to protect his country. You should say, "You must be very proud of him." 

Please do not tell me you know how I feel, unless you are a military parent, spouse, child, or fiancée, you have NO clue what I feel Please just tell me "Your son is in my prayers." There can never be enough prayers going up for our military or my son or me 

I am the Mother of a Marine, this is my daily routine 

Mentally calculating the time difference half way around the world. Accepting that my son is now MY protector Reaching across the ocean with my love, hoping my son feels the extra boost In the dead of night, waking up and saying a prayer for his safety and peace of mind - Never letting my son see the tears in my eyes or hear the catch in my voice whenever he leaves home or ends a phone call Enduring those moments when I am not as strong as I think I should be 

Making it through each day by the grace of God - Opting to work extra hours or volunteer more than I used to trying to keep my mind occupied - Trying to smile even when I haven't heard from my son for days or weeks on end Holding onto the Marine Corps motto of "Semper Fi", hoping I can keep the faith - Every second of every minute of every hour of every day, praying God is with my son and will bring him home to me safely -  Rejoicing and shouting so all my coworkers know it is my son who is on the telephone. 

written by Rhonda Elliott - 05/09/08
PROUD Marine Mom
LCpl Kristopher Hill USMC-deployed]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-05-27T21:23:00-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/03d013f429afef2276f05fa86b54c44e-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/03d013f429afef2276f05fa86b54c44e-2.html#unique-entry-id-2Dianne is a Personal Trainer in Tampa, FL who connected me with the Unit of Marines in Iraq that I 'adopted' and am sending the Support Boxes to.... Jodi

For those of you who know what I do for a living, you will understand why I find this so funny :)    I am also attaching a fantastic picture :)  Thanks for your support and for helping me to bring a ray of sunshine to a pretty bleak place! We are doing great things and I couldn't do it without your help  !!  
 
update from Maj. Bourland .. well, sorta

We have cracked the code to all of your unwanted weight gains. Combat Out Post Hades! Aka Club Hades. Yes, that's right for only a short duration (7 months) in Hades you can loose unthinkable amounts of undesirable weight. We won't have to thrash you in true Marine Corps fashion to get you to loose those unwanted pounds, NOOOOO will simply let you hang out with us.
 
Sorry, no TV or many social events scheduled in Hades just long days and plentiful sunshine and heat. So all of you Salsa dancers are out of luck because you're going on patrol.  Perfect form fitting body armor (not) and fashionable Kevlar helmets are the rage, all the cool kids are wearing them.  You will begin your weigh loss program feeling the cool 95 degree sun rays beating down on you around 5 AM. By 0800 it will be over 110. Don't fret that silly hot air blowing in your face, it helps with the skin cleansing sand paper factor.  Here at Hades we encourage large amounts of water consumption otherwise, you will die. Frankly our fist aide and mouth to mouth isn't all what its cracked up to be so when you go vertical from your kidneys shutting down, you are on your own.
 
 Eating isn't a real problem, oh we have plenty of chow, T-Rats and MREs are the rage and for fine cuisine we will BBQ spiced with the nature dirt that adds minerals to your system (as if you haven't already been eating enough dirt). Don't worry about fist size proportions because of the heat you really wont feel like eating and you gut will be full of water.  
 
To ensure you get your minimal exercise, a couple brisk laps around COP Hades will ensure those hard to lose sections will be burnt off. Just about the time the sun crazy dog decides to chase you from the local village your heart rate will automatically shoot up and the pounds will slip away……….or you get bit. Rabies isn't that bad (snicker) . To add to your basic beginner workout we wouldn't want to cheat you out of your experience so not if, but when, the sand fleas begin feasting on your flesh, your continuous scratching of your skin until it's raw will tone and shape your already slim body enhancing that "Hey I'm super thin, I must have a parasite" physique look.  You will be the envy at every cocktail party!
 
Sleep is for the cub scouts so as you are burning the midnight hours, our scientifically M&M coffee brewed combination will escalate your sugar levels through the ceiling. Now that's a supplement to experience at Club Hades AND its free. But remember, you kill the "joe" YOU make some MO! We don't require you to purchase a membership or spend your money on high priced "required" supplements, oh no, eat that snicker bar before it melts, your life may depend on it!! Just in case you have that extra hard to lose weight loss problem our genetically cultured poop flies will most likely land on your chow, face, mouth and try to fly up your nose on several occasions throughout the day and they bring that special punch that will keep you running to the restroom a couple times a day. See you're already losing your appetite and weight reading this! Your welcome! That's the least we can do for you at Club Hades, so join now!
 
Time for a Cigar, M&Ms and coffee!!!


]]>websites@websitesdoneforyou.comIraq Updates2008-05-21T21:27:00-05:00http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/1stSgtWellsCheckingIn.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.supportingourheroes.net/Letters/files/1stSgtWellsCheckingIn.html#unique-entry-id-3Friends and family of Weapons Company, this has been a great week! Today we received our first round of packages from some of you. The Marines poured through the contents immediately and, I am happy to say that there was not a single item untouched. The boys loved the pictures and notes that some of you included in your boxes. It was like a big adventure for some of them to get to open a box. Some of these Marines haven't received a box from anyone yet and we have been here nearly 3 months. Thank you all so much for your support of these patriots. It is truly an honor to serve with each and every one of them.

Weapons company was had a pretty busy week. The Marines are spread out over a large area, so they stay busy. This week the Marines were engaged in conducting a census of a local town. This is always a good opportunity to engage with the locals and speak with them about current issues. If we are in an area long enough, the locals will often slaughter some lambs for us and fix dinner for the Marines. Since coming to Iraq, I have eaten so much lamb that I believe my hair is beginning to curl. The Iraqis love having us here because we provide security for their communities. Security is a commodity that Iraqis never had a lot of under Sadaam. They now see the value of having Marines in their neighborhood and they're quick to show us gratitude. We truly are welcomed here.
 
One common site on patrol is hordes of small children. They know that Marines like giving them candy and other goodies so they always flock to the patrols when they see us coming. Though these kids are poor, they are very rich in spirit. They gather around any Marine that will give them some attention. They often come up to us and try to trade little items (like home made slingshots) with the Marines for some of the Marines' equipment.  We also enjoy giving them small toys, so, feel free to send one or two each time you send a package.

Our boys really appreciate the support that each of you provide.  We realize how much of your time is dedicated to supporting the troops and you make a HUGE difference. Receiving packages from you reminds the Marines that home is still right where they left it. You give them some stability in an area where there is very little to be had - Thank you so much  R/S 1sgt Wells










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