By Cpl. Sean Cummins, RCT-5
COMBAT OUTPOST UBAYDI, Iraq – Snowstorms and sleigh bells were replaced by sandstorms and radio chatter here this holiday season.
Marines with Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 strung lights and hung stockings to remind themselves of home during the time usually spent with family celebrating holiday traditions.
Even though the Marines are away from families, a full schedule and camaraderie with other Marines have made it easier to cope with the distance.
“To be honest, (the command) keep us pretty busy. I didn’t even realize it was Christmas Eve until about noon today,” said Lance Cpl. Deriek P. Tullock, 20, a driver with Combined Anti-Armor Team White, Weapons Company, TF 3rd Bn, 7th Marines, from Boone, Iowa. “It’s good because you don’t think about what you’re missing out on back home.”
The holiday spirit could be seen everywhere on base. Trees were decorated with ornaments, and candy canes inside of offices and stockings were hung from bedposts. Even the chow hall was adorned with festive decorations for the holiday meal that was served Christmas Day.
“We talk about the holidays, we talk about family and things of that nature, but we generally don’t miss it in the sense that they would because we have each other,” said 1st Sgt. Elvis Tate, 37, company first sergeant for Headquarters and Service Co., TF 3rd Bn, 7th Marines. “We laugh, we joke, we tell stories about the TV shows that we watched and the food we ate (back home). It’s not a lonesome feeling. We actually get a lot of joy out of it.”
Satellite phones, phone centers and e-mail provide an easily accessible means of communication for Marines who want to stay connected to their friends and families back home during the holidays.
“Everybody takes the holidays as a time to reflect with loved ones,” said Sgt. Joe M. Allen, 29, an assistant log chief with H&S Co. from Duluth, Minn., who has two children and a wife in the United States. “I understand it’s difficult on both ends. I call, I talk to the kids, but they don’t understand phones yet. It’s hard for us as well as (the families), but as long as there is communication, there is a way to get by.”
By sharing a bond with each other normally reserved for close family members and childhood friends, the Marines have been able to support one another throughout the holiday season.
By Capt. Paul Greenberg, RCT-5
RUTBAH, Iraq — Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based here brought toys, snacks and holiday cheer to Iraqi children at Mekasid Primary School in Rutbah, Iraq, on the morning of Dec. 23.
This is the fourth Rutbah-area school the Marines have visited in the past three months, and each time they brought gifts and a message of unity. Most of the items they have distributed were donated and sent by private citizens back in the States.
The items which they gave to the children at Mekasid were donated by staff members from a home healthcare company and a hospice in Medina, Ohio.
Beth DeFelice, a 45-year-old social worker employed at both health care facilities, took the lead on collecting all the toys, candy, beef jerky and gum, as well as packing them into boxes and shipping the goods to the Marines in Iraq.
“People here in Medina care about the troops, and we’ve had many local folks serve in Iraq over the past few years. We all realize how blessed we are, especially working with sick and dying people on a daily basis,” said DeFelice, who has been a social worker for more than 23 years. “Therefore, it wasn’t surprising that our caring staffs responded to my request to give charitably. I was touched by just how generous people were and it brought tears to my eyes as we packed and labeled the 13 boxes to go to 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines.”
In addition to passing out items to the students, the Marines met with the school staff and spoke to the students about Coalition forces’ cooperation with Iraqi security forces and government leadership to improve the overall security situation and quality of life for the local residents.
Ahmed Attalah Mohammed, 43, has been principal of the school for the past nine years. A father of four, he was also a teacher in local schools for nine years.
During their meeting, Mohammed lauded the Coalition’s efforts to work with the Rutbah City Council to further develop the governance and essential services in the city.
“Teaching the Iraqis how to govern is more important than teaching them how to fight,” Mohammed said through an interpreter. “We see something now that we never saw in the past years: democracy.”
Mohammed thanked the Marines for their gifts, and took them on a tour of the school. The students gathered in the courtyard for a short talk by 1st Sgt. Clark Rhiel, 42, the company first sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company.
Rhiel reinforced the message that Coalition Forces are working with local police in Rutbah to ensure the safety of its citizens.
A 21-year veteran of the Marine Corps and a Secaucus City, N.J., police supervisor, with 18 years on the force, he explained his dual careers as a Reserve Marine and full-time police officer.
“(Marines) protect life, liberty and property. That’s the job of a police officer, too,” explained Rhiel.
The Marines and sailors handed out toys and snacks to the students, as well as new soccer balls. Then they took the opportunity to kick the soccer balls around with the students and pose for a photo with a Marine Corps flag, which the principal signed, thanking the Medina staff members for their generous gifts.
The Marines mailed this flag and sent electronic photos to DeFelice to share with her colleagues back home.
“The Iraqis must know by now how genuine, caring and good the Americans are just by spending time with the Marines,” said DeFelice. “They can see the troops genuinely care for them and their children with no strings attached.”
By Cpl. Shawn Coolman, RCT-5
LAKE THAR THAR, Iraq – Al-Anbar Iraqi River Police officers aced their final exam.
Select Iraqi policemen here with the al-Anbar Iraqi River Police force, which was established to patrol the local waterways independently from Coalition forces, finished a week-long certification course Dec. 21. This was the first class taught by the Navy “River Rats” of Detachment 3, Riverine Squadron 1, Regimental Combat Team 5 on Lake Thar Thar.
In this class taught by Detachment 3, roughly 35 Iraqis graduated, which brought the Iraqi River Police closer to their goal of having over 250 police officers patrolling the waterways throughout al-Anbar province. Four classes have already been taught on Lake Qadisiyah by various Navy Riverine units, but this is the first class to graduate here.
The training consisted of different boat tactics and operating procedures that were conducted on Lake Thar Thar, the largest lake in Iraq.
“We started training them on basic boat handling and characteristics,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Bret M. Hand, 27, a joint terminal attack controller with the detachment from Hampton Bays, N.Y. “Once they were comfortable, we showed them basic tactics for boats and weapon handling for their personal weapons.”
“Our people benefited from the excellent training, and I thank our friends on their effort they gave to form our team,” said Maj. Diab Khalaf Diab, chief of al-Anbar Iraqi River Police. “It’s a new team, and hopefully we will continue our training with the same detail as what was taught to us.
“We started building our team in July, and it’s the first Iraqi team to patrol Lake Thar Thar,” said Diab. “We’re going to be monitoring the shores around the lake so that there aren’t any bad activities going on, such as weapon smuggling and drug smuggling.”
During the training, four Iraqi police officers were designated as trainers for future Iraqi students.
“We’re also going to be conducting our own river police training school for the new Iraqi attendants who want to join our ranks,” said Diab.
The Iraqi River Police have been training on boats which were supplied to them by the detachment, but have ordered 50 boats to use throughout al-Anbar province.
“We have ordered over 40 small boats and approximately 10 large boats to patrol the lakes (throughout al-Anbar province),” said Diab. “We are going to use the boats to conduct patrols and searches in the area so we can ensure the safety of the people around the lakes.”
Through their hours of training, the policemen have learned how to proficiently patrol the area and ensure the safety of the local Iraqi citizens.
“From this moment, I am very sure that the team is ready to go on patrols by themselves,” said Diab. “We are ready to take the reigns (from Coalition forces patrolling the river). We are ready and willing to begin patrolling the area everyday, keeping the area safe for the people.”
By Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt, RCT-5
RAWAH, Iraq – The expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps requires a responsive and capable force able to adapt to the ever-changing mission of the Global War on Terror and operations in Iraq.
Marines and sailors with Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, completed a battalion-wide movement from Habbaniyah, Iraq, to here and are adapting to their new area of operations. The battalion now falls under the command of Regimental Combat Team 5 in western al-Anbar province.
“As Marines, we are able to pick up and move to follow the mission,” explained Maj. Roy Ezell, 36, the battalion’s operations officer.
A shift in the battalion’s operational tempo is evident, though the Marines feel assured they will continue to build on the successes of the units that preceded them.
“Our mission to provide assistance to the Iraqis hasn’t changed,” explained Sgt. Brian Licht, 24, a squad leader with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines from Katy, Texas. “The capacity and method in which we assist the Iraqis will be re-evaluated now that we are in a new area.
“It is imperative that Iraqis take the lead every way they can,” said Licht. “We are continuing to act as facilitators and focusing combat operations when needed.”
Compared to the battalion’s former area, Ezell explained that Rawah is further along in the transitional process and highly developed with a stable government that is able to provide for the community it represents.
“(Iraqi Security Forces) operate freely from Coalition force influence, and the need for us has decreased,” explained Ezell, who is from Jacksonville, N.C. “We will continue key leader engagements and allow Iraqis to come to the forefront (of security and governance).”
By acting as advisors and providing an overwatch element, the battalion will continue to work with ISF and the local town governments. These efforts will continue to facilitate a unified, democratic and federal Iraq that can sustain a democratic government and defend itself against those looking to reverse the political and military gains made over the past years.
By Cpl. Sean P. Cummins, RCT-5
RAWAH, Iraq – Smoke filled the sky and shrapnel pierced targets as Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 detonated various explosives on a range near Combat Outpost Rawah December 17.
The range gave the combat engineers a chance to refresh their demolition detonation and preparation skills during their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” said Cpl. Matthew J. Leuthold, 22, a team leader with 1st CEB from Darrtown, Ohio, referring to engineer skills. “The purpose was to give the junior Marines the opportunity to train and retain the knowledge they were taught in the States.”
The combat engineers, who are here supporting Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, RCT-5, discharged four different types of explosives over the course of three detonations. The explosives included C4, shape charges, platter charges and grape shots – a type of field expedient claymore.
“(The engineers here) haven’t had a chance to go out and actually do (demolitions) in Iraq, so it gives them a chance to go out and refresh their skills,” 1st Lt. Paul Cleland, 25, platoon commander, 1st CEB.
By allowing the junior Marines to have more hands-on experience, they were able to improve their technical skills for preparation of explosives and learn what it takes to set up an effective demolition.
“(It gave the Marines the) confidence in their skills to be able to go out there and execute some demolition training by themselves,” Cleland said. “Squad leaders and (noncommissioned officers) ran it by themselves; even some of the lance corporals were stepping up.”
Safety was paramount as the Marines prepared their explosives. Timed fuses and safe distances kept the Marines as far away from the explosion as possible to keep the damages solely on the targets.
“At (Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center) 29 Palms, (Calif.), everything is closely regulated and it doesn’t allow the chance to make a mistake, because you’ve got so many different things going on,” said Cleland, who is from Canton, Ohio.
In Iraq, the Marines mimic those same precautions with safety briefs and close supervision.
The demolition range was the first of a number of exercises the combat engineers plan to execute throughout the deployment to keep them proficient at their jobs while Iraqi Security Forces maintain control of Iraq’s security.
“I would say it’s good that we have the opportunities to do ranges in Iraq, because it shows that we’re making steps toward peace in this country and we have time to do training rather than go out and fight,” said Leuthold.
“We’re planning on doing a final range in February, and this is just one of those building blocks to get us there,” said Cleland.
In the meantime, the engineers will continue maintaining force protection and helping the rest of the battalion find weapons caches and improvised explosive devices.
By Cpl. Sean P. Cummins, RCT-5
UBAYDI, Iraq – Now that Iraqi Security Forces have minimized insurgent activity within Iraq’s borders, they are working to keep it that way with the help of the Marine Corps.
M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and humvees with Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 drove out to the border Dec. 18 to meet with Iraqi border guards so the Marines could see how they operate and observe some of their training.
“We got to meet with the battalion’s (executive officer) for the border guards. We learned what their needs are and what kind of classes they have there,” said Sgt. Julian Bejarano, 28, a section leader with Combined Anti-Armor Team Red, Weapons Company, Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. “We went there with the intent of introducing ourselves and paying our respects. Our mission while we’re here is mainly to give classes and training.”
“This area has been very good,” said Lt.Col. Hamid Kniyaf, executive officer for the border guards, through an interpreter. “We used to have some problems, but the Marines have helped us take care of them.”
The two M1A1 Abrams tanks from 2nd Tank Bn., RCT-5, in support of TF 3rd Bn., 7th Marines, who have been making runs to the border for more than a month, escorted the Marines across the open desert to the posts.
“We were taking the (Marines) out to the border forts to interact and get to know the people out there and get a feel for what they’ve got. We’ve been on the border pretty much the whole time just patrolling,” said Lance Cpl. Andy A. Goldsmith, a 21-year-old gunner from Fort Myer, Fla., with 2nd Tank Bn.
With the information the Marines gathered, they have a better idea of how they can assist the local guards with border security training to keep their borders secure. The guards, many who live as far out as Baghdad and Fallujah, are deployed for months at a time to posts scattered along the border.
“(The Iraqi Army) is always out there. Literally, every time we get past a certain point we can count on them being there. They’re all over the place,” said Goldsmith.
“In the future, we’d like to do some training with them, maybe doing some patrols,” said Bejarano, who is from Goshen, Calif.
By Cpl. Sean Cummins, RCT-5
COMBAT OUTPOST UBAYDI, Iraq – With Marines deployed in cities located up and down the Euphrates River in western al-Anbar province, communication becomes an important asset in more ways than one.
The communications Marines of Headquarters and Service Company, Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 provide the battalion with an array of tools to keep everyone connected. Their tools and knowledge are required to keep the phones, Internet and cameras up to ensure everyone can do their job.
“We’ve got to support the battalion through providing (secure Internet) and (non-secure Internet) service and radio communications,” said 1st Lt. Matthew E. Wopschall, communications officer, H&S Co. “We’re responsible for providing that link to the outside world.”
From running wires and maintaining internet connectivity to fixing radios, the communications Marines work around the clock. Each Marine has a different job that keeps the battalion talking.
“Everything that moves in and out of here and around the battalion has an element of communications with it,” said Master Sgt. Marvin Barber,34, communications chief, H&S Co. “If we can’t communicate, we just flat out can’t move.”
As Task Force 3rd Bn., 7th Marines moves from one combat outpost to another, making way for other battalions to come in, the communication Marines have had to stay one step ahead. Operations centers and workspaces must be pieced apart and set up again at the next combat outpost every time the company moves. These moves have increased as Coalition forces have moved out of cities and demilitarized the bases.
“It’s like any other move; we’ve kind of become accustomed to it,” said Sgt. Christopher M. Phibbs, 21, data chief, H&S Co., from Spotsylvania, Va. “We know it’s going to happen, so we’ve prepped ourselves.”
To accommodate each company in the battalion, communication Marines are attached to various combat outposts spread throughout the area of operation. This takes away more assets from the communications platoon, which still has to maintain the same amount of equipment. The Marines have learned new skills to assist the battalion. This often puts young noncommissioned officers into billets with great responsibilities.
“Our success as a communications shop has been based on the Marines stepping up into roles in which they weren’t accustomed and typically aren’t expected to step into,” said Wopshall, 27, from La Canada, Calif. “We couldn’t have survived without the cross-training that we’ve done in country. Every single Marine is filling multiple roles, that’s the most important part.”
Each day presents a different task and challenge for the communication Marines. With Marines tasked to numerous combat outposts and sections within the battalion, there’s always work to be done.
“It gets a little overwhelming sometimes; it has its ups and downs,” said Cpl. Jeremy C. Olson, 22, tech shop supervisor for H&S Co., from Sierra Vista, Ariz. “Everyday someone needs something done or I have to go out somewhere and fix a radio. It’s just like any other job I guess. I’m on call 24/7 to fix whatever goes down.”
No matter the mission, the communication Marines have managed to stay one step ahead of the game.
“The beauty of this battalion, this year and this deployment, has simply been the non-stop variety of it,” said Barber, who is from Jackson, Ind. ”We’re constantly executing or planning to do whatever, whether it be moving, improving what we fell in on, supporting every communications (detachment) that we have out with every company position right now.”
By Sgt. M. Trent Lowry, RCT-5
CAMP RIPPER, Iraq – Marines and sailors deployed with Regimental Combat Team 5 are among the service members benefiting from the altruism of generous individuals and organizations this holiday season.
Seasonal snacks, warm socks and games are among the various items sent to Marines and sailors from Americans showing their appreciation for their armed forces.
“To me, every Marine and sailor is like my own son or daughter,” said Patti Lewis, president of Mom 4 R Marines, a group that has displayed great generosity toward the Marines and sailors of RCT-5. “I know they are the best trained military our nation has, and I know they are young adults and brave warriors.”
Almost 1,000 stockings from Mom 4 R Marines were received in time for distribution to the troops before Christmas. Another 1,000 stockings came from the Central Illinois Proud Families of Marines and were distributed to Marines and sailors at combat outposts and forward operating bases throughout western al-Anbar province.
In addition, holiday care packages from groups like the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group have come through with consistency since Thanksgiving.
“I think it shows how high we are in (people’s) priorities,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Dunn, 20, a mail clerk with RCT-5 from Carthage, Texas. “They’re still managing to send these packages out at a constant rate.”
After the incoming care packages and holiday gifts are received by the regimental mail room, most of the boxes are taken to the chapel annex, where the religious-services team takes over. They sort the items within the care packages to make it easier for Marines and sailors to find the essential items they need.
“The chaplain corps handles the health and welfare aspect for Marines and sailors,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Gerad Hardin, 27, a religious programs specialist with RCT-5 from Texarkana, Ark. “The chaplains want the warriors here to feel special and loved, and let them know people from home care about them.”
The Marines and sailors routinely marvel at the thought and care that go into the care packages. The Cup of Joe building on Camp Ripper – one of many throughout the province where RCT-5 personnel can get a warm beverage like hot chocolate or tea any time of day – hold a large box full of home-baked cookies with hand-written and decorated messages of thanks and well wishes from people in the States.
“People spend a lot of time and effort on the care packages,” Dunn said. “These care packages and stockings are not cheap to send out here. Marines open them up, and there are really nice things in them.
“It’s nice that they send them out here to Marines and sailors they don’t know, and they don’t ask anything in return,” Dunn added.
One question some service members ask is, “Why?” What makes the American people give to the troops that are deployed?
“All I hope for is it brings them a smile and also reassures them that our Nation will never forget them,” said Lewis, whose own son, Brian, was a Marine who served with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. “We stand behind them and what they do daily on behalf of our country. They deserve the best!”
“I think it is people saying to us that ‘no matter what you’re doing, you’re loved, you’re appreciated, we do care, you’re protecting us and this is a small token, but please accept it for what it is,’” said Hardin. “The American people want to show their good faith to us.”
Far away from homes and families this holiday season, Marines and sailors of RCT-5 are feeling the love from America, and say thank you right back.
By Capt. Paul Greenberg, RCT-5
CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — Reserve Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based here worked with local Iraqi leadership to hold the first-ever regional security meeting for the Rutbah district Dec. 20.
The venue for the event was a large Quonset hut at “H3,” an Iraqi Army outpost in western al-Anbar Province.
“It’s an opportunity for Iraqi Security Forces, Iraqi Police, elected officials and all those elements entrusted with regional security to come together with Coalition forces for mutual cooperation and to discuss security issues,” said Maj. Craig Abele, 37, the battalion’s operations officer.
More than 50 key leaders from throughout the district attended, representing all elements of the local Iraqi security network and various Marine units based throughout the area. An array of issues was discussed, but the primary focus was on security preparation for the upcoming elections and coordinating efforts against the remaining vestiges of the insurgency.
Lt. Col. Geoff Rollins, the battalion’s commander, opened the meeting with a clear message to his Iraqi allies that the future of the country is now in their hands.
“Starting in 2009, the ISF, who are more than capable of taking the lead, will in fact be in the lead on all operations,” said Rollins. “In the short time that I and my task force have been here, we have seen a significant increase in the security posture, along with gains in economics and governance. You have all worked very hard to get to where you are now, and this meeting is an important step in continuing the progress. You have elections coming in January. This will be a critical time for all Iraqis. Ensuring the safety and security of the people will go a long way to ensuring the longevity of the democratic process.”
Rollins was seated at the head table with other key local Iraqi leaders, such as Lt. Col Abdul Razak, the Rutbah district chief of police.
Razak, 40, spent 17 years as an officer in the Iraqi Army and has been with the police since 2006. His police officers are charged with keeping order in the district’s cities.
While the police are keeping order in the cities, the Iraqi Army will ensure the security of the open desert surrounding the population centers.
“It is our job to support the police and coordinate with Coalition forces,” said Col. Abbas Aiyed Raddad, commanding officer of the 3rd Battalion, 29th Iraqi Army Brigade. “The insurgency may try to prevent the elections, but the people must hear the candidates’ voices,” said Raddad through interpretation.
A 42-year-old native of Nassiriya, Raddad has spent more than half his life in the Iraqi Army and stated that the troops he leads now are better trained, equipped and more professional than ever before.
Based at H3, Raddad served as host for the event. He ensured that all attendees were treated to mansef, a dish of baked lamb, rice, fresh vegetables, flat bread and fruit.
Standing next to their Iraqi counterparts, the Marines dined in traditional Iraqi fashion, scooping up handfuls of food from the communal plates.
The meeting finished shortly after lunch, and the Coalition forces and ISF departed in convoys for various locations throughout the district.
“We met our goal today of planning to achieve a safe environment for the elections,” said Raddad. “The progress and development of Iraq and our economy depends on this.”
By Lance Cpl. Paul Torres, RCT-5
AL ASAD AIRBASE, Iraq – Service members here had the opportunity to laugh and rock out to comedians Lewis Black, Kathleen Madigan, John Bowman and musicians Tichina Arnold, Zac Brown, Kellie Pickler and Kid Rock Dec. 19.
This is the seventh stop on a holiday tour the group has been performing with the United Service Organization.
Among the service members in the audience were Marines and sailors with Regimental Combat Team 5 who are nearing the end of their yearlong deployment to Iraq.
“I have been a fan of (Kid Rock) for a while, and I think it is cool of him to come out here and do shows like this,” said Cpl. Robert S. Davis, 20, from Fairmont, W. Va., who is a tactical networking specialist with Regimental Combat Team 5. “I am actually learning some of his songs on guitar, so I am pretty stoked to get to see him live. Plus, it is a nice way to end a deployment.”
This is the fourth consecutive holiday season Kid Rock has toured with the USO to bring a little cheer to troops who are deployed.
“I can think of a lot of places I would love to be, but I come over here because it is the right thing to do, and the only cameras I care to be in front of are the ones I am in front of right now, yours,” said Kid Rock before launching into one of his hit singles, “All Summer Long.”
“First of all, I love to play and I love to sing, and I will come back to play for you as long as you’re here,” said Kid Rock to the crowd of service members.
Country musician Kellie Pickler sang her hit single “Red High Heels” and even interrupted her rendition of “9 to 5” to invite one lucky Marine to the front of the stage. The Marine had been holding a sign that said, “All I want for Christmas is a kiss from Kellie Pickler.” The Marine got his wish.
“My grandfather was a Marine and he was the one who raised me, so he was excited when he heard I was coming out here,” said Pickler.
Pickler decided to tour with the USO after finding out about it from a fellow country music star.
“I heard about Toby Keith doing a USO tour, so I talked to my manager and did what I could to make it out here,” said Pickler.
For over an hour, the musicians and comedians entertained the service members and brought laughter and cheer to the Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen who are spending this holiday away from loved ones. The group of entertainers will spend the rest of the holiday season performing for more service members overseas.
“I’d like to thank the USO for bringing us here,” said Black. “Most of all, we would like to find all the words we could possibly tell you about how much we care about you. Thank you for who you are and what you do.”
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