Letter from Charlie Company Commanding Officer
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
COMPANY C
1st BATTALION, 1st MARINE REGIMENT
REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM 6
UIC 40175
FPO-AP 926426-0175
From: Commanding Officer
To: Friends and Families of Charlie Company Marines
Subj: NEWSLETTER FOR JULY 2007
All of the Marines from Charlie Company have arrived safely in Iraq. We are enjoying the high life on a coalition base, while we wait to assume responsibility for our area of operations. During their first week, the Marines spent some very late nights making sure that all of our weapon systems are functioning properly. Now they are refreshing their knowledge of enemy tactics and procedures. The training schedule keeps us very busy, but each Marine has had the opportunity to contact friends or family. I know that communication has been somewhat limited, but I believe it will get better. We are still sharing the base with the outgoing unit, so the phones ad computers are stretched to their limits. When we complete the turn-over and the outgoing unit departs, we won’t have so many Marines on the base. I believe that this will ease the congestion and the Marines will have more frequent access to phones and computers.
As some of you may know, I deployed a few weeks early with an advanced party. Our goal was to get organized so that we can use the Marines’ deployment time efficiently. During those first few weeks, we checked out the operating base where the Marines would live and found areas for improvements. Working with some engineers from Camp Lejeune, NC, we improved the standard of living at this base. The whole base has been fortified to protect against enemy fire. Next we are trying to increase the number of phones and computers for calls and e-mails home. We are also working on obtaining a satellite receiver so that the Marines will be able to watch American television programs.
Until we get the expeditionary kitchen set up, we will be warming up frozen food. I expect phone calls and e-mails from Marines to include requests for instant macaroni and cheese, packets of tuna or beef jerky, and other favorites. Soon we will be able to provide two cooked meals per day, but until then please indulge your Marine.
Upon arrival in Iraq, I learned that we would have to give up a few Marines to support the Battalion. I didn’t want to see them go, but I knew that these Marines would make the most of the opportunity. Specifically, we provided five Marines to work with a Military Transition Team (MiTT). Please find their names summarized below:
Military Transition Team (MiTT):
LCpl RuelasOrtiz
LCpl Ransom
LCpl Conwell
PFC Chan
PFC Olsen
The MiTT Marines will be working closely with Iraqis. It is important to understand that Iraqi people in our region are learning to support their own security and police force. They need our help training their guys; so it is a great opportunity for these Marines to be part of the armed forces main effort. Through their work, the country of Iraq will be turned over to its own security forces. I am confident that they will succeed in their mission. These chosen few will have a truly unique experience during this deployment. They are likely to develop common understanding, or even a friendship with Iraqi soldiers. They will experience the culture in ways that other Marines will not. On a personal note, I worked as a member of a MiTT during my last deployment to Iraq. I was so intrigued by the opportunity that I volunteered for the MiTT position even though I wasn’t due to deploy.
I can speak from firsthand experience that this assignment does not affect the safety or security of these Marines. They will be as safe as the rest of the Company. It is true that the MiTT Marines will live and work with their Iraqi counterparts. However, many security measures are in place to protect them. During my own MiTT assignment, my wife had a hard time understanding how it could be safe for me to live with the Iraqis. It was hard for me to offer her an explanation without divulging sensitive information, so I had to ask her to trust me. And unfortunately I can only offer the same assurance to you. We have all of the necessary systems in place to keep these Marines as safe as the rest of the Company.
We are now entering the hottest months of summer here. Some of you are reading this letter in the stifling humidity of late summer in Texas, Oklahoma, or Florida. In Arizona, you might be teaching kids how to fry eggs on the sidewalk. You may be thinking about those mid-August days when all you want to do is drink iced tea in the shade. But the heat index here will reach as high as 130 degrees. It is hot like many of these guys have never known. We are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated as our bodies get used to the climate. When you think of Iraqi landscape, you might be picturing the Sahara desert, with sand dunes and no vegetation. But in reality, the Euphrates river valley has a lot of vegetation. It’s actually a very fertile area. In this heat and humidity, mosquitoes and other bugs are a formidable enemy. We can’t waste ammo by shooting the bugs in our bunks, so many of us are relying on the generosity of our friends and families. Please send bug spray.
Charlie Company has worked hard to reach this point. We trained from the ground up: from four-man fire team operations to all 170 Marines engaging in company live fire attacks. We have shown progress and challenged ourselves to perform better than the rest at every stage. I know that we will bring out the true meaning of the phrase, “no better friend, no worse enemy.” Please support your Marine by helping him keep his mind focused on his work in Iraq. You can support him by sending the things he needs from home. He may need help with personal matters at home. For example, I rely on my wife to pay the bills and help take care of my mother. And I ask my brother-in-law to check in on my wife once a week. I know that every Marine enjoys hearing from you. Letters from home are more valuable to Marines than their weight in gold. I know that getting letters back from your Marine are of equivalent or greater value to you. Please understand that your Marine’s personal time is a secondary priority, the combat environment and security of the Company will always come first. His phone calls and e-mails may not be as frequent or timely as you would like. Please continue to be patient.
Over the past few months I have learned a lot about the character of these men. As their friends and family, you have helped shape their character in many ways. You have a lot to be proud of. Semper Fidelis.
//Signed//
V. S. DE SA PEREIRA
COMPANY C
1st BATTALION, 1st MARINE REGIMENT
REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM 6
UIC 40175
FPO-AP 926426-0175
From: Commanding Officer
To: Friends and Families of Charlie Company Marines
Subj: NEWSLETTER FOR JULY 2007
All of the Marines from Charlie Company have arrived safely in Iraq. We are enjoying the high life on a coalition base, while we wait to assume responsibility for our area of operations. During their first week, the Marines spent some very late nights making sure that all of our weapon systems are functioning properly. Now they are refreshing their knowledge of enemy tactics and procedures. The training schedule keeps us very busy, but each Marine has had the opportunity to contact friends or family. I know that communication has been somewhat limited, but I believe it will get better. We are still sharing the base with the outgoing unit, so the phones ad computers are stretched to their limits. When we complete the turn-over and the outgoing unit departs, we won’t have so many Marines on the base. I believe that this will ease the congestion and the Marines will have more frequent access to phones and computers.
As some of you may know, I deployed a few weeks early with an advanced party. Our goal was to get organized so that we can use the Marines’ deployment time efficiently. During those first few weeks, we checked out the operating base where the Marines would live and found areas for improvements. Working with some engineers from Camp Lejeune, NC, we improved the standard of living at this base. The whole base has been fortified to protect against enemy fire. Next we are trying to increase the number of phones and computers for calls and e-mails home. We are also working on obtaining a satellite receiver so that the Marines will be able to watch American television programs.
Until we get the expeditionary kitchen set up, we will be warming up frozen food. I expect phone calls and e-mails from Marines to include requests for instant macaroni and cheese, packets of tuna or beef jerky, and other favorites. Soon we will be able to provide two cooked meals per day, but until then please indulge your Marine.
Upon arrival in Iraq, I learned that we would have to give up a few Marines to support the Battalion. I didn’t want to see them go, but I knew that these Marines would make the most of the opportunity. Specifically, we provided five Marines to work with a Military Transition Team (MiTT). Please find their names summarized below:
Military Transition Team (MiTT):
LCpl RuelasOrtiz
LCpl Ransom
LCpl Conwell
PFC Chan
PFC Olsen
The MiTT Marines will be working closely with Iraqis. It is important to understand that Iraqi people in our region are learning to support their own security and police force. They need our help training their guys; so it is a great opportunity for these Marines to be part of the armed forces main effort. Through their work, the country of Iraq will be turned over to its own security forces. I am confident that they will succeed in their mission. These chosen few will have a truly unique experience during this deployment. They are likely to develop common understanding, or even a friendship with Iraqi soldiers. They will experience the culture in ways that other Marines will not. On a personal note, I worked as a member of a MiTT during my last deployment to Iraq. I was so intrigued by the opportunity that I volunteered for the MiTT position even though I wasn’t due to deploy.
I can speak from firsthand experience that this assignment does not affect the safety or security of these Marines. They will be as safe as the rest of the Company. It is true that the MiTT Marines will live and work with their Iraqi counterparts. However, many security measures are in place to protect them. During my own MiTT assignment, my wife had a hard time understanding how it could be safe for me to live with the Iraqis. It was hard for me to offer her an explanation without divulging sensitive information, so I had to ask her to trust me. And unfortunately I can only offer the same assurance to you. We have all of the necessary systems in place to keep these Marines as safe as the rest of the Company.
We are now entering the hottest months of summer here. Some of you are reading this letter in the stifling humidity of late summer in Texas, Oklahoma, or Florida. In Arizona, you might be teaching kids how to fry eggs on the sidewalk. You may be thinking about those mid-August days when all you want to do is drink iced tea in the shade. But the heat index here will reach as high as 130 degrees. It is hot like many of these guys have never known. We are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated as our bodies get used to the climate. When you think of Iraqi landscape, you might be picturing the Sahara desert, with sand dunes and no vegetation. But in reality, the Euphrates river valley has a lot of vegetation. It’s actually a very fertile area. In this heat and humidity, mosquitoes and other bugs are a formidable enemy. We can’t waste ammo by shooting the bugs in our bunks, so many of us are relying on the generosity of our friends and families. Please send bug spray.
Charlie Company has worked hard to reach this point. We trained from the ground up: from four-man fire team operations to all 170 Marines engaging in company live fire attacks. We have shown progress and challenged ourselves to perform better than the rest at every stage. I know that we will bring out the true meaning of the phrase, “no better friend, no worse enemy.” Please support your Marine by helping him keep his mind focused on his work in Iraq. You can support him by sending the things he needs from home. He may need help with personal matters at home. For example, I rely on my wife to pay the bills and help take care of my mother. And I ask my brother-in-law to check in on my wife once a week. I know that every Marine enjoys hearing from you. Letters from home are more valuable to Marines than their weight in gold. I know that getting letters back from your Marine are of equivalent or greater value to you. Please understand that your Marine’s personal time is a secondary priority, the combat environment and security of the Company will always come first. His phone calls and e-mails may not be as frequent or timely as you would like. Please continue to be patient.
Over the past few months I have learned a lot about the character of these men. As their friends and family, you have helped shape their character in many ways. You have a lot to be proud of. Semper Fidelis.
//Signed//
V. S. DE SA PEREIRA
posted by Not Applicable at 13:45
