tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-159034332011-12-14T18:50:35.144-08:00THIS SITE IS DEDICATED TO THE MEN OF CHARLIE COMPANY, FIRST BATTALION, FIRST MARINES. THE INTENT OF THIS SITE IS TO ILLUSTRATE THE HARD WORK AND SACRIFICES THAT THESE MARINES MAKE EACH DAY AND TO CONNECT WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND SUPPORTERS. SEMPER FIDELIS.Not Applicablenoreply@blogger.comBlogger2271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-61577360322014742252007-08-30T20:39:00.000-07:002007-08-30T20:43:21.695-07:00

Charlie Company friends, families, and supporters:We have launched a new Charlie Company website to give us a little more flexibility. It is a work in progress -- feedback is most definitely welcome. Let us know what you think.http://www.1-1-charlie.com/Thanks.

Not Applicablenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-45933365169546104292007-07-30T13:45:00.000-07:002007-07-30T14:03:47.413-07:00

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPSCOMPANY C1st BATTALION, 1st MARINE REGIMENTREGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM 6UIC 40175FPO-AP 926426-0175From: Commanding OfficerTo: Friends and Families of Charlie Company MarinesSubj: NEWSLETTER FOR JULY 2007All 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

Not Applicablenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1155307357188498262006-08-11T07:42:00.000-07:002006-08-11T07:42:40.253-07:00

Your Marines have completed the first step in their journey home. They have arrived safely at Taqqadum, Iraq and will wait for their flights to post out of the country to Kuwait. From Kuwait, they will go through customs and then fly home. It's getting close. I'll keep you updated on times.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1155136970517417422006-08-09T08:18:00.000-07:002006-08-09T08:22:50.963-07:00

Charlie Company will be returning home on 17 August 2006. For those of you that will be at the First Battalion, First Marines grinder to greet the Marines, you can expect them to be arriving some time around 8 p.m. This arrival date is about 90% sure and the time is about 50%. I will update you on any changes that may occur.See you soon. Semper Fi.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1154233723715226872006-07-29T21:14:00.000-07:002006-07-29T21:28:43.953-07:00

Charlie Company is looking to do a family/friend BBQ on September 29th. The BBQ will most likely take place on San Clemente Beach, but that is yet to be confirmed. What we'd like to know is how many people would be interested in attending this event. The company realizes that the majority of the people will have to fly in from all over the country to attend. Keep in mind, the Battalion's

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1154018406806270502006-07-29T09:34:00.000-07:002006-07-28T08:45:31.396-07:00

I apologize for not being able to post as often as I would like. We have been extremely busy with the turnover to the oncoming battalion and have not been in a position to use the internet very often at all. My wife has been publishing the posts I sent her to keep the site up to date.The Marines are doing extremely well down this home stretch. They have not been able to take as many pictures

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151389351698056442006-07-28T23:18:00.000-07:002006-07-26T07:16:05.156-07:00

These Escalation of Force signs are on all our trucks. They make sure civilian traffic doesn't get too close to our movements.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151998100396669242006-07-24T00:22:00.000-07:002006-07-24T05:43:07.173-07:00

Here's a look at a typical street in Iraq. The people spend most of the day just milling about the streets in the city.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151997559376534392006-07-20T00:14:00.000-07:002006-07-20T17:18:24.336-07:00

The Iraqi Police stand post during a Medical Operation. A MEDOP is something that we conduct to help out the people that need medical attention. We have the resources and it's a great way to "Win the Hearts and Minds."

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151997208269610272006-07-18T00:10:00.000-07:002006-07-18T06:05:08.320-07:00

LCpl Wilson has decided to part with his truck and will be selling it on the open market. Please contact him if you're interested. Keep in mind, the vehicle has potential...

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151996942609866972006-07-16T00:05:00.000-07:002006-07-16T05:02:42.363-07:00

I know what you're thinking, this doesn't look like Iraq. Well, let me tell you...the landscape changes about every mile or two. Cities, rural area, farm land, palm groves, and complete desert...to name a few.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151996680640081982006-07-15T23:58:00.000-07:002006-07-15T05:27:19.490-07:00

The Marines patrol a canal. Traditionally, the insurgents like these areas for a number of reasons. They don't, however, like it when we're in the area.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1152870397794917972006-07-15T02:40:00.000-07:002006-07-14T02:46:38.126-07:00

Congratulations to Katia and Cpl Nester Pro on their new arrival. Cash was born down at the Naval Hospital on July 11th at 0144. He weighed 8lbs 13oz and was 18 inches long.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151389907662926342006-07-13T23:29:00.000-07:002006-07-13T04:50:45.276-07:00

Marines practice shooting the M2 Caliber 50 from a Up-Armored HMMWV (UAH) during re-set training about two weeks ago.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151390761465488152006-07-12T23:37:00.000-07:002006-07-12T06:44:14.100-07:00

Here is a tank hulk that we set on fire with our MK19 Grenade Launcher during re-set training.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151996070768284462006-07-11T23:51:00.000-07:002006-07-11T07:48:31.323-07:00

Sometimes the operations just catch up with you and there's no need for a rack. Cpl Spangler (Motor-T) is the prime example of this.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151995352063067612006-07-10T23:30:00.000-07:002006-07-10T05:56:39.380-07:00

Doc Bedard takes a knee outside one of the local shops. Getting some shade is essential on long patrols.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151942191322642962006-07-07T08:41:00.000-07:002006-07-07T06:31:50.943-07:00

Here's a shot at a Vehicle Check Point.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151391165566155602006-07-06T23:49:00.000-07:002006-07-06T05:20:23.186-07:00

We shoot illumination into the air if we want to light up the battle field. Here, you'll see all kinds of targets being lit and prosecuted.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151995870691658162006-07-05T23:43:00.000-07:002006-07-05T05:35:19.696-07:00

Our number one Terp, aka Mike Jones, talks to the locals to figure out the dynamics of our new area.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151390239885161242006-07-04T23:32:00.000-07:002006-07-03T23:30:04.263-07:00

Snipers attached to Charlie Company zero their rifles during our re-set training.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151389746119142472006-06-26T23:28:00.000-07:002006-07-02T10:46:47.903-07:00

Cpl Johnson and Sgt Auten stand Command Operations Center (COC) watch for their platoon. This is where the platoons track all their units and operations. The company runs a COC that tracks all of the company units in the battle space, as well.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151389032547224902006-06-26T23:12:00.000-07:002006-06-26T23:17:12.600-07:00

Marines stack outside a building, getting ready to make entry.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151388153215785602006-06-26T22:56:00.000-07:002006-06-26T23:02:33.506-07:00

Congratulations to Tanesha and Sgt Jose Alicea (2nd Plt) for the arrival of their son, Christian Luis. He was born on June 21st @ 11:04, weighing 9lbs 1oz.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1151303060718193842006-06-25T23:09:00.000-07:002006-06-25T23:24:20.983-07:00

Mosques come in all shapes and sizes. This one isn't used anymore, so we were able to get pretty close to it. Otherwise, we don't go in any of them.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1150603349318772882006-06-17T20:52:00.000-07:002006-06-17T21:02:29.536-07:00

To support current operations in and around our battlespace, the company has moved its Firm Base. You can bet on us staying at this location until we finish out the deployment and turn over with the oncoming units (which will be here next month). Once the move is complete, I will pass our general location for your awareness.The 'creature comforts' at this Firm Base are much to be desired, but

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1150345575232128992006-06-14T21:17:00.000-07:002006-06-14T21:26:15.523-07:00

Through the combined efforts of the Heritage Middle School’s student body, the Student Council, and several students in the Gifted and Talented (GT) program, two “We Support Our Troops Banners” were created, painted, and decorated for two local residents who are presently serving in Iraq.GT students Frank Luo and Vivian Gao hand-painted the eagles onto the banners while Cindy Chen and Pooja

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1150193832247423542006-06-13T03:11:00.000-07:002006-06-13T03:17:18.640-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm sure you're wondering about some specific dates and times so that you can plan from, right? Well, here they are: 15-19 August = Flight window for Charlie Company to fly out of Iraq. We should be home within 24 hours of when we take off. More word to come on this, but these dates are a great estimate.25 Aug-25 Sept = Post-deployment leave block. Marines will go on

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1150001184700219442006-06-12T21:25:00.000-07:002006-06-11T21:29:30.316-07:00

The new and improved John Deere chainsaw.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1149999555089327292006-06-10T21:14:00.000-07:002006-06-10T21:19:15.363-07:00

Sgt Aponte tells it how it is to one of the Soldiers at Abu Ghraib.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1149917936845154872006-06-09T22:10:00.000-07:002006-06-09T22:39:05.360-07:00

We are having some problems posting pictures, again...but we appreciate your patience.Your Marines are doing excellent. Despite the heat that's exceeding 110 daily, Charlie Company is out effecting their new AO in positive ways. The new battle space is very large, but according to the individual platoons, the locals are a lot more friendly and happy to see us than they were in the Abu Ghraib/

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1149656896974970332006-06-07T22:03:00.000-07:002006-06-06T22:09:58.103-07:00

Marines of Charlie take a little break in a secured house. With the heat, I'm sure you can imagine that these guys need it.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1149591795576407632006-06-07T03:59:00.000-07:002006-06-06T22:09:23.003-07:00

Charlie Company would like to wish LCpl Christopher Jackson a Happy Birthday. Right now, he's enjoying it with some fun in the sun.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1149592024762986022006-06-06T04:05:00.000-07:002006-06-06T04:07:08.670-07:00

Would anyone like to go out on patrol?

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148649214743547372006-06-05T06:05:00.000-07:002006-06-04T22:21:33.960-07:00

Cpl Cantu finds some friends.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148648621189035062006-06-01T05:53:00.000-07:002006-06-02T05:04:39.890-07:00

A look from behind the MK-19 Grenade Launcher. This weapon can "reach out and touch someone" and have some serious effects.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148647907218979622006-05-31T05:33:00.000-07:002006-05-30T22:24:17.670-07:00

Just a rear shot of some locals. This is traditional clothing for the women. The man is wearing what the Marines call a 'man dress.'

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148646504236560862006-05-30T05:19:00.000-07:002006-05-29T21:55:20.066-07:00

Sir, do you have anything in your car that we should know about before we search it?

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148464342991782342006-05-28T02:42:00.000-07:002006-05-28T02:37:15.563-07:00

PFC Hatfield looking a lot happier than he should after falling in a nasty swamp.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148463128709388402006-05-28T02:28:00.000-07:002006-05-28T02:36:30.186-07:00

More on our night mission.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148463703488014002006-05-27T02:38:00.000-07:002006-05-27T03:32:31.330-07:00

LCpl White and SSgt Frakes talk before heading out on a mission.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148463480369693632006-05-26T02:32:00.000-07:002006-05-26T02:49:30.793-07:00

PFC Acosta just looking happy to be here.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148462720858780322006-05-25T02:21:00.000-07:002006-05-25T07:11:18.420-07:00

Here's a pic, taken through a night vision device, of a little night operation we did to close off a road from civilian traffic for tactical reasons. We concreted some poles in, put up signs, and chained it off. Turned out to be a little surprise for the locals when they woke up.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148119329390977962006-05-23T02:45:00.000-07:002006-05-23T04:58:46.423-07:00

Patrolling during a sand storm.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148030782577121592006-05-22T02:13:00.000-07:002006-05-22T02:14:18.160-07:00

This weapon is called the Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), and it has the capability of firing 800 rounds per minute. And I can assure you one thing, this Marine knows how to shoot it.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148120415404741482006-05-21T03:17:00.000-07:002006-05-21T01:17:05.880-07:00

It's what's for dinner.This is what they do in the market when you want chicken. It's nothing like a Vons or Acme.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1148031907036865662006-05-20T02:27:00.000-07:002006-05-19T21:57:21.553-07:00

Some times you just want to choke a Marine...

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147775790066710252006-05-19T03:16:00.000-07:002006-05-18T21:39:06.750-07:00

Pfc Medley being his normal, motivated self.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147944702606252112006-05-18T02:23:00.000-07:002006-05-18T02:31:43.826-07:00

Alert on patrol.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147774519267865772006-05-17T02:43:00.000-07:002006-05-17T05:31:44.730-07:00

Pfc O'Byrne provides security from on-coming vehicles.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147772269381310702006-05-16T02:16:00.000-07:002006-05-16T02:43:02.316-07:00

Marines of Third Platoon, Charlie Company get photos after they received Purple Hearts for wounds sustained during combat operations in the month of March.Top Picture (L-R): LCpl Peterson, LCpl Salazar, LCpl Konopatskiy, and Pfc Kruithof.Bottom Picture (L-R): SSgt Blanco, Doc Armamento, Cpl Estes, LCpl Heuman, and LCpl Peterson.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147696783748210702006-05-15T05:01:00.000-07:002006-05-15T05:39:43.796-07:00

The Marines made a sign for one of our hardsites, CP40A. This is what hangs over the entrance to the sleeping area at the post.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147606420297248742006-05-14T04:04:00.000-07:002006-05-14T10:29:39.653-07:00

Charlie Company would like to wish all the mothers out there a Happy Mother's Day. Whether you're a mom just supporting the Marines, a mom of a Marine deployed out here, or a mom BECAUSE of a Marine out here...we hope that you have a great day! You're on all our minds. We'll be home soon to give you the hugs and kisses you deserve.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147444839025902912006-05-12T06:50:00.000-07:002006-05-12T07:40:39.096-07:00

We're having problems posting pictures on the site, again. So, I'll give you an update on what's going on.The weather out here is ridiculous. Everyday, it's reaching upwards of 110 degrees. If you're one of those people that say, "Oh, well it's a dry heat so it's not that bad," you're wrong. This heat is covered with humidity. But, the Marines are hanging tough.In the last couple days,

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147261646968839732006-05-10T04:46:00.000-07:002006-05-10T21:18:19.410-07:00

Check out this article about Charlie Company Marines:http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/0892DC1051BE8014852571690033BA69?opendocument

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146919006007283842006-05-09T05:23:00.000-07:002006-05-08T21:16:47.660-07:00

Sgt Sullivan posts security for his platoon commander.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147082126453915162006-05-09T02:46:00.000-07:002006-05-08T21:17:50.193-07:00

Iraqi Army Soldiers patrol with the Marines in our AO. This is a great opportunity for the Marines to train these guys on the proper way to conduct themselves. It also puts an 'Iraqi Face' on coalition efforts.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146918071793203422006-05-08T05:08:00.000-07:002006-05-08T02:19:02.486-07:00

Rollin' the streets.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1147081362062568082006-05-08T02:20:00.000-07:002006-05-08T02:42:42.090-07:00

SSgt Miller talks to some of the Marines of first platoon before a mission. How about the nice living spaces in the background?

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146917207389770342006-05-07T03:50:00.000-07:002006-05-06T21:30:51.336-07:00

A look at a patrol from the inside of a HMMWV. On the hood of the truck, you can see concertina wire that we use from Vehicle Control Points (VCPs). In the back ground, you can see a 'not so friendly' mosque.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146912493451748892006-05-06T03:37:00.000-07:002006-05-06T03:48:13.620-07:00

Pfc Brady checks one of the Iraqi kid's ride.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146907626851118332006-05-06T02:11:00.000-07:002006-05-06T02:27:07.013-07:00

LCpl Rusnac and Doc Santos get some rest out at one of Charlie Company's 'Hard Sites.' This place is know as Check Point 40A (CP40A) to us. We have security of this bridge and all its surrounding areas.You can see barriers around the Marines that are filled with sand for security/protection.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146478496544222672006-05-04T02:57:00.000-07:002006-05-04T03:48:24.713-07:00

Yup, that's right...Cpl Petterson telling another one of his stories as Cpl Richman laughs at him.Pfc Pihajlic and LCpl Konopatskiy pose for the photo.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146669492294268652006-05-03T08:14:00.000-07:002006-05-03T08:18:12.346-07:00

We haven't forgotten about you all out here. The site is having some problems posting pictures. Please be patient and new posts will come soon.Semper Fi.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146390782410353962006-04-30T02:37:00.000-07:002006-04-30T02:53:02.650-07:00

Cpl Partin gets snapped hopping a wall in the market.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146285592818012832006-04-28T21:24:00.000-07:002006-04-28T21:39:52.856-07:00

Anyone own a landscaping business? If so, how much for a job like this?

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146198405402401062006-04-27T21:14:00.000-07:002006-04-27T21:26:45.450-07:00

In a 'security halt.'

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1146197623084657842006-04-27T21:07:00.000-07:002006-04-27T21:13:43.113-07:00

Carmen Castillo, wife of LCpl Oscar Castillo (1st Plt), sent me this picture of their three children. This month was a big month for the Castillo Family as they celebrated three birthdays.Natalia (left) is two years old, Isabella (middle) turned four years old on April 26th, Daniel (right) turned ten years old on April 12th, and Carmen (not pictured) celebrated her birthday on April 13th. Happy

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145939427392532002006-04-25T21:20:00.000-07:002006-04-25T06:07:07.253-07:00

Doc West, an Iraqi man, and his daughter pose for a picture. The locals are so happy to have us around for the security that we provide from insurgents. Also, the Navy Corpsmen that we carry with us often are able to provide medical treatment to the families.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145351850503213522006-04-25T01:44:00.000-07:002006-04-25T05:43:53.776-07:00

If you look deep in the picture, you'll see the Marines of Charlie Company talking to all the locals. The relationships that we build with the locals everyday is the foundation for our success here. This picture exhibits the first part of the Marine saying, "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy."

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145786661139205492006-04-23T02:02:00.000-07:002006-04-23T03:04:22.780-07:00

Congratulations to Josh (Gunny) and Tina Smith on their new arrival, Mercedes Paige. She was born on 14 April 2006 at 1050. She weighed 9lb 7oz and was 21 inches long.Her big brother, Jake (2 yrs), is sitting proud next to her in the picture. Jake turned two on 30 March 06.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145782707271047622006-04-23T01:20:00.000-07:002006-04-23T01:58:27.293-07:00

Cpl Jason and Mrs. Lesker were married on January 6, 2006 right before we deployed. Karen Lesker sent me this photo to share with you all. Here's a belated congrats.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145698816085662002006-04-22T02:18:00.000-07:002006-04-22T02:40:17.326-07:00

Our number one interpreter, Mike from Michigan, gives out candy to the kids.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145696299623808952006-04-22T01:38:00.000-07:002006-04-22T01:58:19.660-07:00

Cpl Bestpitch sits on the up-gun in the city of Khandari. This is what the gunner looks like to the driver of the truck.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145623634470043662006-04-21T05:35:00.000-07:002006-04-21T05:47:14.500-07:00

The Iraqis load everything and anything onto whatever kind of vehicle they have. If this isn't proof of that, I don't know what is.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145533531238748692006-04-20T04:39:00.000-07:002006-04-20T04:45:31.270-07:00

Sgt Bigger feeds some MRE to some puppies. Even the dogs knew not to eat it...

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145148970433984932006-04-18T17:49:00.000-07:002006-04-18T01:36:20.163-07:00

An Iraqi man completes a survey that gauges the dynamics of security in the city.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145250292305515812006-04-17T21:50:00.000-07:002006-04-17T05:43:54.900-07:00

I'd like to announce to everyone that my wife, Madeline, and I are celebrating the birth of our first baby girl, Corinne Kaie. She was born on 13 April at 0333. She weighed 7 lb 13 oz and was 22.5 inches long.In this picture, you'll see the little angel in her Pink Cheetah car seat next to Madeline and Jimi (21 months). I miss you three and I can't wait to see you!

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145148572157338022006-04-17T17:39:00.000-07:002006-04-16T21:49:48.780-07:00

Two Marines stand in an over-watch position on a corner as the rest of their platoon moves through.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145147968097225492006-04-16T17:35:00.000-07:002006-04-15T18:07:51.220-07:00

Messes around with the kids during a patrol.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145147669087690052006-04-16T17:27:00.000-07:002006-04-15T18:08:19.583-07:00

An Iraqi kid checks out his gears.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145086195724842852006-04-15T00:21:00.000-07:002006-04-15T00:29:55.726-07:00

Rockin' the doo-rag.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145085425449180242006-04-15T00:08:00.000-07:002006-04-15T00:17:05.470-07:00

Charlie Company would like to say thank you to Glory Days Grill in Richmond, VA for the 13 boxes they sent us. Inside the boxes was everything from toothbrushes to candy for the Iraqi kids. There was so much stuff in the boxes, we lined up Marines from each of the platoons to come in and grab what they wanted.Glory Days Grill was one of our biggest supporters during last deployment, as well.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145015676550886622006-04-14T04:49:00.001-07:002006-04-14T04:54:36.550-07:00

Congratulations to the Van Vleck's on their new arrival. Richard Allen Van Vleck, III, was born on March 18th. Mom and baby are healthy.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1145015150912264262006-04-14T04:20:00.000-07:002006-04-14T04:45:50.963-07:00

Sgt 'Rambo' takes a knee as a little Iraqi kid checks out what's going on.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144661369342594662006-04-10T01:52:00.000-07:002006-04-11T06:36:35.553-07:00

I need to address something very important. This website is an unofficial website, which means it is not monitored by the United States Marine Corps for content, pictures, and comments. The focus of this site is to keep the families informed with the most up-to-date information that is allowed to be passed, without compromising national, operational, or personal security. Along the same lines,

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144498333828048352006-04-08T04:12:00.000-07:002006-04-10T01:47:50.170-07:00

Marines of 2nd Platoon push outside the walls of Abu Ghraib for a foot patrol. This is what the outside of the prison looks like. No getting in this bad boy, unless you're supposed to be here.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144240025334809252006-04-06T04:42:00.000-07:002006-04-06T02:42:39.343-07:00

2nd Platoon Commander, Lt Andy Jarosz.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144316273674276952006-04-06T02:22:00.000-07:002006-04-06T02:37:54.923-07:00

Charlie Marines patrol under a bridge that's in our battle space.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144124355419706572006-04-05T21:08:00.000-07:002006-04-05T01:29:57.090-07:00

Cpl Johnson, Sgt Auten, and LCpl White take a little break on one of their long patrols.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144237310116580032006-04-05T04:23:00.000-07:002006-04-05T04:41:50.173-07:00

Taking a break under some cover.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144226187814207662006-04-05T01:32:00.000-07:002006-04-05T02:53:43.330-07:00

Make sure you check out the I MEF site for Charlie Company media:http://www.imef-fwd.usmc.mil/imef/imef-public.nsf/sites/imeffwd?OpenDocument

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144123433029590172006-04-03T20:46:00.000-07:002006-04-03T21:03:53.076-07:00

I'm gonna go ahead and say that you don't want to mess with these two.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1144122324219799022006-04-03T20:35:00.000-07:002006-04-03T20:45:24.220-07:00

Not a bad caches find, Second.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1143586689274898192006-04-02T14:51:00.000-07:002006-04-02T09:29:28.960-07:00

Alright, so they're posing...

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1143995298807310092006-04-02T09:27:00.000-07:002006-04-02T09:28:18.810-07:00

Charlie Company would like to say a special thanks to MarineParents.com for sending us more Girl Scout Cookies than we can eat. Oorah.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1143586235673105082006-03-31T14:42:00.000-08:002006-04-01T05:08:29.146-08:00

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1143585521609081562006-03-31T14:32:00.000-08:002006-04-01T05:02:19.420-08:00

Cpl Kalish stands post in an overwatch position.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1143585089137818712006-03-30T14:25:00.000-08:002006-03-31T08:41:46.303-08:00

Pfc Partida takes a knee during a security halt.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15903433.post-1143583952002897392006-03-30T14:03:00.000-08:002006-03-31T08:40:09.606-08:00

LCpl Brookhouse plays with a goat's skull he found out in the AO.

James Letchfordnoreply@blogger.com