Story and Photos by Cpl. Chadwick deBree
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 9, 2008) – “You have been rocking the street of Zaidon, right? You have been rocking the streets of Shohabi, right? You have been rocking the streets of Karma, right? Now it’s time to rock Camp Fallujah, so get up out of your seats and have a good time,” said 1st Sgt. Brian Fogarty, First Sergeant, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, while introducing the Southern California band, The Saloonatics, on stage for a concert aboard Camp Fallujah.
The band made their way to Iraq with the desire to travel and give service members in a combat area a chance to relax and forget about their rigorous schedule for a couple of hours.
“It was very rewarding to come out here and perform for the Marines,” said lead singer Sarah Bruni. “My father and brother were in the (Marine Corps), and that drove me to make us come out here to perform for them, and the military has gone above and beyond for us to come out to the different bases to perform.”
The Saloonatics were able to perform in the South Camp section of Camp Fallujah after coordination was done by Warrant Officer Jack Johnson, Nuclear Biological Chemical officer, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines.
“All it took was one phone call,” Johnson said. “I was tired of Camp Fallujah proper getting all the entertainment, so I made a phone call to see what I could do to get performances for the battalion. A couple days later I got a reply that we were having a band perform here.”
Before the band’s performance, the Island Warriors gave them a tour of their work space and a glimpse into the life of a Marine while deployed.
During their performance, the band played classic rock songs ranging from Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold” to 3 Doors Down’s “Superman.”
“Our guitarist, Brian (Montrey), is also our band manager, so he picked all the songs,” Bruni said. “He picks songs from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today so there is something for everyone.”
For the Marines, this was a chance to let loose for 90 minutes and dive into the world of rock.
“I thought it was awesome, they were pretty good, I enjoyed it,” said Cpl. Aaron Lee, artillery liaison radio operator, S-3, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines. “I thought it was good for the morale of the battalion because it was something different. Like Warrant Officer Johnson said, it marked the middle of the deployment.”
But the Marines weren’t the only ones feeling the energy from the performance; the band was feeding off of it.
“The amount of energy that we received from the Marines was by far the best thing of the night,” Bruni said. “The energy we got back from them was what made this whole trip worth it. We were able to make them feel like they weren’t here for 90 minutes. They really got into the performance, singing along, jumping around, it was incredible. It’s going to break my heart to leave.”
Story by Sgt. Nathaniel C. LeBlanc
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 14, 2008) – The commanding general for Marine Forces Central Command and I Marine Expeditionary Force met with Regimental Combat Team 1’s staff during a battle space tour in the Multi-National Forces-West area of operations, May 14.
Lt. Gen. Samuel T. Helland discussed operations with the RCT-1 command and assessed progress in the Anbar region during his short visit.
The Marines, sailors and soldiers of RCT-1 are currently operating throughout the Anbar province to include the greater Fallujah and Ramadi areas; maintaining security and stability, eliminating insurgent threats, and working alongside the Iraqi Police and Army towards transition every day.
Helland expressed how proud he his of the men and women serving and concluded the meeting by telling the staff that everyone here is doing a phenomenal job and to continue doing great things for their country.
As I MEF and MARCENT CG, Helland is responsible for overseeing all Marines on the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the Middle East.
Story by Cpl. Chris Lyttle
FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 7, 2008) – Improvised explosive device sweeps and food bag deliveries are just two examples of the daily tasks Company K, 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team-1 and Iraqi Police (IP) are performing together in the Khadairy district and surrounding areas in Fallujah.
As Coalition forces transition their security role to IPs, they conduct countless patrols at all hours through their area of operation while IPs lead from the front. When IPs patrol the streets and generate local interaction, they can be viewed as the proverbial “tip of the spear” in the eyes of Coalition forces and more importantly the citizens of Fallujah. This personnel arrangement is creating a stronger presence of local security, establishing it where it belongs allowing Coalition forces to one day hand over their authority.
During a morning patrol on May 7, IPs led an IED sweep with Marines off first squad, third platoon, through an area that has been free of terrorist or insurgent activity in the recent months. Like every morning, now citizens are working day-labor projects, cleaning the city streets as IPs pass through and briefly intermingle with the workers, checking their daily progress.
In an open stretch of land near the railroad tracks, there is a road currently open only to military traffic. Children will come here after school to play soccer in the fields, but many adults are wary of terrorists reusing the area to plant explosives to target Coalition forces.
Day laborers remove the garbage and clutter that can potentially be used to make or conceal explosives and IPs man a guard post here to ensure their safety. While some IPs overwatch at the guard post, others are passing through on patrols, showing that police presence is strong.
Sgt. Edward Mitchell III, squad leader with 1st Squad, said he accompanies three to six IPs on his combined patrols and that locals are inspired by seeing Iraqis lead Marines through the streets.
“When the community sees that the IPs are out here and that they’re getting involved, it gets them more amped up to (the idea of) having the IPs take control of the city,” Mitchell said. “One of these days in the future, we’ll get the Coalition forces out of here and the Iraqis will be able to control their own. They want that as much as we do.”
Mitchell said even without an interpreter, the IPs and Marines communicate efficiently with hand signals and voice inflections. The IPs are helpful during patrols and daily missions for anything from added security to providing crowd control during charitable offerings.
Another frequent task that Coalition forces are assisting IPs with is distributing food bags in the poorer neighborhoods. During these operations, IPs not only lead from the front, but use their vehicles and their own elbow grease to see that all of the supplies are handed out fairly.
Later that morning, Mitchell and his squad met IPs in a neighborhood that is identified as less fortunate. The IPs loaded their vehicles with food bags and traveled at a slow pace through the streets. Mitchell set up his Marines to “ride the rails”, or provide overwatch security for the IP vehicle while the IPs performed their door-to-door service.
Mitchell told the IPs before the patrol that it is important for them to lead because they know where the poorer families live in the city. In addition, when IPs are seen performing these tasks, it puts their name on the mission, which is reputable to them.
IPs are directly involved with special tasks like these every day and its making a difference in the people.
1st Lt. “Sief”, an officer with the Iraqi Police at Joint Security Station Khadairy, said compared to last year, the city is much quieter now and free of violence.
This year, more and more men are stepping up to become IPs because of the difference they see being made in the city, Sief said. “The IPs here have an obligation to the law. You can ask anyone here, not just the IPs or the Coalition forces. Ask the people and they will tell you the difference being made.”
Story by Pfc. Jerry Murphy
HABBANIYAH, Iraq (May 8, 2008) – Funny, outgoing, crazy, loving, full of life – those are just a few of the many words that describe the late Cpl. Richard “Ricky” J. Nelson, a 23-year-old rifleman from Kenosha, Wis., who was killed by an improvised explosive device in the al Anbar Province of Iraq, Apr. 14.
This was Nelson’s second deployment to Iraq with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, and upon his return, he was looking forward to starting a family with his wife and going to school to become an elementary school teacher.
“He loved kids. He wanted to come home, start a family and become a teacher,” said Kristen Nelson, Nelson’s 20-year-old wife of one year, from Winthrop Harbor, Ill. “Teaching kids would have been perfect for him because they seemed to be the only ones who could keep up with him.”
Nelson’s energy and determination had always been an integral part of his personality. His mother, Susan Nelson, of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., said that he was a rascal growing up and remembered a specific showing of his determination.
“I worked at a Christian school about 12 and a half miles from where we lived. Every day, we left at a specific time and Ricky knew that and one day, he wasn’t ready when we left,” Susan said. “He called me on my cell phone and begged me to come back and pick him up. I told him I wasn’t going to and, sure enough, he showed up to school about two and a half hours late. He rode his dirt bike all the way and said that he didn’t want to miss school.”
Throughout Nelson’s life, he was known as the life of the party, always making people laugh and rarely shying away from a conversation with anyone.
“Ricky was so funny, always cracking jokes. He was the goofball of his class,” Kristen said. “He was a little shy around people he didn’t know, but once you got to know him, he would open up.”
Ricky and Kristen met at Christian Life School, where he was a senior when she was a freshman. Kristen said he told one of his friends that he was attracted to her and his friend set them up. The two dated all through Kristen’s high school years until she graduated in 2006. The couple married on Apr. 21, 2007 and would have celebrated their one year anniversary a week after his death.
One of the fondest memories Lennie Nelson, Ricky’s father, and Kristen have of him was fishing and spending time with him in the great outdoors.
“He loved going camping, fishing and hunting when he was growing up,” Lennie said.
Kristen agreed, saying, “We loved to go fishing and camping. It was just something Ricky loved to do.”
With his unaltered determination, he was said to be the one who would ensure his family was together as often as possible, said Lennie.
“He was great to have in the home. He loved God, his family and the Marine Corps,” Lennie said. “He was very proud of being a Marine and had a strong dedication to his country.”
Growing up, Nelson heard many stories from his grandfather, a former Marine, which helped his decision of becoming a Marine, with his grandfather always saying, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” He joined the Marines and first deployed to Iraq in 2005 and again in 2008.
About Nelson joining the Marines, Kristen said, “I think Ricky was trying to make a statement as an adult, not only to himself, but to his family. He was a huge supporter of the military and it didn’t hurt that his friends encouraged him to join.”
Nelson’s faith played a big role in his life. He grew up in a home where his family went to church every week, and throughout his childhood, he was a member of his schools Junior Bible Quiz team, where he went to Nationals and won championships, Kristen said.
As it is known to most parents, during the teenage years of their children’s lives, they become rebellious and want to do things on their own.
“Ricky had somewhat of a rebellious attitude during his senior year,” Kristen said. “But just prior to his first deployment, he was baptized and dedicated his life to God.”
Susan added, “He would say that through his first deployment and this one, he would be made fun of because his openness to his faith. But that’s just who Ricky was. His friends nicknamed him ‘The Chaplain.’”
In Nelson’s memory, his family developed the Cpl. Richard Nelson Scholarship, which is designed to help families with financial problems attending Christian Life School.
Even throughout the pain and suffering of their loss, Nelson’s family has remained humble, having the piece of mind knowing that his life, while short on this earth, has mad a positive impact with friends, family, fellow Marines and all those around him; carrying on his memory and legacy.
“As hard as this has been,” Kristen said. “I know that God has a plan for everything.”
Story and Photos by Cpl. Chadwick deBree
ZAIDON, Iraq – Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, demilitarized a patrol base in the Ziadon area, May 1.
For 13 months, Marines and local Iraqi Police used the patrol base, which was once a home to a local resident, as a location for operations. With the Marines moving towards transitioning their operations to the Iraqi Security forces, the base, also know as Barakat House, is no longer needed.
“About a month ago, we were looking at our operations and what we could do to be more effective,” said Sgt. Brian R. Downing, squad leader, 1st squad, 2nd platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Bn., 3rd Marines. “It was decided that the way to be most effective was to reduce our footprint in the region, and this is just one of the many things we are doing to reduce our presence.”
The Barakat House was the heaviest fortified position the Marines had in the area, but with the Marines moving into a transition phase, the position was no longer needed.
“We’re moving into a stage where we are just over watching what the Iraqis are doing,” Downing, a 25-year-old native of Danvers, Mass., said. “Now we can concentrate more on conducting joint patrols with the Iraqis through the marketplace to ensure that the business in the area is going strong. This is a very exciting time.”
Downing went on to explain that minutes after the Marines finished removing the barriers around the house, the owner began moving furniture into the house laying it out to his liking.
“The owner and neighbors were very happy to have the house back,” Downing said. “Not because they didn’t want us there, but because they know that with us leaving, that means that the area is safe enough for them. This was physical, living proof that transition in the country is taking place. I’ve heard about things like this and read about this, but nothing could speak more loudly than being a part of actually giving a big piece of property back. It also shows that we trust the IP enough to run themselves without us having to always be there with them. Their ambition and their dedication make it all worth it and it’s really paying off. Seeing the results of them stepping up and taking control from what we taught them, there’s no experience like it.”
From The Frontline - Ep. 3, Part 1
From The Frontline - Ep. 3, Part 2
From The Frontline - Ep. 3, Part 4
Story by Lance Cpl. Casey Jones
RAMADI, IRAQ (April 29, 2008) – It was a typical quiet morning on April 22, with the temperature intensifying as a bright orange sun emerged high from the horizon.
Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and Cpl. Jonathan T. Yale, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, RCT-1, were standing post, just as they’ve done numerous times before. During a standard length watch in a small checkpoint protected by concrete barriers where they overlooked the small gravel road, lined with palm trees leading to their entry control point.
However, this morning would be different. Quickly it would turn, chaotic then tragic. Two Marines would gallantly sacrifice their lives so others could live.
A truck packed with thousands of pounds of explosives entered the area where Haerter and Yale were standing guard. Realizing the vehicles intentions Haerter and Yale without hesitation stood their ground, drew their weapons and fired at the vehicle. The truck rolled to a stop and exploded, killing the two Marines.
"I was on post the morning of the attack,” said Lance Cpl. Benjamin Tupaj, a rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Police Transition Team 3, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. “I heard the (squad automatic weapon) go off at a cyclic rate and then the detonation along with a flash. Then I heard a Marine start yelling ‘we got hit, we got hit.’ It was hectic.”
In the face of a committed enemy, Haerter and Yale stood their ground, in turn saving the lives of numerous Marines, sailors, Iraqi Policemen, and civilians. Both Marines displayed heroic, self-sacrificing actions and truly lived up to the Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.
“They saved all of our lives, if it wasn’t for them that gate probably wouldn’t have held,” Tupaj said. “The explosion blew out all of the windows over 150 meters from where the blast hit. If that truck had made it into the compound, there would’ve been a lot more casualties. They saved everyone’s life here.”
According to official reports the heroic actions of Haerter and Yale’s saved the lives of the 33 Marines and 21 Iraqi Police as well as numerous civilians at the entry control point.
“They are heroes because thousands of pounds (of explosives) would’ve made its way through the gate and many more of us wouldn’t be here,” said Lance Cpl. Lawrence Tillery a rifleman with 3rd platoon. “I have a son back home, and I know if that truck would’ve made it to where it was going – I wouldn’t be here today. Because of Lance Cpl. Haerter and Cpl. Yale, I will be able to see my son again. They gave me that opportunity.”
A week after the attack, the Marines with 3rd platoon, remember their fallen brethren as good friends and Marines
“Cpl. Yale was a great guy, really friendly and kind of shy,” said Hospitalman Eric Schwartz a corpsman with the platoon.
“Haerter was an amazing guy, I knew everything about him. He was my best friend.” said Lance Cpl. Cody Israel, a rifleman with 3rd platoon, Haerter’s roommate for more than a year and half.
Haerter and Yale were both posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and have been nominated for an award for their valor.
Story by Pfc. Jerry Murphy
HABBANIYAH, Iraq (May 4, 2008) – Once a month, the Iraqi police are paid for their everyday services. Marines of the Habbaniyah Police Transition Team (PTT), who work with the Iraqi Police daily, ensured their hard work over the last 30 days was rewarded with a much deserved payday May 3.
“They put in their time every day and look forward to getting paid,” said Lance Cpl. Adam C. Wemhoner, a gunner for the Habbaniyah PTT team, attached to 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1. “They’re doing a good job working with us and they are catching on to what we teach them pretty good.”
The Iraqi Police work closely with the Marines every day and payday is their monetary motivation to support their families and keep the streets clean with the Marines by their side.
“We try to help them in every aspect of their job here. They regularly go out on patrols with us and they receive daily classes on tactics, weapons and foot patrols,” said Sgt. Carmen A. Consolino, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Habbaniyah PTT team. “We’re trying to prepare them to become a stand-alone police department that the people can count on and trust. It takes time, but it’s working.”
For some infantry battalions, teaching police tactics could become a slight challenge, but with 2nd Bn., 24th Marines being a reserve battalion based out of Chicago, it is common to have police officers mixed into the bunch just about everywhere.
“Three out of the 10 guys on the team are police officers back home and that makes it a little bit easier for us because of their experience,” said Wemhoner, a 20-year-old from Denton, Texas. “But at the same time, they’re not dealing with the threats of (improvised explosive devices) in Chicago.”
Consolino agreed saying: “With our experience, it makes certain things a little bit easier but there’s still that unknown and there are much different threats here than back home.”
Although the Marines’ jobs in Iraq seem difficult and stressful, progress is being made and the Marines believe it will pay off in the long run.
“The sacrifices we are making here are not for nothing. As long as we have a little faith and patience, we will accomplish our mission,” said Consolino, a 37-year-old police officer from Chicago. “Patience and persistence is eventually what is going to pay dividends in the end.”
Story by Pfc. Jerry Murphy
HABBANIYAH, Iraq (May 4, 2008) – Once a month, the Iraqi police are paid for their everyday services. Marines of the Habbaniyah Police Transition Team (PTT), who work with the Iraqi Police daily, ensured their hard work over the last 30 days was rewarded with a much deserved payday May 3.
“They put in their time every day and look forward to getting paid,” said Lance Cpl. Adam C. Wemhoner, a gunner for the Habbaniyah PTT team, attached to 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1. “They’re doing a good job working with us and they are catching on to what we teach them pretty good.”
The Iraqi Police work closely with the Marines every day and payday is their monetary motivation to support their families and keep the streets clean with the Marines by their side.
“We try to help them in every aspect of their job here. They regularly go out on patrols with us and they receive daily classes on tactics, weapons and foot patrols,” said Sgt. Carmen A. Consolino, the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the Habbaniyah PTT team. “We’re trying to prepare them to become a stand-alone police department that the people can count on and trust. It takes time, but it’s working.”
For some infantry battalions, teaching police tactics could become a slight challenge, but with 2nd Bn., 24th Marines being a reserve battalion based out of Chicago, it is common to have police officers mixed into the bunch just about everywhere.
“Three out of the 10 guys on the team are police officers back home and that makes it a little bit easier for us because of their experience,” said Wemhoner, a 20-year-old from Denton, Texas. “But at the same time, they’re not dealing with the threats of (improvised explosive devices) in Chicago.”
Consolino agreed saying: “With our experience, it makes certain things a little bit easier but there’s still that unknown and there are much different threats here than back home.”
Although the Marines’ jobs in Iraq seem difficult and stressful, progress is being made and the Marines believe it will pay off in the long run.
“The sacrifices we are making here are not for nothing. As long as we have a little faith and patience, we will accomplish our mission,” said Consolino, a 37-year-old police officer from Chicago. “Patience and persistence is eventually what is going to pay dividends in the end.”
Click image to download part 1
My Groups
-
News We're Not Getting From MSM Updated: 4 minutes ago
-
Honoring the Fallen Updated: Yesterday
-
Deployed Troops Updated: Yesterday
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
Recent Comments
-
tanicacid said:
[this is good]All present and accounted for? Believe it or not, it's the same on large civy construction jobs on occasion where... read more
on MARCENT CG assesses progress, discusses operations in al Anbar -
tanicacid said:
[this is good]Rock on Marines!! Speaking of music, would anyone have a song list that the PsyOps guys blare on their loudspeakers... read more
on Hawaii Marines receive rockin' concert -
concretebob said:
[this is good]Blackfive has picked up the MNF-I post here: http://www.blackfive.net/main/2008/05/the-sisters-of.html?cid=115011664#comment-115011664 read more
on Sisters of Fallujah break barriers, build security -
on Iraqi Police lead from the front with 3/6