Marines
worked alongside the Fallujah Fire Department to subdue the fire. While
no one was injured, the fire destroyed several wooden buildings and
much of the Marines’ personal possessions and military equipment.
After
the incident, the company received overwhelming support from
neighboring units, Iraqi local nationals and stateside supporters.
1st
Lt. Travis Bowden, executive officer of the company, said the company
received such an outpouring of support that the fire feels like it came
in the form of a mixed blessing.
“Even
though it’s unfortunate that the Marines lost a lot of things, it
turned out for the better in the long run,” Bowden said. “We have new
buildings and it gives the Marines a fresh start.”
Bowden
said the rebuilding process was supported by Iraqi locals, Combat
Engineer Battalion-1 (CEB-1) and Combat Logistics Battalion-1 (CLB-1).
“Local
sheiks sent their men to level the ground and spread gravel before we
began rebuilding,” said Bowden. “CEB came out and rebuilt the
(buildings) within four or five days, and now it looks like the fire
never happened. In fact, (the compound) is even better.”
Bowden
said toiletries and comfort goods sent by people back home is still
arriving. The company received enough items to last them beyond their
current deployment, so much that many of the items are being offered to
other Marines within the battalion.
Though the fire damage was a set-back, Bowden said operations at the ECP ran as usual.
“We
didn’t miss a beat,” Bowden said. “We were able to fulfill all of the
obligations that were tasked from higher (command) and we’ve been able
to fulfill all the things we needed to do out in town with local sheiks
and IPs (Iraqi Police).”
Bowden
said the only task difficult to keep up with is being able to
personally thank every supporter who has contributed to the relief
effort.
“I
think one of the biggest problems we’re having is that we can’t keep up
writing letters to say thank you,” Bowden said. “We’re definitely
appreciative, and for those people we couldn’t write back to I’d like
to say thank you. The Marines acknowledge the support and they’re very
thankful.”
Cpl.
Joseph Williams, the training noncommissioned officer for headquarters
platoon, is one of several Marines who lost nearly everything in the
fire. He said many of the Marines who live and work at the ECP-5
compound had to adjust to living in close quarters and endured a brief
but difficult period during the rebuilding process.
“It
was cramped, it was hot and there wasn’t a lot of room at all, but we
got by,” Williams said, describing their short stay in temporary
quarters with no air conditioning and only cots to sleep on.
Williams said it was hard to watch as Marines with CEB-1 bulldozed the burnt compound.
“It
was kind of tough to see CEB come and bulldoze everything. Then for
about three or four days (before rebuilding began) everyone was
thinking, ‘When are they ever going to get it rebuilt,’” Williams
joked. “But once they started, the engineers threw it up fast and
suddenly everything was done. It was awesome.”
Compared to the previous compound, Williams said the new buildings are more comfortable for the Marines.
“
We
have brand new ACs that are kicking out nice and the roofs are
insulated,” Williams said. “Everything here is brand new and the
Marines love it. We have a lot more room, it’s homier and it’s all
around just a lot better.”
Williams
said the company now has more than everything they will need for the
deployment and the Marines can’t get over all of the help they have
received.
“Members
of my parents’ church (in Hadelhurst, Ga.) sent me five packages of
stuff I could give to everyone and there’s still stuff coming in,”
Williams said. “We have bins full of anything you could imagine.
There’s nothing that you need to get by with that (we don’t have).”
Williams said the Marines are living better now thanks to people who have not forgotten about them.
“We
really don’t have enough words to say how thankful we are,” he said.
“It’s great to know that we are not forgotten over here. The Marines
are all appreciative of the support because it makes your day a lot
better when you can get up in the morning and shave, shower and brush
your teeth. It’s the simple things that make your day a lot better and
your deployment a lot easier.”
Editor’s note: This article is a follow-up to “Fire Destroys Post, Marines Persevere” submitted July 3, 2008.
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