desertcop

JUSTIFICATION

2006-02-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

The source of this information is unknown, but it is accurate information.
There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January. In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in themonth of January. That's just one American city,about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq. When some claim that President Bush shouldn't have started this war, state the following:

a. FDR led us into World War II. Germany never attacked us; Japan did.From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ... an average of 112,500 per year.

b. Truman finished that war and started one in Korea. North Korea never attacked us.From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost .. an average of 18,334 per year.

c John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us.

d. Johnson turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ..an average of 5,800 per year.

e. Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent. Bosnia never attacked us.He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions.

f. In the years since terrorists attacked us , President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran, and, North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people.

The Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking. But It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51-day operation. We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records.
It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick.

It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida!!!!

Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB! The Military morale is high! The biased media hopes we are too ignorant to realize the facts.

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English thank a Veteran.

Meritorious Mast award

2006-01-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

Sergeant Anthony J Friesner was, on the 31st day of October, 2005, the subject of a Meritorious Mast conducted by the Commanding Officer 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division for outstanding service as follows:
superior performance of duty while serving from 22 September 2005 to 27 September 2005 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this period, Sergeant Friesner performed his duties in an exemplary manner. During the preparatory phase of Operation Iron Fist, he demonstrated exceptional proficiency as he assisted in building the battalion’s terrain model. Sergeant Friesner's technical expertise and resourcefulness were critical to mission success because of his accurate depiction of terrain. His exceptional performance contributed significantly to the combat effectiveness of the battalion during the conduct of the operation. By virtue of your professionalism, devotion to duty and espirit de corps, you have brought great credit upon yourself, this organization, and the United States Marine Corps. It is with respect and sincere appreciation that I extend to you, Sergeant Friesner, a job well done.
J.D. Alford, USMC Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Officer

CHRIST is CHRISTmas

2006-01-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Too many people believe Christmas is about presents. . . well it is, but not the ones we find wrapped under the tree from Santa. It's about gifts from God - like love, happiness, concern for others, Jesus. This year I was able to give the gift of celebrating Christmas to Iraqi Christians who had never had the freedom to do so before.

Although it was really tough being away from my family, and I know it was equally as difficult for them (our first Christmas in 7 years apart), I believe it brings new meaning to what Christmas is all about. I wish more Christians would just quit shopping at Christmas and show retailers and Americans that the spirit of Christmas is in the heart.

When you reflect on the wonderful gifts you got this year, take a moment to reflect on this: men and women sacrifice their lives DAILY for you to enjoy the comforts of your life at home. Please PRAY for us!

Expect a Miracle, Make Miracles Happen

2005-10-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

This title of a Norman Vincent Peale booklet is what I'm asking everyone reading this to do. Pray with others that God will use our unit to make the miracle of bringing all our troops home happen. President Bush wants to be able to "pull us out" in the Spring, but this can only happen if the Iraqi people are trained to care for themselves. . . including having a strong military. That is one of the reasons we are here. . . to help make that happen. PLEASE lift this up in prayer with others, that God will perform a miracle and we will be able to return home soon! AND if it is His will that we stay until our designated time of departure, pray we will be able to bring all the other men & women in our armed forces home as well.

Thank you for your prayers. . . we are seeing them answered on a daily basis.

Article from "Marines"

2005-10-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

Teufelhunden Battalion takes reins from the Betio Bastards Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division Story by Sgt. Jerad W. Alexander CAMP AL QA’IM, Iraq (Sept. 10, 2005) --
The Camp Lejeune-based 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division took control of the Al Qa’im area of operations in Western Iraq during a turnover ceremony here Sept. 10, 2005.The 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines, known as the Teufelhunden Battalion, takes control from the Betio Bastards of the Camp Lejeune-based 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division who spent the past seven months operating primarily in the Al Qa’im area, conducting various operations to include Operations Matador, Spear and Quick Strike.“The 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines have been successful here. This place had no existing Iraqi security element,” said Marlow, Okla., native Maj. Toby D. Patterson, executive officer, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines. One of the missions of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines in the Al Qa’im area of operations will be to build up and support the fledgling Iraqi Army, according to Patterson. “We want to be able to give the Iraqi Army a chance to get in place and legitimize them as a force,” said Patterson. Patterson also stated the Marines of the Teufelhunden Battalion will be in place here to support the upcoming Iraqi national elections as well.During the turnover, the Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines showed the Marines of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines how they conducted business while ‘outside the wire’ of Camp Al Qa’im. During one such mission, the Marines of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines conducted a cordon and knock mission of a local cement factory just a few kilometers from the camp.“The [mission] was to maintain a presence. Basically, it served as a security patrol,” said Peidmont, Ala., native Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Hanson, platoon sergeant, 2nd Platoon, Company K.“It’s good to see a unit coming in that has a lot of experience,” said Hanson, referring to their relief’s recent deployment to Afghanistan. “They’re going to hit it hard and get results.”According to Patterson, the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines made great strides in providing security to the Al Qa’im region. “We’ll follow in their steps to make it a safer part of Iraq,” he said.

Fallen Heroes

2005-10-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

In memory of Doc Robert Martens & Cpl. John Stalvey whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John R. Stalvey, 22, of Conroe, Texas, died Oct. 3 from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Iron Fist in Karabilah, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Robert Martens, 20, of Queen Creek, Ariz., died Sept. 6 from injuries sustained as a passenger when his Humvee rolled over in a crash near Al Qaim, Iraq. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Martens was assigned to II Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C., as a U.S. Navy Corpsman.

God is in this place

2005-10-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I look, I see and better understand why I am here, in this place. I also know that God is in this place. I have been called here by Him to do His work and to bring peace and hope to a people who have never known it. WE ARE NEEDED HERE!

My team saw the awesome power of God when we were unexpectedly fired upon by insurgents. We had been inside a house made of cinder block, which had two iron-barred windows. I had just been relieved of duty and fell into a deep sleep when I awoke to the sound of a rocket hitting one of the walls. Then, another rocket, then massive machine gun fire. We had no recourse except through the two small windows.

Then, through His grace, one of the men looked up to remember the house had no roof. This allowed him to launch grenades, and it allowed me to contact other men to come and extract us from the rear of the home - unbeknownst to the insurgents attacking us. Not a single one of the Marines in the home or extracting us from the home was injured or hurt.

When we returned to the home days later, we found the marks left from the rockets, only approx. 6 inches from the windows - their obvious target. Only God could've worked that miracle. Praise God for His goodness and protection!

I may not always agree with this plan of His, to be here fighting to keep my life every minute, away from my wife and children who I love so much, but I do know it is God's plan, so I trust in it and Him.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE PROTECTION AND SAFETY OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN FIGHTING THIS WAR! PRAY FOR THEIR EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ALSO. PRAY FOR THIS ELECTION TO BE THE BEGINNING OF THE END, SO WE MAY RETURN HOME TO OUR LOVED ONES.

picture from a battalion outing

2005-10-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

My wife and kids at Mike's Farm near Richlands, NC. at a battalion gathering on Oct. 15th.

Please pray for our children who are struggling with the emotions of having a loved one deployed. May the Holy Spirit comfort them when they are scared or sad.

Missing You

2005-09-23T03:09:00.000-07:00

Tony sent me this poem this morning and it's really well-written. Hope it touches you as it touches me and causes you to pray for those who are separated from their loved ones. -M

Do you ever wonder how I spend my days,
With the one I love so far away.

Here is how they begin and how they end.
With each new sun they start again.

I walk to chow without my friend,
I eat my breakfast alone and then,

I think of you and wait for chow,
Another lonely lunch I wonder how.

How will I last without you here.
I eat my dinner without you near.

This empty seat that follows me,
Seems to never let me be.

It's time for bed as dark moves in,
I'll sleep in bed alone again.

I drift to sleep and dreaming starts,
Of the one who stole my heart.

The sun comes up and it starts again.
It seems this missing you won't end.

Letter from Marcie

2005-09-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

I wrote this letter to Tony tonight and thought it might give you a glimpse of our responsibility as Americans and also a glimpse of the love my husband and I share. -M
Hello Love! I just finished watching "The Flight that Fought Back" on the Discovery Channel. It's the story of Flight 93. While watching this, I felt such a strong sense of pride in your service to our country. You do not realize how incredible I think you are!! Your sacrifice is one I would not be willing to make myself. . . although I'm perfectly capable. I am grateful for your love and dedication to both your country and your family. You are the greatest thing in my life which makes this time the hardest time in my life. I pray for strength and hope for both of us during this time. I also pray we will be able to take each day as it comes without worrying about tomorrow.Oh - I have some good news - I found our taxes folder in a box in the garage! Isn't that great!? Lot's of good they are to me now. Oh well. . . at least if they decide to audit us I'll have the documentation.Sylvia's husband had guard duty this weekend, so I invited them to stay here. The kids just loved Baby Paul (6mos). It really was nice having them here. She is a good mother and Paul is much like Kara very content and happy. I enjoyed having them to talk with since they've been through this. Although his job was nothing like yours, her feelings were much like mine.I talked to another wife today. She said her husband hasn't called her since he left and she's only gotten one e-mail from him. It really makes me grateful that you are so committed to writing and calling. I can't imagine only getting one e-mail in all this time. I feel bad for her. Wendy e-mailed me the other day and said she's really excited about the Bible study. She also told me how grateful she was for my idea for this and for getting everything together. She said, "You've been a blessing in so many ways!" It was really inspiring!It was so hard to go on base this past week and especially to Andy's. . . I know I won't do that again. I think I'll avoid going on base as much as possible. . . it's just too difficult to see those guys, b/c it reminds me of how much I long to be with you.Oh - I finally got the cd made for you with the poem and video. I think you'll like it. The video's a little fuzzy but still good.I want you to know that you are the best husband a woman could ever dream of having. . . you love me, and pleasure me, and sacrifice for me, and care about me, and massage me, and comfort me, and strengthen me, and carry me, and lift me, and thrill me, and give all you have for me. I hope you know that and also know what great food you're missing. . . :-) We had sweet potato casserole tonight. I can't wait to hold you in my arms again and feel your warmth around me,Love,Marcie

The Reality

2005-09-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is a poem I wrote for my wife recently:

I hate it that I had to go
And miss you more than you'll ever know
God sent me here to this place
And everywhere I look I see his face
I must trust in him to see this through
So that I can come home to you
I miss you more everyday
And love you more in everyway
It is this pain that I must weather
So that I can love you better

From an e-mail to my wife

2005-08-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Please know that i am fine and will carry out this task with sucess. I have the strength of the Lord behind me and he will shield me from all evil. I am proficient at what I do and just like with anything, the more you do it the better you get. I will only get better with each mission we execute. I talked to Gunny today and he said," Realisticaly, you'll probaly only be in the SCC for three to four weeks. I have great confidence in you and will be eager to send you out with the other teams." Pray that God will cool this unbearable heat pounding us. If it were not for the few spaces where we can retreat to A/C, we would all be in a hurt locker.

2005-08-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

Psalm 36 "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains; your justice like the great deep. . .how priceless is your unfailing love!"

2005-08-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

Many people find it hard to understand why I left a "good job" with the police department to bring my family into "military life". Looking at this picture. . . it's easy for me to see. The call from God to bring freedom to His people needed to be answered. I just happened to be on the other end of the receiver.

Psalm 35 - Selected verses of David - "May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. . . may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. . . You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor andneedy from those who rob them. . . My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long."

DesertCop

2005-08-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the desert!