YankeeFan's Blog

Updates from Our Heroes of the 2/8

 

Friendfolks & Kinfolks,

 

Yes it has been a minute but I wanted to let everybody know that the Marines and I are doing well.  As it sits, we are getting close to that one-month out mark but even more work remains to be completed between now and the time we step off from Ramadi.  Much in the area has improved significantly since our last update: 

 

Ø The Iraqi Police(IP), close to 24,000-strong, are running IP-only patrols

Ø IP Districts of the city are more cooperative (instead of shooting each other, they work together to apprehend suspected, active insurgents...always good)

Ø IPs are running intelligence-driven operations resulting in the detainment of several high value individuals

Ø In accordance with progress towards Provincial-Iraqi-Control, the battalion has now assumed a decreased presence within the city--shutting down several of our predominately Coalition Force fixed positions

Ø Traffic-lanes have opened up for both local and Coalition Force use (so our convoy operations now resemble driving down "the 5"...or I-95 for everyone at home on East Coast)

Ø The local general hospital has increased its capabilities…now able to care for 800-1000 people at once

Ø More than half of the homes in the city have electricity on a continuous 24-hr basis

Ø Local businesses such as souks, markets, auto-shops, etc are popping up every week

 

You know commerce is thriving when western influence becomes apparent: locals driving BMW X5s,  IPs riding crotch-rocket motorcycles, 7-Elevens & KFCs opening and houses being built that would put some homes in California to shame.  Though we will most likely not bear witness to the total hand-over during our deployment, this city will be a bit better upon our exit than when we first arrived.

 

The Marines have transported an obscene amount of goods thus far with the last big haul occurring on our way out.  They have worked hard and learned valuable lessons in leadership and life that will carry them well from this point forward.  On behalf of all of us out here, I want to say THANK YOU for your support throughout the deployment.  Whether it was care packages, cards for the holidays, the classic letters, emails or insane amounts of deer jerky straight from the ranch, we appreciate every bit of it!  

 

On closing---family, friends and supporters, please take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.  

 

 Thanks again and many blessings.

 

-Mos