Posted on 10/01/2004 5:54:09 AM PDT by COBOL2Java
As the summer turns to fall back home, the 24th MEU is well into our own Fall Campaign here in Iraq. We’re advancing, steadily but surely, toward three objectives: the restoration of security, the revival of Iraq’s social and economic engines, and the reformation of its political system. All we do here revolves around the central goal of enabling this proud people to overcome decades of tyranny and fear in order to live in liberty and peace.
In the nearly 45 days since we assumed operational control of Northern Babil, we have conducted countless patrols, some 30 cordon-and-knock searches, 15 precision raids, and four citywide sweeps on the punks who are preying on innocent Iraqis. We’ve rounded up dozens of detainees, several of them serious criminals and terrorists.
Our efforts, heartbreakingly, have come at a cost. During the past month we mourned the loss of Lance Cpl. Dustin Fitzgerald, Cpl. Barton Humlhanz and Sgt. Edgar Lopez. We will never forget them nor their heroic sacrifice for our country.
As we continue the fight, our overwhelming goal is to turn over security responsibilities to Iraqi forces. Their task will be to destroy the network of terrorists, thugs and thieves tormenting the Iraqi people. We are training the ISF and supporting them in every endeavor. Their confidence and capabilities are growing. They are increasingly taking the lead in conceiving, planning and executing offensive operations. The more they step up, the farther we will fade back, continuing to provide the support they require until we are no longer needed here.
And once the Iraqi security forces fully emerge, the terrorists know that their day is done. Abu Musab Zarqawi, our number-one target, acknowledged as much in his recent memo to Al Qaeda: “Democracy is coming. There will be no excuse thereafter for terrorism in Iraq.”
Three years ago today, we entered a war we did not choose but could no longer ignore. Nine days later, the president assured the American people that while the course of the conflict ahead was not certain, its outcome was. We reaffirm now what he vowed then: “we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.”
Please keep the faith, as you are our pillars of hope and love.
Semper Fidelis,
Colonel R.J. Johnson, USMC
Commanding Officer
24th MEU
Colonel Johnson -
The hearts, minds and souls of a proud America are with you everyday in the colors on your shoulder patch.
My very deepest condolences and gratitude to the families of those fallen soldiers for these honorable sacrifices. Bless your families.
Honor their sacrifice by correctly referring to them as Marines, not soldiers.
check out this video on www.grouchymedia.com 24th_meu_sm.wav
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