Posted on 12/24/2005 12:51:37 PM PST by SandRat
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Dec. 24, 2005) -- A war zone may be a dangerous place to fly especially if you are carrying thousands of pounds of presents, and wearing a bright-red suit. However, Santa Clause is not worried this year, because he has the perfect group of “helpers” to make sure his gifts get to the good boys and girls here in Iraq.
Even though the Marines of 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) will not be home for the holidays, they will still receive their boxes of joy during the holiday season, thanks to the Marines of Postal Detachment, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd MLG (Fwd).
These Marines look at their lists, check them twice and give packages to service members whether naughty or nice.
During the holidays the amount of mail the postal Marines handle nearly doubles in volume, said Staff Sgt. Anita B. Angell, staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge with the detachment.
“Right now during the holidays we get 2,000 pounds of mail a day,” Angell said. “Our Marines are handling a lot more mail than usual.”
The mail the postal Marines govern can range from a small letter to a 120 pound package. With Taqaddum being the aircraft hub of western Iraq, the postal detachment serves the entire area of operations.
“The average package that we get is nearly 70 pounds,” she said. “People get some pretty big packages, but our Marines are doing a great job.”
Even though postal work is difficult, they realize the importance of their job and the positive effect it has on the morale of the troops in the area.
“I know what it’s like to receive a letter,” said Lance Cpl. Marlene J. Trujillo, a postal clerk with the detachment. “Knowing I can give that feeling to someone else is really motivating.”
Handling the mail is what the Marines are trained to do, and they are an essential part of keeping our forces in touch with their loved ones back home.
“We do our job just like every other Marine,” Trujillo said. “It’s our job to serve them and be the connection between the families and the troops.”
The members of the postal detachment hold themselves to the highest standards of efficiency and quality, said Cpl. Ryan D. Hampton, a postal clerk with the detachment.
“Our goal is to get the mail to the service members the day it arrives or the day following,” he said. “Our Marines are doing a great job.”
Hampton wasn’t the only leader to compliment his Marines for their efforts during the high-paced postal season.
“The morale is really high,” Angell said. “They are really good at getting the mail done, and are working hard.”
So until Santa decides to camouflage his sleigh, the Marines of the postal detachment will be here to put smiles on the faces of service members and families no matter what time of year.
Sung to the tune of "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
"I Saw Santa Wearing Camouflage"
I saw Santa wearing camouflage
Underneath the starlit sky last night
He didn't see me creep through the sands to have a peek
He thought that I was tucked away in my Bedroll fast asleep
Then I saw Santa hop out of his Jeep
Leaving all of Iraq in Peaceful Sleep
Carrying Freedom and Democracy
If only America could see
Santa wearing camouflage.
I saw Santa wearing camouflage
Underneath the starlit sky last night
He didn't see me creep through the sands to have a peek
He thought that I was tucked away in my Bedroll fast asleep
Then I saw Santa drive off in his Jeep
Leaving all of Iraq in Peaceful Sleep
What a laugh it will be
When America finally understands
Santa’s wearing camouflage.
Santa’s wearing camouflage
God Bless them all !!!!
My only regret is that they are there, fighting and dying, to protect a bunch of teasonous, socialist scum IN THIS COUNTRY that the government and people of this country continue to TAKE the bashing and hating of our military and country from...
Not bad.
And they do a fantastic job, we sent a package to our USMC son - in country North of Baghdad - and he got the goods in in under two weeks! That *is* hustle.
FWIW, we send several small packages, they get "there" faster than one monster.
Merry Christmas to all.
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