[railsplitter]

I had the pleasure and distinct honor of being in the presence of this fine USMC unit while working in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

The 22nd MEU (assigned to KAF) lost one Marine during their deployment to southern Afghanistan; Cpl Payne. On the day chosen to honor this fine US Marine, the chow hall was noticeably absent of Marines. I asked where they were, and someone said 'roll call.'

A short time later while at my work station, 3 volleys of fire could be heard nearby. Almost immediately following the weapons report, 4 Harrier fighter jets screamed across the compound directly overhead. Knowing of this fallen Marine's fate, I kept a steady eye skyward. I was moved by what I saw next, and felt privileged to be at exactly the spot that I was at, directly underneath a missing man formation. One Marine Harrier was going vertical while the other 3 fighters tracked across the airfield's sky. I was and still do, remain ever so humbled by the implication of what I witnessed.

And to these fallen Marines in Iraq, I am forever grateful for their ultimate sacrifice.

In the 70 plus days that the 22ND MEU humped the ruck, during an extensive round the clock operation in southern Afghanistan, well over 100 of the enemy were treated to a dirt nap, compliments of the USMC's 22ND MEU.

This former Army dog says HOOYAH and Semper Fi!

[ASOC]

And a very large number of terrs are sleeping (in pieces) near Hit, thanks to the 22 MEU, 1/2 BLT.

US Marines, taking out the trash....

I'll be glad when my son gets home.

[railsplitter]