[RaceBannon]

While deployed on the Okinawa, I used to kick-box a half-Japanese captain, a CH-53 Pilot named John Houston.

General Mattis remembers those nights, commenting to me once in an e-mail that it was humorous to see us beat each other up, there was not much for entertainment!

So far, the two top commanders of each phase of this war served with me on the Okinawa that year, 1980.

The two men were Col Andy Frick, the MEU Commander in the first Marine entrance into Afghanistan in 201, and MajGen Mattis, who lead the assault as the top Marine Commander into Iraq last year, and again taking over the duties as the Commanding General of the 1st MEF in Iraq today.

[Taxman]

Thanks for the post, Race.

Thanks for allowing Race to post your letter, General.

And thanks to you and all in your Command (and all military men and women) for your steadfast service to America and the cause of FReedom.

[Travis McGee]

Thank you, Marine!

[MCFujiTanker]

I went to TBS in '76 with HOUSTON. I watched him beat the crap out of a guy once (they had big padded gloves on, it didn't help). The first time I saw a Steven SEAGAL movie, that's who I thought of. Another guy from my TBS class went CH-53's. Bruce DEVERS (got a Bravo Zulu once in the Navy Safety mag for saving a chopper from crashing during an emergency). Know him too? Semper Fidelis (Eagle, Globe and Anchor...Marine Corps Tanker)

[Coop]

The two men were Col Andy Frick, the MEU Commander in the first Marine entrance into Afghanistan in 201, and MajGen Mattis, who lead the assault as the top Marine Commander into Iraq last year, and again taking over the duties as the Commanding General of the 1st MEF in Iraq today.

And then there's you - a carpetbagging protester! ;-)

Thanks for posting this letter, Devil Dog.

[LisaFab]

Support our troops bump.

[Feiny]

Thank you so much for posting this Race. I miss your phone calls into the AnnaZ radio show and your posts on those threads. I have been getting emails from a friend over there so I know all about the strong resolve of our & patriot General Mattis.