..Not to say we were under armed on Tuesday, but yesterday they went out with EVERYTHING. Put it this way---there's no armor threat here, but all our TOW gunners had missiles yesterday.
Some of the locals told us that the "3 day jihad" had come to an early close because of the casualties the bad guys had taken the last 2 days. Pisser. Our S-3 replied that he's here on a 7 month jihad of his own. Thought that was pretty funny.
Anyway, the reality is what it is---it's dangerous here, but I'm as safe as you can be in this environment if that makes any sense....I, like the other Marines, am armed to the teeth and supplied with good gear. There is no chance of the bad guys winning any of these fights, and I doubt they will scrap with our Marines anytime soon, if at all.
I know you're going to worry no matter what I tell you, but hopefully you won't worry too much, because I'm just fine."
To all Marines, both night and day,
The courage, honor, strength, and skill
Their land to serve, thy law fulfill;
Be thou the shield forevermore
From every peril to the Corps.
~ J. E. Seim (alternative verses, 1966)
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