Free Republic

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Jan. 28, 2008) -- Sgt. Jeremy F. Boutwell, a 23-year-old Marine, knows a thing or two about “honor, courage and commitment.” Boutwell, an intelligence specialist with Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, is planning for an upcoming deployment to Iraq after sustaining severe injuries during an attack in Al Anbar Province, March 14, 2004. Boutwell was an MK-19 machine gunner with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force (forward), when the attack occurred during a motorized routine...

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. A Marine Corps general taking over command in Iraq's Anbar province said Wednesday that the decrease in insurgent attacks and decline in casualties is allowing U.S. troops to focus more attention on training of Iraqi security forces. "We want to work ourselves out of a job," said Maj. Gen. John F. Kelly, who is scheduled to take command of Marines in western Iraq. Kelly said the Iraqi army has been successfully patrolling and escorting convoys in the Anbar province without the support of U.S. troops. "Basically, we are taking the training wheels off," the general said shortly...

Lejeune troops get orders for Iraq October 28,2004 STAFF REPORTS DAILY NEWS STAFF About 14,000 Marines and sailors with II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune will head to western Iraq in early 2005, military officials announced Wednesday. The deployment will be conducted in phases beginning in January and ending by March, according to the release from II MEF command at Camp Lejeune. The troops, which include forces from New River and Cherry Point air stations, should assume control of their assigned area by March, the release stated. The troops are expected to provide security and help stabilize the region....