Ok, at the last minute I hopped on a convoy from Al Asad Air Base in central Iraq and am currently in the vicinity of the intersection of the Euphrates River and the Syrian border. A ways away, but still close... if you know what I mean.

I am currently the "Battle Captain" so I don't have a lot of time. (That is the guy in charge of daily operations on the front). So, I'll be brief.

I rode over here in the first 7-ton truck. We were the Ammo truck... Yeah, tell me about it. We traveled for about 3+ hours. I was the guy in the cupola (Open hole on top of the truck) providing security. We passed SEVERAL places where IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device) had been detonated in the past. I was extremely alert, but was not scared. In fact it was quite the opposite. I felt "in the zone" if you will. It might sound corny, but it's true. You’re senses are very heightened. It is a huge boost to your confidence, which in combat is key.

When we passed through towns, the majority of the populous was waiving to us but the select few gave you a thumb down or grabbed their crotch (these are the JV guys... the stupid ones... you worry about the one who smiles and waves, then grabs his cell phone or radio and places a call... and, yes, it happened on many occasions). But our motto is "No better friend, no worse enemy". So we smile and wave. And damn it, I am beginning to believe that my Marines believe it. And if that is the case, we can and will turn this conflict in our favor. If they really want to help the populous, then they will be able to.

There have been many things happening, two IEDs have hit our convoys, but only minor injuries were sustained. We had one though that killed 3 Iraqi children who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But every time this happens, the public is more behind us. I know of some incidents of execution that I can't comment on to protect the innocent... but these people are brutal. And intel tells us they are scared of the Marines coming into town. They should be... We bring a reputation renown around the world... and they will find out how we got it. I promise them that!

For those of you Insurgents who read this, trying to gather intelligence, know that we are watching you right now, and will come for you. Soon...

If you don't believe me... just keep up your routines. And I'll let you know when we catch some of you. And just so you know... we already have.

Some are talking, and others who thought they could take us on, have found their way to Allah. You tell us you are willing to die... that is good, because we are willing to kill you.

For those on the home front, I'm sorry for the diatribe, bit it is a necessary evil. They watch everything they can... including these posts when they get transmitted. But it will only serve to pass information to all that read that they are evil, that they terrorize and murder the innocent, and anyone can read it for them selves.

I promise you all one more thing, I will post the truth as far as I am aloud... I will post every failure, AND every victory. But I think you will find, at the end of the day, that the score is squarely in our corner.

Off to work...

Keep up the good work on the home front!
And remember, "Freedom isn't free". Not ours, and not the Iraqi's.
Semper Fi

Koyote out