Howdy all. Just so you know, we had a 14 hour battle the other day. We lost 5 Marines. One was a Captain and a good friend of mine. He was the first one that was close to me, but I am sure he will not be the last. Another friend of my was moved to another base and I don't know when or if I'll ever see them again. I have only spoken to my wife like three or four times since I've been here. I know it has to be extreamly hard on her. I wish there was more I could do for her, but I know she is a strong girl and will do what she can. I'm pretty damn ready to bring the fight to the enemy though. I know I have a huge responsibility back here in the Combat Operations Center, but I'd rather be in the fight than running it. Fortunately I am an anti-ambush charm. Every time I go out, nothing happens. When I am duty though, it seems to come fast and furious. Go figure. I'm sure that is good news for the wife anyhow. Ok, just a short note to tell you all I am still alive and we are doing well.

Oh yeah, whe the bad guys attacked us and killed those five, we swung into action, closed off the city and kicked the living shit out of them. Let it beknow that we are here to stay and our resolve to the fight is trumped only by our respect for the innocent. And those innocent are now begining to believe that we are here for THEM. That we care, and we won't leave them out for the wolves. They now open their doors to us. When the enemy came into town, they promised that they would protect the people and kick out the Americans. They got their asses handed to them, and in the process, they forced women and children to stand in front of them as shields. Now the populace hates them, and realise that we are the good guys. No victory comes without a price. And this was a grand victory!

Via Con Dios Rick. You will be missed...