Marines Sound Off About The Iraq War Options

[Marine]

Not exclusively. People were against the War itself (Vietnam). They were criticising our government for prosecuting, and escalating the War. Many wanted our soldiers out of there for their own safety. That was a big motivation for me because I had freinds there.

As to some posters claiming that the troops either in Vietnam, or in Iraq were/or are not being supported by those who oppose the War(s). Who knows why they are saying this? Perhaps some are Vietnam Vets who had experience of disrespect when they returned, or heard someone say something unsupportive.

I heard these claims back during Vietnam, I just never personally witnessed it nor did any of my freinds. I take that back, I remember standing on a street corner with a couple of freinds in 69 I think, and some guy walked by and said something derogatory to one of my freinds who was still in his dress uniform. The strange thing was the guy was clean cut , short haired, and dressed in a suit. We all looked at each other, and gave him the one finger salute (in harmony)! 

Well, I can tell uou of two incidents I personally witnessed concerning disrespect for American troops in the early 70's.

I was hurt in a training accident in 1972, had a cast from my hip to my ankle, and walked with the aid of a crutch. While I was in this condition I took part of my 30 day leave to go home. To travel military standby the airlines required military personel to wear their uniform. I flew Piedmont Airlines from Jacksonville North Carolina to Atlanta Georgia where I had to switch planes for my trip on to Dallas Texas. While hobbling from one gate to the other I came to the attention of one of the courageous Vietnam antiwar protestors who considering my condition must of thought me to be an easy target to spit on and to be called a baby-killer. Is that the kind of example you want to hear about?

The other incident occurred in New York City a couple of years latter. I was on a temporary assignment along with about 14 other Marines to provide training to a reserve unit located on Long Island. One day which we had nothing else to do and being dumb country boys some of us decided we would like to go into New York City and see a show at the Radio City Music Hall. We put on are Dress Blue uniforms to look our best and went to town. We got to Radio City and were turned away at the door with the explaination they have a rule no one may be admitted without a tie. Marine Dress Blue uniforms have a stove pipe collar and no provision for a tie, we accepted the explaination and disappointed we turned away to go back to our barracks. As we were walking away, we hear a voice coming from the direction of the fellows who had just denied us admittance say "Bye Bye Baby Killers". How is that for an example?

You might say I've got a special place in my heart for the anti-war protest movement.

[amy]

Well, I can tell uou of two incidents I personally witnessed concerning disrespect for American troops in the early 70's.

I was hurt in a training accident in 1972, had a cast from my hip to my ankle, and walked with the aid of a crutch.  While I was in this condition I took part of my 30 day leave to go home.  To travel military standby the airlines required military personel to wear their uniform.  I flew Piedmont Airlines from Jacksonville North Carolina to Atlanta Georgia where I had to switch planes for my trip on to Dallas Texas.  While hobbling from one gate to the other I came to the attention of one of the courageous Vietnam antiwar protestors who considering my condition must of thought me to be an easy target to spit on and to be called a baby-killer.  Is that the kind of example you want to hear about?

The other incident occurred in New York City a couple of years latter.  I was on a temporary assignment along with about 14 other Marines to provide training to a reserve unit located on Long Island.  One day which we had nothing else to do and being dumb country boys some of us decided we would like to go into New York City and see a show at the Radio City Music Hall.  We put on are Dress Blue uniforms to look our best and went to town.  We got to Radio City and were turned away at the door with the explaination they have a rule no one may be admitted without a
tie.  Marine Dress Blue uniforms have a stove pipe collar and no provision for a tie, we accepted the explaination and disappointed we turned away to go back to our barracks.  As we were walking away, we hear a voice coming from the direction of the fellows who had just denied us admittance say "Bye Bye Baby Killers".  How is that for an example?

You might say I've got a special place in my heart for the anti-war protest movement.

Yes, I can see why you would have a special distaste for antiwar protestors and I'm very sorry to know that you had those experiences, Marine. But you must know that the people who treated you as they did are ignorant s.o.b.s and they always have to pick on someone. You must also know that most likely the majority of protestors are disagreeing with the government's policy and not with the soldiers who serve.

[TheRestofUs]

Well, I can tell uou of two incidents I personally witnessed concerning disrespect for American troops in the early 70's.

I was hurt in a training accident in 1972, had a cast from my hip to my ankle, and walked with the aid of a crutch.  While I was in this condition I took part of my 30 day leave to go home.  To travel military standby the airlines required military personel to wear their uniform.  I flew Piedmont Airlines from Jacksonville North Carolina to Atlanta Georgia where I had to switch planes for my trip on to Dallas Texas.  While hobbling from one gate to the other I came to the attention of one of the courageous Vietnam antiwar protestors who considering my condition must of thought me to be an easy target to spit on and to be called a baby-killer.  Is that the kind of example you want to hear about?

The other incident occurred in New York City a couple of years latter.  I was on a temporary assignment along with about 14 other Marines to provide training to a reserve unit located on Long Island.  One day which we had nothing else to do and being dumb country boys some of us decided we would like to go into New York City and see a show at the Radio City Music Hall.  We put on are Dress Blue uniforms to look our best and went to town.  We got to Radio City and were turned away at the door with the explaination they have a rule no one may be admitted without a tie.  Marine Dress Blue uniforms have a stove pipe collar and no provision for a tie, we accepted the explaination and disappointed we turned away to go back to our barracks.  As we were walking away, we hear a voice coming from the direction of the fellows who had just denied us admittance say "Bye Bye Baby Killers".  How is that for an example?

You might say I've got a special place in my heart for the anti-war protest movement.

Bummer. All I can say is if I or anyone I knew were there when that brave "expletive deleted" spit on you, he'd a been spitting up his own ass until he got to a doctor to remove his head from that orfice. And I looked like Ghenghis Khan back then with a black hat with a silver peace dove pinned to it.

As to Radio City Music Hall in New York City please accept my apologies on behalf of the vast majority of good people who were born and raised in NY.

I will pay for you to go to a show in Radio City Music Hall if you'll PM me your Name and Address.

This post has been edited by TheRestofUs: Jun 19 2005, 07:24 PM

[heart]

TROU: You're a stand up guy...that's a wonderful thing to say! Admirable!

Picadilly, thanks once again for the education, and that was really a lot of work! It is also very spooky isn't it? Politics have always been that way if you ask me, that was a very close call.

About the foreign jihadists. The original question asserted that the suicide bombers, were, for the most part, foreign. That is what I said and you can check it. You said how could they tell? I posted proof. I never said the insurgency was all foreign jihadists, just the majority of the suicider bombers. The Ba'athists prefre remote detonation . In any event, it only takes a small percentage of the Iraqi population to wreak havoc on the country.

Now I would like to wish you all a very happy father's day! I don't know if there are ducklings, or how many of you have kids or other small creatures that bear a slight resemblance to human (that would be the ones living with me)...but parenting is difficult

To all the soldiers, and their dad's, whether for or against, I wish a good day and God Speed for freedom and peace!

[Marine]

U.S. Marine Corps
Sgt. Chad W. Small and
Cpl. Dmitry Petrenko
On the Road to Recovery: Noncommissioned Officers Lead Supply Convoys in Iraq

By U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin
1st Force Service Support Group

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, Dec. 20, 2004 — Marine Sgt. Chad W. Small just missed his three-year-old daughter's birthday. He's missed a few special days, not to mention the holidays, with his wife, Erin, and daughter, Faith, back in southern California.

"Every time I would come home from work, I would take my daughter swimming," said Small, reflecting on his last days at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. "I understand she's doing pretty good in the pool now."

It's been a while since Small took his daughter swimming. In fact, the last time he saw his family was when he kissed them goodbye and headed to Iraq, where he's been for nearly four months along with the rest of his unit, Combat Service Support Company 115.

The 22-year-old Phoenix, Ariz., native leads daily military supply convoys to Marine and Iraqi military posts near Fallujah. He is one of four convoy commanders for the company, a role traditionally filled by a more senior Marine, such as a staff noncommissioned officer, or a junior officer.

Today, Small is riding in a Humvee mounted with a machine gun, leading a convoy of vehicles carrying supplies, such as food and water, to Marines who have spent the past month ridding Fallujah of insurgents.

"The more insurgents they kill, the more weapons they find, decreases the threat against my Marines and every Marine driving a truck out here," said Small.

It's a cloudy, cold day. Small sips coffee from a tin mug in the passenger side of his Humvee. The sun is still rising as his Humvee pulls into a gravel lot across from the base chow hall, followed by the rest of the convoy's vehicles, 7-ton and flatbed trucks.

As a convoy commander, his mission is to ensure the supplies are delivered to their destinations on time.

As a non-commissioned officer, he is responsible for both the success of the mission and the safe return of the Marines under him.

Due to the frequent requests for supplies to Marine and Iraqi forces operating in Fallujah, the unit relies on its small-unit leaders — noncommissioned officers like Small — to take charge of the shorter, more local convoys.

"We could not function at the operational tempo we are at without them. There's just no way," said 1st Lt. Alexandria S. Plucinski, a platoon and convoy commander for the unit.

The responsibility of convoy commanders is great, according to Plucinski.

"You have to know what gear to bring, your convoy route, where to offload, and what your battle space is," said the 27-year-old Chicago native.

Prior to departing the base, Small allows his Marines to stop and eat breakfast.

"It's the most important meal of the day," he said, standing outside his Humvee in the cold. He watches the vehicles and supplies while his Marines go inside the heated chowhall to eat.

Once on the road, they stop only to drop off their loads - pallets of Meals, Ready to Eat, thousands of bottles of water, 10,000 gallons of additional water, and fuel.

CSSC-115, a subordinate unit of Combat Service Support Battalion 1, provides supplies, such as food and ammunition, even toothpaste to cigarettes, and everything in between, to Marine units operating in and around Fallujah. Small, along with the rest of the Marines in his platoon, worked 16-19 hour days during the first several weeks of combat, making three to four daily runs to Marine bases around the city.

Even though combat operations are slowly dying down in the combat-ridden "City of Mosques," Small knows contact with the enemy is always a possibility.

Perhaps the most infamous of these threats are IEDs, or improvised explosive devices, roadside bombs set up by terrorists to destroy and disrupt convoys.

"It's always in the back of my mind," said Small, tucking a pinch of cherry-flavored tobacco under his bottom lip. "Everyone knows the risks, but without us, the forward units wouldn't have supplies.

Since arriving in Iraq in August, CSSC-115 has suffered one IED attack. Two Marines were injured and one truck damaged during the logistical convoy.

"I was thanking God that those Marines came out of there alive," said Small, who converted to Catholicism just six months ago. "I feel it's a strong religion. Catholics confess their sins, which makes you strong with God, which makes you think about your actions more thoroughly."

In the left breast pocket of his digital pattern camouflage uniform, Small keeps a small religious medallion embossed with the face of the Pope. "It's for good luck. I always do prayers before convoys," said Small. He also has a set of wooden rosary beads which he had blessed by a Roman Catholic Cardinal during a port stop last year on ship to Rome.

"Faith in Gods helps, especially when you've had a bad day," he said.

As his Marines begin to "mount up" in their vehicles, Small walks around to each vehicle in line to make sure everyone is ready to go. Placing his Kevlar helmet on his head, he gives the thumbs up to the truck driver behind him, jumps into his Humvee, and gives the word for the convoy to depart.

Armed with an array of heavy-caliber machine guns and rifles, the Marines take no chances on Iraq's open roads. A convoy commander must know when to fend off potential threats - whether to employ their weapons to take out the enemy, and when to use flares to deter civilians driving too fast and close to the convoy.

Such decisions lie in the hands of the convoy commander.

"They have to know when to shoot," said Plucinski. "We're not there to make the decisions for them."

After providing fuel and water to a nearby Iraqi military training camp, Small's convoy makes a short trek to Camp Baharia, the headquarters base for one of the Marine infantry units that has sustained a number of casualties during heaving fighting in Fallujah.

Small watches closely as his assistant convoy commander, Cpl. Dmitry Petrenko, directs one of the convoy's truck drivers where to place a 20-foot metal container filled with bottled water.

Petrenko is a 20-year-old reserve Marine from Queens, N.Y. A truck driver and vehicle commander during last year's push to Baghdad, Petrenko volunteered to return to Iraq.

"I think I would have had more regrets if I stayed home," said Petrenko, who migrated with his parents from Ukraine to the United States 10 years ago.

As Petrenko guides the truck into the muddy, open field next to dozens of other supply containers, Small nods in approval, only assisting when called upon. "I expect them to be able to do my job," said Small of his subordinates.

He emphasizes the importance of accountability to the Marines under his charge: "Leaving someone behind out here is a mistake you can't afford."

Graduating from Moon Valley High School in Glendale, Ariz., Small enlisted in the Marine Corps four years ago. He says he's wanted to be a Marine since the ninth grade, when he first saw the Marine recruiter in dress blues at his school. He wanted to be a "real warrior," like the recruiter. His participation in his school's Naval Junior Recruit Officer Training Corps program also helped spur his interest in military life, he said.


U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Chad W. Small is a 22-year-old Marine currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Phoenix, Ariz., native leads daily military supply convoys to Marine and Iraqi military posts near Fallujah. Small is one of four convoy commanders for Combat Service Support Company 115, a role traditionally filled by a more senior Marine. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin


U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dmitry Petrenko, an assistant convoy commander and military truck driver, gives an early morning brief to Marines of Combat Service Support Company 115 prior to heading out on a supply convoy to various Marine and Iraq military posts near Fallujah, Iraq, Dec. 17, 2004. Petrenko is a 20-year-old reserve Marine from Queens, N.Y. A truck driver and vehicle commander during last year's push to Baghdad, Petrenko volunteered to return to Iraq with the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based CSSC-115. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Goodwin




As a newly promoted lance corporal several years ago, Small was placed in charge of about 20 Marines within the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. He's been placed in leadership positions ever since, he said.

"When I'm not running my own show, I feel kind of ridiculous," he said.

He prides himself on his "can do" attitude, and expects nothing less of his Marines.

"One thing I can't stand is when someone tells me, 'It can't be done,'" said Small. "I'll find a way to get it done."

After dropping off the water, Small, Petrenko and several other Marine truck drivers within the convoy spend nearly two hours waiting for another truck to finish replenishing various water points around the camp.

It takes only a few minutes before the Marines are joking around with one another, quoting lines from favorite comedies, talking about historical events and who has yet to purchase a copy of "Halo 2," a popular video game the Marines play together in their off-time.

Half a world apart from loved ones, many of the Marines who work for Small are also his friends - relationships built over the past few months from spending hours on, and off, the road together.

At Camp Fallujah, Marines work, eat, and live together. It's not uncommon for three to four Marines to share a single trailer, similar to roommates in a college dorm room.

"The only personal time you have is when you're taking a shower, or lying in bed at night thinking about home," said Small.

On the road, monotony can set in, leading to complacency. A common credo for Marines in Iraq is "Complacency Kills," a message posted on various wooden signs throughout the base.

Small drills this into his Marines, not just by telling them, but by conditioning them to stay alert and keep aware of their surroundings at all times.

Two truck drivers on this particular convoy, Lance Cpl. Cory S. Henderson, a 19-year-old native of San Bernardino, Calif., and Lance Cpl. Ruston E. Franklin, a 22-year-old Tennessean from Nashville, listen to music CDs in a portable DVD player mounted to his truck's dashboard between supply drop-off points.

"Music's my motivation," said Henderson, a tall Marine who wants to break into the heavy metal music industry when he gets out of the Marine Corps. "But you have to stay alert out here."

"The roads can get kind of scary," chimes in Franklin, in a deep voice as he drives with the rest of the convoy past an Iraqi town, stray dogs wandering around the roadsides. "It's just like the signs say, 'complacency kills.' You just have to keep your eyes open."

Still immersed in conversation about movies and video games, the remaining supply truck rejoins the rest of the convoy at the staging area at Camp Baharia.

One more stop separates Small's convoy from a "mission complete" status. They must return to the Iraqi military post and link up with a truck left there to finish refueling the base's large fuel tanks.

Helmets on their heads, the Marines clamber inside their vehicles, some retaking their positions behind the belt-fed machine guns atop the vehicles. Like a set of railroad cars tailing behind a steam engine train, the convoy cuts through a dirt road leading off the base, and out onto the highway to their destination.

Upon their arrival, Iraqi national guardsmen carrying AK-47s halt the line of vehicles at the post's front gate. Small signs a clipboard, and the convoy continues its journey.

When time permits, the Marines interact with the Iraqis, at least as much as the language barrier will allow.

On a different convoy, the Marines spent several minutes talking with Iraqi soldiers at another training compound not far from Fallujah.

Petrenko gave a copy of Maxim Magazine to one of the soldiers, who held it up to show the other Iraqis.

"They're pissed off because of what's been done to their country," said Small, matter-of-factly. "But they want us here. They appreciate what we're doing."

Last month, CSSC-115 was tasked with transporting insurgent detainees from Fallujah to other holding areas in addition to transporting supplies to Marine units.

While Small is optimistic about the progress made in Fallujah, he hears about the pockets of resistance Marines are still fighting in the war-torn city.

"Overall, the threat has decreased, but they can still get more weapons, and more (fighters)," he said. "If they still have pockets of resistance, they can still set up IEDs."

By late afternoon, the convoy has returned to Camp Fallujah. After stopping to refuel the vehicles for tomorrow's convoy, the Marines pull into the company's large, gravel lot to park their vehicles.

The machine guns are dismounted, cleaned, and returned to the unit's armory, the Marines are debriefed and dismissed. Small heads to the little, wooden shack, which serves as the company's operations center, where convoys are planned and monitored.

Carrying his M16 rifle, helmet, armored vest and his coffee mug, and not quite as talkative as he was earlier in the day, Small looks out into the open lot, which was hit by a rocket when the unit first arrived to Iraq.

Standing there, he may have been thinking about the next day's convoy, or perhaps the cruise he and his wife will take as a vacation when he comes home. Or perhaps he was simply thinking about another mission completed, another day he and his Marines can cross off their calendars as time served in Iraq.

"Well, I have to start getting ready for the class on Sunday," he said, responding to a question.

On Sundays, Small teaches a motor vehicle operator's class on one of the unit's large convoy trucks - something he does to help keep his unit trained for the road.

"I just try to stay as busy as possible out here," he said, shrugging. "Stay focused on the job and the mission. That's it. Busy makes the time go by."

[flydangler]

Geez flydangler,
You're like a "thread nanny" making sure everything is in order, neat and tidy-like!

Not so much methinks, but when a thread gets off course to the point it's almost unrecognizable then 'twould seem it's time to speak up. IMHO when off topic threads start to take over a forum the same thing applies, eh?

Here's something methinks a bit closer to what the thread seems intended for:

Reserve Wounded Near Al Asad Awaits Return of 'Brother' 1/23 Marines

Story by Cpl. Paul W. Leicht

AL ASAD, Iraq -- On Sep. 20, 2004, Lance Cpl. Jacob P. Schick was one of many activated Reserves serving in Iraq with Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, then based out of Al Asad.

During a vehicle movement a few kilometers from the base, the front left tire of Schick’s Humvee struck a mine. Lance Cpl. David A. Woods, emerged unscathed from the front passenger seat of the destroyed vehicle, while Lance Cpl. David R. Tisdale was thrown from the rear and walked away stunned from the explosion with a blown eardrum.

Schick—the driver—wasn’t so lucky, but the quick and skillful response by his fellow Marines and Navy corpsmen helped save his life.

He suffered multiple injuries to his left arm and left leg from the blast. He also lost his left pinky finger and later, his right foot had to be amputated after he was medically evacuated from the scene to a hospital in Baghdad.

Promoted to corporal in December 2004, Schick so far has endured 23 reconstructive surgeries along his road to recovery since the mine strike incident.

The past four months for Schick have taken him from military hospitals in Landstuhl, Germany, to Bethesda, Md., and now closer to family and friends at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

For Schick, the hardest part of his healing process has been being away from his fellow Bossier City, La., based Marines with “Bravo.”

“Jacob talks to people in his unit about once every week or two,” said his cousin Heather Bullock, recalling Schick’s words typed to her from his hospital room at BAMC. “He always gets really pumped and it makes him very happy to hear from them. He can't wait to see them. His goal is to be up and walking by the time they all come home.”

Originally a native of Bossier City, La., Schick moved to Texas before high school.

Before joining the Marine Corps in 2002, Schick was a talented football player at Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas. His coach, Eric Jones, recently made a surprise hospital visit with Schick’s newly retired number ‘51’ jersey that he wore while playing for the school’s ‘Cowboys.’

“He turned down college football scholarships to join the Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Matt Raley, weapons platoon, “Bravo” Co., and a Shreveport, La., native who has been best friends with Schick since grade school. “He isn’t the kind of guy to work a desk job and he isn’t the kind of guy to let his injury stop him from accomplishing whatever he wants to do. He is the most motivated person I know.”

Nicknamed ‘Schickalicious’ by friends for a ladies’ man reputation, the real Schick is a down-to-earth American and a clean cut, selfless Marine with a lot of spirit.

“When he was promoted to corporal, his grandfather ‘pinned’ him and when they presented him with his Purple Heart medal he said he wouldn’t accept it until his fellow Marines came home,” said Raley.

Over Christmas, Schick said he plans to be standing tall as soon as his fellow 1/23 Marines get off the bus.

“Come hell or high water I will look everyone of them in the eye,” said Schick in a Christmas message on a website created in his honor. “I will never forget the brothers that I have made throughout my time in the Corps with 1/23. All of them deserve the exact same treatment since my coming home, in fact, they deserve twice as much.”

Schick, who has recently been able to ‘stand’ on a temporary prosthesis, has received a

wealth of support from people all over the country and the Corps through letters, emails and phone calls, said Bullock who manages www.jacobschick.org.

While in the hospital he has had many visitors in addition to immediate family and friends. Marines from around the Corps have delivered an outpouring of support, including his fellow 1/23 Marines and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. William L. Nyland, who met Schick in Bethesda before he transferred to BAMC.

For one visitor, meeting Schick during an afternoon at BAMC was a moving experience.

“I know Jake has a lot of challenges ahead of him, but more importantly, I know he has the mettle and the grit to overcome any challenge that he may face,” said Tim Phillips, the brother of Schick’s former platoon commander, Capt. Matthew Phillips, who was also wounded while in Iraq. “I've had the privilege and the pleasure of knowing lots of Marines, and they are all a cut above. However, there is only one (Cpl.) Jacob Schick and I'm a better man for having had the opportunity and honor of meeting him. Very simply, he is my hero.”

On Jan. 14, Schick took part in the dedication of a new amputee treatment center at BAMC. The center is designed specifically by the Department of Defense to address the needs of soldiers wounded in the Global War on Terror, and it is the second specifically targeted to the needs and recovery of amputees.

Although his Marine Corps future is in doubt, Schick is facing his medical battle and getting stronger every day.

Now seen cruising the hospital grounds in a wheelchair, Schick has had special people by his side during his recovery: his sister Julie, his mother Debby and his father Woody.

"I know that God has Jacob in the palm of his hand," his mom said. "I'm proud of what he has done and the country should be proud, too. Those boys believe in what they're doing. The hardest part for him will not be overcoming his physical handicap, but not being with his brothers in war."

For those that wish to correspond, please write to: Corporal Jacob Schick- 4 west, Brooke Army Medical Center, Building 3600, 3851 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft. Sam Houston, TX 78234-6200.

[amy]

[quote=flydangler,Jun 19 2005, 10:27 PM]
Not so much methinks, but when a thread gets off course to the point it's almost unrecognizable then 'twould seem it's time to speak up. IMHO when off topic threads start to take over a forum the same thing applies, eh?

Just joshing you a bit, flydangler!

It is annoying when a thread gets so off topic it's unrecognizable.

[Marine]

Not so much methinks, but when a thread gets off course to the point it's almost unrecognizable then 'twould seem it's time to speak up. IMHO when off topic threads start to take over a forum the same thing applies, eh?

Here's something methinks a bit closer to what the thread seems intended for:

Reserve Wounded Near Al Asad Awaits Return of 'Brother' 1/23 Marines

Story by Cpl. Paul W. Leicht

AL ASAD, Iraq -- On Sep. 20, 2004, Lance Cpl. Jacob P. Schick was one of many activated Reserves serving in Iraq with Company B, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, then based out of Al Asad.

During a vehicle movement a few kilometers from the base, the front left tire of Schick’s Humvee struck a mine. Lance Cpl. David A. Woods, emerged unscathed from the front passenger seat of the destroyed vehicle, while Lance Cpl. David R. Tisdale was thrown from the rear and walked away stunned from the explosion with a blown eardrum.

Schick—the driver—wasn’t so lucky, but the quick and skillful response by his fellow Marines and Navy corpsmen helped save his life.

He suffered multiple injuries to his left arm and left leg from the blast. He also lost his left pinky finger and later, his right foot had to be amputated after he was medically evacuated from the scene to a hospital in Baghdad.

Promoted to corporal in December 2004, Schick so far has endured 23 reconstructive surgeries along his road to recovery since the mine strike incident.

The past four months for Schick have taken him from military hospitals in Landstuhl, Germany, to Bethesda, Md., and now closer to family and friends at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

For Schick, the hardest part of his healing process has been being away from his fellow Bossier City, La., based Marines with “Bravo.”

“Jacob talks to people in his unit about once every week or two,” said his cousin Heather Bullock, recalling Schick’s words typed to her from his hospital room at BAMC. “He always gets really pumped and it makes him very happy to hear from them. He can't wait to see them. His goal is to be up and walking by the time they all come home.”

Originally a native of Bossier City, La., Schick moved to Texas before high school.

Before joining the Marine Corps in 2002, Schick was a talented football player at Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas. His coach, Eric Jones, recently made a surprise hospital visit with Schick’s newly retired number ‘51’ jersey that he wore while playing for the school’s ‘Cowboys.’

“He turned down college football scholarships to join the Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Matt Raley, weapons platoon, “Bravo” Co., and a Shreveport, La., native who has been best friends with Schick since grade school. “He isn’t the kind of guy to work a desk job and he isn’t the kind of guy to let his injury stop him from accomplishing whatever he wants to do. He is the most motivated person I know.”

Nicknamed ‘Schickalicious’ by friends for a ladies’ man reputation, the real Schick is a down-to-earth American and a clean cut, selfless Marine with a lot of spirit.

“When he was promoted to corporal, his grandfather ‘pinned’ him and when they presented him with his Purple Heart medal he said he wouldn’t accept it until his fellow Marines came home,” said Raley.

Over Christmas, Schick said he plans to be standing tall as soon as his fellow 1/23 Marines get off the bus.

“Come hell or high water I will look everyone of them in the eye,” said Schick in a Christmas message on a website created in his honor. “I will never forget the brothers that I have made throughout my time in the Corps with 1/23. All of them deserve the exact same treatment since my coming home, in fact, they deserve twice as much.”

Schick, who has recently been able to ‘stand’  on a temporary prosthesis, has received a

wealth of support from people all over the country and the Corps through letters, emails and phone calls, said Bullock who manages www.jacobschick.org.

While in the hospital he has had many visitors in addition to immediate family and friends. Marines from around the Corps have delivered an outpouring of support, including his fellow 1/23 Marines and Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. William L. Nyland, who met Schick in Bethesda before he transferred to BAMC.

For one visitor, meeting Schick during an afternoon at BAMC was a moving experience.

“I know Jake has a lot of challenges ahead of him, but more importantly, I know he has the mettle and the grit to overcome any challenge that he may face,” said Tim Phillips, the brother of Schick’s former platoon commander, Capt. Matthew Phillips, who was also wounded while in Iraq. “I've had the privilege and the pleasure of knowing lots of Marines, and they are all a cut above. However, there is only one (Cpl.) Jacob Schick and I'm a better man for having had the opportunity and honor of meeting him. Very simply, he is my hero.”

On Jan. 14, Schick took part in the dedication of a new amputee treatment center at BAMC. The center is designed specifically by the Department of Defense to address the needs of soldiers wounded in the Global War on Terror, and it is the second specifically targeted to the needs and recovery of amputees.

Although his Marine Corps future is in doubt, Schick is facing his medical battle and getting stronger every day.

Now seen cruising the hospital grounds in a wheelchair, Schick has had special people by his side during his recovery: his sister Julie, his mother Debby and his father Woody.

"I know that God has Jacob in the palm of his hand," his mom said. "I'm proud of what he has done and the country should be proud, too. Those boys believe in what they're doing. The hardest part for him will not be overcoming his physical handicap, but not being with his brothers in war."

For those that wish to correspond, please write to: Corporal Jacob Schick- 4 west, Brooke Army Medical Center, Building 3600, 3851 Roger Brooke Dr., Ft. Sam Houston, TX 78234-6200.

That was a good story Doc.

It's a shame someone from leftie lala land will label it as bald faced propaganda shortly.

This post has been edited by Marine: Jun 19 2005, 08:35 PM

[flydangler]

Just joshing you a bit, flydangler!

Yeah, that's what I thought. Methinks my response came across more stern than 'twas intended, sorry!

[amy]

Yeah, that's what I thought. Methinks my response came across more stern than 'twas intended, sorry!

No need to apologize! But thanks, anyway!

[flydangler]

No need to apologize! But thanks, anyway!

Yeah, there was! Methinks even those with whom I might disagree on some things, and I suspect we might fall into that category, deserve respect (unless they bring disrespect into the equation, and 'twould seem you ain't done that). If I wasn't careful enough to word my response better then methinks I gotta make ammends, that's just the way I was brought up, eh?

Back to the topic:

Local Marine wounded in Iraq

Bartelt home on leave before returning to support duty


By BRIAN HUBER - GM Today Staff December 5, 2004


WAUKESHA - Adam Bartelt doesn't remember much about the moment he was injured in Iraq.

But he will never forget the effort his comrades made to save him.

Bartelt, 18, was serving in Iraq's "Triangle of Death" south of Baghdad,Iraq, on Nov. 15 when an improvised explosive device went off near his vehicle.

"We don't know how it was detonated. It could have been a cell phone, or wires or something or if somebody was actually watching it, we don't know," Bartelt said. "It blew behind my Humvee and I don't really remember too much. I just remember the corpsman coming over and helping me."

Bartelt suffered four fractured vertebrae in his back, lacerations to his liver and a kidney and a bruised lung. About a week and a half later, he was at Camp Pendleton, Calif., recuperating in a naval hospital there.

Although he didn't have to undergo surgeries, doctors there wanted to keep him for observation during the initial phases of his recovery. He arrived home Wednesday.

Bartelt said he is feeling better, with only his back continuing to give him problems.

"Hopefully I am better by the time my unit gets back" in the spring, he said.

Bartelt was part of a unit on peace-keeping duties in the "Triangle of Death," serving with the Marines Fox Company 224 based in Milwaukee. He said the unit went into a town, knocked out all the insurgents, and "pretty much rebuilt the whole town and gave them back their freedom."

Bartelt graduated from Waukesha North High School last winter, and by January was training with the Marines in San Diego. He said he has spent his first few days home trying to contact friends and take care of errands. He said he had to replace his state identification and Social Security cards, which were left in Iraq.

"Everybody has been great," he said of the reception he's received since coming home. "People are wonderful, saying "Thank you for your services." I haven't really had too many downward things said at me."

Bartelt is currently not receiving medical attention, but will be examined again when he returns to Camp Pendleton on Jan. 3, where he will work to support other units until his unit returns.

Joe Deloria, of the Marine Corps League Chapter 355, visited with Bartelt's mother, Kim, and her husband, Rick Wrycza, on Thanksgiving, to inform them of the Marine Corps League and its efforts at sending care packages to the troops. He said Bartelt's parents appeared to be "in pretty good spirits" before they left last week to visit Bartelt in California.

Bartelt said efforts to support the troops, like Deloria and others are doing, make a big difference. He encouraged people here at home to continue their support. Bartelt said his parents and his peers routinely sent letters, cards, care packages and more.

"Whenever we got it, we knew it was a good thing because there was somebody to come home to and people cared about us," he said.

Brian Huber can be reached at bhuber@conleynet.com

[Marine]

U.S. Marine Corps
Capt. Andrew Thomas

Cobra pilot ready to strike
By Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Misfeldt

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILTY — For an enemy soldier driving along a quiet country road, there can be no more nerve rattling sound in the world then hearing the "whump, whump" of the blades of the AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter. Looking up into the sky to get a fix, only to see it dart from your view and back into cover can take a toll on that soldier who is tasked with taking it down. A task that is easier said then done.

The Super Cobra Helicopter is 60 feet long, weighs over 14,000 pounds, can cruise at a speed of 175 MPH and has a range of over 300 miles. That plus it carries 2.75 inch and 5-inch rocket launchers, TOW, Hellfire, AIM 9 Sidewinder and Sidearm missiles, and a nose mounted 20mm gun. This can lead to one very bad day for the bad guys.

The Cobra is an awesome display of machinery, but all of this is for nothing if there is no one to fly it. Capt. Andrew Thomas is one of the lucky ones that get to fly one of the world's most versatile attack helicopters.

Thomas is assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, which is currently deployed on board the General Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4), as part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).

Thomas graduated from Clemson University in South Carolina and chose to enter the Marine Corps as an aviator. He wanted to fly the Cobra helicopter because his father was a helicopter pilot, but that was not the only reason.

"The primary reason for choosing the Cobra was for the mission that it does," Thomas said. "I liked the idea of doing close air support, and getting in there and defending the guys on the ground. I was more attracted to flying the Cobra, with all the different ordnance it has, and the armed escorts and close air support missions is what really drew me toward it."

Getting the chance to fly a helicopter is a little more complicated than it may seem, said Thomas.

"You go through flight school where all Marine aviators will start off in Primary Flight Training and fly the T-34 fixed-wing trainer for six to eight months," Thomas said. "When you finish with that you are either put into the jet pipeline or the helicopter flight line. From there it is pretty much choice/needs of the Marine Corps, just like any other job you would have in the military. It is pretty much based on grades, how you finish in your class and the needs of the Marine Corps on what you fly."

Just because you graduate flight school and get what you want does not mean that you can let your skills begin to slip.

"I think that you will find across the board that all pilots generally have to study all the time to keep proficient in every thing that they do. I would say that studying for the Cobra is a little more than all the other airframes and that is just because of all the different weapon systems that are involved," Thomas said.



Capt. Andrew Thomas, pilot, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) stands next to his AH-1W Super Cobra. Photo by: Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Misfeldt

The threats to any pilot are real and the pilots themselves must keep abreast of them.

"All helicopter pilots should be studying the threats out there, all the different enemy weapon systems that can knock you out of the sky, such as the surface to air missiles, and all the (anti-aircraft) pieces," said Thomas. "Anything that can be a threat out there we need to keep proficient on. Cobra pilots usually get pretty in depth into the enemy weapon systems, because we are generally the first ones in to clear the LZ's and to do the armed escorts."

Being over the ground vice on it gives the pilots a different view of the battlefield. "It is a different perspective when you are in the air looking down at the ground. This is a great aircraft to fly. It is nimble; fast you can bang it around a little bit. It is definitely a fun aircraft to fly," said Thomas "Sometimes when we are flying we have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, but to tell you the truth we are normally so busy up there, coordinating with the fixed wing aircraft, the artillery, the mortars and the armor, we don't really have the time to enjoy the full scope of flying. Our mind is constantly thinking of the mission or the training at hand."

Flight school though is not for everyone and it is not easy to get into.

"To get into flight school, you have to be an officer. After you get commissioned you have to submit an aviation package," Thomas said. "If you are selected you will then take an aviation aptitude test and an aviation physical. Once that is all passed and if there is an opening for you, you're in."

The AH-1W Super Cobra is the Marine Corps' attack helicopter. It is supplied by Bell Helicopter Textron and entered service in 1985. As well as the Marine Corps, the Super Cobra is operational with the Turkish Land Forces, the armed forces of Taiwan and is flown extensively by the Israeli Air Force.

[big sky brad]

Why do think the number is astounding? 

Because the Iraq War was only going to last 4 months at the most, remember?

Didn't you see Wolfowitz's testimony before Congress where he made the claim that we could take Baghdad in 1 month and calm any insurgency uprising within 4 months?

As of June 1st, only 29 American sailors have been killed in the Iraq War.
Only 19 American airmen have been killed in the in the Iraq War.

It's pretty easy to see from what other services the other 1672 Americans killed in the Iraq War so far come from - the Army, the Army Guard, the Army Reserves, the Marines, and the Marine Reserves.

This post has been edited by big sky brad: Jun 20 2005, 06:41 PM

[Marine]

U.S. Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Kay Barnes


Female Crew Chief Trains for Combat Ops

By Marine Staff Sgt. Rusty Baker
Marine Aircraft Group-41



FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan, –– Not far from the jagged, mountainous terrain of the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, a fortified helicopter base keeps a vigilant watch for terrorist activity. A sandstorm looms ever so close to the base, rendering flight operations to that of essential purpose only.

However, there is still time to give a rookie helicopter crew chief a chance to practice shooting one of the door mounted machine guns over a nearby firing range. But there is one striking difference between this door gunner and others within the tight-knit group of crew chiefs in Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 presently at Forward Operating Base Salerno – the rookie is a female.

“I didn’t see (myself) sitting around while my country was going to war without me,” Marine Lance Cpl. Kay Barnes.




Marine Lance Cpl. Kay Barnes, a 30-year-old reservist originally from Richmond Hill, Ga., performs a walk-around final check of her UH-1N Iroquois “Huey” gunship.

As an extra precaution from falling out of the helicopter, she straps a gunner’s belt to her desert-clad body armor and fastens the clip to the floor of the aircraft.

Barnes admits that when deciding on a career in the Marine Corps Reserve, she didn’t want something that she could do just as easily in the civilian world – she wanted combat. Now that her squadron has been mobilized and deployed to Afghanistan, she’ll probably get her chance.

“I didn’t see (myself) sitting around while my country was going to war without me,” said Barnes.

It wasn’t the images of jetliners going through the twin towers that made her answer the call. She said watching her country going to war on television, knowing she had an opportunity to be a part of it and do something useful, took her to the local recruiting station in Athens, Ga.

Barnes has only been at Salerno for a few weeks, and her lack of experience keeps her from going on quick reaction force missions that are often conducted in the cover of darkness.

But once she proves herself with more “trigger time” on the nearby firing range, Barnes will find herself providing ground maintenance under the direction of her noncommissioned officers. Regardless of the work being done, she feels that being in Afghanistan is a great opportunity.

“I didn’t expect a vacation out here. I expect to perform as part of a team and accomplish missions as they arrive,” she said.



Marine Lance Cpl. Kay Barnes, HMLA 773 crew chief, readies her M-240D for firing as the UH-1N Iroquois "Huey" banks hard to the left for a pass over the firing range at Forward Operating Base Salerno.

“They told me when I checked into my squadron they didn’t care if I were male or female, as long as I could carry a 50-caliber,”said Barnes. The GAU-16 50-caliber machine gun weighs approximately 65 pounds.

So far, most of Barnes’ experience is with the 7.62 mm M-240D machine gun, but she is excited to get some trigger time with the 3,000 rounds-per-minute, 7.62 mm GAU-17 Gatling-style “mini-gun.”

Because of the relatively small size of the Huey, an aircrew – two pilots, a left and right door gunner, and the optional aerial observer – can develop a common bond that can last for years.

“A crew’s a family,” said Marine Sgt. Eric “Sideshow” Sharp, HMLA 773 crew chief. “(Pilots) rely on us to back them up on the gauges, and we rely on them to shake the sticks right and keep us out of the dirt.”

Being a door gunner is just one of the many duties performed both in the air and on the ground. There are also daily aircraft inspections and maintenance, loading and unloading of passengers, and responsibilities of external equipment such as rocket pods.

However, Barnes isn’t the first female door gunner in the Marine Corps, nor the first at Salerno.

Humbly, she admits she has rather large shoes to fill with some of the now combat veteran female door gunners that her detachment relieved.

Not yet engaging the enemy, she said she doesn’t know what type of emotions she may bring back from the crosshairs of her machine gun. She doesn’t feel particularly “uptight” about the possibilities, she’s more concerned about her performance in the aircraft and ensuring she never does anything to jeopardize her fellow crewmembers.

For now, more range time is prescribed before she’ll get that chance.

“As far as I’m concerned, the bad guys have it coming,” she said. “If it’s in the best interests of America, then it’s in my best interests.”

[Desron]

Because the Iraq War was only going to last 4 months at the most, remember?

Didn't you see Wolfowitz's testimony before Congress where he made the claim that we could take Baghdad in 1 month and calm any insurgency uprising within 4 months?

As of June 1st, only 29 American sailors have been killed in the Iraq War.
Only 19 American airmen have been killed in the in the Iraq War.

It's pretty easy to see from what other services the other 1672 Americans killed in the Iraq War so far come from - the Army, the Army Guard, the Army Reserves, the Marines, and the Marine Reserves.

I figured we'd be there about 10 years or so.

[Marine]

I figured we'd be there about 10 years or so.

Seems I remember the official line was 2 to 4 years. God only knows where brad got 4 months, must have been the DailyKOS or Counterpunch or the TeeVee.

[Desron]

Seems I remember the official line was 2 to 4 years.  God only knows where brad got 4 months, must have been the DailyKOS or Counterpunch or the TeeVee.

I believe it was Rumsfieldwho said that the main fighting against Saddam's forces could last 6 days, 6 weeks but he doubted it would take 6 months. I thought the main fighting would take over 6 months and we'd be there in some force afterwards for 10 years or so.

[flydangler]

Well Rumsfield is a dumb ass and a arrogant buffoon

Yeah, but methinks he at least knows what hashmarks denote, eh?

[david sobien]

I do not think the Iraq occupation will last 10 years for lots of reasons. First at the rate of two American troops killed a day and about 5 or 6 wounded the force will not last. Next the trend of enlistments is down thus replacements are not comming. Next retention in the all volunteer Army will fall with the tours in Iraq becoming more frequent then most would like. And last, when the support for the Iraq occupation reaches around 20%, Congress will pull the plug or lots of people will loose elections.

[Marine]

I'm breaking one of my rules here posting an article in multiple threads but I have a special reason for doing it. This is my old unit and I see names and faces of Marines I trained. Marines I can sound off for because I know some of them and worked with them on a daily basis. It gives me pride to see them back doing what we loved doing and doing it with excellence. ANGLICO, OOHRAH!


2nd ANGLICO takes flight
Submitted by: II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story Identification #: 2005620122929
Story by Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.-- (June 20, 2005) -- Constant deployments, changes of command and relocation of personnel can cause stress upon a unit working hard to spread its wings. For the Marines of 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), II Marine Expeditionary Force, the tremendous amount of work has paid off.

As little as two years ago, ANGLICO units were a thing of the past. There were artillery regiments, communication battalions and an air support system tailored to the needs of Marines. However, something was missing from what the Marine Corps could contribute to the war effort.

“When we go to war, we don’t go by ourselves,” explained Capt. Robert A. Knauer, firepower control team leader, 2nd ANGLICO. “We go with our allies. We go with the Army and the Navy…our sister services. In order to have a good liaison between all those units, it’s important to have ANGLICO around. It’s why we’re here.”

Staff Sgt. Daniel P. Post, radio technical chief, 2nd ANGLICO, agreed the company is an important asset in the Global War on Terrorism, and the road to recovery after its deactivation in 1999 has been a worthwhile endeavor.

“I started out with nothing, and now my shop has grown enormously,” said Post. “We have lots of stuff coming in compared to a year ago.”

Knauer noted an expansion in manpower that substantially increased the capabilities of the company.

“The unit has doubled in size and has two to three times the equipment it had last year. It’s very healthy right now,” said Knauer.

Having the latest and greatest in equipment is good news to any team headed into the fight, but with this asset comes the responsibility of staying technically and tactically proficient. For Maj. Walter E. Finney of Missoula, Mont., 2nd ANGLICO rear detachment officer in charge, this means his Marines need constant training, formal schools and qualifications to stay at the front of the pack in tactical air support.

“Because of the number of schools we have to go to, as well as the additional training that has to be locked on and coordinated with other units, we need to make sure we hit all the wickets along the way,” said Finney. “We’ve gotten a lot of new technology in the last six months. A lot of people haven’t really used that yet. Basically, it’s a mastery of the various communications systems.”

ANGLICO Marines are the top-notch communicators when it comes to calling in air support, and this means Marines assigned with the unit can attend jump, Survival Evasion Resist Escape and Tactical Air Control Party schools to ensure ANGLICO Marines provide high-speed support wherever needed. A rigorous training schedule ensures units in the field can bring their high-tech communicators with them, regardless of what it takes to get there.

The defining factor that sets ANGLICO apart from an ordinary fire support unit is their ability to direct fire support for coalition forces as well as allied countries. The variances in aircraft, such as fixed and rotary wings, mechanics and lingo make it necessary for ANGLICO Marines to speak a uniform language when telling aviators where to send their punches.

Lance Cpl. Jordan M. Ham, an artillery observer , explained the “nine-line” system of talking to aircraft keeps all involved parties on the same page.

“The nine-lines are a format to get pilots to direct fire where it is needed,” said Ham, “The format tells the aircraft where to start, heading direction, distance and description of the target, where friendly forces are located, and which way to egress.”

“All the coalition forces understand this format when calling in fire. They can plug in the information we give them into coordinates and find their target,” said Lance Cpl. Antonio J. Castillo.

The technicalities of speaking an international language to win wars takes some getting used to, which is why practice exercises are so important.

1st Lt. David P. Snipes, an infantry officer with 14 years of military experience, noted ANGLICO verbiage formalities try to eliminate room for misunderstanding.

“We talk a little different on the radio,” said Snipes, “It’s more natural the more you work at it. It forces you to do it the right way, which is going to cause less confusion. We’re doing everything the way you’re supposed to do it, like giving direction, distances and make sure they know where we are.”

Breaking down air support requests enables ANGLICO Marines to talk to any aircraft, anywhere, and have the aircraft know in no uncertain terms the location of a target. This kind of proficiency is what makes ANGLICO the cream of the crop for calling air support, and they show it with pride.

“I could have gone anywhere,” said Snipes, “I could have sat behind a desk or something else, but I enjoy the tactics we use.”

Knauer expressed enthusiasm for the future of the ANGLICO program.

“It’s a very healthy program,” he said, “Air support is important. With the current conflict in the middle of the desert, it’s not so much naval gunfire, artillery or mortars. It’s in the air, and that’s why it’s very critical.”

Two years ago, most Marines wouldn’t have known much about the unit Post calls “high speed, real fast, and smooth.” Now, ANGLICO is a buzzword in the air support community and unique to the Marine Corps. Commands throughout the Corps are starting to see what Knauer knew a long time ago, “We’re the guys at the tip of the spear controlling air fire.”