Marines Sound Off About The Iraq War Options

[Frenchy]

Sounds like you're doin what you want to do in life Bammo, and that's the important thing. I applaud you for that.

[The_Bammo]

Sounds like you're doin what you want to do in life Bammo, and that's the important thing. I applaud you for that.

Thanks Bro', appreciate that!

One more thing I want to do (LOL) Hang Glide!!

That looks super! Got to be a rush and a half !! LOL

Bro' take care-- Hang Tough~

[big sky brad]

Among those killed were Rafael Reynosa, a 28-year-old lance corporal from Santa Ana, Calif., whose wife was expecting twins, and Cody S. Calavan, a 19-year-old private first class from Lake Stevens, Wash., who had the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, tattooed across his back.

They were not the only losses for Company E during its six-month stint last year in Ramadi. In all, more than one-third of the unit's 185 troops were killed or wounded, the highest casualty rate of any company in the war, Marine Corps officials say.

These are the pertinent facts - and they are going after Royer for it as a result.

[Marine]

Thanks Bro', appreciate that! 

One more thing I want to do (LOL)  Hang Glide!! 

That looks super! Got to be a rush and a half !!  LOL

Bro' take care-- Hang Tough~ 

Never got to hang glide either Tom. If it's half as much of a thrill as a parachute you got to try it.

I'm taking the wife on a cruise to Mexico next week and putting her on a para-sail just so she can get an idea of the fun she's been missing.

[The_Bammo]

Never got to hang glide either Tom.  If it's half as much of a thrill as a parachute you got to try it. 

I'm taking the wife on a cruise to Mexico next week and putting her on a para-sail just so she can get an idea of the fun she's been missing.

I see them hang gliding off the White Mountains in N.H. when I am on my bike-- that looks real sweet. LOL

Going to go for it this year---that there is a must do! LOL

Taking the better half to Mexico to para-sail - Damn Marine- I never did that either. She should have a blast.

Have a good trip and don't drink the H2O! LOL

Only places I've been in Mexico was Juarez and Tiajuana, LOL- Nice Spots! LOL

I heard there are some pretty cool places in Mexico that are very reasonable and have #1 Riding.

So you road a Bike or two - 750 Honda - 4 cyl --fast bike! And that BSA is a collectors item now --big Bucks for one that runs to a British Bike collector!

Had two BSA'S - a Lightning Rocket 650 two Amal Carbs and Trumpet exhausts and a Victor 441 Thumper (1 cyl) that was one heavy dirt bike!

The English made a decent Bike, you should see the New Trumpets-- Check them out-- http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/ - Not bad at all - Now Kawasaki makes a bike that is a replica of a 69-70 Trumpet - Kawasaki W650 Nostalgic -

[Marine]

I see them hang gliding off the White Mountains in N.H. when I am on my bike--  that looks real sweet.  LOL

Going to go for it this year---that there is a must do!  LOL

Taking the better half to Mexico to para-sail - Damn Marine- I never did that either.  She should have a blast.

Have a good trip and don't drink the H2O!  LOL 

Only places I've been in Mexico was Juarez and Tiajuana,  LOL- Nice Spots!  LOL

I heard there are some pretty cool places in Mexico that are very reasonable and have #1 Riding.

So you road a Bike or two - 750 Honda - 4 cyl  --fast bike!  And that BSA is a collectors item now --big Bucks for one that runs to a British Bike collector! 

Had two BSA'S - a Lightning Rocket 650 two Amal Carbs and Trumpet exhausts and a Victor 441 Thumper (1 cyl) that was one heavy dirt bike! 

The English made a decent Bike, you should see the New Trumpets--  Check them out--  http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/ - Not bad at all -  Now Kawasaki makes a bike that is a replica of a 69-70 Trumpet - Kawasaki W650 Nostalgic -

 

I always liked the way British bikes looked. My brother had a Triumph 500 twin, my Mom and Dad's garage still has two big greasy spots on the floor, one from where I parked the BSA and one where he parked the Triumph.

My older brother always had a nice bike, he had a Harley XLCH which the right grip was the throttle and the left grip retarded the mag to start it. No such thing as an electric starter and if you forgot to retard the mag and was a little kid it would lift you clean over the handlebars when trying to kick it off.

I bought my Honda brand new in 1976. Rode it almost every day for a little over 8 years.

Been to Tiajuana a few times but it's been a long time ago. When I was searching for a place to live when I retired we checked out the Rio Grande Valley, but my wife nixed it, she's full blood Indian and these Mexicans would just come up to her talking in Spanish. She don't speak a word of it and it scared the hell out of her.

Last time we went to Mexico the same thing happened, we was riding a bus out of Merida and this kid stuck an armadillo through the window in her face trying to get her to buy it and was hammering away in Spanish like he thought she would know what he was saying.

Down in Mexico is a bunch different than the border, if you get a chance, you ought to go.

[noonanda]

Well found out today I will be going Back to Camp Pendleton March of next year. Bout time I need to get back out into the Fleet. Been an Instructor for almost 3 yrs now, need to get back in the dirt LOL.

Hopefully I get sent back to my old Battalion 1st Battalion 11th Marines, the best dang Battalion in the best dang Regiment in the Marine Corps LOL

Semper Fi

[Marine]

3/2 Marine re-enlists on tank in Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story by: Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel
Story Identification #: 200553143515

http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....b1?OpenDocument

CAMP AL QAIM, Iraq(May 3, 2005) -- "When a Marine reenlists, your officers are pretty lenient when it comes to where you want to have the ceremony," explained SSgt. Benjamin Ricard, the battalion training chief for 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment.

The Cartersville, Ga., native reenlisted here in a way he thought would impress his two sons at home.

Ricard reenlisted on top of a tank.

"The tank symbolizes strength and America in Iraq. My kids are into trucks, trains and tanks, so they'll think it's the coolest thing in the world. Plus, how many people do you know can say they did that," explained the graduate of Bay Shore High School, Bradenton, Fla.

Ricard originally joined the Marine Corps after high school because he wanted the Corps to make him a man.

But now after his second reenlistment, he's realized that the Marine Corps has grown on him.

"I'm not ready to give it up yet, I love it too much. It has its good days and bad days, but I think it's grown on me," he said.

This is Ricard's first deployment to Iraq and he's anticipating what might occur.

"I'm looking forward to the experience and ensuring all my Marines come home safe. I like being a part of Marine Corps history and to know they're going to write about us someday for doing something great here," explained the former School of Infantry instructor.

At the beginning of his new enlistment, Ricard set himself goals to accomplish.

"I want to spend more time with my family when we return home. My new wife, Mutsuko, and my two little boys Logan-Ryan and Nikolai are the most important people in my life. That's why I waited to reenlist on my son's birthday. It meant a lot to me to do that," he explained, smile stretched from ear to ear.

Ricard looks back on his career thus far and can see how the Corps has helped him in his life.

"I look around now that I'm older at other people my age who think about what they didn't do or could have done. But I don't do that in the Marine Corps. It's what sets us a part from everybody else," he explained.

When Ricard was questioned about his plans to stay in the Marine Corps and continue this path in the future, he responded with full confidence and belief in his answer.

"They're will have to throw me out, they're will have to tell me my time is up and that I'm done. But the way I see it, this reenlistment on the tank only gives me something to top the next time around," he explained.

[big sky brad]

Every single member of this forum should read this New York Times article.

It's a prime example of why the recruiters are having such a hard time getting anyone to sign up these days.

Anyone else feel a draft coming on?

[Marine]

Observing Passover in Iraq
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story by: Computed Name: Capt. Rob James
Story Identification #: 200551932

http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000....b0?OpenDocument

AL ASAD, Iraq(April 28, 2005) -- “Passover has a message for the conscience and the heart of all mankind. For what does it commemorate? It commemorates the deliverance of a people from degrading slavery, from most foul and cruel tyranny. It is God’s protest against unrighteousness,” says Morris Joseph in “Judaism As Creed and Life”.

Passover began April 24 and what better place than Iraq, a land long oppressed by the evil of a tyrannical dictator, to celebrate at the Seder table the liberating power of the Passover God has promised his people.

Gathering in a dusty room, at tables set with plastic plates and bowls and paper cups, Marines, sailors, soldiers and a civilian seized the opportunity to reconnect with the Jewish heritage of their faith at a Christian Seder meal here.

It was standing room only as Rabbi Seth Phillips, a lieutenant commander from the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Conn., led more than 30 service members in the Seder meal.

While the service was a bit more abbreviated and much less formal than the traditional Seder, Rabbi Phillips, one of only seven Jewish chaplains in the Navy, walked the group through the meal.

As the meal and ceremony that imbues it progressed, Rabbi Phillips took the time to explain the symbolism that pervades not just the steps (the specific actions that compose the ceremonial meal) but that of the various foods themselves.

The meal, steeped in symbolism serves many purposes, a central theme of which is to remind us of our past, Egypt’s oppression of the Israelites and their eventual freedom. Additionally, it reminds us of the constant struggle between good and evil taking place in the heart of every man.

While we are no longer enslaved by a physical power, as the Jews were by the Egyptian Pharaoh, the meal reminds us that, despite the freedom we enjoy and often take for granted, we remain slaves to our evil desires.

While the deep lessons of the Seder meal have are serious the ceremony was lighthearted.

The service provides a fun and tangible lesson in the history of the Jewish people invoking the many years of slavery they endured under the Egyptians while at the same time demonstrating how a saving knowledge of God provided them true freedom from the most heinous of all bondage, that of sin.

Rabbi Phillips explained that while the lessons of the Seder meal are grave the ceremony is executed with humor. The ceremony, which would very likely take hours, is designed to keep the interest of any children involved and includes a matzo hide and seek, and a bit of drama with the singing of prayers and story telling.

While an ideal Seder would be very formal, executed following long practiced tradition, Rabbi Phillips explained that it could be held in a fighting hole. He explained that there are only three absolute requirements that go to the very core of the symbolism of the ceremony.

No matter how simple or formal the Seder meal there are three distinct elements and each must be recognized. They are the matzo, the paschal lamb and the bitter herbs. These elements are symbolic of the plight of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt and when finally freed, their forty-year exodus to the land they had been promised.

The first is the bitter herbs that symbolize the bitterness of a life enslaved. The second is the lamb, a reminder of the tenth plague that befell all of Egypt, the death of the first-born son of every family who did not spread the blood of the lamb on their doorpost as a symbol for the angel of Death to Passover. Finally, the matzo or unleavened bread recalls the haste with which the Jews fled Egypt. When the opportunity came to depart Egypt they had to quickly grab the bread they were preparing not allowing it leaven or rise.

Following the ceremonial meal much of the group who had gathered for the meal adjourned to the dining facility for fellowship. There they had the opportunity to talk with the rabbi and have him answer their questions.

Thursday night Rabbi Phillips presided over a Seder meal for the Jewish service members here.

Rabbi Phillips was quick to thank Cmdr. Ron Brown, chaplain, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), for all of the preparation that went into ensuring the ceremony went off well. This was his eighth Seder and according to Phillips, “Chaplain Brown did the best job of preparing for the Seder.”

Chaplain Brown, in turn gave all the credit for the great experience to Lt. David L. Batchelor, chaplain for Marine Attack Squadron 311 and Petty Officer 2nd Class David G. Oihus, a religious program specialist here.

Rabbi Phillips has been trying for the better part of a year to get to Iraq so that he can minister to the Jewish faithful.

[noonanda]

3/2 Marine re-enlists on tank in Iraq
Submitted by:    2nd Marine Division

Im reenlisting on 21 june, I will be reenlisting at my 12 years mark to the day, 21 june 1993. I am going to re-enlist at the rifle range on base, Wanted to do something cool but being a small detachement on an army base, well you know.

So Im gonna bring about 3 or 4 of my rifles to the range, do the re-enlistment ceremony then shoot some holes in some targets. Probably bring my Garand, SKS, and Mosin Nagant sniper Rifle. Maybe I can find some Osama targets .

People always ask me why do I hate Black circles so much??

[Frenchy]

Im reenlisting on 21 june, I will be reenlisting at my 12 years mark to the day, 21 june 1993. I am going to re-enlist at the rifle range on base, Wanted to do something cool but being a small detachement on an army base, well you know.

So Im gonna bring about 3 or 4 of my rifles to the range, do the re-enlistment ceremony then shoot some holes in some targets. Probably bring my Garand, SKS, and Mosin Nagant sniper Rifle. Maybe I can find some Osama targets  .

People always ask me why do I hate Black circles so much??

I may have to celebrate your reenlistment noonanda, by going to my local range. I don't need much of a reason to burn some ammo.
Is your MN sniper a 91/30?

[noonanda]

I may have to celebrate your reenlistment noonanda, by going to my local range. I don't need much of a reason to burn some ammo. 
Is your MN sniper a 91/30?

Yes it is. Im a mosinaholic, got 9 of em

[Frenchy]

Yes it is. Im a mosinaholic, got 9 of em

I have just one right now...It's a 1936 "Tula" with the Hex reciever. I just re-uped my C&R license, so a couple of Finn's are in the offing.

[flydangler]

Methinks NBC's story 'bout "Marine cleared in mosque shootings probe" will probably make a few here unhappy, but just as Gunny's son predicted, there 'tis, eh?

[big sky brad]

They're going to hang Captain Royer out to dry and nobody cares.

[Marine]

They're going to hang Captain Royer out to dry and nobody cares.

Well brad, we can only hope his legal counsel is more articulate than you. As your post contains no reference it took a great deal of time to figure out what you were even talking about.

[theglobalchinese]

US cannot account for spending of nearly $100 million in Iraq

[Marine]

US cannot account for spending of nearly $100 million in Iraq

I can assure you, the Marines didn't take it.

[piccadilly]

I can assure you, the Marines didn't take it.

I can assure you, it would never have crossed my mind to suspect the Marines.
Eventually, we could ask them what's on their mind when they are told to protect those who did take it.