Country music outlaw visits Camp Fallujah

Country music outlaw visits Camp Fallujah
Story by Cpl. Lynn Murillo

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - Country music superstar Toby Keith performed a Memorial Day concert here for nearly 4,000 service members both live from the Fallujah Chapel and via sight television May 29.

The fans cheers erupted into a roar as the patriotic songwriter and performer stepped onto the small stage at the chapel. Keith opened the hour-long acoustic show with his crowd pleasing hit "I Love This Bar," bringing the Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen a little piece of America. He played new songs, as well as a few classics like "Should"ve Been A Cowboy" and "Beer For My Horses."

This is Keith"s second visit here. The first was in 2004 just after Marines took over the camp. He played two other venues on Memorial Day as part of the USO"s Toby Keith Tour.

"You can"t appreciate what (service members) do until you see it," said Keith. "Everybody is so good at what they do and when you come here, you can really understand why America is the number one fighting force in the world."

The country singer expressed a special satisfaction in lifting troop morale and honoring his father, a vietnam veteran.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, was in the front row for the concert and sang along as Keith sang "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" from his 2003 album "Unleashed."

Hagee said he enjoyed the concert and was happy to welcome the superstar known as the bad boy of country music to the headquarters for Marines operating in Al Anbar Province.

Longtime fans might consider the performance a way to take their minds of the serious business of war fighting.

"It was an honor to meet him," said Sgt. Cassie L. Lucero, 28, from Phoenix, an administrative clerk with I Marine Expeditionary Force"s command element.

"I am a huge fan of anyone that supports us," Lucero said. "The morale boost he just gave everyone here makes me proud to be out here serving my country."

Lance Cpl. Joseph W. Hanson, of Greybull, Wyo., also a self-proclaimed "big fan," was elated with Keith"s performance.

"I think it is awesome that he would come out to the middle of Iraq to give us a concert," said Hanson, a weather observer with I MEF. "If he is spending his Memorial Day out here with us, it means a lot," adding, Keith could be anywhere this weekend.

Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, commanding general of Multi-National Forces West, presented Keith with a Ka-bar fighting knife and a personalized guitar strap made from a desert-digital camouflage pattern as a token of gratitude for his time and effort. Zilmer jokingly told Keith that he hopes to see the guitar strap in one of Keith"s upcoming music videos. The crowd laughed as Keith smiled, shaking Zilmer"s hand and agreeing to his request.

Keith and his crew are on a five-day tour of Iraq, entertaining troops at several forward operating bases in the next few days, demonstrating their continuing pride and support for service members here.

Rocket lands near Barracks

Haditha, Hamandiyah, et al.

8 June 2006

Hello from Fallujah,

 

In a bold political move, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Malika announced this week that Iraq would commence its own investigation into the Haditha killings of November 19, 2005 by Marines.  How impetuous that he focuses on an incident that is already the subject of no less than three separate investigations. Al-Maliki called these deaths a “terrible crime.”  Playing to the press, and stating the obvious, MP al-Maliki states “his patience was wearing thin with excuses from US troops that they killed civilians by mistake, and his government would investigate the civilian deaths in Haditha.”  An Iraqi national security committee was established to work with the U.S. to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Apparently, though, al-Maliki has plenty of patience for Arabs killing each other, and no such security committees are required to stem the brutal, wanton killings occurring daily.  I hear no reference to any investigations initiated from the Iraqi government surrounding the 30,000 or so Iraqis that have been killed as a direct result of secular, terrorist, or criminal acts in the past three years.  Al-Maliki cannot even announce his selection for Minister of Interior and Minister of Defense for fear that additional secular and political violence will erupt. 

Let me state that I am not condoning illegal actions by anyone, particularly Marines. 

I am condemning the persecution these Marines are receiving in the international forum, our own Congress, and the U.S. Press.  These Marines were on a military patrol and were attacked by an enemy that blends into their natural surroundings.  Had they not been attacked, the patrol would have continued on their way to their destination and no incident would have occurred that requires an investigation.  There was no premeditation against the inhabitants of Haditha.  The investigation may well discover that there was a crime, for which the Marine’s will pay, but there was no premeditation. 

Counter that with the 11 Iraqi Students pulled from a bus north of Baghdad and executed because they were Shi’a.  Where is the announced investigation for this premeditated murder based on religious persecution?   What about the eight severed heads found near Baqouba north of Baghdad?  These men were deliberately killed because they were Sunni.  Where is the announced investigation for these horrific crimes committed throughout the country on a daily basis?  Is this acceptable behavior amongst the Muslim or Arab community?  If so, then maybe it is time we depart and let the Arabs handle this Arab problem.

And that is what I believe MP al-Maliki is ultimately saying to his people, the U.S., and the global community.  Iraq will not tolerate these crimes by outsiders, so get out.  This is a door opening for al-Maliki in order to repulse the crusaders and liberate his country from evil Westerners.  I commend al-Maliki for trying to unify his country, but doing it under the banner of persecution of the West will not heal what damage exists.  Pushing the U.S. out will create an upsurge in secular violence greater than what now exists. 

The fledgling military is corrupt, racist, and fragile beyond comparison.  Animosity between Sunni residents and their Shi’a Iraqi Army protectors is increasing on a daily basis.  Fueled by incidents beyond pale in western society, the hatred is growing instead of receding.  Shi’a soldiers are taking it upon themselves to cleanse their country of their previous prosecutors.  The Shi’a suffered many years of persecution under the Sunni minority.  With the taste of power and legitimacy, they will not easily relinquish control ever again.  Should the U.S. depart in the near future, the civil war that is brewing will be a long violent struggle, rehashing centuries of hatred.

As for the Marines and Sailors ACCUSED of crimes in Haditha and Hamandiyah, let the investigation be completed.  I personally believe it doesn’t look good, but I won’t rush to judgment as the world’s press and political blowhards have done.

 

On an administrative note:  I can no longer access the Blog site itself.  So if anyone wants to respond to any articles I publish please e-mail me at mulnixrl@gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.  Also, Happy Birthday Karen and Carol.  Many happy returns.

Rog

Local Marines Investigated in Iraqi death

CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ- (5-25-06) According to information from Major General Richard C. Zilmer, commanding general, Multi-National Force - West, Marines assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment out of Camp Pendleton are being investigated in connection with the death of an Iraqi civilian. The incident occurred April 26th in the area of Hamandiyah, west of Baghdad. Officials say the first became aware of the incident at a regular meeting with local Iraqi. The Marines suspected to be involved were returned to the United States pending the investigation.

Gunmen kidnap 15 Iraqi athletes

Iraq : Fifteen members of the Iraqi Tae Kwon Do team have been kidnapped between Fallujah and Ramadi, west of Baghdad, Iraq's Olympic Committee said. "Armed men kidnapped 15 members of the national Tae Kwon Do team as they returned by coach from Amman," Jamel Abdel Karim of the committee said.

"The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of $US100,000 ($130,000) in return for their freedom," he said.

The towns of Fallujah, 50 kilometres west of Baghdad, and Ramadi, 100 kilometres west of the capital, are focal points of Iraq's Sunni uprising.

Thousands of Iraqis have been kidnapped since US-led coalition forces invaded the country in March 2003.

Since an attack on a Shiite mausoleum in the Sunni town of Samarra, kidnappings followed by executions have increased dramatically.

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SOURCE -http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=144026

Operation Gratitude Third Annual Patriotic Drive

Organization to send 40,000+ Care Packages to Deployed Troops
In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, will kick-off its Third Annual Patriotic Drive over Armed Forces Weekend, May 20-21, assembling and mailing over 40,000 care packages to deployed troops for delivery by July 4th.

During the Armed Forces Weekend and continuing through the Memorial Day and Father's Day Weekends, Operation Gratitude, together with the California Army National Guard, 746th QM BN and more than 1000 volunteers, will assemble and ship at least 40,000 Patriotic Care Packages filled with assorted snacks, Girl Scout Cookies, Computer Flash Drives, DVDs, CDs, games, stuffed animals, t-shirts, toiletries and personal letters of support.

WHAT: Operation Gratitude Patriotic Drive
WHEN: May 20-21, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily (Armed Forces Weekend) May 27-29, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily (Memorial Weekend)June 17-18, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily (Father's Day Weekend)
WHERE: California Army National Guard Armory 17330 Victory Boulevard Van Nuys, Ca. 91406 Corner of Victory and Louise

All products for the packages have been donated by individuals, organizations, schools, community groups, businesses and Corporate Sponsors (companies that have donated $10,000 or 10,000 items or more), including Schering-Plough, EZ Scores, NetZeroVoice, San Francisco Bay Coffee, Champion Nutrition, Kingston Technology, Break.com, Sunkist Pistachios, Emer'gen-C, FritoLay, Beer Nuts, Fortune Fashion, Military Money Magazine, On-Line Administrators, Avery, Axiom Label and Girl Scout Councils in Southern California and Colorado. Participating Checkers/Rally's Restaurants across the country are official Drop-Off sites for item donations through June 15. Overall expenses of ~$15/package are covered by tax deductible financial donations from citizens across the country and from Corporate Sponsors including Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and Covey Run/Turner Road Wineries.

Donations of items and letters will be accepted through June 15. For more information and downloadable Flyers about the Patriotic Drive and Letter Writing Campaigns, please email:cblashek@aol.com

Operation Gratitude obtains the names of troops from their loved ones or from comrades who previously received a package. The vast majority of names are provided by commanders and leaders in the field who have seen first-hand the positive impact of the program on the morale of their Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors.

WHAT THE TROOPS SAY:
"I cannot explain to you in words what it is like to receive a gift of value from someone you have never met - and probably won't meet. To know that people gather, volunteer, pay out of their own pockets - just to ensure that soldiers have enough tooth paste or a little candy or even some new music; anything to make life here in Iraq just a little better. It is honestly, overwhelming. So... Thank you! Sincerely, CPT J.D."

"The packages Operation Gratitude sent to our troops over here truly made a difference in boosting Holiday Spirit and morale during a difficult time. It was not just the CDs, DVDs, goodies and such that were welcomed and enjoyed, but also the tremendous outpouring of support we felt each time a package was received. We love the letters and cards, each one of us taking turns reading them aloud to the rest of the team. Some made us laugh and some really touched us (eyes welled up a time or two) and we papered the walls with them. Thank you so much for what you do. God Bless you and keep you. MSG J.C. Kabul, Afghanistan"

"I would like to personally thank all who have contributed their time and efforts in what I believe to be an inspiring and quite dramatic display of support from the home front. From the packages and letters sent, I've seen tears from some, hope to most and inspiration to all of us. Mail is one of the most important things we can get; it takes our minds away for a little while and reminds us of home. It means a lot when folks back home are taking time out of their busy schedules, not only to think about but to also support the troops in theatre. This in turn helps boost troop morale and spirits. V/r UT1 M.T."

Learn more...About Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude ( www.operationgratitude.com ) is the California- based 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that sends care packages and letters addressed to individually named U.S. troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Guantanamo Bay, Bosnia, Kosovo and onto military ships all over the world.

Operation Gratitude was founded in March 2003 and is funded entirely by private donations and staffed exclusively by volunteers. Its mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and to express to all troops the appreciation and support of the American people. For safety and security, the assembling of packages occurs at the California Army National Guard, 746th QM BN Armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude has delivered more than 111,000 packages to American troops deployed overseas.

Website: http://www.operationgratitude.com
Operation Gratitude
Carolyn Blashek
email: cblashek@aol.com
Hotline: 818-789-0563
cblashek@aol.com
Operation Gratitude is a federally registered trademark.

Death by PowerPoint

6 May 2006

The term “Death by Power Point” has taken on new meaning for me here.

Before arriving, the term meant that I had to sit through hours of butt-numbing briefs, lectures, or classes in order to fulfill some training requirement.  The presenter would usually arrive with his 100+ slide presentation and, because he loved to hear himself talk, explain each slide, ad nausea.  Or, the presentation would be a slipshod job put together by some poor, young Marine being forced to cut his teeth on an “easier” audience before getting thrown in front of the Commanding Officer, or worse, the Commanding General.

Not here.  “Death by Power Point” is literal. 

I work in the Tactical Fusion Center (TFC, (everything has an acronym by the way (BTW)).  I am the Senior Watch Chief for the TFC (TFC SWC) at night.  My work “day” runs from 9:00 PM until about 9:30 AM.  Twelve on, twelve off, seven days a week.  The mission of the TFC is to fuse the information gathered into actionable intelligence.  That means we determine stuff the triggers pullers can attack.  This actionable intelligence usually comes in the form of a Power Point slide show.  There are over 100 Marines working is the various facets of intelligence in the TFC working the same 12/12, 24/7 to execute this war.  Most of them are very bright, young Marines.  Some are on their first deployment; most are on their second or third visit to Iraq.  These Marines sit in front of their computers and process the various bits of data that come to them and make a picture out of it for a Power Point brief.  I continually have to emphasize to them that the work they are doing is accomplishing a significant mission.  What they place in their Power Point slides has repercussions throughout the area and world.  It is similar to the science fiction novel Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card.  Ender is a young lad being trained to defend the Earth from invading Aliens.  His training lasts several years and is very realistic and increasingly more difficult.  In the end he realizes that there was a transition from training to real combat somewhere along the way that was seamless, and he had succeeded in completely annihilating the enemy.  Most of these young Marines must feel like Ender, sitting at their computers, making products that have little meaning to them, oblivious to the gravity of the situation.  When in reality, those products are what drive this war forward.

“Death by Power Point” has become literal for the enemy on a daily basis, made possible by the many people here dedicated to carrying out our mission and returning home to our families.

Until next time

Rog