Category: Iraq

Civil Affairs Group

My cousin is a Marine, he just got back from Afghanistan a few months ago. Soon after my boyfriend who is also a Marine volunteered to go overseas to Iraq with the Civil Affairs Group. He has been there since August and I hope he will be home safe and sound soon. Your newsletter is a favorite among Brian’s family and of course myself. This country needs more patriotism. Thank you for making sure we never forget what holds this country together. I am sending a few pictures of my boyfriend. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sarika Desai read more

Not Without Marines

Sgt Grit,
I just wanted to say hello from Iraq and let you know that I had just found your web site and enjoy every last letter that people write. The pictures are great and the support from family members of Marines is great.

I’ve been in Iraq for a year. Yes, soon to be heading home. “THANK GOD!” While I was serving my long year here, I met Cpl Combs who is a Warrior with 3/1. We became great friends and he spent alot of time giving me comfort when I needed it the most. He talked to me when those down and sad days hit and hugged me and held me when I needed it. He made me laugh my butt off to stupid things that Marines do. He taught me alog about life and how to deal with the strong emotions of life here in Iraq. From being with him for a great part of my year, I’ve learned that a war can not be done the right way without Marines around. I’ve learned great respect for the Corps! All the Marines that I’ve worked with has made life much easier for us all. Without them here on my F.O.B., I can’t imagine what would have and could have happened to us all without the proud Marines here. Well to say the least, Cpl Combs and myself will have a for ever lasting relationship and friendship. I think to myself often and wonder what good can come out of a ugly situation here in Iraq? I then find myself saying, “This friendship and love.” That’s what came out of this ugly situation. read more

…one you won’t spot on “60 Minutes”…

Marine 1st Sergeant Brad Kasal (in the middle). I work with his older brother in Iraq (a former 82nd Airborne paratrooper who is a hero in his own right). This photo is from the most recent major offensive in Fallujah. Sgt. Kasal sacrificed his own safety to save a room full of fellow Marines. He ended up taking several AK rounds in the leg. Most of his lower leg was blown away but you can’t tell it from this pic. He took rounds in the back which his armor saved him from. He took one round through his butt which passed through both cheeks leaving 4 holes in him. And he also took the brunt of a grenade blast. He jumped on top of a younger Marine to cover him from the fire. He killed the terrorist who did most of the damage to him and his men, and despite a massive loss of blood he never stopped fighting. Notice that he’s still holding his pistol. He has been put in for the Medal of Honor for his actions on that day. He already has several Purple Hearts for previous battles throughout his career and he has turned some down so that he could stay with his unit. While in the hospital he has met President Bush, Donald Rumsfeld and several other celebrities. He said that President Bush came in by himself and had a very long, sincere, and friendly visit with him.
S/F and Aloha …
David read more

Warning, US Marines!

DO NOT FEED
AVOID EYE CONTACT
DO NOT PROVOKE
NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
NO FRENCH REPORTERS

What Could Have Been

Note the RPGs stacked on the side of the hill…

Clays Picture

Dear Sgt. Grit,
I am submitting this picture of my son’s 1/5 Scout/Sniper Team on its way back to Iraq. This will be the 3rd deployment for these heros. God help whoever these shooters aim in at. Good luck to L/Cpl. Marales, Johnson, McCullough, Cpl. Anderson, and Sgt. Hooee. They put a dent in Fallujah last year….this time its on to Ramadi.
J. Anderson, Cpl.
USMC 71-73 read more

My Brother in Iraq

Here’s some pictures of my brother who is currently serving in Iraq.
Figured you might want them to post on your site.
His name is Cpl Thomas McKee Jr.

Marine Corps Birthday in Iraq

Thought my Marine brothers might enjoy these photos and accompanying sentiments from an Air Force major. This is a wonderful way for the Marine Corps to celebrate their birthday.

Last Wednesday, the Marine Corps celebrated their 229th birthday. Now, when you’ve been a Service for 229 years, you have some strong traditions. A ceremony was held in the palace rotunda…a lot of pomp and circumstance; including a band and men’s choir. I bleed Air Force blue, but I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t a little envious of the traditions of the Corps. It was a great ceremony…with a lot of emotion given that the Marines were fully engaged in Fallujah at the time. I have attached several photos from the ceremony. Sorry that they are blurry, but pictures just don’t turn out that well in the palace…I think it’s something to do with the reflection that comes from the marble and the lighting. read more

LCpl Schmidt with his “baby”

This picture is of my son, LCPL Gus Schmidt who is deployed in Najaf. This is his 2nd deployment over there and he’s proud to be serving his country! He’s a gunner on a 7 ton and that 50 cal. is his “baby”.
Darlene Schmidt, Proud Marine Mom read more

Generations of Valor

AP Photo caption reads: “Pearl Harbor survivor Houston James of Dallas embraced Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Graunke Jr. during a Veterans Day commemoration in Dallas yesterday. Graunke lost a hand, a leg and an eye when he defused a bomb in Iraq last year. This week’s images of U.S. troops in combat in Fallujah deepened the day’s significance for many who attended tributes held in San Diego and accross the nation. read more