My title comes from a line from the movie, Boondock Saints, when Willem DaFoe's character describes a crime scene. I just love the way he says it and I think it is appropriate for what my week was like. It goes something like this...
My platoon, by itself, was on a civil affairs mission to a town we recently been to and made use of their schools. It was going good and somewhat fast. On the way out of the town, we dismounted our AAVs and walked alongside them down a street. We were checking on some graffiti that we marked out on a previous mission. There were a good number of kids and adults in the street. I was even giving some candy to the kids.
My platoon was in the process of loading back on the AAVs to head back home. 3rd squad was the lead element with 2nd, my squad, in the middle, and 1st squad last. As we were loading up, a Marine in 3rd squad saw a guy quickly approach a man standing along the street. This man whispered briefly into the other man's ear and within seconds, he had the children run into their houses.
Right when my squad was all loaded in the AAV and 3rd squad was in the process, they (3rd) saw a man run across the street carrying a RPG. I heard this sent over the radio and we immediately disembarked and ran to an abandoned police station that was right next to our vehicle. As my team was running up the stairs to the roof that's when I heard it all begin.
The rapid fire of a RPK machine gun followed by returning fire from 3rd squad. As I got to the roof, I tried to locate where this was all coming from. At this point, I still didn't know where we were taking fire from. I knew it was directed at 3rd squad, but I couldn't see any of it due to the numerous trees nearby. The whole fire fight lasted about a minute or two. After a few minutes of being on the roof, my team then returned to the street to provide security for the AAVs while the other squads attempted to push forward to flank the enemy. We were unable to catch or kill any of the enemy fighters.
My platoon secured the area and begun questioning the locals about the enemy fighters. Later find out that there were four armed men carrying 3 RPKs and 1 RPG. The fire fight was started with the RPG, but luckily the round bounced off the street and did not detonate. 3rd squad immediately took cover from the fire, but due to the well placed firing positions of the enemy, 3rd could not return accurate fire without losing their cover. The 4 armed men took off right away in a car and crossed the bridge to another town. No casualties for either side.
During this whole thing I never got scared or anything like that. I was mostly curious on who was shooting at us and where were they at. I definitely got excited as I thought this was the moment I have trained and waited for 3 years, but still to this date, I have yet to fire my rifle. Not even a warning shot! One of the Marines in my team thought it was funny when this whole thing started how I was just up and walking around on the rooftop carrying my rifle in one hand and had a small snack of trail mix in my other hand; occasionally eating it while trying to figure out where the firing was coming from. What can I say; I'm not going to let the insurgents interfere with my snack time.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Monday, April 18, 2005
Indirect Fire
Today started alright, except for the fact that we had to wake up at 0315 for a short, 1 day mission; just more house searches. While conducting house searches, my platoon was moving at a very good speed. We were in fact, going to get done several hours early. Right when we called up our AAVs to load them and head back to the dam, we started to receive indirect fire; mortars. Though, at this time, I am used to it and it really didn’t bother me because I know the dumb asses you fire them can’t hit anything. Though, a broken watch is right twice a day, they did not hit us this time with the 2 rounds fired.
We got back to the dam and what do you know, as soon as we all start getting off the AAVs, we got 3-120mm mortar rounds. This time, it was closer, like 200 meters away. Once again, the enemy hit out in the desert with no harm caused except some frayed nerves. We did have a mortar round strike our base a little bit ago and injured some Marines, so we don’t like to see them this close.
Then, during dinner, I was happily eating some decent chow, with our fellow troops, the Azerbaijanis (It is a country near Russia). When all of the sudden, I hear the distinct loud, explosive thuds of mortar rounds landing nearby. I thought they struck the dam right above the mess hall. Everyone in the mess hall just stopped eating and looked at one another. Faces of concern we’re on everyone, which some might say it could be fear, but we all try to hide it because well, we’re Marines. Moments later, another explosive thud from another mortar round. This time, a little bit farther away.
Due to the fact that I was hungry from a long day, I continued to eat as well as everyone else because I refuse to the terrorists interrupt my dinner. A couple minutes have passed when the call for ‘corpsman up’ was made. This did concern me because this probably meant someone was hurt. Luckily, not a single body was hurt.
Within minutes of all this, we already had our mortar tubes set up and were rocking off rounds in retaliation. Weapons Company loaded up on humvees and rolled out. Snipers were stationed high with their rifles and spotting scopes in an attempt to kill the a**holes who dare attack us.
The indirect fire count for the day came to 5. A new record since being here, so apparently, we are really pissing off some terrorists. And that is what they are—terrorists.
We got back to the dam and what do you know, as soon as we all start getting off the AAVs, we got 3-120mm mortar rounds. This time, it was closer, like 200 meters away. Once again, the enemy hit out in the desert with no harm caused except some frayed nerves. We did have a mortar round strike our base a little bit ago and injured some Marines, so we don’t like to see them this close.
Then, during dinner, I was happily eating some decent chow, with our fellow troops, the Azerbaijanis (It is a country near Russia). When all of the sudden, I hear the distinct loud, explosive thuds of mortar rounds landing nearby. I thought they struck the dam right above the mess hall. Everyone in the mess hall just stopped eating and looked at one another. Faces of concern we’re on everyone, which some might say it could be fear, but we all try to hide it because well, we’re Marines. Moments later, another explosive thud from another mortar round. This time, a little bit farther away.
Due to the fact that I was hungry from a long day, I continued to eat as well as everyone else because I refuse to the terrorists interrupt my dinner. A couple minutes have passed when the call for ‘corpsman up’ was made. This did concern me because this probably meant someone was hurt. Luckily, not a single body was hurt.
Within minutes of all this, we already had our mortar tubes set up and were rocking off rounds in retaliation. Weapons Company loaded up on humvees and rolled out. Snipers were stationed high with their rifles and spotting scopes in an attempt to kill the a**holes who dare attack us.
The indirect fire count for the day came to 5. A new record since being here, so apparently, we are really pissing off some terrorists. And that is what they are—terrorists.
Adopt-A-Platoon
To balance out bad days with some good ones; I have received packages from two people via adopt-a-platoon. I had no idea that my name was in such a system, but apparently it is a non-profit organization that hooks up people with troops around the world. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a man from Pennsylvania and a lady from New Hampshire have sent me some nice care packages and letters. I just think that is awesome to have someone I don’t even know, write to me when I am half way around the world. I have friends back home that don’t write, yet these strangers will.
I just want to acknowledge and say thank you to Mr. Dave Benner of Pennsylvania and Ms. Candy Brown of New Hampshire.
I just want to acknowledge and say thank you to Mr. Dave Benner of Pennsylvania and Ms. Candy Brown of New Hampshire.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Sunday at the Dam
Today was a rare day in which I was able to be at the dam on Sunday. So, I was able to go to the first 3rd Bn., 25th Marines Non-denominational church service. This was the 1st service I've been to in a long time; the reason being... the other services offered are geared towards Catholic and Roman-Catholics. It was refreshing to be able to go to service and praise and worship God.
In other news, I just wanted to say thanks to Joel for getting a German translation for me. Though, hard to read, but interesting none the less. Also, to everyone else leaving me comments. I never thought I would have so many people from around the world read my blog and checking out my pictures. It's kinda crazy when I think about it because I didn't think it was all that grand. Anyways, thanks for the support.
In other news, I just wanted to say thanks to Joel for getting a German translation for me. Though, hard to read, but interesting none the less. Also, to everyone else leaving me comments. I never thought I would have so many people from around the world read my blog and checking out my pictures. It's kinda crazy when I think about it because I didn't think it was all that grand. Anyways, thanks for the support.
Foot Inspections
Just to vent some of my built up stress and anger towards the way things can be in the Marine Corps infantry. Though, I am proud to be serving, some things really get to me and this is one example. The other day, my platoon just came off a 3 day operation. All we did was sit on a road and blocked all the traffic with a rotation of 6 hours on, 6 off. The evening we come back, the platoon sergeant calls a platoon meeting. He then proceeds to ask a Lance Corporal in the platoon to show him the problems with his feet. The LCpl shows his feet to the platoon sergeant and they look alright.
Apparently, the LCpl’s feet, as he tells it, ‘were white and soggy.’ Basically, they looked like he just got out of a long bath with pruny feet. Now, keep this in mind, we have 2 Marines, in the platoon, on light duty because of feet problems. Our platoon sergeant then asks this young Marine when the last time he took off his boots was. The LCpl responded with this, “the last time we were at the Dam.” This, by the way, was 3 days prior. This was an incredibly stupid thing to do, especially when the temperatures are reaching 100s.
The platoon sergeant was furious that the squad leaders and fire team leaders weren’t doing their jobs. I can understand why he would, but then we proceeded with a little speech about the platoon sergeant is now going to micromanage the platoon since the squad and fire team leaders can’t do their jobs.
The platoon then proceeded with a feet inspection done by the squad leaders. With no new foot problems to report, the platoon sergeant then tells that we all will start using foot powder everyday. In addition, he does not like to see dirty socks hanging in our rooms. He says that while in the rear, we should be changing our socks everyday. I totally agree with this. The problem I have is Marines, in our platoon and in the other room, are the cause of most of these ills. Not to mention that their room absolutely reeks of a deathly aroma of feet.
Due to these defects, the platoon sergeant wants another feet inspection in one hour; 2230, that’s 10:30PM for those non-military. So, the grumpy bunch of Marines in 1st platoon goes back to our rooms and we apply foot powder and take down our socks; well, my room does anyway. 2230 rolls around and we partake in another foot inspection; this time done by the fire team leaders. Same as last time, no new foot problems to report and everyone now has foot powder on their feet. One problem, the platoon sergeant sees that there are still socks hanging up in our living quarters. So we have another foot inspection in another hour; 2330 or 11:30PM.
This time, a pissed off platoon goes back to our rooms and corrects the faults. We wait till 2330. We get back in a line; this time for a foot inspection done by our buddy. As before, no new foot problems to report (really, what foot problems can develop in 2 hours while wearing shower shoes?). The platoon sergeant inspects the rooms again, and still finds hanging socks! “This is ridiculous!” I thought to myself as I sit awaiting further gloom in my life. These problems were coming from the other room with a bunch of deficient fire team leaders and 1 squad leader. After another talk by the platoon sergeant about how we can play these games all night, we were able to go to bed after this 3rd and last foot inspection.
Basically, I really hate it when only a few in the group screw up and the higher leadership punishes everyone else for their defects.
Apparently, the LCpl’s feet, as he tells it, ‘were white and soggy.’ Basically, they looked like he just got out of a long bath with pruny feet. Now, keep this in mind, we have 2 Marines, in the platoon, on light duty because of feet problems. Our platoon sergeant then asks this young Marine when the last time he took off his boots was. The LCpl responded with this, “the last time we were at the Dam.” This, by the way, was 3 days prior. This was an incredibly stupid thing to do, especially when the temperatures are reaching 100s.
The platoon sergeant was furious that the squad leaders and fire team leaders weren’t doing their jobs. I can understand why he would, but then we proceeded with a little speech about the platoon sergeant is now going to micromanage the platoon since the squad and fire team leaders can’t do their jobs.
The platoon then proceeded with a feet inspection done by the squad leaders. With no new foot problems to report, the platoon sergeant then tells that we all will start using foot powder everyday. In addition, he does not like to see dirty socks hanging in our rooms. He says that while in the rear, we should be changing our socks everyday. I totally agree with this. The problem I have is Marines, in our platoon and in the other room, are the cause of most of these ills. Not to mention that their room absolutely reeks of a deathly aroma of feet.
Due to these defects, the platoon sergeant wants another feet inspection in one hour; 2230, that’s 10:30PM for those non-military. So, the grumpy bunch of Marines in 1st platoon goes back to our rooms and we apply foot powder and take down our socks; well, my room does anyway. 2230 rolls around and we partake in another foot inspection; this time done by the fire team leaders. Same as last time, no new foot problems to report and everyone now has foot powder on their feet. One problem, the platoon sergeant sees that there are still socks hanging up in our living quarters. So we have another foot inspection in another hour; 2330 or 11:30PM.
This time, a pissed off platoon goes back to our rooms and corrects the faults. We wait till 2330. We get back in a line; this time for a foot inspection done by our buddy. As before, no new foot problems to report (really, what foot problems can develop in 2 hours while wearing shower shoes?). The platoon sergeant inspects the rooms again, and still finds hanging socks! “This is ridiculous!” I thought to myself as I sit awaiting further gloom in my life. These problems were coming from the other room with a bunch of deficient fire team leaders and 1 squad leader. After another talk by the platoon sergeant about how we can play these games all night, we were able to go to bed after this 3rd and last foot inspection.
Basically, I really hate it when only a few in the group screw up and the higher leadership punishes everyone else for their defects.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Germans
Something very interesting has come to my attention recently. It seems as though some Germans have taken interest in my blog and also quite a likening to my flickr pictures. I was wondering why my blog all of the sudden reached over 1000 hits and at the same time, my flickr photo stream has been viewed over 8000 times! Some individual pictures were viewed over 1200 times! That’s crazy I thought to myself. It wasn’t like this last week. Then I got an anonymous email through blogger and this is what it says:
Sorry, it's me again. If you wonder, why so much traffic is on your Blog, look here: http://www.heise.de/tp/r4/artikel/19/19837/1.html
Most of the germans a laughing about this, maybe you understand...and find somebody to translate, it's about you!!!
Also, I got another email that was sent merely minutes before the anonymous one and it is from a German! I won’t show the email address, but here is the message (I had to slightly edit the content):
Hi Fighter *g*
Sorry about laughing, but an hard soldier, who is posting about war, tells something of the mother's accident. Thats,wahat we call "Blender" in Germany. Like a Fake-Rolex,it sems to be something other, than it is in reality...
I hope, you will land fron your "warrior-trip"... Thik only, if somebody would come in your house, only why Bush is an asshole and does much s**t. Nice thoughts? I think not...
Greetz,Megablaster
Quit German Airforce before they gone to war :-)
So, if anyone out there can help me out by translating what the German web page says about me that would be great. Heck, any of you Germans out there want to do this for me, that would be fine as well.
By the way, I’ve been to Germany and I liked my experience and the country itself was wonderful. I don’t mind if you all read what I have to say and learn about my experiences in this war. But please, keep your political thoughts to yourself. I’m not writing these blogs to be anything political or whether or not going to war was right or wrong. I am writing my experiences so that my family, friends, and any one else for that matter, know what I’ve been doing. Letting them see a more positive side, sometimes, to this war that is not shown on any news network. And the sacrifices that my fellow troops have to make, and most importantly, the sacrifices that the Iraqi people make to combat the terrorists in Iraq.
Sorry, it's me again. If you wonder, why so much traffic is on your Blog, look here: http://www.heise.de/tp/r4/artikel/19/19837/1.html
Most of the germans a laughing about this, maybe you understand...and find somebody to translate, it's about you!!!
Also, I got another email that was sent merely minutes before the anonymous one and it is from a German! I won’t show the email address, but here is the message (I had to slightly edit the content):
Hi Fighter *g*
Sorry about laughing, but an hard soldier, who is posting about war, tells something of the mother's accident. Thats,wahat we call "Blender" in Germany. Like a Fake-Rolex,it sems to be something other, than it is in reality...
I hope, you will land fron your "warrior-trip"... Thik only, if somebody would come in your house, only why Bush is an asshole and does much s**t. Nice thoughts? I think not...
Greetz,Megablaster
Quit German Airforce before they gone to war :-)
So, if anyone out there can help me out by translating what the German web page says about me that would be great. Heck, any of you Germans out there want to do this for me, that would be fine as well.
By the way, I’ve been to Germany and I liked my experience and the country itself was wonderful. I don’t mind if you all read what I have to say and learn about my experiences in this war. But please, keep your political thoughts to yourself. I’m not writing these blogs to be anything political or whether or not going to war was right or wrong. I am writing my experiences so that my family, friends, and any one else for that matter, know what I’ve been doing. Letting them see a more positive side, sometimes, to this war that is not shown on any news network. And the sacrifices that my fellow troops have to make, and most importantly, the sacrifices that the Iraqi people make to combat the terrorists in Iraq.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Operation Stay On Line
Yet another completion of a week long operation. Basically, did the same thing we have been doing; house searches, searching fields and farms (while staying on line in a good looking formation), and the occasional raid. There were some highlights about this op. Like the day my squad had to stand security over a fish market. The stench was horrendous and we had to stay there for most of the day. I’ve upload a picture of how they stored fish; Iraqi just keep it on ice and when it thaws out, it drains to the outside.
My squad has also been unofficially designated as the mountain goat squad. Why you ask. It seems like every time there is a cliffs or high ground, we have to be the ones to go up to and check it out. I also ran across a lot of rooms, if that’s what I can call them, built in the caves of these cliffs. People build up mud brick walls and make a little room. From what I have seen, people just use them as storage rooms. I’ve found one full of corn feed. Once again, check out my pictures on flickr.
This past week has also included a lot of action for the Marines of Lima Co. Just to let you know, my platoon, so far, is the only one who has yet to engage in a fire fight or take small arms fire. One of the platoons did get ambushed and it turned into one of the longest fire fights since Fallujah. Can’t get too specific on the details. There was one night when we had 4 separate engagements in one city. Rumor has it, there were at least 30 funerals the following day.
Near the end of the op, we ran across a large weapons cache. It had all kinds of explosives, rifles, ammunition, and machine guns. To set an example to the terrorists in the area, we blew up the house. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a before picture, but did take an after picture; so check it out.
Almost forget, I was part of a raid that netted a high value target. This guy had computer CDs with some pretty crazy stuff on them and even a poster of Osama bin Laden with a lot of stupid writing on it.
If anyone is interested, here is a link to a web site that has adopted our company. It shows all related news stories about us: http://www.reminderpublications.com/marine/marine.html. You will have to look for the link on the left side bar.
My squad has also been unofficially designated as the mountain goat squad. Why you ask. It seems like every time there is a cliffs or high ground, we have to be the ones to go up to and check it out. I also ran across a lot of rooms, if that’s what I can call them, built in the caves of these cliffs. People build up mud brick walls and make a little room. From what I have seen, people just use them as storage rooms. I’ve found one full of corn feed. Once again, check out my pictures on flickr.
This past week has also included a lot of action for the Marines of Lima Co. Just to let you know, my platoon, so far, is the only one who has yet to engage in a fire fight or take small arms fire. One of the platoons did get ambushed and it turned into one of the longest fire fights since Fallujah. Can’t get too specific on the details. There was one night when we had 4 separate engagements in one city. Rumor has it, there were at least 30 funerals the following day.
Near the end of the op, we ran across a large weapons cache. It had all kinds of explosives, rifles, ammunition, and machine guns. To set an example to the terrorists in the area, we blew up the house. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a before picture, but did take an after picture; so check it out.
Almost forget, I was part of a raid that netted a high value target. This guy had computer CDs with some pretty crazy stuff on them and even a poster of Osama bin Laden with a lot of stupid writing on it.
If anyone is interested, here is a link to a web site that has adopted our company. It shows all related news stories about us: http://www.reminderpublications.com/marine/marine.html. You will have to look for the link on the left side bar.
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