Funeral Processions: Taxpayer Complains And Sherrif Boyer Responds

Sergeant First class William Brian Woods, Jr.,
B Company, 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) based in Glen Arm, Md., wounded Aug. 14th by small arms fire in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan and died Aug. 16 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.


A Jefferson County Taxpayer writes an complaint e-mail to Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer after she was delayed by the procession escorting the casket of Sgt. William Woods, killed by Taliban in Afghanistan.


The original email sent to Sheriff Glenn Boyer on Thursday, August 27 is followed by Sheriff Boyer's response.


I tried to call you earlier this morning, but was unable to obtain your extension from the voice mail system as I was not sure of your first name or correct spelling of your last. I was inadvertently in this procession as I was leaving work on 270 from Creve Coeur and proceeding on Hwy. 30 West. I have some issues and complaints. I called the Sheriff's office last night, but the officer in charge would not speak with me. His name was Corp. Curtis. I am in no way complaining about your officers. I, however, was not treated very fairly when I called last evening because I wanted a ticket/complaint/or at least a slap on wrist for the people involved. Let me explain: 1) This procession should never have been held during rush hour traffic! Hwy. 270 is dangerous and people drive way too fast and there is too much traffic. This soldier's certainly would not have want his family hurt on the interstate taking him to Cedar Hill. People were dead-stopping on the interstate even though the procession was in the far right lane, the other three lanes just stopped. There were many near accidents and possibly were after I drove through. I was in the 2nd to left lane, no way obstructing the funeral procession. 2) I exited off on Gravois (30 W), far right lane. Your police officers went in the left lane to stop any additional on-coming traffic so the procession could exit off 270 into the LEFT lane of 30. Again, I was in the right lane. The St. Louis County officer stopped and turned around at Weber Hill to return on 270 after the procession passed. 3) The road was not closed. (Only for president as far as I know.) Again, the road was not closed. Your officers only had the left lane blocked/closed for the funeral. All other traffic by MO law can proceed as long as they do not interfere (weave in and out )with funeral procession. Let me say, that I did not know what was happening. I knew the did not have Kennedy coming to STL, at least not yesterday. I was at work all day. No news. Nothing reported on the traffic on the radio driving home. Anyway, two of these dirty, nasty, renegade, who knows what motorcycle men that were escorting the procession proceeded to stop in front of me in the right lane on Gravois. I had to stop in the middle of an intersection. They proceeded to scream and yell at me about respecting this soldier, etc. One of them climbed off his motorcycle and came over to me and stuck his head in my car continuing to scream at me. I asked him what this was for and he told me I needed to stop as the officers had the road blocked and show some dang respect. #1, the road was not blocked, the funeral was in the other lane. #2, I am proud of our country and sorry for the family, but they had no idea where I was going or anything else. I could have a child at day-care, I could have been sick and racing to the bathroom, I could have a sick parent waiting for me, etc., etc. #3, They are not law enforcement and had no right to stop in the lane on Gravois and they had no right to scream at me and intimidate and threaten me. If I would have had my pepper spray, I would have used it on this nasty man! He is just a big hoo ha that is not even related to this soldier. The other man did not get off his scooter, but was along side of my passenger window screaming. I left an abusive husband 1 1/2 years ago and I did not need this intimidation. I was livid and shaking!! My son is a deputy sheriff in another MO county. I respect police officers. It was not their fault as they were busy with traffic, but I called to make them aware of what was going on during this thing. The St. Louis County officer saw it but of course he was out of jurisdiction. However, I called last night and your office asked me if I knew about this soldier. Again, I am sorry about him, but I am a taxpayer. I got a speeding ticket a few months ago and paid the fine. I do not deserve to be treated like this. I wanted to let the officer know how these men were acting. Also, they were driving into the turnarounds on Hwy. 30 and then back onto the road. the funeral was much further ahead. One of them nearly got hit by me and other people almost hit him and another as well. I wanted to lodge a complaint about them why they were still there, but no one in your office would take any information or do anything. This was not a military funeral, even though it was a soldier. There were not military vehicles. It was a funeral and the road was not closed, the lane was closed, I was in the other lane and again, these nasty men had no right to do this and I would have liked them to get a ticket! I am sorry for the soldier and his family but you cannot let these motorcycle renegades do this. They could have caused several accidents and I really wanted them arrested. If they had any respect for the soldier they would have dressed better and not looked and acted so scuzzy. Thank you.
From:
Glenn Boyer/JEFFCO
Date: 08/31/2009 02:05 PM

Subject: Re: Fw: Re: Funeral Procession - Yesterday p.m.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear XXXXX: Yes, you do deserve a response and I am willing to give you one. I would like to say that I am sorry for the inconvenience we caused you during the funeral procession of Sergeant 1st Class William B. Woods, but I cannot do so. I would ask instead that you take a moment of your time to take into consideration the scope of the event. Your very right to complain was the reason Sgt. Woods fought for his country and ultimately gave his life; thus making the ultimate sacrifice for you and your family. Let me introduce you to him. After high school, Sergeant Woods entered the Marine Corps. After his contract was up, he joined the Army, where he became a Green Beret. He comes from a long line of military members in his family. His Uncle is a Vietnam Veteran and two of his grandfathers were World War II Veterans. His job in the Army was one of the most dangerous jobs - he was a sniper looking for the bad guys to stop before they killed or injured one of our soldiers. He has numerous decorations to include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He grew up in Catawissa and was best known by his middle name, Brian. He enjoyed the outdoors, playing sports, and skydiving. He had a wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, whom he loved dearly. He was a soft-spoken, level-headed young man who was proud to serve his country no matter what the risk. Now, I did not know him, but I wish I did. I am quoting from newspaper articles written about him. At the young age of 31, he was shot during an engagement with Taliban forces in Ghanzi , Afghanistan . He died of his wounds in Germany on August 16, with his family by his side. He did not choose the time of his death, nor did he choose the time his remains would be brought back to his home in Catawissa. He just did his duty. He was quite a young man. While you were being inconvenienced in your car on your way home, there were soldiers just like Sergeant Woods carrying 100+ pounds of equipment in 120 degree heat, up some mountain or in the middle of some desert. They will shower out of a helmet liner if they get the chance. They will eat a cold meal of MRE's; something most people would consider garbage. They cannot text their family or friends, or go to McDonalds, or watch TV. They can only continue the mission and look out after the guy to the left and right of them. They don't complain because they know they volunteered. The only thing they ask is that we do not forget the sacrifices they have made. One of the dirty "big hoo ha" bikers, as you call them, was Brian's uncle, a Vietnam Veteran, like myself. We were not treated with a homecoming. We were spit on and called baby killers by a misguided public. Brian's uncle was giving him the respect that he, himself, never received when he came back and I, for one, am proud of him for doing so. You say that your brother is a deputy in another Missouri county. I am sure he would be proud to escort the casket of a fallen solder, the same as he would that of a fallen officer. I am also sure he would not agree with your complaint about being inconvenienced. My mother recently passed away. She was a World War II Veteran, serving the U.S. Army. She would say, maybe you should pick up Sergeant Woods' ruck sack and carry on where he left off. Then you could see first hand what it really is to be inconvenienced. Per your request, I will forward your complaint to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for his review. It is my personal opinion that your complaint is self-serving and without merit. Sheriff Oliver "Glenn" Boyer

Sandstorm Pause

Lance Cpl. Fredy Villalta and the crew of Gun 4, November Battery, 5/14 sit out the sandstorm as they wait for a fire mission at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province.photo Sgt. Christopher R. Rye

Lead-Follow-Or Get Out of The Way!

We are having a tea party with or without you

Mail Call At One Five

Lance Cpl. Matt King reads a letter from home next to his pogie bait stash (aka as USMC slang for candy, cookies, cake) in the Nawa district Helmand province. Looks like he hit the jack pot. photo Lance Cpl. John M. McCall

Covering Fire

A One Five Marine with his M-249 squad automatic weapon covers his platoon during a road recon patrol in Helmand Province Sept 6/2009. The M249 AKA SAW is a belt-fed light machine gun. The SAW fires the 5.56x45 mm NATO round, four ball rounds to one M856 tracer fed from M27 linked belts. Belts are held in a hard plastic or soft canvas box that you can see attached to the underside of the weapon. Something the M-60 did not have. Our gunner draped the belts around his chest. The thing was---every time he had to provide cover for his platoon---the linked belts picked up mud, crud and corruption until the doodo hit the fan and the belts were practically useless. Details. Photo SSgt. William Greeson

Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes--Two LAR

DOD---Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Fowlkes, 20, of Gaffney, S.C., died Sept. 10 from wounds sustained Sept. 3 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.

First Lt. Rebecca M. Turpin Awarded Navy and Marine Corps Commendation W/Combat V

Story/Photo Lance Cpl. Alesha R. Guard

First Lt. Rebecca M. Turpin received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device at Combat Logistics Battalion 3’s Warriors’ Field Sept. 4, for her actions under enemy fire during the battalion’s last deployment to Afghanistan from October 2008 to May 2009. Since February 2003, a total of 12 female Marines have received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat “V.” Turpin is the seventh female company grade officer to be awarded this medal and device.

Although categorized as a supporting unit, CLB-3’s triumphant efforts to carry out their mission while under enemy attack provides an example of the vital role of every Marine, regardless of their Military Occupational Specialty.

The First Hour (Daily Dose)

First Lt. Rebecca M. Turpin woke up to her alarm at 1:30 a.m. after a couple hours of restless sleep. She was in the third month of her first deployment, and today she would be leading her second convoy as a platoon commander for Motor Transportation Company, CLB-3. She was nervous, but confident.

For Turpin, it was just another day in theatre, and she looked forward to getting her daily dose of motivation – working with her Marines.

The Second Hour (80 Miles To Go)

Combat Logistics Patrol 1 departed Forward Operating Base Bastion in Southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan, at 4 a.m. for what they thought would be a standard day-long cross country movement to FOB Musa Qalah, more than 80 miles away. Regularly providing the six functions of logistics to five forward operating bases and three combat outposts, the battalion’s mission that day was to provide logistical support including supplies and maintenance to Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, as well as supplies for United Kingdom troops.

“If our Combat Logistics Patrols did not deliver necessary supplies and services, capabilities would be severely reduced,” Turpin said. “Our missions had to be successful, especially because of the limited supplies and equipment in the [area of operation] at the time. Every Marine in the patrol knew this and they always put mission accomplishment first.”

The Seventh Hour (Off Roading)

The 18-vehicle convoy, consisting of Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs) started heading north toward Wadi after exiting Route 1 (the only paved road in Afghanistan), to begin their rocky off-road journey through sand dunes, dry river beds and gravel.

“All of the FOBs are located off Route 1, so you have to drive through the desert to reach them on open terrain,” Turpin said. “The MTVRs and MRAPs make about a foot wide track so it’s very obvious when a patrol has been through terrain. Therefore, each time we went on a mission we would take a different off-road route, because if they see tracks, [the enemy will] plant IED’s nearby.”

Shortly after leaving the paved road, an improvised explosive device hit vehicle nine, destroying the driver side wheel.

“Turpin immediately provided direction on immediate actions to cordon the site, sweep for secondary devices, and have the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assess the site,” wrote Lt. Col. Michael Jernigan, commanding officer, CLB-3, in his award reccomendation. “EOD found two additional IEDs, and she directed them to exploit the IED for intelligence and then destroy them in place in order to continue with the patrol.”

The only thing Turpin remember’s going through her mind was that she didn’t want any of her Marines getting hurt. As the convoy pushed on, Turpin continued to think ahead, planning for the patrol’s next move.

The 15th Hour (Deja Vu)

Eight hours later, the patrol was still pushing forward, with the rich darkness of the night limiting visibility, even with night vision goggles.

“I’ve never used NVGs more than on that patrol,” Turpin said. “I was constantly looking around asking myself – are there people moving in that village; are we coming up on a tough crossing point?”

Suddenly, another IED exploded, hitting vehicle one of the convoy. It destroyed the attached mine roller, littering the surrounding area with metal fragments, making it impossible to sweep for secondary IEDs.

“Lt. Turpin directed the sweeping to the rear of the vehicle and had it reverse in its own tracks in order to remove the vehicle out of the danger area and not endanger more Marines,” Jernigan said.

Turpin then coordinated with higher headquarters to have a new mine roller delivered via a United Kingdom helicopter support team. While Turpin ordered the immediate sweeping and clearing of a hasty helicopter landing zone, 2nd Platoon, Motor Transportation Company, CLB-3 worked together at Bastion to assemble the mine roller for external lift to the convoy.

“The United Kingdom’s British forces were wonderful,” Turpin said. “If I could work with them again, I’d love to.”

The 24th Hour (No Sleep ‘Til Musa Qalah)

After the convoy received and installed the new mine roller, Turpin continued leading the mission forward, pressing on without sleep. At this point, Turpin said she realized that leading the mission was much like the Obstacle course - she knew she’d simply have to take one event on at a time.

“Marines are the most impressive people I have ever encountered, and being given the opportunity to lead Marines and work with them, especially under the most challenging circumstances, is my motivation,” Turpin said.

The 35th Hour (Sinking Feeling)

Around the halfway point of the convoy’s trek, the patrol began making its way through a medium-sized village with men farming their land and children playing soccer in the streets. Shortly after entering the village, the routine movement was interrupted.

“The men in the village began rushing the women and children into the houses and began gathering; I had a sinking feeling when I saw this,” Turpin said. “I heard my gunner yell, ‘RPG!’ and heard the RPG strike our refueler's engine block, disabling the vehicle.”

The hit initiated a complex attack with small arms fire and several more RPG’s from multiple firing positions from covered areas in the village.

An RPG struck the engine of Vehicle 15, the refuel MTVR, resulting in a mobility kill.

“It’s like a huge crack that you can feel in your chest,” Turpin said of the RPG’s.

Turpin immediately ordered return fire and directed the lead vehicles to pull back out of the kill zone, form a security perimeter around the downed vehicle and rig it for tow.

As two of the vehicles became disabled, Turpin directed the patrol to provide cover for the Marines rigging and towing one vehicle and repairing the air compressor on the other. Only later would Turpin find out the Marines took a smashed soda can to cover the bullet hole in the compressor to create a seal, returning air to the brake lines, miraculously fixing the vehicle.

“I was like, ‘You guys are amazing,’” Turpin said to the innovative Marines.

As the convoy returned fire and suppressed the enemy, Turpin wrote to the Combat Operations Center at Bastion, “Troops In Contact!”

“[Then] our Joint Tactical Air Controller coordinated our air support with Cobra helicopters and other fixed-wing air support that were redirected to our position,” Turpin said. “Our machine gunners engaged the positively identified fighting positions, and once all vehicles were able to roll, we moved out of the valley.”

The Cobras escorted the two wreckers through the valley as they expertly traversed the terrain while pulling the MTVR’s.

“The Marines driving the wreckers were so experienced and they made the vehicles accomplish some amazing feats,” Turpin said.

The 37th Hour (Out Of The Valley)

After the Marines completed repairs and tow rigging, Turpin moved to the lead vehicle for better visibility of the terrain and controlled the movement of direction in order to break contact. She directed the convoy to pull back from the village; however, the two wreckers, each pulling a downed MTVR, could not traverse the terrain. Turpin then utilized the Cobras to scout better egress routes for the wreckers. Once a route was found, she ordered the wreckers and two security vehicles to take the new course, splitting her platoon.

“The Marines never gave up and just worked through any problem we encountered, especially those mechanical and equipment issues,” Turpin said. “The Marines are incredible at doing the most with the least, and thinking outside the box to get the job done.”

Once half the patrol was out of the valley, suddenly the rear of the convoy was attacked with four RPGs and machine gun fire.

“I was just thinking, ‘We have got to get these Marines out of this valley,” Turpin said. “The more that happened, the initial shock begins to wear off and you get into the zone of dealing with the problem at hand.”

Turpin directed four separate ‘gun runs’ from the Cobras which released four 10 x 2.75-inch high explosive rockets and two-hundred 20 mm rounds of ammunition, eliminating the enemy threat located within nearby trench lines and an irrigation tunnel complex. She broke contact and again continued the CLP-1's mission.

“While still engaged, she was able to calmly redirect the movement of the convoy to take a different direction and still give guidance to the air officer for air support,” said Gunnery Sgt. Isaac Hart, platoon sergeant, Motor Transport Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3.

The 54th Hour (Two And A Half Days Later)

More than two days after its beginning, the patrol reached its destination, arriving at FOB Musa Qala at 10:30 a.m., Dec. 15. Fighting fatigue, Turpin then carried out the mission of supply distribution and maintenance as well as directed the repairs of the downed vehicles.

Five days later, CLP-1 made its way back to Camp Bastion with no other incidents.

“Throughout the mission, Lieutenant Turpin led by example and set the standard of calm under fire,” Jernigan wrote. “She ensured that her Marines effectively fought their way out of dangerous situations and completed her logistics resupply mission. Her efforts ensured the delivery of vital combat logistics support to FOB Musa Qalah while eliminating several enemy threats along the way.”

Turpin said it was the Marines' actions during the two and a half day patrol which enabled mission success and ensured the safe return of all personnel.

“No matter how long the patrol went on, how tired and hungry the Marines and corpsmen were, they did everything they were asked to do and more,” Turpin said. “They supported one another, each did their own part, and by all elements of the patrol working so fluidly and efficiently, this patrol concluded with zero casualties. I think that the success of a logistics patrol is not measured when everything goes perfectly, but by how the Marines and corpsmen react and behave when everything goes wrong.”

Turpin humbly said receiving the medal meant her superiors saw fit to award her for doing the job she was assigned to do.

“I am honored by the award, but feel that I was completing my assigned duties as per my billet, by directing the Marines and corpsmen that themselves completed the mission and made our deployment a success,” Turpin said.

Since February 2003, a total of 12 female Marines have received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat “V.” Turpin is the seventh female company grade officer to be awarded this medal and device.

The Mills of the Blogworld are slow....but they grind exceeding fine...

The scarf was pink---not red--as previously noted and we are still searching for anything on who, what, where, when and how an all female Marine team was put together to work an area which has been predominantly male.

High and Tight At Fiddlers Green

Gunnery Sgt. Donovan Thomas gives Cpl. Kalen Hanson a high and tight haircut at Fire Base Fiddler's Green, Afghanistan, Aug. 4, 2009. Dang, if the Corps has not changed since I wore the High and Tight. The Only cut I ever got from my gunny was an ass chewing for screwing up. photo by Sgt. Christopher R. Rye

Ralph Peters-Master of Blunt Speak: Betraying Our Dead

Instead of confronting Saudi hate-mongers, our president bows down to the Saudi king.

Ralph Peters:Eight years ago today, our homeland was attacked by fanatical Muslims inspired by Saudi Arabian bigotry. Three thousand American citizens and residents died.

We resolved that we, the People, would never forget. Then we forgot.

We've learned nothing.

Instead of cracking down on Islamist extremism, we've excused it.

Instead of killing terrorists, we free them.

Instead of relentlessly hunting Islamist madmen, we seek to appease them.

Instead of acknowledging that radical Islam is the problem, we elected a president who blames America, whose idea of freedom is the right for women to suffer in silence behind a veil -- and who counts among his mentors and friends those who damn our country or believe that our own government staged the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

Instead of insisting that freedom will not be infringed by terrorist threats, we censor works that might offend mass murderers. Radical Muslims around the world can indulge in viral lies about us, but we dare not even publish cartoons mocking them.

Instead of protecting law-abiding Americans, we reject profiling to avoid offending terrorists. So we confiscate granny's shampoo at the airport because the half-empty container could hold 3.5 ounces of liquid.

Instead of insisting that Islamist hatred and religious apartheid have no place in our country, we permit the Saudis to continue funding mosques and madrassahs where hating Jews and Christians is preached as essential to Islam.

Instead of Remembering our National 9/11 Day of Tragedy Obama would have us remember 9/11 as a "National Day of Service AND Remembrance." a day of recycling, solar panels and radical community organizing because nothing says remember our dead like fixing a leaky roof:

POTUS Speak:"That is why we are marking this Sept. 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. On this day, and every day, it is incumbent on each of us to uphold those ideals that our enemies were - and are - so eager to destroy.

To serve others and give back to our communities.

To respect our differences and to value what we share.

To remember that even when we disagree, and disagree strongly, that we are all Americans - that we are all striving to leave for our children a safer and more perfect union.

On this Sept. 11, as we reflect on this painful tragedy, let us also recommit ourselves to this historic task."

9/11 Amazing Grace

9/11 American Hero: Charles Gregory "Chuck" Costello Jr Remembered

Nicknamed "The Elevator Man" by NYPD and FDNY because Charles Gregory "Chuck" Costello Jr helped them evacuate the elevators in both towers. He is remembered for his unflinching devotion to the welfare of his fellow Americans, even at the cost of his own life, on September 11, 2001. Project 2996

Three Marines Killed Tues Sept 8

The following Marines were killed Tuesday, Sept. 8 while supporting combat operations in Kunar province, Afghanistan:

Gunnery Sgt. Edwin W. Johnson Jr., 31, of Columbus, Ga.

1st Lt. Michael E. Johnson, 25, of Virginia Beach, Va.

Staff Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick, 30, of Roswell, Ga.

Gunnery Sgt. Johnson and Staff Sgt. Kenefick were assigned to 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

1st Lt. Johnson was assigned to 7th Communications Battalion, 3rd Marine Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Obama: Govt Healthcare Bureaucrats are Your Friend

By SARAH PALIN

Writing in the New York Times last month, President Barack Obama asked that Americans "talk with one another, and not over one another" as our health-care debate moves forward.

I couldn't agree more. Let's engage the other side's arguments, and let's allow Americans to decide for themselves whether the Democrats' health-care proposals should become governing law.

Some 45 years ago Ronald Reagan said that "no one in this country should be denied medical care because of a lack of funds." Each of us knows that we have an obligation to care for the old, the young and the sick. We stand strongest when we stand with the weakest among us.

We also know that our current health-care system too often burdens individuals and businesses—particularly small businesses—with crippling expenses. And we know that allowing government health-care spending to continue at current rates will only add to our ever-expanding deficit.

How can we ensure that those who need medical care receive it while also reducing health-care costs? The answers offered by Democrats in Washington all rest on one principle: that increased government involvement can solve the problem. I fundamentally disagree.

Common sense tells us that the government's attempts to solve large problems more often create new ones. Common sense also tells us that a top-down, one-size-fits-all plan will not improve the workings of a nationwide health-care system that accounts for one-sixth of our economy. And common sense tells us to be skeptical when President Obama promises that the Democrats' proposals "will provide more stability and security to every American."

With all due respect, Americans are used to this kind of sweeping promise from Washington. And we know from long experience that it's a promise Washington can't keep.

Let's talk about specifics. In his Times op-ed, the president argues that the Democrats' proposals "will finally bring skyrocketing health-care costs under control" by "cutting . . . waste and inefficiency in federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid and in unwarranted subsidies to insurance companies . . . ."

First, ask yourself whether the government that brought us such "waste and inefficiency" and "unwarranted subsidies" in the first place can be believed when it says that this time it will get things right. The nonpartistan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) doesn't think so: Its director, Douglas Elmendorf, told the Senate Budget Committee in July that "in the legislation that has been reported we do not see the sort of fundamental changes that would be necessary to reduce the trajectory of federal health spending by a significant amount."

Now look at one way Mr. Obama wants to eliminate inefficiency and waste: He's asked Congress to create an Independent Medicare Advisory Council—an unelected, largely unaccountable group of experts charged with containing Medicare costs. In an interview with the New York Times in April, the president suggested that such a group, working outside of "normal political channels," should guide decisions regarding that "huge driver of cost . . . the chronically ill and those toward the end of their lives . . . ."

Given such statements, is it any wonder that many of the sick and elderly are concerned that the Democrats' proposals will ultimately lead to rationing of their health care by—dare I say it—death panels? Establishment voices dismissed that phrase, but it rang true for many Americans. Working through "normal political channels," they made themselves heard, and as a result Congress will likely reject a wrong-headed proposal to authorize end-of-life counseling in this cost-cutting context. But the fact remains that the Democrats' proposals would still empower unelected bureaucrats to make decisions affecting life or death health-care matters. Such government overreaching is what we've come to expect from this administration.

Speaking of government overreaching, how will the Democrats' proposals affect the deficit? The CBO estimates that the current House proposal not only won't reduce the deficit but will actually increase it by $239 billion over 10 years. Only in Washington could a plan that adds hundreds of billions to the deficit be hailed as a cost-cutting measure.

The economic effects won't be limited to abstract deficit numbers; they'll reach the wallets of everyday Americans. Should the Democrats' proposals expand health-care coverage while failing to curb health-care inflation rates, smaller paychecks will result. A new study for Watson Wyatt Worldwide by Steven Nyce and Syl Schieber concludes that if the government expands health-care coverage while health-care inflation continues to rise "the higher costs would drive disposable wages downward across most of the earnings spectrum, although the declines would be steepest for lower-earning workers." Lower wages are the last thing Americans need in these difficult economic times.

Finally, President Obama argues in his op-ed that Democrats' proposals "will provide every American with some basic consumer protections that will finally hold insurance companies accountable." Of course consumer protection sounds like a good idea. And it's true that insurance companies can be unaccountable and unresponsive institutions—much like the federal government. That similarity makes this shift in focus seem like nothing more than an attempt to deflect attention away from the details of the Democrats' proposals—proposals that will increase our deficit, decrease our paychecks, and increase the power of unaccountable government technocrats.

Instead of poll-driven "solutions," let's talk about real health-care reform: market-oriented, patient-centered, and result-driven. As the Cato Institute's Michael Cannon and others have argued, such policies include giving all individuals the same tax benefits received by those who get coverage through their employers; providing Medicare recipients with vouchers that allow them to purchase their own coverage; reforming tort laws to potentially save billions each year in wasteful spending; and changing costly state regulations to allow people to buy insurance across state lines. Rather than another top-down government plan, let's give Americans control over their own health care.

Democrats have never seriously considered such ideas, instead rushing through their own controversial proposals. After all, they don't need Republicans to sign on: Democrats control the House, the Senate and the presidency. But if passed, the Democrats' proposals will significantly alter a large sector of our economy. They will not improve our health care. They will not save us money. And, despite what the president says, they will not "provide more stability and security to every American."

We often hear such overblown promises from Washington. With first principles in mind and with the facts in hand, tell them that this time we're not buying it.

The Joe's are Circling POTUS-First Joe the Plumber Now Meet Joe the U.S. Rep.

Member of the United States House of Representatives from South Carolina's second district: Joe Wilson who blurted out the only words of truth spoken at Obama's health care address to a joint session of congress: You Lie!

On your Six, America

Marine Sgt. Rudy Chavez, Alpha One Five, on security watch during a patrol in the Nawa district of the Helmand province of Afghanistan Sept. 5, 2009 and, by the by,a grand portrait of a Marine Sgt, don't you think, by Lance Cpl. Phillip Elgie

Four Marines Killed Tuesday by ROE

According to McClatchy News Service four U.S Marines were killed Tuesday in Afghanistan because of the new strict rules of engagement. Higher "rejected repeated calls to unleash artillery rounds at attackers dug into the slopes and tree lines -- despite being told repeatedly that they weren't near the village." MNS

Diana West has more here. She does a pretty good job of taking the story apart by Jonathan S. Landay and adding much needed context.

Cowards--Yale Alums Call Out Yale Universtiy Press for Censorship

Yale University Press and Yale administration plans to quietly, or maybe not so quietly, suck up to self imposed censorship so as to not not piss off potential contributors, of any persuasion what so ever, to the Yale treasury were sadly mistaken today as a group of alumni calling themselves the Yale Committee for a Free Press fired off a letter to the to the editor of the Yale Alumni Magazine. The letter was signed by various notables such as John Bolton, former ambassador to the United Nations, and Diana West, '83, author and columnist. Wire services, especially that one, yes the one which gave the lie to theGates Mantra:the-media-is-your-friend- immediately filed stories on the white feather affair.


Yale University Press, owned and operated by Yale, has embraced censorship.

The Press accepted for publication "The Cartoons That Shook the World," by Brandeis Professor Jytte Klausen. Then it deleted the cartoons from her manuscript. Why? Because the cartoons -- which ran in newspapers and are on the Internet -- might lead to more violence. So Yale's once-free press did away with them.

The Press's censors went further, deleting all pictures of Muhammed, including a 19th Century painting by Gustave Dore. Why? Because Islamic law forbids depictions of Muhammed, and -- there might be violence. So out went the pictures.

This surrender to unknown potential belligerents drew scorn from the American Association of University Professors. The AAUP summarized Yale's position: "We do not negotiate with terrorists. We just accede to their anticipated demands."

Yale should not be the arbiter of what is "safe" to publish. Such censorship violates Yale's own explicit policy: "Above all, every member of the university has an obligation to permit free expression in the university. . . . Every official of the university . . . has a special obligation to foster free expression and to ensure that it is not obstructed."

In a world where light and truth are under siege, Yale alumni have a vital stake in preserving a free press. The Yale Corporation must reverse this error, direct the Press to print Klausen's book with the censored material restored, and distribute it widely -- as a tangible reminder that freedom of the press cannot be taken for granted.

Sincerely,
Yale Committee for a Free Press

Amir A. Afkhami '97MA, '98MPhil, '03PhD & HS
John R. Bolton '70, '74JD
Max Boot '92MA
Richard Brookhiser '77
Theodore Bromund '99PhD
Brian M. Carney '96
Joshua Chadajo '01MBA
William W. Chip '71, '79JD
Seth Corey '78
David Frum '82 BA & MA
Maggie Gallagher '82
David Gortler, PharmD, PhD, FCCP, Former Faculty in Yale Pharmacology
Todd Hartch '89, '95MA, '00PhD
James Kirchick '06
Matthew Klein '09
Lawrence Levine '00 JD
David Munro '68
Noah Pollak '10 MA (anticipated)
Peter R. Rosenblatt ’54, '57L
Aaron Rothstein '09
Michael Rubin '94, '99PhD
Michael W. Steinberg '74
Keith Urbahn '06
Amy L. Wax '75
Diana West '83

Sharp eyes out with India Three Eleven

Cpl. Anthony Puariea holds security as fellow Marines inspect a damaged wall in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Sept. 5, 2009. Puariea is a radio operator attached to India Battery, 3/11
photo Sgt. Christopher R. Rye

Pause

Gun Number 4, is a M-777A2 lightweight howitzer aka November Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment standing in the background as the crew waits for a fire mission at Camp Dwyer, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 6, 2009.Photo Sgt. Christopher R. Rye

The Tear Drop Memorial at Bayonne Harbor

Tear Drop Memorial


The monument,'To the Struggle Against World Terrorism,' is a gift from President Vladimir Putin, the people of Russia and the artist, Zurab Tsereteli, to the people of the United States. On September 11, 2006, the fifth anniversary of the tragedy, the monument To the Struggle Against World Terrorism was dedicated. Amazing what the lap puppies of the main stream media can hide. Just found out about this. Unbelievable. Link

Directions to The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor

Former Military Ocean Terminal
Bayonne, NJ

Driving:

From NJ Turnpike North or South

• Take the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 14A-Bayonne
• After paying toll bear to Right
• Follow signs for Route 440 Formerly Route 169
• Go up ramp and then follow signs to Route 440 South
• At traffic light, make a left onto Route 440 South
• Follow signs for the Bayonne Ocean Terminal
• At the first traffic light at Port Terminal Boulevard, make a left
• Proceed to Gatehouse

From Manhattan

• Take the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, or George Washington Bridge to New Jersey and follow signs for the New Jersey Turnpike
• Follow directions above
• From Verrazano Narrows Bridge
• Take the Verrazano Narrows Bridge to Staten Island
• Take I-278 West to Route 440 North Exit 9
• Cross the Bayonne Bridge
• Continue on Route 440 North for about 2.5 miles
• Follow signs for the Bayonne Ocean Terminal
• At the traffic light at Port Terminal Boulevard, make a right
• Proceed to Gatehouse

Via Train:

• Hudson Bergen Light Rail "22nd St. Bayonne" train
• Take the light rail to 34th St.

Via Train from New York City:

• Take the PATH to either Hoboken, Newport/Pavonia or Exchange Place.
• Follow signs to the Hudson Bergen Light Rail "22nd St. Bayonne" train.
• Take the light rail to 34th St.
• Shuttles will be provided to take you from the 34th Street train station to the monument site.
• Personnel will be at the station to assist.

Nawa Foot bridge

Sgt. Brian Kightlinger, with Bravo One Five crosses a bridge during a security patrol in the Nawa district of the Helmand province of Afghanistan Sept. 5, 2009.USMCphoto Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg

Jamie McIntyre: Against the Sanitation of War OK To Print AP Picture

Jamie McIntyre at "Line of Departure" has a post on the AP travesty and comes down on the side of AP justifying his analysis by: "It should again be noted that the AP did not violate the letter any of the rules imposed by the Pentagon for reporters embedding with U.S. troops."

Excuse me? What Part of "casualty can not be identified" did you not understand? Jamie?

"Casualties may be covered by embedded media as long as the service member's identity and unit identification is protected from disclosure until OASD-PA has officially released the name. Photography from a respectful distance or from angles at which a casualty cannot be identified is permissible; however, no recording of ramp ceremonies or remains transfers is permitted."

Jamies concluding money paragraph: "But the AP is also right to recoil against any effort to sanitizes war, or minimize its sacrifice or cruelty. And the picture is part of the history of that war. I’m sure the debate is still raging inside the AP."

Rich in irony. We are only doing for you.

Two LAR Corpsman Benjamin P. Castiglione Killed Helmand

The DOD has announced that Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Benjamin P. Castiglione, 21, of Howell, Mich., died after being struck by an improvised explosive in Helmand province. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion out of Camp Lejeune.

Chows On at Outpost Cherokee

Cpls. Christopher Melton, left, and Jonathan Taylor, with Weapons Platoon, Charlie Company, One Five cook a meal at Command Outpost Cherokee in Nawa, photo Sgt. Freddy G. Cantu

War Pig Fire Power

LAR Marines and and the War Pigs of C Company, First LAR, August 2007 out for some live fire exercise as a combined arms training. This is the first week of Operation Mawtini at Combat Outpost Rawah, Iraq.Photo Cpl. Ryan Heiser

DVIDS 8/2007 story/photo Cpl. Ryan Heiser

Company C, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted combined arms training near the end of the first week of Operation Mawtini.

"The shoot was pretty awesome, and showed we could do some incredible stuff when we coordinate together," said Cpl. Kiante K. Walker, a fire direction control chief and vehicle commander with the company. "It proves we have massive fire suppression abilities, and according to what the targets looked like afterward, it also proved we have deadly accuracy even from a distance."


The combined arms training, nicknamed 'Series Thunderstruck' after the song it was choreographed to, tested the abilities of the company's newly formed mortar platoon.

"Generally when you fire (a mortar) you're just trying to get rounds on target. Yes, time is critical, but it isn't nearly as difficult as synchronizing with maneuvers. That was literally by the second," said Cpl. John P. Wallis, a mortar man and scout team leader with the company. "This forced us to expand our skill set and work as a team. My last shot proved that, it was a once-in-a-lifetime drill that came down to a fraction of a second."

The shot came after the long volley of initial rounds that marked the opening of the song's first verse. The mortar team ran into a few problems and didn't have much time to fix them.

"We had 10 seconds to get the gun up. Let me try to put that into perspective. I would say if the gun was mounted on a vehicle and had no interference or potential movement due to the ground shaking, that 30 seconds would be a great time," said Wallis, a Kailua, Hawaii, native. "On the dirt, with an unseated bi-pod and minor target adjustments to be made, it was as if God came out of the sky, reached down and said, 'Gentlemen, I would like you to fire your gun right now.' It was that incredible. Ten seconds. Ten."

Wallis and Weathers, an assistant gunner and scout with the company, quickly corrected the bipod. As Weathers grabbed the next mortar round, Wallis made the necessary sight adjustments. Right as the order for "fire" was sounded, Weathers got the round into the tube and the team safely, and successfully sent it down range.

"I don't really think about how much time we have or how hard something is. We train until our tasks become muscle-memory, so everything is just a reflex. It isn't a question of how fast you can accurately fire. It's a matter of how many lives are at stake if you don't, so you find a way," said Weathers, a Houston native.

The company fired 40 mortar rounds, 200 25 mm rounds, and 800 7.62-caliber rounds during the exercise. As the sun dropped below the horizon, the tracer rounds could be seen streaking across the sky and exploding in sparks as they hit their target.

"It was a great show of force and a great way of kicking off this operation," said Walker, a Laurel, Del., native. "The Iraqi civilians know we are still here, and we still have a massive amount of firepower if we need to use it. Most of all, we proved to them we haven't given up, and we are still going out searching for insurgents."

The Marines all agreed the training was an effective way to show an example of what the enemy was up against if they chose to attack.

"In general, just the presence of our vehicles is enough to intimidate and ward off terrorist behavior, so I imagine it would have struck fear into the hearts of anyone who was watching and was thinking of attacking us, our city (Rawah, Iraq) or its civilians," Wallis said.

"The enemy was probably ruining their underwear if they were watching us," agreed Walker. "They'd have to be insane not to be afraid of us. We completely destroyed our targets and nearly flattened the hill they were on in just a few short minutes."

Long Day

Lance Cpl. Kenneth Moore, with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, squints to get sweat out of his eyes after a patrol in Nawa district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 31, 2009.photo LCpl. Phillip Elgie

Two LAR Marine Killed Helmand Province

DOD released the news of the death of a US Marine, Lance Cpl. Christopher S. Baltazar Jr., 19, of San Antonio, Texas, died Sept. 3 supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

Jordan Shay, blogger 'Amber Lenses' Killed Bagubah

JP Milblogging.com sends:

Alex Horton from Army of Dude sent me an email earlier with this sad news:

I regret to inform you that Jordan Shay, the creator of the blog Through Amber Lenses, was killed in Baqubah, Iraq on Wednesday in an apparent rollover accident. The DoD has not confirmed his death but his local newspaper wrote that the police assisted the Army in notifying his family.

Jordan was new to blogging, writing only 16 posts since May. He was in my sister company but I never met him. He was a very talented writer on his third deployment, all at th e age of 22. His blog is at:

http://throughamberlenses.blogspot.com/

Alex wrote a story about Jordan here.

God bless Jordan and his family and friends.


DOD Confirms here

The One Five is Leaving Patrol Base Jaker

Marine Cpl. Christopher Mullins, with the One Five, waits to load gear onto a truck at Patrol Base Jaker in the Helmand province 8/31/09. The Battalion is leaving Patrol Base Jaker and turning it over to the Afghan government. photo by Staff Sgt. William Greeson

Death of A U.S Marine-Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard

Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard of New Portland, Maine, died from wounds from an RPG grenade in a Taliban ambush Aug. 14 in Helmand province. As this Marine lay dying, photos of his last conscious moments were taken by AP writer/photographer Julie Jacobson and published by AP despite the objections of his family.

"We understand Mr. Bernard's anguish. We believe this image is part of the history of this war. The story and photos are in themselves a respectful treatment and recognition of sacrifice," : AP senior managing editor John Daniszewski.

This is rich coming from an organization that refused to publish the Mohammad cartoons. Apparently those images-cartoons-were not part of history.

First Amendment Center:

The Associated Press has chosen not to distribute the drawings.

"We don't distribute content that is known to be offensive, with rare exceptions. This is not one of those exceptions. We made the decision in December and have looked at the issue again this week and reaffirmed that decision not to distribute," Executive Editor Kathleen Carroll said in response to queries about the cartoons.

AP is careful not to distribute content that is known to be offensive when AP could find itself on a hit list. No danger of that when AP actions are offensive to a Marine family. AP. No decency. No compassion. No Common sense. None. Just Despicable. Tell me again about the middle ground. And pray tell what Was Mr. "The Press-is-not-the-enemy"Gates' reasoning again on allowing these parasites on base to feast on photographs of the coffins of our returning dead at Dover Air Force Base.

Hunter Killer CROWS

The first flock of CROWS arrived in Iraq 2005.

Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) MSRP $200,000 Global Security:

CROWS is mounted on High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) enables gunners to engage targets viewed on a computer screen from the safety of their vehicle.

CROWS allows Soldiers to operate successfully from within the safety of the Humvee’s armor, without being exposed to the threat of improvised explosive devices and small-arms fire. The improved stable platform will support most crew-served weapons and contains a sensor suite and fire control software that allows on-the-move target acquisition and first-burst target engagement.

CROWS can traverse 360 degrees and go 60 degrees up and 20 degrees down.

CROWS is a variation of the remote-controlled crew-served weapons system used on combat vehicles like the Bradley fighting vehicle and the M-1A1 Abrams tank.

Night Watch

Cpl. Cody Frasier, assigned to HQ. Co. RCT 3, stands night watch at a guard post lit by chem-lights outside of the RCT-3 compound at Camp Dwyer, Helmand.USMC photo Sgt. Pete Thibodeau

Mother. Of. ALL. Snubs. Obama and the Polish Joke

The Polish 70th anniversary commemorations of the beginning of World War II will take place in Gdansk today. All European countries are sending Heads of State. Heads of State. This means the Heads of State such as Russia, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and other countries. will be at the ceremony, presided by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Obama will not attend. Busy. Too Busy. In his place he decided first to send former Clinton Defense Secretary William J. Perry National Security Adviser. Former. Not Even Current Administration. Not POTUS. NOT the VP. NOT the Secretary of State. No. Over the weekend, POTUS changed his mind and now will send current administration National Security Adviser Gen. James L. Jones to head the U.S. delegation. Trick Question? What's lower than whale CA-CA in Poland right now?

Hunt the Teliban--Charlie One Five Style

Story/photos Gunnery Sgt. Chris W. Cox

09.02.2009 KHOSRABAD, Afghanistan – For the Marines of Company C, One Five, hunting the Taliban takes patience and flexibility. Even on days when they don't get what they expect--- in this war just talking to the locals is a victory.

On Aug. 25, the Marines from 1st Platoon began their day looking for a fight. Another patrol, like any of the countless ones they've already undertaken since their arrival here, but based on a educated guess---insurgents (Child Killer ORCS) will try to ambush. With that knowledge, the Marines prepare for the hunt. However, this day the Taliban did not show.


A couple of days earlier, the Taliban critically wounded a child as they tried to set a hasty IED for them during the Marines morning patrol. "They shot themselves in the foot in that village," said 1st Platoon commander 1st Lt. Patrick O'Shea. "I think if they were to show up there, the villagers would kill them."

In this war, Tactical Restraint is the name of the game. (a lesson beyond the barbarian Teliban)

These young Marines, average age 23, have a difficult job that is not usually associated with the hard-hitting Corps. "The fighting mentality is always going to be in your mind. You have to put that to the side," said 23-year-old team leader Cpl. Joseph M. Misek, from Salem, Ore.

"Like today, we went out expecting a fight," he said. "We're trained to be able to go from one way of doing business to another. Now it's just habit for us."

These Marines have been living in this agricultural district since early July. For two weeks after their helicopter insertion, they lived in only what they had carried with them. Then combat engineers built a berm around a small, secure area they could call home.

Today, they live in accommodations they've built for themselves, using camouflage nets and ponchos to create shade from the 120-degree heat and humidity. It's the only respite after a four- to six-mile foot patrol with at least 70 pounds of gear riding on their shoulders and back.

Despite the Teliban presence, most of these patrols are an opportunity to interact with the locals.

"Before it was a pretty new thing for them – they hadn't seen Marines before," Misek explained. "Now, they're more willing to talk with us, to converse with us. Kids aren't afraid to talk with us.

"We're showing the good side of the Marine Corps," he said. "We're more than just security."

One sure gauge of welcome, in this society that values privacy, is the way the children approach the Marines as they hike through towns and cornfields; helmets, bullet-proof vests and sunglasses make them appear as aliens to the children who have never been past the boundaries of their village, yet they approach the riflemen without fear.

"When we first landed they were hesitant because it was the first time they had seen U.S. troops," said squad automatic weapon gunner Lance Cpl. Alex Torres from Farmersville, Calif. "You could tell they wanted to talk to us. They just needed that first kid to go out and ask us, and the rest just followed along."

Except for the more experienced Marines, this is not what these young Marines expected to see coming to this country that has seen consistent conflict for more than 30 years. It's a challenging mission for the Marines who are brought up expecting to make their living fighting their way to success. Accomplishing a counterinsurgency mission, where they smile, wave and play with children, is not what they've mentally prepared for until just prior to this deployment.

The fight with the almighty Taliban, who have been made up to be an effective fighting force that melts into the shadows, is far less than expected.

"The biggest thing is probably frustration," O'Shea said about dealing with the insurgents. "They've been built up with such an aura around them as this unstoppable force. The people are smothered with a blanket of fear.

"When we go ask, 'Are the Taliban here?' they all tell us, 'No Taliban here. They're somewhere else.' You can never get a straight answer," he continued. "They don't want to say that they are because they're scared."

"I think the Taliban didn't live up to their hype," 21-year-old Torres agreed. "They were made out to be these fierce warriors, not scared of getting contact. When we landed, they were nowhere to be found. They only take a couple of shots at us, and they'll leave."

Contrary to what the global media and initial reports described, the Taliban militants here are not the masters of warfare they have been portrayed them to be.

"They're unwillingness to engage us in a fight – you know, they shoot a couple of shots and they run. They plant an IED and they hide," O'Shea said. "Even without all our gear, a rifleman against one of these (goons) is no contest.

"If we could just pin them down, we could defeat them no questions asked," the University of San Diego graduate said. "They can outmaneuver us, but that is to say they're good at running away."

Winning a conventional fight here is not their mission. Earning the trust of the people and training Afghan national security forces, which 1st Platoon is doing on every patrol, is what will label this mission a success.

When the Marines first arrived, the local residents were under the impression that Americans would make promises and leave like others had before them, but over time, local perceptions have changed for the better.

"I got the Afghan equivalent of we'll believe it when we see it," O'Shea said.

By the same token, with the Marines visiting every day, O'Shea says he's getting feedback that tells him things have gotten better.

"'We like you. You talk to us. You have tea with us,'" locals have told him. "I've been invited to dinner. It's good to be doing it right from the beginning."

Even with the feeling of success though, it is difficult to quantify victory in a counterinsurgency.

"From a conventional sense, it's easier to measure success: so many tanks, so much damage. It's a much more nebulous way of measuring success," he said. "Did we get fewer mean looks today? Were people happier to see us?"

Even though living and working in Afghanistan is not what they expected, the Marines here are creating success where others from around the world have fought for it unsuccessfully for decades.

Winning here takes a different skill set. Fortunately, it is one they have clearly demonstrated they can master, if the smiles and words of thanks from those who live nearby are any measure.

Death of a US Marine: Sgt. William J. Cahir,

ARLINGTON, Va. — Marine Sgt. William J. Cahir, a former news reporter and congressional candidate, was laid to rest with full military honors Monday at Arlington National Cemetery.

Cahir, 40, died Aug. 13 of an enemy gunshot wound while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

- From the Associated Press, August 31, 2009

From Sean Linnae:"I did not know Sgt Cahir but I respect him. When I joined the US Army at age 23, I was considered the Old Man in my platoon. When I retired at the age of 49 I was considered a living fossil. I have nothing but respect for a man who signs up during wartime, at the age of 35. -Sean Linnane

Shadow Work For 3 LAR DMTs Designated Marksman Teams In Sahl Sinjar, Iraq

MNF-WPA---As their unit, the Third Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, recons the sun baked desert combining forces with local military and public support, the LAR Designated Marksman Teams operate in the shadows far from public eyes.

“The sniper’s job is different,” said Lance Cpl. Russell Injerd, an assistant team leader with 3rd LAR Bn. “While the team leader plans the missions, the assistant team leader is the supervisor. Having a job like this means that not only do you operate in the shadows, but you also work to ensure that when others are busy, you’re filling in the gaps.”

“Working with previously gathered information, we gather additional intelligence and conduct operations watching over possible insurgent hot spots, caches or [improvised explosive device] cells,” said Sgt. Neftaly Estremera, a chief scout with the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Headquarters and Service Company. “We provide surveillance and [reconnaissance] capabilities for areas of interest.”

“I love operating; I mean really, what is there to not like,” said Estremera. “Yes, the sand fleas tear you up, but at least you know you’re actually making a difference. We’ve been able to stop [people trying] to come [across the border] illegally. It’s getting to the point now where it’s mainly just illegal cigarette smuggling. We’ve come a long way.”

One of the more interesting facets of the marksman life is the ability to take creative approaches to mission accomplishment. This is something members of the team feel is not only essential, but also one of the more unique elements of the job.

“The guidance is pretty general,” said Injerd. “It’s a good line of work because you get to be creative with your mission planning; that’s something not many units ever truly get to do.”

A large part of mission planning is location. Snipers have the luxury of choosing where to establish themselves and how best to insert. While other, larger formations are limited by their loud engines and shouted squad commands, the DMTs can slip in and out once they’ve decided on where to conduct their work.

“We usually insert anywhere from one to two kilometers from the operating zone,” added Injerd. “We’ll go over the plan, mount up and then move to wherever it is that we feel we can accomplish the mission most effectively.”

While many movies and books tend to emphasize the marksmanship skills of the Marine sniper and designated marksman, the men of the 3rd LAR Bn. DMTs find that their true skills are in not having to fire a shot at all. Much like policemen around the world, the snipers are there to gather evidence and gain a visual, while keeping themselves unseen.

After the ‘insert’, described as the trickiest part by Injerd, the team goes back to one of the fundamentals of infantry operations: communications.

“Once we have communications established, we check out the area and move in to our selected [position],” explained Injerd. “From there we set up and watch out. If we catch the bad guys committing crimes like smuggling, we call in for ground units, and we’re their eyes until they get to the area.”

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

Lance Cpl. David R. Hall, 31, of Elyria, Ohio, died Aug. 31 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

On your Six, America

Lance Cpl. David Andrews, with Bravo Company, One/Five, provides security for fellow Marines during a patrol through the Nawa district of Helmand province.USMCphoto Cpl. Artur Shvartsberg