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KILO SITREP:
This from LtCol Buhl, CO, 3/1 this morning. SEMPER FI, KILO 6(67/68) SENDS
KILO COMPANY: THIS FROM CO, 3/1 THIS MORNING. SEMPER FI, KILO 6(67/68)SENDS
Dear Families and Friends of the Thundering Third,
I send you warm greetings from Camp Abu Ghurayb east of Fallujah, the deployed home of the Thundering Third. I am pleased to report that we all arrived safely in Iraq and that your Marines and Sailors have moved out to their firm basesthroughout our battalion sector. Without describing details of a classified nature, we are in the process of turning over with our Brothers from the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Ourturnover has gone very well to date, and we've had inspiring visits from our Division Commanding General, Major General Jim Mattis, and our Regimental Commander, Colonel John Toolan.
The trip from California to Kuwait took approximately 22 hours. Upon arrival, our men received briefs and were able to get some rest in air conditioned tents for a few hours before being transported by air to Iraq. As some of you may have heard, India Company and elements of the other companies that traveled on the last flight were delayed in Bangor, Maine for repairs. They wound up arriving a day behind their original schedule. This delay resulted in their immediate deployment to the field after arrival and did not allow them time to use the Internet or telephones to report their safe arrival to you. Many 3/1 Marines and Sailors have had a chance to check in with home, but many of the leaders have been extremely busy looking after their men's safety and have not yet had a chance to call home. Please be patient, as it is my intent to rotate them back to the Battalion firm base here to call home as soon as practical.
I have been out and about extensively throughout our sector, have visited all of the firm bases, have sat in on several city council meetings with local sheiks, imams, etc., and have met with ICDC and Iraqi Policeresponsible for local security.In fact, today I observed the 2d Graduating Class of the 1st Marines Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC) Recruit Training Camp. This ceremony was quite dignified and incorporated a memorial service for four ICDC Soldiers who lost their lives in an auto accident in the line of duty. Our Marines and Sailors stood side by side with their Iraqi counterparts, to include a joint color guard and the playing of both our Nation's National Anthems. Watching this, many were said to remark how far we have come in the last year in terms of creating an Iraqi Armed Forces that can begin to assume the responsibilities for security in Iraq. Those of us who served in the Operation Desert Storm found it incredible to see the joint color guard marching together! Who would have thought this possible just a little over one year ago when we were still locked in combat with the Iraqi Army?
This area is truly fascinating, with many complexities and challenges. I want you all to know that your Marines and Sailors went right to work despite their long journey here and temperatures hoveringaround 110F. Morale is high and the men are turning to with industry and purpose. I couldn't be more proud of this superlative group of Americans, who are selflessly serving their Nation and the Iraqi people.
Our equipment is in good shape though the environment is quite harsh. While there are never enough, we have more interpreters than expected, and these men and women are invaluable to our efforts to bring security and stability to this part of Iraq. Our living conditions throughout our sector are alsobetter than expected, which allows our men to rest comfortably when they are not on post or patrol. The food is decent, but your Marines are probably already starting to dream about the steak dinners and home cooking that await them upon return their return. Showers will be available when your Marines and Sailors rotate through two of our firm bases from time to time to rest and clean up.
All of you have undoubtedly seen this part of Iraq on television and have read many different stories in the newspapers. As you know, we are in the heart of the Sunni Triangle, and there are certainly some people here who are downright hostile to our presence. In saying this, Iwas quite surprised meeting and observing many friendly people in my travels around our sector. As I type these words, we have over 70 civil affairs projects completed or in progress. These projects range in scope from $2,500 school renovations to a $130,000 electrical plant contract to bring increased electricity to a nearby city. These projects are making a great deal of difference for many of the villages and communities in our area of operations. Over 90% of these projects have been initiated since the heavy fighting at Fallujah. If we can keep the violence down, than we can make tangible progress in our sector. The Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, have made a significant difference for many thousands of people here. I am confident that our 3/1 team will build upon 1/5's successes and continue positive efforts to win the trust and confidence of the local people.
All of my initial meetings with tribal sheiks and city councils have been very upbeat. They have many issues and challenges but, with the exception of war torn Fallujah, we've returned this area back to pre-war levels of infrastructure. In some cases we've actually made improvements on their quality of life since the Saddam Regime was deposed. I have also met all of the Iraqi Police and National Guard (formerly the ICDC) leadership in our area. There are many good, hard working Iraqi people serving their country. We will work hard to train and equip these Iraqi Security Forces to establish a secure environment for their own people. Meanwhile, your Marines and Sailors are on the job and making a difference.
While no one can say with certainty if there will be any significant change in our sector when the transfer of sovereignty occurs between the Coalition Provisional Authority and the new Iraqi Government, we expect things to generally remain the same. All of us are very tuned in to our new surroundings and are especially watchful - it is a very dangerous place.
I will be writing to you from time to time to update you on the Battalion's progress. Please keep the faith! All of us here are serving with happy hearts, knowing that you are supporting us at home, and always keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. Sergeant Major Ed Sax and I couldn't be more proud of this incredible group of men -your Marines and Sailors are doing great things for our Nation and the Iraqi People.
God Bless and Semper Fi,
LtColWilly Buhl
3d Bn., 1st Marines
UIC 40220
FPO-AP 96426-0220
SEMPER FI,
KILO 6 (67/68) SENDS
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