October Message

Greetings, again, from the Al Anbar province, Iraq! I am hopeful that by now everyone has settled into a comfortable routine – we certainly have out here in all locations where 1/2 Marines and sailors live and work. With the mission in full swing now across our area of operations, we are doing significant and active work across a wide array of focus areas – rule of law, essential services, governance, and economic development, all the while trying our level best to transition as much of the overall effort to the Iraqi people as we possibly can. For several reasons, many of which you can imagine, this is tough and trying work that requires much patience – but it is indeed very satisfying. You should see the things that are happening in our area of operations right now – the work our Marines and sailors are doing would bring a tear to your eye! As I asked everyone in the battalion to do before we even left the United States, our Marines and sailors are “working for the Iraqis” each and every day – their efforts are genuine and from the heart and their conviction is clearly evident. Over time, these efforts will forge noticeable success in the areas that I mentioned above – and Iraqis across our area will benefit immensely. I know it – we all know it – and we are dedicated to seeing it happen.

By the time you all read this message, October will be upon us. As temperatures in North Carolina cool off and fall is ushered in, know that similar changes are happening here as well. Temperatures here in Iraq have already started to cool a bit, with the exceptionally hot days I talked about in my September message appearing less and less. Cool mornings and pleasant evenings are now the norm. This is welcomed with open arms out here, as you can imagine, just as I know it is where you are. With the uncomfortable summer weather behind us, the flurry of successive holidays that leads to the New Year – and 2009 – is fast approaching. While none of us look forward to being separated during this time, we can only hope that the pace of the season makes the remainder of the deployment pass quickly for all. I can’t guarantee that your favorite Timberwolf will dress up for Halloween as anything other than a Marine or sailor, but please know that we will do everything we can out here to make all of the upcoming holidays pleasant and memorable for our Marines and sailors.

I have been very pleased to hear of the great attendance at the family functions that have taken place since we have been gone. Between the August pool party and the September movie in the park, it certainly appears that the “team” has jelled at home exactly as it has done out here. I hope that continues. It is indeed a great thing and something that should bring all of us immense pride and satisfaction. It shows that, within 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, Marines’ wives and families take care of their own, just as your Marines and sailors are doing every day out here. On either end, we would not want it any other way.

And finally, Lisa and I want to send our personal congratulations and best wishes to all of the 1/2 gals, and their husbands, who have welcomed new babies into the world since our departure – and there are several. As the proud father of a newborn son while deployed, I know that it is especially difficult for the Marine or sailor and his spouse to be separated during such a joyous occasion. I wish you all the best, especially our ladies, and I take pleasure in knowing that the homecoming in early 2009 will be extra special for so many, including myself.

Thank you all for your continued support of our Marines and sailors. Keep the packages and the mail coming!

Long live 1st Battalion, 2d Marines, and success to our Corps!

God Bless and Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Winand
Commanding Officer,
1st Battalion, 2d Marines