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Christmas Update
By Slab
Merry Christmas to our readers. I thought I would take some time for a quick update. Al Anbar remains quiet, and the Marines and Soldiers here continue to take advantage of the security situation to further our relationships with the local leadership. There is evidence of the insurgents nosing around here and there, and every so often they got caught in the open, but they have been unable to mount any effective operations. I haven't been keeping up with the news to know if the details have been released, but the Ramadi IPs recently ran a successful operation to stop an insurgent cell that was attempting to assassinate a local leader. More impressively, U.S. forces in the area knew nothing about the operation until its successful conclusion. It's the kind of story you might expect from a metropolitan police department in the U.S. or Europe, and it's very gratifying to see that sort of independence from the Iraqi security forces.
As for my personal end of this little fracas, it's been distressingly quiet. I'm certainly pleased about our progress in this little slice of the province, but ANGLICO is an organization that specializes in delivering large quantities of firepower, and our services are not in as much need as I would like. We'll continue to make whatever contributions we can, and we'll remain the "break glass in case of TIC (Troops in Contact)" organization. I guess, looking outside of my own personal views, it's a good thing when a group that specializes in spectacular kinetic effects of the sort produced by 500 lb bombs is feeling under-utilized. In this kind of fight, that means progress.
Our Christmas out here at the COP was peaceful. I spent about an hour and a half scooping out mashed potatos for the Soldiers and Marines here before I sat down with the Troop Commander and XO to eat our own dinner. We even got to have real turkey, instead of a processed imitation of turkey dinner. Obviously not as good as my lovely wife makes, but it'll have to do. I really enjoyed my Christmas overseas as a single guy, but this year there's a lot more to miss at home.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Years to all of our readers.
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Comments
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and all of the Troops! God Bless you and Thank you!
Merry Christmas, Son. We miss you and look forward to your safe return. Boredom is good.
I have to admit I'm glad you're bored over there. Come home safe and sound. We all love you and miss you.
Good luck-be safe and thanks.
We appreciate your dispatches and your service. Stay safe. God bless you
ANGLICO rocks. We had one at Camp Babylon supporting MND-CS back in 2003-4, but I don't know which one. They were fine marines.
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Thank you for your service and sacrifice. God be with you and protect you, Slab.