EPILOGUE

Shipmates,
I first want to say thanks for keeping up with this story, as it's been life-changing for me.

Some final thoughts:
1. If we don't do our part in this War on Terror, then our folks on the ground can't win. That means everyone from the supply personnel that sends the bullets and the beans, to the EOD that disarms IEDs, to the parents that cheer on their sons and daughter from afar.
2. We have to accept that in order to win this War on Terror, we have to think outside our ricebowls, and be able to work together jointly, across departments, and across nations.
3. We can't rest on our laurels in the C-IED fight. We have to out-think the other guy ALWAYS.

To my brothers and sisters on the ground and on the high seas, thank you for raising your right hand, and swearing to support and defend our Consitution, and our right to live in freedom.

To my family and friends, your support during this experience has energized me to push forward, and to never accept the minimum.

To my Shipmates that I've served with and are still "out there", stay safe, keep up the good fight, and get home!!!

Nos vadum non falter , nos vadum non deficio...

SEMPER FORTIS!

-BEAR-

COMING HOME: WARRIOR TRANSITION

Shipmates,
As I write, I'm finishing up what's called Warrior Transition here in Kuwait. More than anything, the programs gives you time to relax, reflect, and get the chance to talk to people about their experiences.

Just for information, here's what happens:


Day 1: Arrive at camp, and the first thing you get is a standing ovation from the staff at ECRC. The CO tells you that you did your part in this War On Terror, and you should be proud. Take in that standing ovation...we don't get them that often.

The first thing you actually do is drop off your issued gear and weapons. HINT TO OUTGOING EWOS - Take the time to get the carbon off every inch of your weapon. I prepped a bit before I came here, and it paid off. Get all your paperwork and stow it away. Relax, and even try the gym if you have the energy/time (it's HUGE).

Day 2: Group workshops. It's not as corny as you think. You share your experiences, and get to tell someone what could have been better. Pretty key to any type of "wrap-up" action. The rest of the day is yours. Pack/repack, laundry, ping-pong at the MWR...whatever your fancy is.

Day 3: Final preps and meet with the Doc to finish your Post Deployment Health Survey. Pick up your tent, and if you are on a rotator, stand by to go through customs.

When you are going through the last weeks of your IA...it really doesn't feel like it's coming to an end. Even when you are getting ready to head to the A/DACG, it just seems like you are going on another "business trip".

Here, you finally realize that it's over....and you're going home.

That all being said...to any agent of terror that may think that one IA going home is one less brain/hand in the C-IED fight...you're wrong. You are sadly mistaken.

We will continue to persevere. You shall fail, you shall fall.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

MISSION COMPLETE

Shipmates,

Much has happened in the last couple of weeks...for the better in alot of ways.

The transfer of security of Al Anbar province to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) accomplished many goals. As our CG put it, "we have all but peace here now". There is still violence, but our Marines and Sailors have now quieted much of the gunfire.

Is the overall mission over for our brothers and sisters on the ground? Not yet...terror and IED's are still the weapons of choice for many.

What this transfer has allowed for is a reorganization of forces, and the chance for me to come home. I recieved my Theatre Release Letter a few days ago.

There are many folks back home that are happy that I'm coming back...but I can't (and WE can't) forget those that are still out there, accomplishing the mission.

This story isn't over quite yet...but the book on Bear's travels is starting to close.

I'll have more soon.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

ADVICE TO EWOS, PART 3

1. Always, always put purpose before ego.
2. Anything you sign, keep a copy.
3. If you sent an email to a disagreeable person, keep a copy.

4. If someone stoops low, suck it up and be the bigger person.

5. Take the time to build relationships, not throw your collar devices around.

6. Be part of your unit's ops/intel team...don't hide out.

7. Present yourself as a problem solver for your operational commander.

8. Don't cause headaches because your "non-tactical vehicle" might be below your standard. Walk or hop the bus.

9. Keep lots of command coins on-hand.

10. Let your command and your friends know you're alive at least once a month.

11. Did I mention, "DON'T BE A WHINER?"

12. Care more about saving lives than bragging about how many vehicles you have...you don't really "own" them.

13. Your family back home has it tougher than you.

14. Don't forget the mission.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

GOOD FOLKS

Hey everyone! I had a moment to reflect on the experience here as of late, in some of the relationships that have been built with my brother and sister Sailors.

I've talked about the "Can Do" attitude of SeaBees, and Sailors being Shipmates. With this bunch especially, they go beyond the Golden Rule.

Happy and positive people tend to work hard, and vice versa. If you are good to them, and respect is sent both ways, near-miracles happen...truly out of the goodness of someone's heart.

The picture below was given to me by one of the 'Bees here at NMCB 27. In all honesty, they make me feel that way, everyday.

Thanks SeaBees, for all that you do to reconstruct this country, support your brothers and sisters on the ground, and make a home away from home.



SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

THE MARINE CORPS MARATHON, FORWARD!

Picture this:

25 OCT 08 - Al Asad - The night before the Marine Corps Marathon in Iraq:
A first time marathoner is finishing some final preps before the big day. Camel Bak is filled. Running shoes are broken out. PowerBar is placed for consumption upon waking. He goes to bed to rest for tomorrow's challenge.


26 OCT 08
He wakes up, downs said PowerBar, dons his gear and steps outside....

...into a deluge of rain. In the middle of the desert. Who knew?

After trudging a bit through the flooding roads, he arrives at the starting line and meets his runningmates. With 300 able-bodied runners, he waits for the starting gun, and then the stampede of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen rumble out after the gunshot.

He maneuvers into and around (mostly into) mud and rain runoff, and heads to the turnaround point for the first of two long laps. He lumbers up a hill with his brothers and sisters towards the aid station. He's greeted by smiles and Gatorade. He's loving the energy.

At the aid station, he's informed that the marathon has been called due to flooding. Apparently, some of the other aid stations and vehicles started to float away. One poor soul fell face first into a pond of mud and rain.

Not slowing down, the band of merry men and women continue the second half of the lap. Our shoes sound like we're running on a road made of fish. Everwhere we look though, we only see smiles through the rain.

We finish a 1/2 marathon here in Al Asad...maybe the good Lord needed us to get back to more pressing matters.

You just can't make this stuff up.

Take care everyone...this marathon continues.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVILDOGS!

Good evening everyone! November 10 marks the birth of America's 911 Force, the Marines.

Throughout it's 233 year history, the Marines have been our force of choice to respond to any crisis worldwide, in wartime and in peacetime, from the seven seas to the desert of Al Anbar.

Captain Samuel Nichols raised two battalions of Marines on this day, and victory has followed them ever since.

Marines are flexible, fast, and lethal. They deliberately plan from the highest echelons of command, down to the 3-Marine fireteam kicking in the door.

These days, the success of Al Anbar is unsung in the civilian media. The fact that this war-torn portion of the world has been turned back over to it's people, speaks at a volume that only history will hear. History will broadcast this experience to generations, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of my brothers and sisters out here.

Thank you, Marine Corps, for keeping us safe.

Happy Birthday Marines, and with the utmost respect, SEMPER FIDELIS!!!

BEAR