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

FLEET MARINE FORCE - QUALIFIED!!!

Good day everyone! This morning, my boss awarded me the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer pin and citation. It's a professional goal I've had ever since I came into theatre, and it finally came to fruition. A short background on the qualfication:

- Started in July 2005.

- From OPNAVINST 1414.6:
"Attainment of the FMFQO designation for a Navy officer signifies an achieved level of excellence and proficiency in Marine Corps operations and indicates a fundamental understanding of a Marine Air Ground Task Force(MAGTF) and its components. The FMFQO insignia signifies additional general knowledge that enhances their understanding of war fighting, mission effectiveness, and command survivability. Officers who wear the FMFQO insignia stand out as significant contributors to the Naval services' ground warfare mission."

Components of the pin:
1. The EGA (Eagle, Globe, and Anchor) - centered on the breast insignia as the capture of the device, making a clear statement that the wearer is a member of the Navy and Marine Corps Team.
2. Surf wave crashing on the sandy beach - The enduring amphibous warfare mission. The littoral (or coastal) regions of the world are where the Navy and Marine Corps Team exert the interests of the United States in future conflicts.
3. Crossed rifles - The rifles symbolize the rifleman ethic the FMFQO program is designed to instill in Sailors assigned to the Marines.
4. Scroll - The scroll along the bottom of the insignia is emblazoned with "Fleet Marine Force". The Navy and Marine Corps team is an inseparable expeditionary force, key to rapid crisis response, in a wide expanse of operations.

This was well-worth the effort.

One last comment:
When someone pushes themselves to a goal, it takes discipline and determination...no doubt about it. The support given by the family...the loved ones that are holding down the fort...brings about the best in anyone.

I'm one lucky guy. To my family, I love and miss you more than anything.

I'll be home soon.

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

LEADING INTO FALL

Good day everyone! It's been quite a while, so I'll recap....

I headed back for R and R soon after I arrived in Al Asad, and spent some very precious moments with my family. In some ways, it was as if I just got home from work, and we picked up where we left off....the miracle of a wonderful family. I returned here as the NMCB's were turning over, and I've met the newest bunch. Camp RJ still has the hometown feel, where you're greeted in the morning with the sun and a smile.

I was able to finish putting my hooch (home) together, and here's some snaps below:

About a month after my return, the Air Force sponsored a 1/2 and a full marathon, so I gave the 1/2 marathon a shot. What a positive experience! There wasn't any type of competitive mentality or ego...it was just Shipmates having a good time where they could. It was progress, not ego. And wouldn't you know it, the Marines are running a "shadow" marathon here at the end of the month, known as the Marine Corps Marathon (Forward). I'm looking forward to this next challenge!

Lastly, the heat out here is much more manageable...and we are well out of the triple-digits.

To everyone that has written in, thanks much for your thoughts and encouragement.

2/3rds DONE.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

VIDEO BREAK 2

Hey everyone!

When you hit "play", be advised that the associated music is on the loud side. Enjoy!

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

FOB TO FOB

Greeting Everyone!
I know it's been a while, but there's been alot of activity over the last few weeks. Mostly, our folks made the move from Fallujah to Al Asad.

I've got great memories of Fallujah. In alot of ways, it was a neighborhood where you knew everybody, and vice versa. You came back from travel, and folks would stop by and see how things went...how's the family, etc. I made tons of friends and memories here in just a short few months.

Below are some shots of move preps, and just saying good-bye.

With moving comes new experiences, new people to meet, and new challenges to face. Interestingly enough, the camp in Al Asad that I've moved to has that same flavor of hospitality that Fallujah had. Great people, folks not afraid to shake hands as equals and carry out duties as Sailors.

I've assumed duties as a Battalion EWO (in addition to my Regimental duties), and even though I've got greater responsibility, I've got even more contact with our people doing the good work and keeping our logistics operations safe.

Here's a couple of snaps from the camp:

Lastly, here a couple of shots from my new home. Yep, it's a connex box (the type of thing you see on container ships), but the 'Bees did a great job of insulating and building it up...a realtor would even raise an eyebrow.

These guys and gals are just awesome.

I'll have more soon Everyone...thanks for staying tuned.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE!

Greetings Everyone! I hope that everyone, however they can, is taking a moment to celebrate this day.

There are many people around the world that wish for the liberties that we hold so dear, and exercise everyday. We are lucky.

My boss told us today, that:

"When you look up to the flag, you see America...not that it's perfect, or it will ever be perfect. It's that important journey to get her there...."

And that's what matters.

Happy Fourth everyone!

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

INSPIRATION

This past weekend was my father's 8K race in Georgetown, SC. Part of my hometown's Harborwalk Festival, the 8K is dedicated to my Dad, who made friendships with many folks throughout his lifetime. Running was one of his favorite hobbies, and even after his passing, he inspires me to this day.

I've begun training to run a marathon later this year.

Things are well here, and we continue to fight the good fight.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

A DAY IN THE LIFE....

I realized that probably not too many folks know what happens with me on a day to day basis. No day is quite the same, and every day is full for sure....regardless, here goes:

4:30 AM - Up for PT

6:00 - Clean up and breakfast

8:00 - Regimental Staff meeting

8:30 - 11:30: Office time (inventory, acquisition, fielding issues, C-IED training)

11:30 - 1200 PM: Lunch

12:00 - 1:30: PT

1:30 - 5:00: Maintenance checks on CREW equipment.

5:00 - 6:00: Virtual Teleconference Call (VTC) with other EWO's in theatre

6:00 - 6:30: Dinner

6:30 - 8:00: Fleet Marine Force Officer/SeaBee Combat Warfare training

8:00 - 9:30: Office time

After all that, I'm up if there's an issue with a vehicle's gear, and then it's until the team is good to go.

"Going on convoy" happens. Can't say when, but it gives me that needed contact time with our Sailors.

This may provide a good description of what I do as well.....

The EWO job is a mix of the following Navy rates, or job specialities:

This is the Equipment Operator (EO) insignia. These folks drive the vehicles that haul the gear. You have to know their capabilities, their limitations, and train the operators to use the CREW gear.

This is the Information Systems Technician (IT) insignia. These folks manage communications systems, and computer networks. You have to know your way around computers and the 'net for research, analysis, presentations, and to get info on the bad guys. You also have to have an understanding of the RF (radio-frequency) medium in order to use both Comms and CREW.

This is the Electronic Warfare Technician (EW) insignia. These folks employ EW technology against the enemy. Can't go into specifics here, but that's the other third of the job.

That all being said, if CREW was a rate, it would look a little something like this:

I hope everyone out there had a good Father's Day! We Dad's out here are doing just fine, and we can't wait to see our loved ones. Thanks for all your support, care, and best wishes.

SEMPER FORTIS,

BEAR

SHIPMATES

Hey guys! The weather out here is starting to warm up a bit, but that doesn't slow anyone down out here. Missions have to be run, equipment has to be fixed, and SeaBees still have to build! These guys seem to have two speeds: Wide-open, and sleep...and definitely more of the first than the second.

One morning as I was getting ready, the A/C in our hooch cut out. I feel a bit uncomfortable telling our guys about it, as they have so much work to do. I just leave a note with them, tell 'em that I'm in no hurry (because I really shouldn't be complaining about lack of A/C in a war zone), keep the lights off, and shut the door. I headed off to my first meeting, and got started on the day.

I'm usually back to the office before too long, and when I arrived, a truck had pulled up to our service area....with a brand new A/C unit in the back! I had to do a double take, and then I see one of the guys knocking on my door to see if he can come in and install it!

Again, there are more important things to be worried about, but the guys just took care of me.

They were in and out in just a few minutes, and were about to leave for their next task. I stopped them just before they left, said thank you (many times), and gave them this (pictured below):

It's a command coin, and amongst its uses, it's the way leaders say thank you when someone does something big for them. They sure did.

We shook hands like men, and carried on.

Even in the desert, there are still Shipmates.

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR

CAMP KNOTT - HOME OF THE SEABEES..FORWARD!

Hey Everyone!
I made it! My home away from home is Camp Knott, and what an interesting set-up it is for me here. I'll try to not make it confusing:

1. I am assigned to a SeaBee unit here at Camp Knott, and I am responsible other EW assets in other Camps as well. HOWEVER, I don't wear Desert Cammies that the SeaBees wear, or even the Army ACU's...I'm wearing USMC Desert MARPATs (Marine Pattern) now, because...

2. I am assigned from JCCS-1 through Multi-National Forces West, which is run by our Marines....to the SeaBees. I'm considered "embedded" with USMC units, hence in the change in uniform.

At any rate, I get to work and train with some of the hardest working folks on the planet, and definitely some of the toughest. Marines and SeaBees are hardy folk, and can make do with less, whatever the circumstance.

My shop is set up with the SeaBees communications department, as most of my work ties into theirs. You'll see in the pix below the living situation, but I've got a real bed and good A/C. The gym and library is within walking distance, so I'm ALL set.

The SeaBees have projects all over the country, rebuilding bridges, setting up bases for our Soldiers and Marines, and getting the province's infrastructure up to par.

The SeaBees have a motto: "We Build, We Fight, CAN DO". You get inspired by their work, their gusto, and their die-hard dedication to duty.

Now to my ground-pounding brethren and sistren, the Marines. You can't walk by a Marine and not feel the pride that they exude. The smallest and toughest branch of our Armed Services was born on November 10, 1775, and have been making victory a part of their history ever since then. Agile, self-sustaining, and intestinal fortitude to spare, the Leathernecks have been put in the toughest battles, and act as the landing force during an amphibious operation. Their days consist of kicking-in doors and vanquishing terrorist cells, and then gearing up and resting for the next charge.

The Marines have a well-known motto: "Semper Fidelis"...always faithful. A Marine continues to be a Marine after leaving service, period.

I'm lucky to be serving with these folks.

If you are a SeaBee or a Marine reading this, thank you for all that you have done to protect me and my family back home. I'm honored to be serving with you.

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR