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