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