H & S Company Commander Message

Families and Friends,

We have entered our last full month in Iraq. The Marines are motivated and excited to be nearing the end of our time here. With time running out, the men are still focused on mission first as the battalion is still actively engaged in our mission. It won’t be too much longer until the advance party for the unit relieving us is on deck and for our advance party to get things ready in the states for our redeployment and demobilization.

By the time you all receive the letter, our relief’s advance party will be a mere days away from arriving. As it is an exciting time for us to train our replacements, it is also an exciting time for your anticipation of your Marine or Sailor returning. I would like to reemphasize upon our arrival back in the United States that the Marines will be actively employed preparing to demobilize and return to the Chicago area or other parts of the country from where they came. It is not a good idea for any family member to come to 29 Palms and visit their Marine. We will only be there for 7-10 days and there will be a plethora of tasks to be accomplished. The Marines will not get a weekend or a day off upon their return to the US. Please save your money and spend it on the Marine/Sailor upon their return to you at home. See you next month!
Semper Fidelis

LtCol Donal Porter

**I only posted some of it. There were a ton of Marines that were promoted and a couple of pictures from the promotions. David is in the promotions ceremonies, but I couldn't get the pictures to copy.