General's gift to squadron lifts spirits, boosts morale

General's gift to squadron lifts spirits, boosts morale
Submitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification Number: 20045452549
Story by Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.

AL TAQQADUM, Iraq (May 4, 2004) -- The unconditional love and loyalty of an 11-week-old Iraqi puppy named Melissa has softened the hearts of the battle-hardened "Rhinos" of Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37.

"I believe all Marines, in their hearts, are dog lovers," said Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, "so it's easy to have compassion for a dog who is out in the middle of a war zone. I felt that maybe a dog would pick their spirits up and be something the squadron could identify with and get a touch of home."

The arrival of Melissa as a gift however, was quite unexpected, said Lt. Col. David R. Leppelmeier, commanding officer, MWSS-374.

"I received an e-mail from Gen. Amos back in April saying that he was going to bring me something, but I really had no idea what was going on," said the 44-year-old native of Babylon, N.Y.

The "something" Leppelmeier didn't know about, almost turned out to be a personality mismatch for the squadron, said Amos.

"My original intention was to give (Melissa's mother) Luci to Lt. Col. Leppelmeier in Taqqadum as a squadron mascot," said Maj. Gen. Amos, "because he'd lost two Marines early on and the unit was right in the middle of a pretty tough mission there."

After witnessing the stubborn and independent nature of Luci, due to her rough upbringing in Baghdad, the general decided that Luci's offspring would be a wiser selection for the squadron mascot.

Luci was left without a family when an Army unit departed Baghdad, said Maj. Gen. Amos. This presented the general with the perfect opportunity to assume responsibility for the courageous dog and her sole surviving puppy from a litter of five.

"Luci was working with Army Special Forces on the streets of Baghdad and over a period of time, she kept following them around whenever they went on patrols," the general said. "Luci was credited with saving their lives a couple of times because of her ability to sniff out an ambush and bark to alert them."

When 3rd MAW went into Baghdad about a month and a half ago to drop off some wounded Marines, Luci and the pup were brought out to the airplane and were taken back to Al Asad, the general said.

Following the general's decision to send Melissa to Al Taqqadum, the plan was quickly put in motion.

"We fly in and out of Taqqadum on a regular schedule, so it was pretty simple for us to piggy-back the puppy on a flight and present her to Lt. Col. Leppelmeier," Maj. Gen. Amos said.

The positive effects on the unit since Melissa's arrival have been very noticeable, according to many "Rhino" Marines.

"Having Melissa around keeps my morale high," said 24-year-old New York City native Lance Cpl. Pamela O'Donnell, operations clerk. "She's just a happy addition to the family and she brings a smile to everybody's face."

"That puppy is absolutely incredible," added Staff Sgt. Sandra D. Magallanes, wire chief, and Cody, Wyo., native. "She's intelligent, she's a fighter and Melissa is really a representation of the job that we're doing over here."

Perhaps no Marine is as smitten with the precocious pup as her commanding officer-turned-adopted father.

"I know that having her around has changed the atmosphere around the unit, because everybody knows that she lives here in the compound and everybody pets her. She might get in their way sometimes or gnaw at their feet, but no matter what, Melissa is the one little distraction that reminds them of their pet at home," said Leppelmeier.

"Melissa is great. She knows how to play me like a fiddle," he chuckled. "She's really changed my whole world and helped me out a lot. She's just like a daughter to me and I can't imagine waking up and not having her around."

-30-

Photos included with story:

	Melissa anxiously awaits the return of her adopted father, Lt. Col. David R. Leppelmeier, commanding officer, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, April 28. The puppy was a gift to the 'Rhinos' of MWSS-374 from 3rd MAW commanding general, Maj. Gen. James F. Amos. Photo by: Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.

	Lt. Col. David R. Leppelmeier, commanding officer, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, says hello to his 'little friend', Melissa, before heading to an early morning meeting, April 28. According to Leppelmeier, the puppy, which was a gift from the 3rd MAW commanding general, Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, has helped boost the morale of the entire unit in only a short amount of time. Photo by: Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.

	Lance Cpl. Pamela M. O'Donnell, operations clerk, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, finds out very quickly that Melissa is a real 'chow hound', April 29. The 24-year-old native of New York City said that the puppy is a happy addition to the 'Rhino' family. The 11-week-old mascot, a gift from the 3rd MAW commanding general, Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, brings a touch of home to many of the Marines and Sailors serving in Al Taqqadum, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by: Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.

	Melissa, named after the Army specialist who saved her life, is the newest addition to the 'Rhinos' of Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The 11-week-old MWSS-374 mascot, a gift from the 3rd MAW commanding general, Maj. Gen. James F. Amos, brings a touch of home to many of the Marines and Sailors serving in Al Taqqadum, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by: Staff Sgt. Houston F. White Jr.

	Luci continues to settle into her role as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing mascot in Al Asad, Iraq, May 2. The courageous pooch credited with saving American lives is the mother of Melissa, the new mascot of Marine Wing Support Squadron 374, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd MAW. Photo by: Sgt. David M. Walsh

I've been monitoring this from afar....

read from the bottom up...below are some of the emails leading up to Luci the Dog's (LTC) relocation from an All Hands email list I'm on..
Marines are definitely a dogs best friend :)

From: Seamus Garrahy
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 9:12 AM
To: Garrahy Seamus
Subject: Fw: RE: Package Delivered

All Hands:

I am very happy to put this e-mail on an All Hands.

Below is the termination of Operation LTD and Co. Lucie and Melissa arrived
at 0230 (2:30 AM) EDT in the strong and gentle arms of the 3rd Marine Air
Wing.

Well done to all the Army personnel who saved Lucie and her pup, and well
done to Gen Amos, Col Hawkins, and their Marines for caring about a little
dog and her pup in a war zone.

The e-mails below give the play by play and read from the bottom, up.

I am sure there will be photos coming soon. I have removed the Army names per their request.

Thanks you all and Semper Fi,

Seamus
Marines Only: www.gunghosauce.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Hawkins Col Mantford C"
Cc: "Amos MajGen James F"; "Amos Mrs Bonnie"
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 2:33 AM
Subject: RE: RE: Package Delivered

Awesome! I saw the girls this morning -- pup playing in the court yard (across the street from where I work) with Marines surrounding, smiles all around. LTD watching carefully in overwatch. Good for the Marines, good for the girls. Semper Fidelis, Gator

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 9:59
To: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Cc: Amos MajGen James F; Amos Mrs Bonnie
Subject: Re: RE: Package Delivered

Sir,
Glad to hear LTD and Co. made it safe and sound to their final destination.
With the info you just provided, I am glad SPC Cress was so pushy with the crew because they weren't going to take the transport palace until she insisted and showed them the credentials on the side of the crate. Plus, once the crew saw the puppy, we owned 'em. I am glad this story has a happy ending. Once my team is in place at TQ they will be happy to spay the puppy when she is older assuming that is what MG Amos wants.
If you require anything else, please don't hesitate to ask.
Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2004 8:40 am
Subject: RE: Package Delivered

We got 'em. Absolutely perfect that they did not know, that means that we did this perfectly - although I do wonder at that. The crews were on a combat mission and had no reason to know anything other than they were taking care of Marines and fighting hard into Baghdad and out. Oh by the way, what a nice gift and surprise that they had a part to play in the "greater good." Marines are so adaptable that once they saw the transportpalace, the USMC seal and the all important name on the side, we were in there. No worries Scott, Marines are the most romantic creatures on the planet. This was a done deal once we got the war to align with our canine timing. You did great, thanks. Semper Fidelis, Gator

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Thursday, April 08, 2004 1:19
To: Amos MajGen James F
Cc: Hawkins Col Mantford C; Seamus Garrahy
Subject: Package Delivered

Sir,
Two chinooks landed at 31st CSH at 2330 hrs. My techs brought the dogs to the helos, but the crew was unaware they were picking up LTD and Co. as part of their stop. They took the dogs anyway and said they were heading to TQ and Al Asad. I am assuming one of these is your location? If not, the cage is at least labeled with your name so they should reach you nonetheless.
Please email me confirming receipt of LTD and Co.

My techs earned their combat patches tonight. We had 4 mortar rounds land not far from the CSH and they bravely held their position until the chinooks arrived. They are now back safely at our compound.
If we can be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
I am glad I was able to fulfill the role of "Gentle Doctor" as veterinarians are known for Lucie's and her pup's sake. This will forever remain a high light of my tour here in Iraq.
Airborne All the Way!

----- Original Message -----
From: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2004 10:05 pm
Subject: RE: Almost there

Thanks for the nice words Scott, and thanks for your wife's work in Fallujah as well. Fallujah is tough country, but the boys will do what has to be done. Thanks for your seemingly endless patience. Gator

-----Original Message-----
From: Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 22:50
To: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Subject: Re: Almost there

Sir,
No worries, we understand that you all have a lot on your hands right now with the mess in Fallujah. I hope the Marines get rid of those S.O.B.scausing this terror once and for all. I am an airborne guy from Ft. Bragg, but I don't think the 82nd took care of business as well as they could have.
Although to their credit they paid more than their fair share of dues. My wife was in Fallujah as a nurse with the 82nd FSB and she saw a lot of fine young men die. I hope and pray the Marines don't suffer many more casualties before this operation is finally over.
My techs remain in place to meet your helos with LTD and Co.
Hope you and your folks stay safe,

----- Original Message -----
From: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2004 9:40 pm
Subject: Almost there

Great, sorry for the delay, we wish we didn't have to do what is being done for more reasons than just being late. Gator

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 22:28
To: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Subject: Re: RE: RE: RE: RE: Mission Scrubbed?

Sir,
My folks just called and asked if the helos were coming. I
will call them and give them the update.
Thanks,

-----Original Message-----
From: Seamus Garrahy
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 11:32 AM
To: Garrahy Seamus
Subject: Fw: RE: RE: Mission Scrubbed?
Importance: High

All hands:

On a happier note, after 12 Killed In Action and many casualties in Iraq yesterday, here is the latest on Operation LTD (Lucie the Dog) and her puppy.

This is what an Operation Order, spelled out on e-mail, looks like. The internet is more reliable that the phone system in Iraq. Lucie and Melissa will ride back to 3rd Marine Air Wing on a medical evacuation helicopter that has carried casualties to a medical aid station.

I have blocked out the Army players in this Operation by their request.
"jfa" is Major General James F. Amos, Commanding General of 3rdMAW.

This reads from the bottom up.

Semper Fi, God Bless you and your Marines, General, and thank you for LTD,

Seamus

----- Original Message -----
From: "Amos MajGen James F"
"'Seamus Garrahy'"
Cc: "Hawkins Col Mantford C"
; "Amos Mrs Bonnie"
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 10:59 AM
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Mission Scrubbed?

OOOORRRRAAAAHHHH!!!! This is a no fail mission. Keep me posted....

Seamus and Doc....brace yourselves...Operation LTD in final planning stage...execution to follow.

semper fidelis

jfa

-----Original Message-----
From: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 7:24 AM
To: Amos MajGen James F; 'scott.bormanis;
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Mission Scrubbed?

All,

Operation Lucy The Dog (LTD) is a go at 2100D local time at 31st CSH South.
At 2100 we will be landing two USMC helicopters to drop off a patient.
Will be looking for LTD there at that time. I will advise if the timing changes, but as of now, the Operation is a go. Semper Fidelis, Gator

-----Original Message-----
From: Amos MajGen James F
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 18:46
Cc: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Mission Scrubbed?

OK Melissa...got it...working on it now...will get back to you shortly
semper fidelis

jfa

-----Original Message-----
From: Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 5:12 AM
To: Amos MajGen James F
Cc: Hawkins Col Mantford C
Subject: Re: RE: RE: Mission Scrubbed?

Sir,
Here is SPC Cress' email in case I am away from the computer when you send us the "green light go!"
Thanks,

----- Original Message -----
From: Amos MajGen James F
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2004 4:01 pm
Subject: RE: RE: Mission Scrubbed?

Scott.,...when you come back on this matter pls add Col Hawkins to your answer to me...thanks

-----Original Message-----
From: Amos MajGen James F
Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 5:00 AM
Hawkins Col Mantford C
Subject: RE: RE: Mission Scrubbed?
Importance: High

...are you up and ready to move LTD in event we get a CASEVAC into CSH?
I have added my Battle Capt Col Mant Hawkins on this as well since he is the guy who has total SA on my flights.

semper fidelis

jfa

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 8:18 AM
To: Amos MajGen James F
Subject: Re: RE: Mission Scrubbed?

Sir,
We are 5-10 minutes from the CSH so we can be there in a jiffy if you have a bird coming in still tonite. I wish we could use the phones because that would make coordination easier, but we have had no success getting thru to your number. I will periodically check my email tonite for word from you on possible link ups. If not, then we can try again tomorrow.
Thanks again and I hope your folks get the bad guys and stop taking casualties. My prayers are with you and the fine Marines serving so well out west.
Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: Amos MajGen James F
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2004 6:09 pm
Subject: RE: Mission Scrubbed?

Scott...you are right about the birds flying in and out of there quickly. We didn't get to my last bird via radio soon enough before he landed.
So....don't know what time you all pull out of there in the
evening but we may well have another one or two birds in there based on how things have been going today. How far away are you located? Don't want to make this hard as we can no doubt make this happen tomorrow if that is better for you. I just can't tell you when the next one will come up...could be in a hour...30 mins or not at all tonite.

semper fidelis

jfa

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Tuesday, April 06, 2004 6:49 AM
To: Amos MajGen James F
Subject: Mission Scrubbed?

Sir,
My techs waited at the CSH for an hour and only saw one
blackhawk.
Enroute to the CSH my techs saw one chinook overhead, but when they got to the CSH, it was already gone. They spoke with some folks at the CSH who told them that there are so many casualties right now that the birds are going back and forth bringing patients in and out and either have no room for cargo or are not going to your location. Should we keep trying or do you want to try again tomorrow?
Awaiting your guidance,

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