Marines Give Insurgents No Time For Rest

Defend America News ^ | Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran

[SandRat]

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David J. Spicer looks through an Iraqi's truck while conducting a snap vehicle checkpoint near Gharmah, Iraq. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment conducted snap VCPs to try to catch insurgents moving supplies. The VCPs restrict the insurgents' abilities to gain free movement in the region. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran
Marines Give Insurgents No Time For Rest
U.S. Marines patrol Gharmah, Iraq to disrupt insurgent activity and interdict insurgents and weapons.
By U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran GHARMAH, Iraq, Aug. 16, 2006 -- Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, are demonstrating to insurgents there is no safe passage through their area of operations. Marines from the battalion’s Weapons Company performed mounted and dismounted patrols in Gharmah, Aug. 10, to interrupt insurgents moving in the area. The aim was to disrupt insurgent activity, interdict insurgents and weapons being transported through the area and maintain security in the region. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David J. Spicer climbs down from a truck after inspecting its load. Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, conducted snap vehicle checkpoints to interdict insurgents attempting to move weapons in the region. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran “Vehicle checkpoints are important because, although, we don’t always catch people, it shows we are out here,” said Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Upton, a 20-year-old assaultman from Mooresville, N.C. “We’re still constricting the flow of supplies from the north to the south.” Marines stopped vehicles along a road in the area, searching the drivers and passengers. At the same time, Marines checked every corner of the vehicle – peeking under hood, into trunks and even in the fold in seat cushions – for hidden weapons or insurgent paraphernalia. Most times, searches went without incident. Identifications were returned. Marines thanked the Iraqis for their patience and they were sent on their way. Still there was one intense moment One Iraqi driver approached the checkpoint and stopped his car. He hesitated a moment, drove in reverse and stopped once more. Then he approached the checkpoint one more time, passing the first Marines guarding the checkpoint. U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tim C. Stellhorn pats down an Iraqi man during a vehicle checkpoint. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran	U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Upton peers into a vehicle before he checks it more in depth. Marines of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 conducted snap vehicle checkpoints to interdict insurgents attempting to move weapons into the region. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran Another Marine grabbed a signal flare and shot it over the top the Iraqi’s truck. He stopped immediately as Marines approached the truck. The vehicle was inspected and nothing was found. The driver told Marines he was in a hurry. “Popping the pop-up was the right thing to do,” said Sgt. Tim C. Stellhorn, a 23-year-old section leader from Batlimore. “It was the correct step in the escalation of force.” The outcome could have been worse for the driver but the Marines did not lose their nerve. They kept their composure, holding their fire and keeping an innocent Iraqi from getting harmed. “They did what they were trained to do,” said Gunnery Sgt. Shawn M. Dempsey, a 33-year-old platoon commander from Jersey City, N.J. Marines collapsed the checkpoint and moved along into the city to patrol through the maze of buildings. They stopped to search homes and speak to Iraqis, learning of their needs and concerns and asking about insurgent activity in the region. Dempsey said he planned to continue conducting checkpoints to interfere with insurgents’ plans. The checkpoints and patrols, he explained, remind the insurgents Marines are always on the prowl, never allowing the insurgents a chance to get established and launch attacks against Marines, Iraqi Security Forces and terrorize local residents. “I think checkpoints are effective as long as we don’t set a routine,”Dempsey said. Stellhorn said he was pleased with his Marines’ actions from the day’s activities. He said they kept their wits about them and maintained their awareness despite the heat and long hours of walking through the city. “The patrol went well,” Stellhorn said. “The VCP’s looked good. The Marines are tired but they are working real hard.” The battalion is serving with Regimental Combat Team 5 near Fallujah.

[SandRat]

Marines' give NO REST FOR THE WICKED!

[Man50D]

Where's the ACLU?

[SandRat]

slithering under a rock?

[Naplm]

Thanks for the post, My son is with Echo 2/8 in Iraq (his 3rd deployment in the WOT)
Semper Fi

[Man50D]

Wow! They've improved!

[Carl LaFong]

Give 'em steel , boys.

[LibLieSlayer]

GOD bless him for serving, and GOD bless you for having such a fine American Hero for a son!

LLS

[Stultis]

I'd bet nearly 100 percent of those stopped at the checkpoints are Arabs. This RACIAL PROFILING must stop! (Do I actually need sarcasm tags?)

[Go Army.com]

I bet if John MuRATtha came through, he would find the Marines not as respectful of his "war hero" status as he might think.

Handcuffs and face down in the dirt while his vehicle was being searched. Cant be too careful and you know how dangerous old white men can be, dont want to profile any group.

[butternut_squash_bisque]

God Bless Your Son, N, and God Bless You!

[bmwcyle]

God Bless them all

[Naplm]

Thanks, i will pass it along.

FR is a great resource for family of deployed troops. All the news in one place!