From the General: Letter from MajGen James Mattis to Military families

e-mail | 04/13/04 | MajGen James Mattis

[RaceBannon]

This is a letter, reprinted with permission, from Major General James Mattis, the Commanding officer of the 1st MEF in Iraq.

The General and I served on the same ship off Iran in 1980 when I was a young Corporal and he was a young Captain. I was not one of his troops, but I still keep in touch with some men that were.

He is highly spoken of, and his record since 9/11 is exemplary.

[RaceBannon]

From: Mattis MajGen James N Subject: Update

Dear Xxxxxxx: Wanted to provide you some information in our attempts to Keep you and our ladies informed. The days fly by out here, and for all the improved living conditions compared to last year's deployment into Iraq, The tempo of our operations across our far-flung area is consistently high.

That said, if there is one message that I need to convey, it is the unrelenting high spirits of our Sailors, Soldiers and Marines. They are undeterred by the harshness of the fighting and the casualties amongst their comrades. They clearly convey a greater appreciation of their life and of the love that they share with their families, that does so much to sustain them as we move forward in this test of wills between us and the enemy.

The connection with home -- with their reasons for being here now engaged in this fight -- are seen in the pictures of you, their wives, children, siblings, parents and friends that they carry in their helmets, pockets, notebooks and Bibles.

Their faith remains strong and serves as the bulwark that it always is, and their humor is clearly intact as their smiles greet me on my rounds. While they dearly miss home, the already strong bonds with each other out here have grown even stronger, and together we will come through all this. Our operations have seen many successes, from 7th Marines' dispersed Units across the western desert and along the Euphrates River, to the provincial capital of Ramadi, and even into the contentious eastern zone where the elements of 1st Marines move against the enemy strengths in Fallouja and adjacent areas.

The casualties have been heartbreaking, yet nothing is weakening our Marines' resolve. Daily we grow stronger and the enemy grows weaker. In the complex environment in which we operate, the Marines' generosity of spirit, their guardianship of their buddies, and their steadfastness in the face of adversity are the things that will ultimately build our families, our communities and our Nation into even greater examples of all that is good. The character of these fine young warriors is something to behold as I get to see each day. Yet I recognize that you don't get to see this reassuring presence and the best I can do is to try to articulate their strengths with these few awkward words.

I hope that you hear from your loved ones through letters or maybe e-mail or perhaps an occasional phone call so you can know what I see every day. The enemy has surged recently, and the alarm in the newspapers and on TV That accompanies such activities must be very worrisome to you and to all our families. Rest assured that there is no pressure on us to act hastily or move faster in our operations than we believe is prudent -- no one is pushing us to do things that require us to sacrifice good judgment.

We Are methodical in our approach, first getting the best possible information, then setting up the best possible support for each operation, and only then prosecuting our mission, but with keen attention to any possible enemy surprise. Coupled with the prayers and support of you at home – you who represent to us what really matters in this world -- we could not be in better company as we fight. Please take care of each other and know that our high spirits and Deepest prayers are with every one of you. Please give my best to all the ladies back there and tell them I cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for us. Sincerely, Jim

[RaceBannon]

While deployed on the Okinawa, I used to kick-box a half-Japanese captain, a CH-53 Pilot named John Houston.

General Mattis remembers those nights, commenting to me once in an e-mail that it was humorous to see us beat each other up, there was not much for entertainment!

So far, the two top commanders of each phase of this war served with me on the Okinawa that year, 1980.

The two men were Col Andy Frick, the MEU Commander in the first Marine entrance into Afghanistan in 201, and MajGen Mattis, who lead the assault as the top Marine Commander into Iraq last year, and again taking over the duties as the Commanding General of the 1st MEF in Iraq today.

[RaceBannon]

Here is the letter, reprinted with permission

[Just Lori]

We Are methodical in our approach, first getting the best possible information, then setting up the best possible support for each operation, and only then prosecuting our mission, but with keen attention to any possible enemy surprise. Coupled with the prayers and support of you at home – you who represent to us what really matters in this world -- we could not be in better company as we fight. Please take care of each other and know that our high spirits and Deepest prayers are with every one of you. Please give my best to all the ladies back there and tell them I cannot thank them enough for all that they have done for us. Sincerely, Jim


We thank you so very much for all you are doing, and we pray for you every day. You are all so very special to those of us who are truly Americans. Don't worry about what you see or hear on the mainstream media. We are so very weary of those people. Please ignore them.

P.S.: I fell in love with an Airman. It was a long distance love, at first (2000+ miles). We started with letters (after a meeting in person at a party neither of us wanted to go to, while he was on leave in my home town) Neither of us had ever been married, but we were in our late 30's. Anyway, letters turned to long distance phone calls. He was working the grave shift, and we would talk every night just before he went to work (just before I went to sleep). I felt truly "tucked in" as I lay in my lonely bed when he said: "Sleep tight. Your Air Force is awake." Wow. I had never thought of it that way. MY Air Force.

Well, it's the truth. As an American, it is YOUR Air Force, YOUR Army, YOUR Marines, YOUR Coast guard, YOUR Navy, the very life blood of our freedom who watches over you, day and night. Sleep tight.... they're ALL awake! And never ever take them (or your freedom) for granted.

[RaceBannon]

The General has been sent this link to this page, and will most likely read it just to see who says hello, so, lets all say hello!

And if he or a subordinate posts, ask them what he remembers about me kick-boxing. :) I was just a newbie at it all, he thought it was kind of comical, any port in a storm for entertainment when you are in the Arabian Sea for 53 days without liberty!

[NormsRevenge]

Support Out Troops! BUMP

[Taxman]

Thanks for the post, Race.

Thanks for allowing Race to post your letter, General.

And thanks to you and all in your Command (and all military men and women) for your steadfast service to America and the cause of FReedom.

[RaceBannon]

Major General J. N. Mattis, U.S. Marines

March 2003
1st Marine Division (REIN) Commanding General's Message to All Hands
For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped, and murdered the Iraqi people; invaded neighboring countries without provocation; and threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to end his reign of terror. On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind.

When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression.

Chemical attack, treachery, and use of the innocent as human shields can be expected, as can other unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the hunter, not the hunted: never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down. Use good judgment and act in the best interests of our Nation.

You are part of the world's most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit.

For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in past battles—who fought for life and never lost their nerve—carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine.

Major General J. N. Mattis, U.S. Marines



Official Biography
Major General
James N. Mattis
Commanding General, 1st Marine Division

Major General James N. Mattis is currently serving as the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division. He assumed his current assignment on 2 August 2002.

As a Lieutenant, he served as a rifle and weapons platoon commander in the 3d Marine Division. As a Captain, he commanded a rifle company and a weapons company in the 1st Marine Brigade. As a Major, he commanded RS Portland. As a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, one of Task Force Ripper's assault battalions in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. As a Colonel, he commanded 7th Marines (Reinforced). As a Brigadier General, he commanded 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and then Task Force 58, during operations in southern Afghanistan.

He is a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the National War College.

(Biography Revised Oct 30, 2002)
source: USMC Web site

[LucyJo]

Thanks so much to General Mattis for permission to post his letter, and to you for posting it, Race.

Just want to take this opportunity to tell him and all of our beloved troops how very appreciative my family is for the protection they are providing us, and for the sacrifices they are making on our behalf. My heart is so full of feelings that I don't have words to express. Just know that we love each of you and pray without ceasing for you and your families, General Mattis. God bless, guide, and protect you all. May good prevail, and freedom ring!

[RaceBannon]

Tuesday, April 13, 2004


Back in Iraq: 1st Marine Division returns ready to rebuild


By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Sunday, March 21, 2004



Kent Harris / S&S

Maj. Gen. Charles Swannack and Command Sgt. Maj. Wolf Amacker carefully roll up the colors of the 82nd Airborne Division on Saturday as the soldiers gave way in western Iraq to the 1st Marine Division.


Kent Harris / S&S

Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz, deputy commander of Joint Task Force-7, Maj. Gen. James Mattis and Maj. Gen. Charles Swannack stare at the colors Saturday during a transfer of authority ceremony in Ramadi, Iraq. Mattis, the commander of the 1st Marine Division, took control of western Iraq from Swannack, the Army's 82nd Airborne Division commander.

RAMADI, Iraq — On March 20, 2003, the 1st Marine Division crossed the Kuwaiti border and rapidly made its way north alongside British allies into Iraq.

A year later, the heavily decorated unit from Camp Pendleton, Calif., took authority over one of the most contentious regions in the country. Marine Maj. Gen. James Mattis is now the top coalition commander in Multinational Division-West, taking over Saturday for Army Maj. Gen. Charles Swannack, the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division.

For the Marines, who left the country in the fall only to return half a year later, Iraq is familiar territory. Almost two-thirds of the force served in the country last year.

Mattis said that experience “is invaluable,” especially for junior leaders. “These young corporals and sergeants make the difference.”

He said the region itself is different from what it was when his Marines left, and he gave credit for that to the 82nd, which ran MND-West for the last seven months.

Mattis said his Marines initially faced a “repressive government regime we were trying to tear down. This time, we’re trying to build up.”

Since Task Force All-American took over operations in Al Anbar province, 68 American servicemembers lost their lives and so did hundreds of Iraqis — many of them serving in the fledgling security forces.

In his remarks during the transfer of authority ceremony, Swannack paid tribute to those who gave their lives as well as to the more than 500 servicemembers who were injured. He said their sacrifices helped make the region a better place for the Iraqi people.

“We can be justifiably proud we have set the people of Iraq in this region on a new course,” he said.

For his part, Mattis told the Iraqi dignitaries attending: “I have confidence that we can work together for Iraq’s future and for the good of your children.”

After the ceremony, he said that those who resort to violence won’t be a part of that future.

“Those who want to fight ... they’ll regret it,” Mattis said. “We’ll handle them roughly.”

Both commanders said the two divisions have plenty in common.

Swannack said that airborne soldiers often jump into a hostile area, while the Marines take boats. But once in theater, “we’re both here doing infantry tasks.”

Both divisions have been heavily deployed since Sept. 11, 2001. While the Marines begin their second stints in Iraq, no other unit in the military has been as busy as the 82nd, with continuous missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In fact, when the division’s last brigade heads back to the States in early April, Swannack said it will mark the first time in his command that he’s had all his soldiers at Fort Bragg, N.C., at the same time.

With the Army’s current missions, he doesn’t expect that to last for long.

Much of the division needs to regain jump status, and artillery units need to retrain as well, he said. Both of those operations could take months.

Still, he expects to have a brigade’s worth of troops ready to deploy anywhere by May 7.

Mattis said his Marines took advantage of their brief time back in the States to train as well. Units went through weeks of courses on language and culture to try to help them better understand the Iraqi people.

He said Marines would interact with local residents constantly and learn more about them along the way. Knowing their mission is making a difference for those people will give his troops “a sense of purpose that keeps morale high.”

The Marines actually will have more troops in the region than the 82nd had in their task force, with an increase to around 22,000 from about 18,000. Mattis said some of the Marines who just arrived in Iraq would rotate out in seven months. The Pentagon has yet to announce a schedule following the current rotation, which is still taking place.

[RaceBannon]

Corrected photo link

PhotoID: 200432465138
Submitted by: 1st Marine Division
Operation/Exercise/Event:
IMEFOPS

Caption: Maj. Gen. James N. Mattis, commanding general of 1st Marine Division, and Sgt. Maj. Wayne R. Bell, the division sergeant major, uncase the "Blue Diamond's" colors during a relief in place ceremony here March 20. The Camp Pendleton, California-based unit relieved the Army's 82nd Airborne Division of its duties in this war-torn country. In all, nearly 20,000 Marines will conduct security and stabilization operations in the region to turn over full power of Iraq to its citizens.

(Official USMC photo by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald) Photo by: Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

[LucyJo]

Y'all may have seen this thread already, but I didn't think you'd mind if I pinged you just in case you haven't, so you could ping others.

[TrueBeliever9]

Thanks for posting this. I am going to send this thread to my son (US Marine Corps). I am praying Psalms 54 & 91 for the U.S. Marine Corps daily. The LORD God of Hosts keep them in the palm of His Hand.

[RaceBannon]

PhotoID: 200432471011
Submitted by: 1st Marine Division
Operation/Exercise/Event:
IMEFOPS


Caption:
From left to right, Army Lt. Gen. Thomas F.
Metz, Army Maj. Gen. Charles H. Swannack Jr., and Marine Maj. Gen. James N. Mattis stand at attention during a relief in place ceremony here March 20. Metz, commander of the U.S.
Army's 3rd Corps, presided over the ceremony where Mattis, commanding general of 1st Marine Division, formally relieved Swannack, commander of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. The 82nd Airborne Division served here throughout the past year. In all, nearly 20,000 Marines will work closely with the Iraqi people conducting security and stabilization
operations in order to turn over full power of Iraq to its citizens.
(Official USMC photo by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald)

Photo by: Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

Read Story Associated with this photo

Date the Photo was taken:04/20/2004

This Image has been cleared for release.

A high & low resolution version of this photo is attached below

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RIP3lr.jpg

RIP3.jpg

[Abigail Adams]

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brave troops in Iraq! We appreciate what you are doing for our great country and for a free Iraq. We love you guys!

We "adopted" a soldier from the 1MHG Force Protection. Would he be part of the group operating near Falluja? We've written him a letter but haven't heard back from him yet. Maybe he's kinda busy right now? ;-)

[RaceBannon]

I think Psalm 18 is a good one for a warrior, also!

[GopherIt]

Salute to you Taxman (gag!), and I know of your service, and yours, Race. Thanks for bringing this thread from Major General Mattis. From a recently retired old Army guy, I know that the General will agree that we are graced to know in these days the finest young men and women who have ever served in uniform, who are fit to be among those who carried America's cause from the beginnings. The families of Patriots are patriots, and back here holding the rear. So God speed you to victory and to home.

[RaceBannon]

Marines press on throughout Iraq (Photo Essay)
Submitted by: I Marine Expeditionary Force
Story Identification Number: 20034603731
Story by Sgt. Joseph R. Chenelly



MARINE COMBAT HEADQUARTERS, Iraq(March 30, 2003) -- First Marine Expeditionary Force is engaged in combat operations throughout Iraq.

The following photographs were taken March 30. These images, except those of the generals, were shot from a helicopter.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/0/edf00b18d4e3032285256d00001ee654?OpenDocument

While they still sacrifice, here is a short photo essay on the sacrifices of last year.

[wilmington2]

The cure for terrorism is success in Iraq? Why because the terrorists are a negative spirit and you members of the coalition armed forces are giving birth to some sort of democracy which is a birth of hope.Hope creates a future. It is hope that will motivate the Iraqi people.