27 Oct 06 - Homecoming

The Corner
Homecoming was over whelming for all the Marines and Sailors to say the least. Never in my 22 years as a Marine have I seen anything of that magnitude. We had escorts of every police vehicle from the Massachusetts state police to police officers from every township in Connecticut on the way to Hartford. The signs and riders escorting us went on for miles. With that I will be paying my respects by writing a proper Fallujah Courant article which will be printed in the Nov 6th edition of the Hartford Courant. I do not want to miss any of the details of what happened or what it meant to the Marines, Sailors, or myself. I hope for it to be my best work yet as it was definitely the best support yet by everyone. With that I'm off to put my sons to bed as they need my attention now.

1stSgt Grainger Americantology TM
For Love of Country
.
My e-mail is coming to an end on this address. You may continue to reach me at firstsgtgrainger@yahoo.com . I may not be able to respond right away
1stSgt Grainger Americantology TM
For Love of Country

15 Oct 06 - In Kuwait!

Daily Life Corner - In Kuwait!

All of Charlie Company has Reached Kuwait!! The last plane load of us arrived in the country last night. All of H&S was here and it seems Alpha has moved on to better places (The US) as they were all here before us. The remaining companies were all flying in also simultaneously so I am not for sure they all landed at this time. We had aircraft flying throughout the day and night. You could sense the excitement in all the Marines and sailors as they walked on Iraqi soil for the last time and into the back of the C130"s. I am sure the phones at home have been ringing as we are at last near a normal phone system. They are getting closer, and I am sure you can sense the excitement back there just as we do here

The Corner

As I got to finally read some more e-mails today I read one from a good friend, Reverend Liz, mentioning Americantology coming home and how fitting that was. I pondered it myself and thought how ironic that it would be returning to the original 13 colonies, the birthplace of a revolution and America. How much more patriotic can it get. It is like the rebirth of the American spirit in a sense. Here we have the original 13 colonies (and a few more) represented, in a place where a revolution of independence of their own is under way to speak. Americantology, born from a revolution of sorts, by Marines of the original 13 colonies and brought home to new England. All I need now is a big bell. I guess history does tend to repeat itself for the American spirit is alive and well.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country

My e-mail is coming to an end on this address. You may continue to reach me at firstsgtgrainger@yahoo.com . I may not be able to respond right away


1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country
Regardless of your view or party, if you have not registered to vote, you are wrong. You don't vote you don't get to talk trash.


Alpha Company - I think in CA
Bravo Company - In Kuwait mostly.
Weapons Company -.In Kuwait mostly
H&S Company - In Kuwait


Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN, CO have read the Blog!!

Countries - Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq, Egypt have read our Courant

Flags flying from - CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, "Conch Republic" in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH, Trinidad



1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

9 Oct 06 - Resting up for the ride

The Corner - Resting up for the ride

The Marines have been resting up and packing gear at Baharia. A little fattening up also going on. Some of the companies have left and the rest are not far behind. We all look back and have many memories to ponder as we sit here. From the time we were joined by the 2/25 Marines to getting on the plane to leave. Some of you have asked for me to mention 2/25 Marines more often, but what you don't realize is I have as we have all been Charlie Company. Every story I wrote was about Charlie Company not 1/25 or 2/25 or really even a place we are from. We have ate togehter, bled together, and died together. There is no seperation of units or families for we are all as one and forever more will be. There maybe a line on a map that seperates Connecticut and New Jersey or the many other states that make Charlie Company but in our hearts and now by blood we are all one. They that would call themselves a family memeber of any Marine that has made up Charlie are now what makes up Charlie Company forever more just as I am sure all of Charlie is also now Golf. I will be going to the 2/25 ball as it is proper that every Marine attends and as I feel I am a memeber of Golf company I would not dare miss it. In this we will soon be in California where the Marines will form up to go back to their states and drill centers. 2/25 can be proud that it's Marines have performed above all expectations of any Marine unit in Iraq. NJ and the other states of 2/25 can stand proud of their Marines and should be ready to welcome them back, to a heros welcome, soon.
They are all out getting sunburned right now and catching up on everything from sleep to chow. Poor Marines don't realize they will soon be raking leaves and shoveling snow! I will get another update out when I can. See you all at one of the Marine Corps balls

You may continue to reach me at firstsgtgrainger@yahoo.com . I may not be ab

Charlie Company will be the last out of Iraq. I will let you know when they are all out.

The High Ground, your flag will be sent shortly, it is safely packed now.
Ma Tyler, he got the message.


1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country
Regardless of your view or party, if you have not registered to vote, you are wrong. You don't vote you don't get to talk trash.


Alpha Company - Enjoying Kuwait.
Bravo Company - Close Behind
Charlie Company - Only a few more days or so
Weapons Company -.Only a few more days or so.
H&S Company - Most are enjoying Kuwait.
PSD - Back to their companies


Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN, CO have read the Blog!!

Countries - Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq have read our Courant Egypt carries the blog!

Flags flying from - CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, "Conch Republic" in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH, Trinidad



1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

6 Oct 06 - Last Song

The Corner - Turn the page, is the last song in this sequence.

This is the song that say’s it all. I have written my own version that I will put out one day. I know what the content of the song meant for Bob but for us it had a semblance in a different way. But being on the road, away from your family and just wanting to turn the final page on this chapter of Fallujah. The book is now closed and put on a shelf. The Company Commander and myself have taken down our colors and left the city and all of your Marines are out. The insurgents wanted the city back in a bad way, but we did not let them have it. It is our city and the people of Fallujah’s city. The book will sit on a shelf to be opened if needed, but many of them will just collect dust as they lay there closed. We have tuned the final page and it is all behind us now. Your Marines and Sailors are coming home.


1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country


Daily Life Corner

I will try to pass any last e-mails from remote locations that I can on the trek back. I have Tom from the Hartford Courant with us so be on the look out at the Hartford courant site for any news that I can pass.

I am trying to acquire time and location on our NJ Marines return reception location. Please keep in mind that flight stuff is still scheduled to change at a notice and has not been set 100% yet.

I have sent an e-mail to a friend to see if we can have the Corpsmen routed with us vice the normal way they have to go. I will do what I can for the Corpsmen wives but cannot guarantee anything.

firstsgtgrainger@yahoo.com may be my only contact now.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country
Regardless of your view or party, if you have not registered to vote, you are wrong. You don’t vote you don’t get to talk trash.



Send any care packages you wish to send to the new Guys at;
1stSgt Munro
Co C 1/24
Unit 43595
FPO AP 96426-3595
They will have their won support next work so they will get stuff


Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN, CO have read the Blog!!

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq have read our Courant

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH, Trinidad



1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

4 Oct 06 - Last Americantology sermon

The Corner - Last Americantology sermon

Well most of your Marines have moved out of the Holiday Inn Express and by tomorrow there will be less than a dozen of us left. The CO and I will be the last to go at some point later. We will remove our colors that we put up in March, for the last time, and pass the keys of the city to the new tenants. We have left all we had on the streets of Fallujah in trying to make this place better. Each Marine and sailor gave it his all. Most of the Marines have moved to Baharia now, a camp with real food three times a day and all the showers you can take, no gear needs to be worn to go to the bathroom or anywhere else to say the least. The thought of walking around in daylight without full gear has its own sort of appeal. We will walk around Uday’s lake and feel something that no one ever felt when Uday occupied that place, safe. It will still be a little while before we make it all the way home but we are not far away from being back in New England as a whole. Not much has come out of Fallujah on the news channels or papers, I am not sure if that is because no one but the Hartford Courant would dare come here or the TV stations and other reporters were just to scared to come out. Here is what they might have reported over the last seven months; The Good, Schools opening every where more power and facilities than they had under Saddam, oh yea and freedom to do what ever they want or to say what ever they want. Did I mention elections to vote for who ever they like. The Bad, intimidation of citizens, destroying infrastructure we build for them, preventing of their own economy from taking off. The Ugly, killing 8 kids playing soccer with an IED just to try and hit one of our vehicles, cutting off of local policemen’s heads, killing women and children as intimidation to the locals, suicide bombers.

We played our last Americantology sermon the other night. Tom from the Courant was here with us as we lit our last cigars and remembered Capt Letendre, LCpl Dechen, Cpl Pierson, and LCpl Cosgrove. They were the spirit of America. They were the reason we created Americantology as they loved America. We all love our country and what it stands for. From the Rocky Mountains and Mount Rushmore to the Grand Canyon and the Alamo. Great Americans who became icons and made a difference like George Washington, Wyatt Earp, Harriet Tubman and John Wayne set the stage for Americanism. There are so many other landmarks and great people that have made our America what it is. Our America where there is only one political party and they are called Americans. Where love of country comes before self as the whole is greater than the one. But the one is just as important as the whole. Were the needs of the people is more important than the needs of the party. We played our patriotic music one last time on that roof top. The little stereo rolled out the speech about America followed by the National Anthem, a short take by Lee Ermey and then the Marines Hymn and Anchors aweigh. That always opened every night on our roof top.

We listen to the words of Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA and Ray Charles’s America rolling across the night towards America as we stare up towards the stars. I don’t think there are two stronger songs about America than those. Nothing makes me more proud to be an American than to hear those.

Many other country and rock songs paying tribute to the greatness of America bellow out and then it gets to four that have a different meaning to them.

Highway to Hell, (Yes I know the band is not American) that was Fran, the main road right through the middle of the city that had to be taken to get to our home the CMOC. The road that almost daily had IED’s and suicide bombers on it. The car parts are still littered along both sides of it. The holes from the artillery shells blackened from the explosions that rocked city. The western bridge patched over and over again from the suicide car bombs how many times they had hit it but they never could take it down.

Paradise City, That would be Fallujah, it can be beautiful with all the Mosque lit up at night with their chants coming out. The sun always seems to set just right with the towers in the foreground it is an incredible site. Yet it can be just as deadly as any pit of vipers.

Knocking on Heavens door, for every time you walk out into the city you wonder through which door way you will be retuning. That is what you feel as you go out and you realize that you could be retuning through the front doors of the CMOC or you could be knocking on the pearly gates before the day is out. Sometimes it is as if you patrolled out to the gates, just to knock on them, waiting to see if today is the day they answer the gates. If no one answers you go back to the CMOC and try again the next day. Everyday you knock until there are no more days to knock as you are either let in or you go home.

Turn the page, is the last in this sequence.
To be continued, as I have hit the wall for the night.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country



Daily Life Corner
There are some photos of Cpl Jeremy Meurice with the kids on the web site that will sum up what we tried to accomplish with them. Just a smile on a face and the thought that not everything was bad. A little happiness is what we tried to give them and Cpl Meurice always spent extra time to do that. Even when he was weighted down with gear he would always ensure he had something for the kids along the route. I think all of the kids would look for him in the patrol of Marines I hopes he was on that one.

The Home Coming will be at the Governors Armory in Hartford for the Marines returning there. Through some hard work of KV’s they were able to secure it. I don’t get into politics but I must acknowledge that Governor Rell has honored all of our fallen whether they were from Connecticut or another state. She acknowledged they were Charlie Company Marines first and foremost and had the state flag lowered, out of respect, for everyone we lost regardless of what state they were from. She has also passed legislation in the past to help Connecticut veterans. Maybe I can get her to join our party, the Americantology Party for America. Anyways that will be the home coming location. I would ask you for your patience, as there will be a lot of people there, and it will be hard for Marines to find families in such a large crowd but they have a system in place to make that a lot easier. The Governor will say a few words as you all wait for our return. We will march in a formation just long enough for us to line up in front of the platoon marked areas, so you can find your loved one easier, and the Company Commander will dismiss the Company. At that point the race is on and you can all have your Marines back.


My e-mail is coming to an end on this address. You may continue to reach me at firstsgtgrainger@yahoo.com . I may not be ab

Group 1 is done and safe now.

Group 2 is 70% safe now.

Holiday Inn is 90% safe now.

The Company Commander and I will be the last. I will let you know when they are all safe.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country

Regardless of your view or party, if you have not registered to vote, you are wrong. You don’t vote you don’t get to talk trash.


Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN, CO have read the Blog!!

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq have read our Courant

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH, Trinidad


Fallujah Fran
He is so far behind in Brownie point she might kill him for us.


1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

2 Oct 06 - Cosgrove

The Corner - Cosgrove

By now you have heard, I’m sure, we have lost another Marine. LCpl Christopher Cosgrove III to be exact. He was the type of Marine that nothing would get him down. He spoke so proudly of his family and fiancé back in Jersey, but then again he was the type of Marine that considered everyone family. He had a nurturing sense to him as he took care of everyone and thought of everyone before himself. Never did I see him when he didn’t have a big grin on his face and give a warm hello from his heart. He was always smiling. In the stress of Iraq people tend to get under each others skin, no one could ever say that about Christopher Cosgrove, every last Marine that knew him loved him. Many a night as I sat tired and burned out Christopher would stop by my sandbagged office, I think just to check on me, he would take a handful of the letters I was working on and answer back to people who had sent Marines Donations. He especially loved answering the kids who would send cards. That was the type of Marine he was though, taking care of even the 1stSgt, his enthusiasm had a way of charging my old batteries back up for another day. What he talked the most about though was going home and getting married to his sweetheart. She was the love of his life. As I packed away his photos last night, to send home, I paused at everyone to put a face to all the stories he had ever told me. You could tell she thought the same of him as they looked so perfect together. There are no answers for the pain they all feel today nor the pain we all feel. Christopher was an example of all of the good things in life and the good things we were trying to do here. He carried the spirit of freedom and happiness for all and never let things get him or those around him down. We can all say we are a better Marine for having served with someone who lived by the Marine Corps virtues of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. We can all say we are better Marines because he genuinely loved us all. New Jersey can stand proud of their Marine who has given his all.

1stSgt Grainger


Daily Life Corner
Tom Brown from the Hartford Courant has joined us again out here in Fallujah. He made it in time for the Last Americantology session we had planned here.


Group 1 is done and safe now.

Group 2 is 50% safe now.

Holiday Inn is 75% safe now.

The Company Commander and I will be the last. I will let you know when they are all safe.


1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country


Regardless of your view or party, if you have not registered to vote, you are wrong. You don’t vote you don’t get to talk trash.


Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN, CO have read the Blog!!


Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq have read our Courant


Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH, Trinidad


1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

29 Sep 06 - Trials and Tribulations

The Corner - Trials and Tribulations

It’s been a tiring few days in the city. The cars are still exploding but everyone is fine. Must be bad carburetors or something. Took doc out with the ambulance and patched up a lot of kids feet from all the broken glass on today’s. Once again a lot of businesses and homes caught in the explosion of another suicide bomber. They continue to set themselves back by hurting their infrastructure as fast as we can help it get established. We followed the blood trails up apartment stairs and found several kids and adults with cuts as every window was blown out all the way up the three story building. Streets and alleys’ were covered with car parts and glass. An engine block about a hundred yards down the road and no semblance of a car other than the thousand parts up and down the roads and across all the sidewalks for about a two block radius. The Humvee that got hit survived quite well remarkably. The equipment we drive and wear has come a long way since the war started in 2003, I can attest to that. Marines are getting shot with large caliber weapons and walking away. Humvees are getting hit with suicide cars, that are totally obliterated, and surviving the blast intact.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country



Daily Life Corner
Tonight I would like to start with thinking the Hartford Courant with passing the word that has put hundreds of families back home at ease during these times. In a time where companies are worried about the bottom dollar, and time and space is money, the Hartford Courant has carried the word of a make shift

Scribbler and donated its space to publish it. I know they have probably lost money, on this one and on me, as we have not put out anything to stop the presses, but they have gained much in all the families that appreciate the little bit of word from the other side of the world. For those of you who may not have families here you may not understand all that hearing a little each day has meant to them. I have heard it though, how it has put a mother at ease or gotten a wife through a day when they were worried or just frustrated with it all, that is why we never stopped putting it out, no matter how tired we were. When the day was ended and the wives were tired from work, the kids, school and soccer with no relief in sight, we tried to bring a few words of comfort to let them know the Marines were fine and that they would be home soon. Many families have survived on these tidbits, from afar, when no other mail could make it out. Their Marines spoke through the Hartford Courant to them and the Hartford Courant brought it to them, from their Marines and sailors. Soon, but not yet, we will be closing the doors of the Fallujah Courant, as this chapter will come to an end. We will get any word to the Hartford Courant we can until we are all home and I have no doubt they will continue to publish it for you as they have always done. I will be the last one home to make sure.

Listen closely to the wind, the next few nights, as we play the last handful of sessions of Americantology on the roof facing to the west. We will be playing for all of you to let you know we are coming home. The whispers this time will be not only for you but for those we have lost. Saturday night, stand outside and look up at the stars, if you have kids take them out with you, as the wind begins to blow from east to west you will hear them calling to you from here letting you know they are coming soon. Right before you go back in, pause for a moment, and if your religion allows, say a prayer for the Marines and Sailors we have lost and their families. Those who gave their all for their country and for us. I still remember when the little 30 watt radio that moved the world made it’s appearance, it seems like so long ago. The Marines still listen to it as they stare up to remember our fallen or to just talk between them. The new Marines have had a dose of Americantology and I must say we have many converts. I will pass it on to them to continue the gospel according to America if they desire to carry it on. How could they not when we all love the same thing, America.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country



The Marines have faced many trial and tribulations out here that are part of the stresses of deployment. I have seen them every deployment I have been on and have yet to deploy when everyone came home to a happy return. What we faced here, stays here, what we return to, for most, is happier than anything you can imagine. There are many new children that were not quite here yet when we left. Some will marry their sweet hearts and some will just be happy to be with family again. But there are those that could not beat the stress of deployment, not the Marines or sailors, but those that waited at home. There will be a few less girlfriends than when we left and a few Marines are returning to divorces this also is inevitable. I have Marines and sailors that may need jobs also. You will find no better person whether he is as an employee or just someone to be with than those who return with me. You have someone who is use to working 7 days a week and about 18 to 20 hours a day ad does not know the word quit until the job is done. If you need a good employee I will have list available shortly after I return, call me and we can match you up with what you’re looking for.

Well as usual I am catching hell lately for working when I am supposed to be down so I am out of here for another night. Someone proof read for me, my crayola just broke.

Regardless of your view or party, if you have not registered to vote, you are wrong. You don’t vote you don’t get to talk trash.



Alpha Company – Highly motivated over there. A lot more motivated when they are sitting at a table with all of you.

Bravo Company – Can’t wait to get home as I talked to may of them Thursday. They are looking forward to coming home to al of you.

Weapons Company –. Get to the website to see the flag that John Callahan made for Weapons Company. It is a work of art to say the least. Weapons Company flew it at there base area.

H&S Company – Doing an incredible job supporting us and getting everything in even better shape for the next crew.

PSD – As always leading the way through the city!



Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN, CO have read the Blog!!

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq have read our Courant

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH, Trinidad


Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
If you have one like mine you’re a hell of a lucky guy. Make sure she knows that.

Fallujah Fran
Did someone hear a back fire.


1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

25 Sep 06 - The Hardest Battle

The Corner - The Hardest battle

We had some civilians get hit by an IED yesterday as one of the battalions patrols went by. No Marines were hurt, but once again these people don’t care if they hurt, kill, or maim their own. The Company Commander, our react force, and Doc and myself with the ambulance ran out once again. We loaded up as many as we could at their hospital that wanted to go. One Iraqi for sure lost his arm probably as there wasn’t much left below the elbow, but Doc worked him enough to keep him alive and stabilized. He had another on the other side of the ambulance who I thought for sure would loose a leg but after surgery we were told they were able to save it. No doubt my Doc probably attributed to saving that limb as he has saved many already. We brought them to our hospital as the Iraqi ones aren’t really equipped to handle the severe casualty stuff. We don’t have to, but we do. The Iraqi Doctors just lay them in a bed and try and stop the bleeding until they die. We are their only real fighting chance in severe cases. There were some families that refused to let us take their kids to the hospital for whatever reason. We can’t save them if they won’t let us. We brought the father of the young guy who lost the arm with us to sit at the hospital. As we rushed to the hospital in the ambulance, which is really just a humvee that is modified to be an ambulance, doc hung on in the back. He treated the two casualties in the back, with the aid of two Marines, as I called turns and holes to him from the driver seat. Some how between keeping the bleeding in check, the stomach of one covered and moist, and bracing for bumps as we raced across the city of Fallujah Doc managed to keep both stabilized. AS we rolled into the Camp Fallujah Hospital the doctors were waiting and moved them right in. Within minutes they were in surgery. Looked like something out of a MASH episode. They sanitized and washed all the blood off of the stretchers and concrete as they had done so any times before there. How much of that blood had been my Marines blood I still remember. The Company Commander and I look at the concrete and remember every drop as if it were still there even though you can no longer see it. Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Virginia and many more states have bleed on that concrete pad. This day it was not to be American blood, but the blood of some Iraqis who had been in the wrong place when insurgents had laid their IED’s. These people don’t care who they kill as we don’t care who we save. It is a life. Doc and a few Marines rescrubbed the stretchers and the back of the ambulance again today. They always have to scrub it out, but I don’t know if the stains even come out anymore. Every time we scrub it and park it we hope it is the last time for we know the road all to well. You can scrub the blood until you no longer see it, but it never really goes away. We have fought many battles in the city, but Doc and I, we know the hardest ones have been fought in the back of that ambulance.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country


Daily Life Corner
Today I would like to start out by once again thanking all of the veteran organizations and veterans who have supported the Marines and Sailors of Charlie Company and our Battalion once again. I know so many of you would have picked up a rifle and been here by ours sides if you could, but we know we had you here helping us in spirit. Every box you sent was the same as handing us a clip of ammo, for it fed us and kept us in the fight, no matter how tiring or hard times were. As every service member and Marine has done since the beginning of America, you put that pack on and have never taken it off.

To all the schools, churches, organizations, and the Sunny Brook Farm Riders that have sent us donations we send our gratitude. The teachers and parents who organized the letters and cards, you brought a light of brightness to not only our building but to our Marines. Your school drawings and pictures hung from so many walls cheering up the place and reminding us of our own children we have left behind. We saw many of our own kids names among the many things drawn and sent to us. So often you could see the Marines and sailors staring and reading the colorings on the walls as if everyone was from their own child. Young kids drawings always bring a light to any place that cannot be captured by anything else you get. I know many Marines, just as myself, would sit down on a calm day and start reading them all with a cup of coffee. As I read everyone, day after day, they would them go up on the wall somewhere. The Marines would then read them in the gym as that is where I put the most at. In between the sets on the Bow flex that “Give 2 the Troops” had sent you could catch them reading them. I think every Marine and Sailor had his favorite.



Where we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN, CO has read the Blog!!

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq have read our Courant

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH, Trinidad has sent a flag requesting to join the coalition!!!


Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
Commandment number 3 Sent in by another clear visioned reader. Viva la Football!
Sweatpants, sweatshirts are as the name implies work out clothes NOT leasure wear for around the house when the game is NOT on. Appropate attaire includes and is not limited to anything skimpy,tight fitting, or revealing. This is to provide us something to occupy our time, when the games are not on.


Fallujah Fran
This one came from a motivated readers!
As for Fallujah Fran, you can give her our best shot – “May the lint of a thousand towels and the fleas of a thousand camels always be with you….”



1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

23 Sep 06 - The Best Memories are yet to come

The Corner - The Best Memories are yet to come

There have been many memories for the Marines, the activation, moving out to California, Crossing the Atlantic and landing in country. All which seems like a blur now as time has really moved fast here. Moved fast because the days have all been busy. Your Marines have walked and driven hundreds of miles and in those miles are many of memories also. Memories of helping families, bringing a smile to the face of children as well as the death of war and the pain left behind. There have been so many memories that have traveled through the eyes of your Marines. But the best memories are yet to come. That is the memory they will give you, and you them, as they come into that building once again! The memory that they will live, hopefully, when this is all far behind.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country


Daily Life Corner

Tonight will be a short report to let you know all the Marines are well. I have received some of the oddest and coolest things in yesterday’s mail call. Thanks Andi for all the stuff you have sent. Your and all the other donors and helpers at Give 2 the Troops have made this place so much more bearable for all the Marines. I will remind those who don’t know they sent out many a TV and DVD player along with tons of movies and food that has helped sustain the Marines here in Iraq. The Fallujah Courant Editor License plate was something else to say the least. I have my white house coin also.

We have our very own Chef “Doc Jimenez” wearing the flowery apron that was sent in memory of one of our great supporter’s mother who passed away. Pictures or money to follow it really depends on the Doc.

I am sure by now you have heard we have guest in our house that will not be leaving anytime soon. The beginning has commenced but we still have a little way to go. Do not loose patients back there on the last lap of the race after having done so well the whole race. As it gets closer I know you are getting ancier to get your arms around your loved ones. Just have patience a little while longer. John sent me a for sale sign that will be going up soon. The Holiday Inn express will be up for sell here in Fallujah and it would appear we already have some bids on it.

We are working harder than ever to make sure the streets are safe, not only for the civilians, but for those that will come shortly to take their place in our home. The better we can leave it the better it will be for them. They have thrown suicide bombers, snipers, and IEDs at us and we have not backed down. Even with the attack of 5 the other day they could not break our spirit nor derail us from our mission. Instead we have become more determined to accomplish what we have come to do. We have not handed over the city but we have handed the government here a stronger army and police force and the ability to self govern. They are not there now but they are closer as we have bought them precious time they did not have before.

I have to head out without proof reading as we have been up a couple of days and the eye sight is a blurring. Later tonight I will put out more to the families.





Marines search and clear during Operation Matador


Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN, CO has read the Blog!!

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq have read our Courant

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH, Trinidad has sent a flag requesting to join the coalition!!!

We received several more Georgia Flags to fly and another OH and SC FLAG to Fly.

Weapons Company received a special flag from John back home which we will put a picture of the web site of.


Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
Commandment number 2 Sent in by a clear visioned reader.
2. NEVER allow the cold beer in the frig to drop below an 18 pack during the week and 30 pack on weekend. This is to insure ample supply for any buddies that may get freeded up (by there wives returning clothes that they bought) and drop by for the game.



1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

18 Sep 06 - Flags of the Fallen

The Corner - Flags of the Fallen

We received a Flag from the Vermont Senate Chamber. It was flown by Officer Manning over the state capital in honor of LCpl Dechen and now fly’s in Iraq. We will be returning it back to his parents in Vermont! The state of Vermont can be proud of it’s Marine who gave his all. LCpl Dechen was a bright spot for many, a humorous relief for others, but a rock to lean on for all for he held many up when they were tired.

We have also been flying a flag for Autumn and Dillion Letendre from Capt Letendre’s home state of Virginia that we will be sending to them. It was sent to us from some folks in the great state and asked to be flown in Memory of Capt Letendre and then sent to the family. No greater man have I worked for and called a brother. Capt Letendre and his family took me in many of time for dinner when I first transferred to Connecticut and was alone. Now I have taken his memory and spirit in and will never be alone.

We have a flag from CT that we will be sending to the parents of Cpl Jordan that we have flown for him. It happened to be flying here the day that he was taken from us. It had been sent to us by the CT ESGR to raise and fly. It had flown and been damaged by the elements and by mortar attacks on more than one occasion. But through it all, like Cpl Jordan, it never once wavered under enemy fire, instead it flew even higher as a beacon to inspire those around it when times were rough.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country


Daily Life Corner

Well yesterday we had an adventurous day, I read it on FOX News, and so I can talk about it. We don’t talk about results and events because they give the insurgents an idea of how effective their attack was but since they had some one call in to FOX news hot line within hours I figured what the heck. By the way I haven’t seen that many cars on fire, out in town, since a NCAA championship at a small school. No Marines or Sailors were hurt, let me get that out of the way to calm any nerves. But the insurgents gave it a good try. So they managed to blow up and set on fire all of their own stuff, kind of like an arsonist trying to burn some woods down and setting his own house on fire. Wasn’t there a football player who once ran to the wrong end zone? For some reason yesterday just made me think of that. The rockets and mortars flew by, kind of like the flying monkeys in the wizard of OZ, making you look up into the sky and said what was that? One of the restaurants they recently opened is now closed again; I guess the idea of take out is too westernized for them or something. Maybe the restaurant wasn’t paying them off or something I think I did hear someone saw “Forget about it” with a kind of Italian Iraqi accent. The police had a rough day of it but at least they put up a good fight and then the Iraqi army showed up with their death blossom, not to be confused with the onion blossom at the OutBack Steak House. As you read in the paper earlier this year they just get in a circle and shoot every where. Now they have the motorized version, it is something to see when you are not trying to crawl under trash cans that is. I swear I recognized a few of them from the ones we captured last week, but I’m sure they have stopped letting thousands of prisoners go back into the city by now. Even if they haven’t those guys said they learned their lessons and have been rehabilitated. They are now great citizens, who respect and love all, imagine that, with only one week in jail. Now that is the kind of program we need, fast and effective with instant results to boot. But the good news is the police and Iraqi army did come out in force to fight back, that means they are getting both the confidence and manpower to take them on, on their own. Well we still had to help, but everybody helps here. Plus, well, you just have to admire a guy who loves his country enough to come to a rocket / suicide bomber fight in a pick up truck. These Iraqis want their country free and are willing to scrap for it.

The temperature dropped to a briskly 103 today, I hate those big drops of 10 to 15 degrees. Then you get all cold and you don’t have your winter clothes out yet. We have to go out and paint all the fake leaves on our fake trees to fall colors tomorrow I guess. I’m sure no one brought a rake either. Well I get a feeling that won’t matter as the Marines and sailors get closer to coming home, oh yea, they are ready to see all of you back there.

With that, don’t take anything I have said over the last few months personal as I don’t remember it and I will swear to it in court. I enjoy your e-mails and when you disagree I don’t take it personal, I like you just don’t like my family attacked as any parent wouldn’t. I noticed that my e-mails dropped after my stay at Stalag 13 and got the impression that folks were worried about me working myself to death or something. Never happen to a Marine so keep them coming, I enjoy reading them and will answer them, eventually. Keep in mind, when I get home I belong to my beautiful wife and kids and then they get all the attention. I am in so much trouble anyways it is going to take a while to make it up. Hope the dog house is insulated.



Alpha Company –

Bravo Company –

Weapons Company –.

H&S Company –

PSD –





Were we have heard from:



States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA, IN



Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, Kuwait. Iraq have read our Courant



Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag, NYFD and NYPD flag, Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Mt Diablo MCL CA, VT, SC, OH ARE HERE AND FLYING!!!



Ohio State Governor, Governor Bob Taft, has sent us a flag from the great state of Ohio. Not a fan but how about them Buckeye’s.

I received the South Carolina State flag from my Cousins down in Conway SC! Gotta love family.



Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
Levels of trouble
1. Dog house

2. Dog house with runner to back door. (Back door is locked)

3. Shed with access to garage. (Can see kids on the weekend)

4. Garage with limited privileges to bathroom and kitchen.

5. Couch

6. Back in. (Until next time)



1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

16 Sep 06 - The Burden of Command

The Corner - The Burden of Command

In movies the Company Commanders all look so glorious and on top of the game. They make decisions and the movie ends with a happy ending. Then there is reality, that which is not shown in a movie. Every decision the Company Commander makes weights heavily on his mind for every decision he makes comes with a result or a consequence. A result that is positive if it works or a consequence that will weight him down for life if it doesn’t. He has to make the decisions that take the fight to the enemy, decisions that have Marines lives at stake. The decisions have to be sound but still can not account for the one variable you don’t control, the enemy. Try to hold up in an area and they we give them the battle ground to set as the enemy seems fit go after them and you set the stage. Make a mistake and the consequences can be astronomical. There is no taking back a decision once it has been set in play, no rewind, nor scrimmage, only the real thing. One decision, one shot, one result. Every single day the Company Commander makes a decision, everyday he has to think it is the right one, and everyday he has to live with the results. Every ones eyes stare at him as he gives the plan, any hesitation or wavering and the Marines can sense it. He has to make the decision on which everyone will question and second guess because it is human nature, but that no one else wants to make. He has to make the decision that will kill the enemy and hope that it won’t kill his Marines.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country


Daily Life Corner
Sorry folks for the delay as I have been busy lately. Then again I live in Fallujah. We draw closer to many closures here in Iraq. It would have been a great feeling of having the final closure and turning the city over to the people of Iraq. It is not meant to be on our watch though. Who knows what the final outcome will be but we know we have made a positive impact in many ways. There will be many more closures along the way for many of the Marines. We are not done yet and are not looking down the wrong road at this point but we know it nears as you can feel it in the air. On the contrary we are picking up the pace to make as much difference as we can before we leave this country, to leave it better for the next unit when ever they should arrive. Everyone has grown and aged more than should be required of anyone in such a short time that is for sure. What we do know is we were sent here with a mission, to help the country stabilize and to buy the new government time to establish, grow the size of the police and army, and take care of the insurgents while the government gains both stability throughout the country and to strengthen it self against coups. That has happened as the army and police have continued to grow in size, the government has had different meetings working and passing resolutions, and many areas have been turned over to the Iraqi Government. They are not there, but the area for the insurgents to operate is shrinking. They continue to fight but as we take them down, it buys time for the government. They need to still clean there house but as they gain control the people will feel less and less intimidated by the insurgents and then it will all coming crumbling down on them. We have taken quite a few insurgents down this week, can’t mention who or how because it feeds the enemy info, but rest assured they continue to go down.

Here are some recent articles

2nd Recon Battalion Marines keep insurgents on the run during ...

Recon Marines, Iraqi Army soldiers, Iraqi Police and Marines from 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, partnered for the operation, cordoning off the Andaloos ...



Cohasset residents on the front lines

Cohasset Mariner - Hingham,MA,USA
... Litchfield is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 25th Marines Company B in Iraq. US Marine Corps Lt. Cpl. Brendan SK Anti, 26, is deployed in Iraq. ...



Alpha Company – They are doing great at their Location!

Bravo Company – SgtMaj has hose boys doing great things,

Weapons Company – Saw many of them this past week. They continue to sweep every street crook and cranny to rid this place of insurgents.

H&S Company – Continuing on with unbelievable support of all the missions that have to be accomplished.

PSD – Nothing new today



Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
The Ten Commandments of Marriage – 1. Though shall never bother thy husband during football unless thy be delivering beer and Chow.


When ever buying clothes for your wife always by it two small, first you have no clue how to by clothes for a women so she is going to take them back anyways, what where you thinking, and second by buying them to small you will earn points by saying she looks a lot thinner. (yes I know I am in trouble with a lot of you on this one, bring it on) Clue here is to by them on Friday so she takes them back on the weekend leaving you free for football while earning brownie points.


1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

11 Sep 06 - Fallujah on 9/11

11 Sept 2006

The Corner - Sept 11th

September 11th has come and gone here in Fallujah. We were not sure what to expect from the insurgents or even if we should expect anything at all. Would they look at it as the day they struck a blow against America and use that as motivation to attempt to strike us hard again, or would they look at it as a day they opened the wrong can and sit home hoping we would not unleash on all terrorist and their supporters again.

We had our usual half dozen IED’s and a little gunfire all over the city but nothing else much.


The Empty Beds

We started September 11th day by raising Ole Glory up high to remember all the people of America whose lives were taken on that day, by terrorist. Free spirited Americans who were going on with their life that day as if it were any other day in America. They were going to work or flying to see someone. They had dreams and they had families. They were role models, inspirations, lovers, helpers, big brothers and little sister, parents and children, hero’s and friends they were all that encompassed America, our America, the place that takes everyone from every walk of life with open arms, that America. A place where anyone can dream a reality and everyone’s heavens come together as one, the cross roads of the world and the heavens. Every street can have a Church, Mosque or Synagogue and peacefully co exist. Everyone can practice their religion or politics, be totally different and be fine with that. But that ended for one day, the day the terrorist came to our yard and did this to us and expected us, as usual, to turn the other check as they have so many friends in our great country that would surely protest if we tried to retaliate. The Marines and sailors here were thinking of those Americans who died that day. We didn’t think of ourselves or how good we have it or even of going home. We thought of all the families with no fathers, no mothers, no siblings, no sons or daughters. Yes we thought of them all and the beds that now lay empty. The pain that they relive daily as a child wakes up from a dream and calls out to a mom or dad that is no longer there. A mother who goes into the bedroom where her child once lay, not to wake them up but to lay her hand on an empty pillow for that child was taken from her. A little brother who waited at home for his big brother, to get off work from the twin towers, so they could go to a game together. The loved ones that waited at airports to hug someone getting off a plane, that never landed. The pain of a little girl asking mom where is daddy’s plane and mom looking down through tear filled eyes to tell her daddies plane was not coming anymore. That is what we thought of. They robbed America of more than just the thousands of lives they took, they robbed America of the thousands of families that now live with the pain and without the family member they once loved. We think of the beds that are empty but we also think of the beds that are full of pain, in the same houses as those empty beds. We thought of the passengers aboard flight 93 fighting to take over the plane so that no others would be hurt even though they knew they were doomed. The firemen, police officers, medical personnel, and Americans who sacrificed their lives in an attempt to save one more person that day. They are our inspiration to fight against all terrorist that would come here to fight us for surely if they were not coming here they would be coming to America. We thought of all of that, as Marines, and we were again angered as if it were yesterday. We will secure and stabilize this country and hand it over to the Iraqi people. It will not be a breeding ground or safe harbor for future terrorist. We will send the message that no other country will be a haven either for those that wish harm upon Americans or our allies. We can not fill those empty beds for what is done is done, but we can try an ensure that no more are emptied on our watch.


1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country



Daily Life Corner

I hope everyone flew flags on Sept 11th to remember all those that died in the Sept 11th attacks.

We have sent in more pictures to the website. Not to worry you won’t need pictures in another month or so.

Working on more thank yous. The Peter Galgano and the Marine Corps League Website have been great about getting them up there as fast as I get them back to them. They have volunteered their space and time to make this possible for everyone to view.


Alpha Company – Nothing new today
Bravo Company – Nothing new today
Weapons Company – Nothing new today
H&S Company – Nothing new today
PSD – Nothing new today


Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, MT, PA

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Kuwait have read our Courant

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag, ESGR Flag has made it and was flown on the 11th! Flew a ground zero American NYFD and NYPD flag on the 11th. Every Flag we had we flew on the 11th! Many of the state flags, full of mortar holes, where handed to Marines from different states to take back with them to their respective states.



Coming soon the Ten Commandments for wives! Send any good suggestions.

OK this isn’t working as the first suggestion was from my beautiful wife and the next from women folk (southern saying). You do not want to know what my wife suggested. But it was based on you all getting more e-mails than her.


Fallujah Fran
Sept 11th a day we remember as a big mistake for the heavens opened and America brought down it’s lightning!


1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

8 Sep 06 - We are family

The Corner - We are family

We are family. All who read and support our family of Charlie Company whether by blood or support, are all family. For there is a bond there that will never be replicated in anything else we do in life. That will never be a question. Like family we do many good things and we are told good job, and many times we do things that we learn from and our family tells us we are wrong. Right or wrong we are family, and if we sugar coat everything then what do we really learn? If I don’t bring reality, good or bad, to the forefront then who am I painting a false picture for? Who am I allowing to live in a make believe world of happiness? Who am I not allowing to learn from the lessons and reality of life? Not that I have all the answers. When I was a kid my dad told me many things that I knew better on than he did, in my mind, but he told me anyways. Now I see, as I have aged, the wisdom of the words. When I pass my message it is not right or wrong, but in your mind. Take it or ignore it, but when we think we know it all we may be setting ourselves up for failure and when we think we know what others want we may be in for an explosive failure. I read every e-mail I get and digest it for content and knowledge for I am not from being wrong either. I have no enemies only people who disagree with my point of view, and I respect that. When I send out my e-mail it is as if we are all sitting at the family dinner table, we talk issues good or bad, air our problems, and work them together. At the end of the meal we are still family. In my e-mail of yesterday I have received much positive feedback and a few others of maybe I had been too harsh. Let me explain one point, there is nothing more important than my Marines and the families of my Marines and their well being. The letters and e-mails I receive for them and myself are overwhelming. So many of these e-mails and letters have mentioned to me to bring their sons, boy friends, and husbands home safely to them, repeatedly. Some I read over and over. I have let down three families in this regard and can not fulfill this. That is something I have to live with. I do not need arm chair quarterbacks telling me what we should have done different or what the problem is, if you have a solution join the service, if not stick to you Big Mac and let those of us who live this do our job. I know first hand what we are dealing with. Anything I write is with the best interest of my Marines at heart and I do not worry about the ruffling of feathers after all we are family.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country


Daily Life Corner

A good day today for the Marines. That means that everyone who went out today came home. Things continue to keep busy here in the city but the Marines are on top of it daily. They are doing everything they can to bring this all under control so that the folks here can lead a normal life and then we can pack up and leave. The problem is there are thugs and those who lost political clout with the fall of Saddam who don’t want that and they have money to continue on the disruption and bombings of everything and everyone including innocent civilians. They didn’t care about life under Saddam and they don’t care about it now. Things seem to have temporarily reached a plateau sort of. The different units here continue to corral plenty of Iraq’s most wanted but there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of idiots that will step up for a few dollars. Life here does not seem to carry the same value as it does in America as they will do things for a few dollars that could end in death for them. I know a few dollars here goes a long way but how much money would someone need to pay you to put you life on the life. The odds are like Russian Roulette for them as there are hundreds if not thousands of Marines and Soldiers running around with weapons hunting you. I did read today that the Iraqi Government has officially taken control of it’s armed forces. That is another vital step in handing this place back to the people of Iraq. All we can hope is that they get more and more control of the infrastructure and the country as we suppress the insurgents and al-Qaeda for them.

I read in the political section that people are still using not having gear three years ago as a point. Hello that was three years ago, we have plenty of gear now, more than we can carry. My words to them is quite dwelling on the past and move to something new that is relevant to today like who had the idea to let all the prisoners go. As I said before elections are coming up, regardless of political affiliation, register to vote and vote. If not don’t complain.

Remember the Marine Corps Balls are coming up. I will be attending the 2/25 ball also, to let you all know, as the spousal unit has signed my libo chit for that one. That will make 3 this year, loving it.

I have learned, from my wife, that some mail was rerouted to my home by the postal personnel at Baharia during my visit too Germany. Several of you have asked about items you had sent, especially flags. Obviously the postal personnel did not know who they were dealing with when they rerouted my mail home. They must have had a false report from some medical personnel in Germany that I was going home, peacefully. They would not have sent it if they knew me personally as then they would have known that nothing would keep me from returning to my Marines. My wife has since resent the mail back to me and it should be arriving soon.

The Brain is tapped.

Alpha Company – Nothing new today
Bravo Company – Nothing new today
Weapons Company – Nothing new today
H&S Company – Nothing new today
PSD – Nothing new today

Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only) Coming soon the Ten Commandments for wives! Send any good suggestions.


1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

7 Sep 06 - Complacent or Tired?

The Corner - Complacent or Tired?

Things are busy here as I am sure you have read. There is no sugar coating the truth as to what we do no matter how much back home you try imagine this is not real. But nothing upsets us more, me more, than to get the arm chair quarterbacks for something that isn’t a football game. I have had several e-mails and letters talking about Marines being complacent or how to run tactics in Iraq. Actually about a hand full of them since our recent casualties across the battalion. Now I know you may be just sounding a cautious note, but when my Marines are getting shot at daily we don’t need some one eating Big Macs trying to figure out what is going on across the other side of the globe. My Marines are not complacent, they are tired. Why because they go out 7 days a week and patrol the city. There is no I’m tired or not feeling good so I will stay in today. I think I will call in sick does not work either. There is no sleeping in. These Marines have been walking and driving the streets of Fallujah every single day since arriving in March. There are no days off in war, there are just hours here and there. Do you honestly think we are just walking the streets as cars blow up and people shoot at us not paying attention because we have done it so many times? We are not strolling the mall for the 1000th time, we are in Fallujah, the place where people walk up and blow up. We stare at every single person, at every single hole in the road, at every window, and every single car or truck. We look at 1000’s daily hoping we can shoot the right one before it explodes. Try this walk over to the mall parking lot, stand in the middle of it, and decide which one car has 5 artillery shells in the trunk. As you walk there make sure you look at every single person and behind every piece of rubble, trash, bush, or what ever every single day because you know any of them can kill you that day. Every single day we walk out the door we are tired as hell, but I guarantee you we are not complacent nor take things for granted as that can be the last stroll you ever take. And when we survive today, guess what we get to do it again the next day and the next day. We are not complacent and we really don’t have time to be tired but fatigue can be something even the sugar rush and ten bottles of water daily can’t be a cure for. But we also don’t get a choice. You want to give advice then come on over and experience it so you know first hand the problems, if not save it for Sunday’s in front of the TV.


1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country





Daily Life Corner

We continue to fight as we do everyday. Today it dropped to about 103 for some reason. It was a cool day here and a lot more bearable to be out. You know it’s bad when 103 feels cool. We returned a whooping on the enemy the other day that was good for the souls here. We are getting closer to returning but in knowing we are returning we know not to get complacent as that will not get us home faster. Everyday the Marines look at every detail of the city; we could probably rebuild it from memory down to the last rubble pile anywhere in the states. When your Marine gets home just remember he has been going everyday since he left. I mention that as like every deployment I have done, I hear complaints from the Marines about how everybody has things planned out for them as soon as they return. Families and Mothers always have big plans of everything they want to do with their loved ones and sons, and everybody they have to go see because they are so excited to see them back. When all he may or may not want to do is sit in his house, decompress, and enjoy what he has been away from for the last year or so. When he is ready to go out and have tons of company he will let you know, it may be the next day, it may be the next week, heck it may not be until the next month. Unfortunately some of you will think you know for him, what he wants to do.



You should be winding down the mail I this direction now. That is a good thing. One more week worth of your motivating mail should carry them all to the end.



Elections are coming up! If you haven’t registered to vote, regardless of political affiliation, you can not complain if your party looses. That’s the rule!



Babbling now as it is almost 3.



Alpha Company – Saw them today, they are doing well.



Bravo Company – Took some more bad guys off the streets today.



Weapons Company – They are still hurting for their losses but taking it continuously too the enemy.



H&S Company – Nothing new today



PSD – Saw LCpl Richardson and Arroyo along with Sgt Mendes all are doing well here in the land of the heat.


Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
When in doubt roses.


1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Co.
1st Battalion, 25th Marines

3 Sep 06 - Calling the Dogs

The Corner - Calling the Dogs

Another day has passed in the city of Mosque’s know as Fallujah. You can see the mosque towers silhouetted by the suns fading light as it sets in the West. The west, the last direction we look to every night as it set’s. Soon we know we will be there again, with family and loved ones and this will just be a far away place, until then though we can only think of that place as we live in this one. We are surrounded by those towers here in the middle of the city, everywhere we walk and every street we drive, they loom over us casting black shadows across our paths. Some shadows aren’t so black but some are blacker than any place you can ever imagine. Five times a day they play but that’s not as bothersome as we respect their culture. It does bother us when it suddenly comes alive every time we walk or drive by one, giving others our whereabouts; those are the ones that cast the blackest of shadows. We can be patrolling at two in the morning or cordoning off an IED and it will suddenly come alive with chatter, not prayer, chatter. We don’t understand a word of it as it spurts across the city, but we know their intent and we wait for those that follow it’s off time calls. We came here in March and transformed into what every Marine does when called to perform in this environment, a warrior, a devil dog, and nothing else. All distractions are left behind at home the mind evolves to focus on one purpose, Iraq. Nothing else matters here, no stock markets, work, elections, birthdays, or anything else; time is frozen from when we arrive until we return. The only thing that matters is making this a better place, preferably through peace, but through blood if that is what it takes. As Marines we know the best course of actions is through diplomacy but we also understand there is a point where diplomacy no longer works and we are called. At that calling is when a Marine removes one mask and puts on another, one of business, one of the Devil Dog. We have no doubt what our job is when we are called for there is but one reason you call upon your Marine Corps. We do what we do until the dogs are called off. We as Marines look forward to taking care of a family but are just as ready to kill those who would harm that family. It is the mask we wear; it is the mask we must wear. Do not call us and then expect us to wear a leash or to sit on a porch for we are not that type of dog. We know who to bite and who not to bite as it in front of us, we live it every single day. Of course we have those who aren’t even on the porch who would try to control our leash. Some complain about the dogs not being able to complete their job as they attempt to put another leash on our collars. I would remind you we are neither French Poodles nor are we German Dachshunds they are on the porch, we are American Devil Dogs. Soon we will return and we will take off the mask and the devil dog will once again become a person. With the mask we will put the memories of Iraq deep into our sea bag until called upon once again. Beware the Dogs for we are no ordinary dog, we are Devil Dogs.


1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country



Daily Life Corner
I heard rumors the Speedway dedication to the troops was good if anyone would like to send me some feed back or post it on the Hartford Courant site for all the Marines to read.


Alpha Company – Nothing New today.

Bravo Company – Nothing new today.

Weapons Company – We have a bunch staying with us visiting. Always good to see our Weapons Company Brothers. May have to do a special edition of Americantology!

H&S Company – Saw a bunch of them out today as they came to supply us with goods for the Marines and sailors here at the Holiday Inn Express!

PSD – Nothing new today.



Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN, realized I hadn’t put MT on here even though I had received e-mails and pictures from that great state thanks to the reader who reminded me.

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, NYFD and 9-11 Flag,



Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
Can anyone explain why the Super Bowl is not a federal holiday?


Fallujah FranHey GI, we go Boom Boom.



Pictures and Charlie Company web Links
http://www.mcldeptct.org/pages/mcl_ct_mcl_events.html

The Hartford Courant Link
http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/iraq/

The Day in New London Link
http://www.theday.com/news/specialsections.aspx


Want to help service men and women in Iraq, here is the one to go to in CT. Andi and Co are doing and awesome Job for all of us! For those of you looking for her Location the CT ESGR have graciously donated space in their building for her to run her support operations. There are also locations in Arizona an Washington State you can go help out at!
www.Give2thetroops.org
Andi Grant
President and Founder,
Give 2 The Troops, Inc.
196 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067-2554



1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

1 Sep 06 - Back in Fallujah

Daily Life Corner

It is September now! They’re getting closer to coming home. We played Americantology on the roof for the first time since my return. The crowd was large and Doc Jimenez had managed to scrounge up some near beer from Baharia. That coupled with some cigars sent from you all back there made it a hell of a night on the roof top. It must have been a combination of being gone, a slightly cooler temperature as it falls to the 105 to 110 temp, we can work with that, and moving into September that made it a good nigh on the roof. The music just seemed to drift across the air tonight, I’m sure you could all hear it back there. The Marines just stares up at the stars and shot the breeze as the tunes rolled out.

As I play catch up on e-mails, letters, pictures and thanks’ I would remind you that if I have forgotten someone let me know. I have been sending more photos and thank you certificates to the Marine Corp’s League web sight so make sure you are checking in on it. Also due to a few difficulties on the Battalion Web site, due to space, you can remind anyone who doesn’t receive this they can get it at the Hartford Courant web site as they also have continuously supported the Marines and families of Charlie Company.

I would like to thank everyone for the get well cards and wishes. Now I know nobody thought I would not make my way back here, to the Marines, from Stalag 13. I had a multitude of fake ID’s and disguise ready to go if needed. I just hope somebody cut found the doctor in the broom closet and cut the tape off of him.

The Marines continue to do great things here in the city as we march on. We will not cave nor cater to those who would bring terror to the innocent families of Iraq. The insurgents would prefer that we sit in here so they can run their racketeering and murderous ways upon the city, the Marines and sailors of 1/25 will not allow it while we are on watch. We wouldn’t allow it back home and we will not allow it here, our current home. The battalion has taken several bad guys off the streets here these past weeks and we continue to clean this city up. The Iraqi army and police forces continue to grow and slowly but surely the place will hopefully come under there control. Everything happens here in spurts it seems

My favorite news is pretty soon Americantology.com will be up and running, stay tune. For love of Country will continue. Remember it is not about politics or how you vote; it’s about loving the good ole USA and everything that stands for America and that America stands for.

If you are a veteran back home and do not belong to any veteran organizations you are wrong! They are fighting for your well deserved benefits whether it is VA or something else. Remember strength in numbers. Join one today.


1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country



Alpha Company – Doing well in their hole in the desert. Even though 1stSgt Lodi was the ring leader of hazing me with medical jokes upon my return I will still write about their status. The Marines over there, like all, are over worked but in good spirits.



Bravo Company – The train station continues to move on after their recent losses. We pray for all of them to stay strong, but that has never been a problem with Marines. 1stSgt’s Hubbard Marines continue to press the enemy having taken some good targets off the street this past week or so.



Weapons Company – You can see their Marines racing all over the city from hot spot to hot spot putting it to an end. They are definitely motivated over there in Weapons Company.



H&S Company – Man there are some old folks over there, not sure why but they all seem to be Warrant Officers for some reason. Yea a certain one was hazing me over there also upon my return. That is alright they can laugh at the 1stSgt but I will have my revenge upon the masses for all the medical jokes. I did see quite a few yesterday around the Battalion and they are all doing well and keeping busy supporting the companies in the fight.



PSD – Never sit still for a minute. I think there is a lot of ADD over there with a few of those motivated Sgt’s. One thing you can count on is the Battalion Commander and SgtMaj are out seeing their Marines almost daily. Leading from the front is where they can always be found with the PSD Marines.



Were we have heard from:States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY, TN has been added.

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY, We have received a flag from the “Conch Republic” in Key West Florida, and an awesome flag from NY symbolizing the NYFD and 9-11, They are now flying proudly above the city of Fallujah.



We have also received a flag flown above the capital building in Washington DC from the Honorable U.S. Representative Rodney P. Frelinghuysen.

We also received a state flag from the governor’s office in NY signed by the Honorable Governor George E. Pataki for the Marines and Sailors of Charlie Company.



Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
When in trouble gifts work, nice gifts, really nice gifts if you are really in trouble, do not go cheesy trying to get out of trouble or it will get worse before it gets better.





Pictures and Charlie Company web Links
http://www.mcldeptct.org/pages/mcl_ct_mcl_events.html


The Hartford Courant Link
http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/iraq/



The Day in New London Link
http://www.theday.com/news/specialsections.aspx


Want to help service men and women in Iraq, here is the one to go to in CT. Andi and Co are doing and awesome Job for all of us! For those of you looking for her Location the CT ESGR have graciously donated space in their building for her to run her support operations. There are also locations in Arizona an Washington State you can go help out at!
www.Give2thetroops.org
Andi Grant
President and Founder,
Give 2 The Troops, Inc.
196 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067-2554




1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

29 Aug 06 - My Corpsman

The Corner - My Corpsman

My Corpsman there are many like him but this one is mine. No one is more thought of, in an infantry company, than our corpsmen. Too many, their corpsmen can become their best friend closer than any other in their life has ever been. I call mine my HMO among other things. No one at home, not even a spouse, will understand or match a bond between a corpsman and a Marine especially in a combat zone. You will never know what it is to feel the tie that we have nor can it be explained by mere words.

No two words bring more emotion in a fire fight than the call of “Corpsman up” across the battle field. You share everything with your doc from the saving of a life to the death of a Marine. He carries the scars of battles won and battles lost deep in his soul not seen by many. Not the battles of the bullets flying back and forth but the battles of life and death he faces in front of him on the ground. They frantically work to stop the bleeding while gently reassuring a Marine that he will be ok. If he can only stop it or slow it down long enough long to get him to surgery is all he asks for. But the compounding factor most others back home will never face in a hospital, is that everyone wounded Marine here is a personal friend of the Corpsman who lives in his house, a personal friend who the corpsman knows is counting on him to make sure he gets home alright if something happens. No one carries a bigger burden on his soul than a corpsman. For like a father he is joyous when he saves one, and my doc has saved many, but devastated when he loses one. I have seen doc work miracles in a time where no miracles existed and given a Marine the gift of continued life. I have also seen doc work on Marines well past the point of no return in hopes of restarting a life, having to be drug away. The Doc carries the burden, and then continues on as he knows there are many more Marines under his charge to take care of.

Every Marine knows to listen to their doc even though we love to give them a hard time. Every Marine and Corpsman knows if you are giving someone a hard time then that is because they have made the cut into your inner circle. For those we don’t harass or talk to are shunned for a reason. My doc is no different as he has become my closest friend. Making the cut of bonehead, is a high honor and a step up from what I call most people, for those of you who don’t understand or probably never will. I will call him that until the last day we drink a beer together on this earth and I will fight his advice to the end as every Marine can only be impervious to any weakness or ailments as far as we are concerned. After all I believe I might be called hard head by him anyways. But in that I know he has nothing but the best intentions for me, the hard headed 1stSgt, in his heart (if he has one). Hell who knows he may even have saved my life, which I would never admit. My Doc has saved many of lives with techniques that I only thought existed on TV. As I have flown down the streets hitting IED holes and bouncing over medians, with the ambulance, my doc has never once lost his balance, in the back, while give CPR or holding multiple pressure bandages on a Marine. The surgeons time after time have stated that only because of my doc’s quick action where they given the opportunity to save a life on the table. My doc’s have been there for us every step of the way and there is no one I trust more, especially with my life, than my Doc.



Daily Life Corner
I have returned as if there ever was a doubt that I would be back. I have made many promises to my Marines in the last year and being with them was one of them. Thank you to all the supporters and e-mails. As expected I have a lot of catching up to do, but more importantly we are closer to the Marines returning home. Things are as usual here as we wind down anther month in Fallujah. The Marines were smart and knew to keep opening and putting out the food you all have been sending. I don’t think they could hold out on the little Debbie’s until I came back anyways. Should have checked their self discipline just for fun.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country



Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY

Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil

Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA, CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag, WY is here and flying



Marriage tip of the day (For Men Only)
Call your wife, or you will be in mega trouble, if you ever go to the hospital and think you don’t want to worry your wife and she won’t find out.


Fallujah Fran
Almost got rid of the 1stSgt, damn! Will have to try something else.


Pictures and Charlie Company web Links
http://www.mcldeptct.org/pages/mcl_ct_mcl_events.html

The Hartford Courant Link
http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/iraq/

The Day in New London Link
http://www.theday.com/news/specialsections.aspx


Want to help service men in Iraq, here is the one to go to in CT. Andi and Co are doing and awesome Job for all of us! For those of you looking for her Location the CT ESGR have graciously donated space in their building for her to run her support operations. There are also locations in Arizona an Washington State you can go help out at!
www.Give2thetroops.org
Andi Grant
President and Founder,
Give 2 The Troops, Inc.
196 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067-2554




1stSgt Grainger
Charlie Company,
1st Bn 25th Marines
UNIT 72190
FPO AE 09509-2190

28 Aug 06 - Saddened Hearts

Saddened hearts
Sunday, Aug. 27 -- It’s with a saddened heart that I returned to Charlie Company last night as we have lost a great Marine to the rigors of combat in Iraq: Cpl Jordan Pierson. Cpl Pierson had been a bright spot in his platoon, in a place that can take the softest of hearts into a void of darkness. Even when the gloom of combat reached deep in a man's soul, Cpl Pierson could bring the Marine back to a sense of purpose, a sense of why we were here, and that we were making a difference. Cpl Pierson was destined not to only be a Marine, but a leader among Marines. He fostered a sense of caring for Marines while still embodying all it meant to be a Marine.

Like before, it has sent a tidal wave of mixed emotion throughout the company at a time when we were just getting through the loss of LCpl Dechen. Marines are saddened and angered as they deal with the loss that they know has not only hurt them but his family back home. Marines are here to protect the American family and Cpl Pierson was one who strongly believed in that -- no harm would befall any American as long as he had the title of Marine. He fostered such a positive spirit that it was contagious to all, even to an old 1stSgt, a spirit that made people proud to do what they were doing. He carried us all through another day here on many occasions. Another cut has been sliced across the heart of every Marine here; a cut that has hurt deep, but with time will hopefully heal. A cut that will forever remind us of the Marine Cpl Pierson was. A cut that will heal, slowly over time, but we will forever look upon and remember our fallen brother until we are all once again joined and are hearts are finally mended. We miss you Jordan. Semper Fi.

21 Aug 06 - Down but not out

The Corner - Down but not out

Well I guess quite a few of you have heard about my slight setback. Can't keep a secret even half way around the world. Yes I am currently in Germany but as soon as I fix the doctor I will be back with the Marines in Fallujah. Let me tell you a little story I guess so we can put this all to rest and refocus on what we need to the Marines of Charlie Company.

This story takes place a long time ago, last week, in a land far far away (Iraq). You see I was just getting a cup of coffee (not the culprit) when my chest and jaw started to hurt. As every good Marine does I asked my friendly neighborhood corpsmen for some Motrin as it fixes everything. Little did I know that Judas was in the building. I know he has saved quite a few lives already but this is different, as I am the First Sgt. Next thing I know he is calling people and I am running for cover (hiding in my sandbag room, hoping he would go away) So next thing I know I am being taken out of Fallujah, against my better judgment, after all I do stay at the Holiday Inn express in downtown Fallujah which qualifies me as a surgeon at least. I fought with Doctors at Camp Fallujah and at Ballad to no avail as they were all in on the plot (Romans I guess). So then I am strapped in a stretcher on a big plane for 5 Hours or so, probably as punishment for resiting. Also by this point I have lost in the vicinity of 54 chest hairs to those little ECG sticky things, which I will get back from doc as soon as I return.

Wham bam I am in Germany. At least I was able to visit with a couple of my Marines that were here before they left for state side. Anyways it seems right off the bat the doctor gets off on the wrong foot with me, as I am always right, and wants me to hang around a few days. I start inquiring when I can go back and he discloses I belong to him for Marine Corps punishment purposes if I don't cooperate. They then proceed to stick me on the third floor here and inundate me with formations and bed checks in between doctor visits. As every good Marine who has been taken prisoner does, I start to plan my escape, and revenge on my corpsman. 18 double knotted bedsheets seem to be able to reach the ground and I have printed the instructions for flying a C140 off of the Internet, not a problem. Have to have a plan in case.

As I continued to blend in as a cooperative patient though I think the doctors were smelling something fishy as they put the equivalent of three garden hoses in me today and ripped out another handful of hair. I didn't give up any secrets though. the CMOC coordinates are still safe. Doc your up to 74 and counting, I will get them back. As a matter of fact doc owes me 74 chest hairs and three garden hoses, even though the ones here are smaller. Oh well that will be his problem. Now I will have to continue this tomorrow as the Warden of Sta lag 13 is kicking me off the computer.

1stSgt Grainger
Americantology TM
For Love of Country


Were we have heard from:
States- CT, NJ, NH, ME, MA, RI, DE, MD, DC, VA, NC, SC, FL, IL, ID, AZ, NM, CA, OR, AK, WA, MO, HI, TX, KS, NY, GA, OH, AL, WI, VT, SD, UT, WY
Countries – Australia, China, Djibouti Africa, South Africa, Brazil
Flags flying from – CT, NY, NJ, TX, MA, FL, ME, NH, RI, FREEHOLD NJ. WA,CA, NC, IL, MD, UT, GA, WI, OR, ID, VA, Sept 11th Flag


Pictures and Charlie Company web Links
http://www.mcldeptct.org/pages/mcl_ct_mcl_events.html
The Hartford Courant Link
http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/iraq/
The Day in New London Link
http://www.theday.com/news/specialsections.aspx
Want to help service men in Iraq, here is the one to go to in CT. Andi and Co are doing and awesome Job for all of us! For those of you looking for her Location the CT ESGR have graciously donated space in their building for her to run her support operations. There are also locations in Arizona an Washington State you can go help out at!

www.Give2thetroops.org
Andi Grant
President and Founder,
Give 2 The Troops, Inc.
196 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067-2554