Posted by Sgt Phrogman You have always been such a fine leader, a motivator and the type of NCO/SNCO that Marines are naturally drawn to for inspiration. Thank you for your example and your more than generous words. It is no comfort to me that you will have the opportunity to do your duty and "see the elephant" before you retire. There is no doubt you will take good care of your Marines. Going where we have to and doing what we are trained to do is what we do, but I have come to learn there is no glory in it at all. Being a warrior is not as great as it sounds at boot when the call comes, but someone has to do the dirty work, and we are the someones. Get it done and get back. No regrets. I am still trying to get the smell of that place out of my uniforms and equipment. I spent some time leading a squad doing security and counter intel along with our "Iraqi Marines" during my first deployment. That's still a far cry from the grunts going out, but it was no picnic either. Please be even more careful that the training cautions. Get with some experienced grunts over there if you can and learn the real lessons you need fast. Learn to read eyes real quick. Your Marines and your family need you back home whole to love and lead them as soon as possible. There is plenty of Marine arty at the base at Al Asad. They used to sound off at all hours whether they needed to or not. It was kind of pretty at night when I was working nights. I sure wish they could send you there and leave you arty, but that isn't always the way it works. If you like feel free to send me an email when you are deployed and I will try to send you some care packages. They made a big difference for me. It is the least I can do for a mentor and fellow Marine. Someday maybe I can buy you a beer and thank you properly. Until then,
on 5/4/2006, 2:24:24, in reply to "ERRRRR"
Administrator phrog
Gunnery Sergeant R, 
Semper Fidelis
Sergeant Phrogman
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