Re: Red Boots

I dont know about the poetry (sorry, Im an insensitive brute).

Red Boots (BTW) is what the Republican Guard wore. we had orders to shoot on sight.

But what I am thankful for is the sacrifice that Lisa and all service wives go through. I know it wasn't easy for her (or my family), and I have heard over and over how they were glued to the TV's watching for a glimpse of me. They SWEAR they saw me once or twice. To me, it was literally like the scene in Apocalypse Now with Col. Kilgore standing there waiting to surf with rounds still coming in around him. Another day at the office.
I have seen some stuff in my career (then and now) that unfortunately will not go away, but, I think now we have got to a place where my temper and attitude are much better.

Thanks for the words of support and encouragement.
Below is a brief travelog from when I was there...
In December of 2002, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines received word to prepare for deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. By the end of January all the Battalion's Marines and Sailors were in place and married up with Maritime Prepositioned Assets. An Artillery Liaison Section from Lima Battery 3/11; Bravo Company, 1st Tanks; Alpha Company, 3d Tracks and 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Engineer Battalion were attached -- TASK FORCE 34, also known as DARKSIDE was created. The unit crossed the border into Iraq on 21 March 2003 as part of the 7th Regimental Combat Team. After 72 hours of heavy fighting, nothing remained of the 51st Iraqi Mechanized Division and the Task Force owned Basra International Airport and important bridges across the Shat al Basra Canal. 500 miles later, after decisive engagements at places like Afak, Diwaniyah, and Al Kut, the battalion conducted an assault crossing of the Diyallah Canal into Baghdad. Two days later, elements of Task Force 34 pulled down the Saddam Statue outside the Palestine Hotel, ending, for all intents, the Saddam Hussein reign of terror. After stabilization operations and retrograde of equipment, the Thundering Third returned to Twentynine Palms California in May of 2003


If you REALLY want to support the troops, look into the USO or toys for tots, etc.