A couple days ago another Marine lost his life here in Iraq.

I apologize for not being able to let you know earlier but out of respect to the families it’s not the right thing to do.  When we know the families have been contacted then I will release whatever information I can.

Because of where this Marine was and doing I will not going into specifics either.  I will tell you however that there are a lot of dead bad guys with only one of the Jihadist surviving.  You know he is going to have a lot of fun being interrogated these next few days.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 36% [?]

October 15th is a milestone date that citizens of Pennsylvania should become familiar with.

Moms birthday - she turns (edited to protect the old innocent).

For me, it marks the 15th anniversary of my graduation from the land that God forgot (Parris Island) and became a Marine.

Most importantly, this October 15th will mark the third anniversary of when Iraq further solidified their escape from tyranny by holding a Constitutional Referendum.

The Constitutional Referendum essentially was the national referendum held on the new permanent constitution.  Despite the intimidation campaigns from terrorist and thugs with even less ideology then the terrorist 70% (9.8 million) of Iraqis eligible to vote headed to the polls.

Of particular note, the referendum established how the government was to actually be formed.  It set the basis for what was known as the Council of Representatives (CoR) Election.  Once completed, the Iraqis would then be set to go to the polls just 2 months later to elect a representative government.

Geez Pennsylvania
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania continues to drift away from good governance.  Pennsylvania is held captive by socialist czar governor Fast Eddie and a state assembly now considered by most to be the most corrupt state government in the union.

A state assembly where millions of tax dollars have not only been stolen to re-elect themselves but to defend the few who have thus far been arrested too.

The state assembly continues to force people from their homes because of property taxes.  In some instances taxes have gone up over 500% with a few nearing 1000%.  What have we come to when upon retirement your government says that house you lived in for 40 or 50 years, raised children in, and paid property taxes for those 50 years is now to be taken away just because its value increased.

With no incentives for businesses, the middle class continues their exodus while companies run to set up shop in neighboring states.

Good Going Iraq
The Government of Iraq (GoI) continues to have a public affairs campaign to have those who have left the country (middle class) to come home.  They have even started a program to have families return to the houses that were rightfully theirs when they had to flee.

The GoI is building schools, hospitals, and countless other public works through the country and without taxation to its populace.

Iraqis are continually recognizing that only with transparency in government and expulsion of corrupt elected officials can they prosper as a nation.  Only then will other countries and businesses invest.

And speaking of businesses, new businesses are encouraged at every level of government.  From loans to a more robust infrastructure Iraq understands what they need to do as a nation to lift them from what Saddam had taken.

Can Pennsylvanians Take Back Their Government?
In Pennsylvania a growing number of reformers and even some state assembly like my friend Representative Curt Schroeder are trying to call for what is known as a Citizens Constitutional Convention.  By the way, check out Curts website http://www.Vote4Curt.com.

Pennsylvania needs true reform.  It’s too big, truly socialist in many forms, and too costly.  Sadly we cannot count on “reform” candidates as the extreme majority has turned out to be other then what they promised.  Too easily influenced by party leadership and lacking moral courage to stand up for what is in the best interest of the citizens.

It’s Not All the Elected Officials Fault
Don’t blame it all on the elected officials however.  Blame must also rest on those who don’t get involved with the process.

Can you name your state rep, state senator, and congressman?  No?  Tisk-tisk.

If you complain about your paycheck or taxes but don’t vote you are part of the problem.

If you don’t wish to “rock the boat” as a committee person or elected official and just go along to get along then yes you are part of the problem too.

Bad things happen when good people don’t take action.

Things I Know and Don’t Know
I know it’s embarrassing that with over 200 more years more experience, Pennsylvania seems to trail the GoI when its comes to good governance.

I don’t if a Constitutional Convention will be successful because most citizens don’t seem to recognize the power of their voice and vote.

I do know that when I go around meeting Pennsylvanians talking about good governance they understand what I am blathering about.  They crave a candidate that will remove government from their lives.  Someone that will side with personal responsibility vice a government program.  A true representative that will work to empower the people and not himself or the legislature.

I don’t know if the political parties can see past their thinking of party first vice Pennsylvania first.

I do know that we need change.

Ok I am Finished with My Rant
Maybe it’s the Marine in me for seeing things simply as they need to be.  Without emotion or playing favorites just execute the mission without regard to self.  Just seems so clear. 

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 64% [?]

The other day my friend and patriot, Bob Guzzardi, forward me an article that he found interesting and asked for my opinion.

The article, titled Winning Isn’t News, was published in the Investors Business Daily with the online version being found here http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=300324023809577.

In my opinion it is a good article that exposes how the main stream media continues to fail in reporting to the world that only a few Al Qaeda (AQI) members are in Iraq and that the other yahoos who are not dead or in prison are up against the wall waiting to be killed or captured.

Reading the article and my participation in the effort here in Iraq has led me to concur with just about everything written.  My only differences of opinion are with the time table and the number of AQI operatives.

The Government of Iraq has the right man for this moment in time as Prime Minster, Nouri al-Maliki.  However, the best man for the job of defeating a counter insurgency and jihadism is General David Petraeus.  Of course don’t ask Obama or his MoveOn.org types instead ask those who have been on the field.

Time Table
Iraq and al-Maliki may make mention of a timetable and even discuss operationally how it should work but at the end of the day it will be the decision of General Petraeus.  You will not even hear our government explicitly say this but thousands of inferences are there.

President George Bush’s primary reason sending us over here was to kill or capture bad guys to prevent attacks like 9/11 again not the liberation of Iraq.  Eerily similar to what John McCain is saying right?  Country First.

Number of AQI Operatives
The only other item I would not fully concur with is the estimate of AQI operatives.  In my opinion, that number is much less.  While we cannot quantify the number of yahoos I can tell you that the daily observance indicates most are very small groups more bent being free of government so that they can develop a criminal enterprise.  Thugs if you will.

Another interesting fact that is being missed is Iraqi on Iraqi crimes are either for profit or personal reasons.  Attacks that have nothing to do with Al Qaeda, Muslim values, the CF being in Iraq, etc…  So be careful when you read about shootings and IEDs.  Pay attention to who was targeted and witness what wasn’t told to you by the media i.e. ‘The Why’.

Now, don’t misunderstand me though as there is still yahoos that have nothing to do so take up arms against the CF for a “job”.  They rob, kidnap, and kill for money to support their daily habits (drugs), to eat, and when possible buy weapons or weapon making material to go after Iraqi Police then the Iraqi Army and if bold then the CF.

AQI Frustrations
Lastly, let’s talk about AQI frustration and disruption.  It’s so bad for AQI that they rarely if ever do the grunt work anymore in Iraq.  We killed so many of them that they are primarily just planners who then solicit others to do the dirty work.  This is great because when we kill or capture the planner the group is unable to continue as a functional cell.  Often the existing yahoos turn themselves in, join another rag-tag group, or get murdered by a rival group.  Gang mentality no?

It’s so bad for AQI that they have focused effort away from the CF.  Instead they are trying to get back at the Muslims who are siding against Al Qaeda.  So beaten down they had to completely change their strategy.

Closing
Why are these easy to make observations not being expressed in the media?  I am not sure but I know it should.

America would serve itself well only if we stay focused on the prize.  Total defeat of Jihadism in every corner of the earth. 

Continue the Bush strategy to fight the enemy abroad rather then at home.

Give General Petraeus what he needs to win the war.

Country First.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 87% [?]

Last night we lost 2 more of our brethren. 

Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 1 (CLB-1) were traveling just north of Karmah when one of their MRAPs rolled into a canal.

Two Marines died at the scene and another was Air CASEVAC’d here to TQ in hopes that the surgeons can save his life.

The surgeons are good men and completely trust in their commitment and desire to help Marines.  I say that because I personally know them.  I am with them in maybe 6 to 7 briefs a week and have helped them research many a subject.  Whoever this wounded Marine is he is with good men.

Often in the Marine Corps we say that success is our own worst enemy.  There has yet been a mission in Afghanistan or Iraq we have not successfully completed.  Because of this, the lack of men and vehicles mixed with a short timeline do not prevent us from rogering up.

Marines are for fighting.  Marines are expeditionary by nature.  It is the Army that is designed to be the land-based sustainment force.  It is not in the Marine Corps doctrine or mindset but here we are fulfilling what should be the Army’s job because of their inability to do so.  Marines need to be in Afghanistan and the Army to assume overwatch and logistics for all of Iraq.

Last night these warriors rogered up for yet another mission.  They helped keep this country from being taken over by Al Qaeda and the insurgents.  They did what they liked doing and that is of course being Marines.

It’s horrible what their family and friends are now dealing with.  Being parents and siblings to Marines I am sure that though grieving they understand and respect the decision their love one made in coming to this place.

In respect of the Marines we have lost, its time to let the Army take full responsibility for Iraq and then let the Jarheads have card blanch in Afghanistan to kill or capture the remaining remnants of Al Qaeda and Taliban so we can call this war won and go home.

Pray for the family and loved ones so that they can more quickly cope.

Pray for the safe return of the other Marines.

Pray for those who just left us.

Semper Fi brothers,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 75% [?]

God bless me but sometimes I am just not bright.  Self-incriminating evidence below.

Since Monday early evening the top of my head was hurting.  I dismissed it figuring it was either caused by wearing my helmet so much or denting my head of the inside wall of the MRAP due to the bad roads causing us to bounce around so much.

It took idiot me until Tuesday afternoon to figure out it was because my head got sunburned while at Nukhayb.  I was only in the direct sun for 5-6 hours but that was enough.

To enhance my whining I paid a guy $3 to punch me on the top of my head.   I knew a haircut was not going to feel good but I felt like a hippy as it was probably grown out to an eighth of an inch or so.  Once my head goes from feeling like sandpaper to velvet it’s either put dreadlocks in or cut shave it.

What do you get for a $3 haircut?  Just what you expect and don’t expect. 

Don’t worry about looking in the mirror as it’s already too late to fix it.

Don’t worry about the guy massaging (really its punching) the top of your head for 20 seconds or so after the barber butchers your head.

Do worry about bald barbers.

Do worry about the goofs who wish to then massage your back (freaks).

Do worry about the barber with the ‘I ♥ Ba’thist t-shirt)

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 54% [?]

Geez I can not believe that I have to leave in just a little more then 2 months.  There is so much to still help out with.

Not knowing if the Marine following me will be as ambitious to get involved, I wish there was an opportunity to stay here for a year instead of this quick 6 months.  Then again, I am sure I will feel the same way when I year is up too.

I know this bothers some back home when I talk about staying.  However, I just love being involved and basically having card-blanch to go anywhere for a chance to help the cause.

The last two days, for instance, was spent at the southwest corner of Iraq where there was only 15 Marines.  Having the opportunity to talk with the Marines to learn about their mission and their challenges to be successful and then trying to help mitigate the concerns is very rewarding.   I will tell you more about COP (Combat Outpost) Nukhayb later this week, if not tomorrow.

With so much to still do before redeploying back to the states, I have decided to forego R&R to Qatar.

Those serving in OEF or OIF in the CENTCOM AOR for a year are given an opportunity to go on leave for 2 weeks.  Those serving just 6 to 7 months have an opportunity to get 4 days of leave (really ends up being about 7) to Qatar. 

Exploring countries is always a rewarding experience but I know I would regret missing of week of Iraq vice the Guinness in Qatar.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 55% [?]

One needs to look no further than B. Hussein’s Obama voting record to conclude he is seeking defeat in the Global War on Terrorism.  His refusal to support our leadership as well as voting against providing all of the necessary resources available to me and my fellow Marines in the time of war, in my opinion, is treasonous.

I am sure you remember his negative mannerisms and MoveOn.org-based questions to General David Petraeus during July of this year.  On July 10th, 95 out of 100 Senators voted to confirm General Petraeus as Military Leader of the Middle East.  Barack of course didn’t.

Voted against the Military Commissions Act which was the bill that created a military commission to try unlawful enemy combatants for violations of the laws of war and establishes rules for the conduct of these commissions.  It passed anyway 65-34.

Never casted a Yea vote for funding operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Never casted a Yea vote for an emergency funding supplemental bill.

Voted for a withdraw 3 times.

Twice voted for the Iraq Troop Reduction Amendment against the advice of General Petraeus.

Voted for the Time Between Troops Deployments Amendment against the advice of the U.S. Army.

Voted for the United States Policy in Iraq Resolution of 2007 which was the resolution to start a phased withdraw in Iraq.  Again, against the advice of General Petraeus.

Voted for the failed Supplemental Appropriations for the Department of Defense and Timeline for Withdraw from Iraq resolution.  Once again, against the advice of General Petraeus.

Voted for the failed Cluster Munitions Amendment which refused to fund our military for any cluster weapons unless clearly specified that they wouldn’t be allowed near civilian populations.  If B. Hussein was aware of what’s going on over here he would know that we never go after anyone unless we can positively ID them.  And, it’s horrific to have a Senator assume we would place civilians in harms way.

Bottom line, B. Hussein was against the surge which of course worked.  He works contrary to the experts on the ground and his refusal to vote for General David Petraeus shows his disregard winning leadership.

Even the left-leaning Brookings Institute said withdraw would most likely result in the slaughter of up to 800,000 people in and around Iraq.

Is that the leadership you and I want and need in a President?  Someone who runs contrary to success?  Someone who wishes to spur the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of people?

Slick Willies disregard for people in Africa and the former Soviet Union resulted in over 1.2 million people being slaughtered.

Their vision of America in which sitting on the sidelines, waiting to be hit, and ignoring genocides is not why I came over here to fight.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 49% [?]

On one hand I didn’t like getting stuck in Al Asad because of a sandstorm.  On the other hand when I did catch a flight out it was on the Marine Corps newest aircraft the MV-22 or as most call it, the Osprey.

The Osprey is arguably the most radical one built in the last 20+ years.  It is radical because it can take off horizontally (like a jet) as well as a vertically (like a helicopter).

Primarily, the pilots choose to take off like a helicopter and wow it’s not like any helicopter I have ever been.  The Osprey just seems to jump right up off the runway.  And fast speed?  Better than any rotary-wing aircraft that’s out there too.  In fact, after we left the Landing Zone (LZ) in Baghdad we touched down so quickly (like 5 minutes) that I figured we had to stop at another LZ.  I was wrong as we were in TQ.  Normally, I would expect about a 20 minute trip from Baghdad to TQ.

If I was to make any recommendation for improvement then it would be to have even another foot between the people sitting across from me so that we can more easily store our gear.  But as fast as it can go why complain?

Check another item of my wish list on my Iraq vacation.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 64% [?]

Yet another unique experience last night in Iraq. Being in Al Asad for a few meetings I had the opportunity to attend a Jewish Shabbat service. Shabbat or Shabbos is the weekly Sabbath i.e. day of rest in Judaism. I must confess that being in the heart of the Middle East I erroneously didn’t expect to see anyone practicing their Jewish faith.

Before the 1st millennium it is said that the Jews were nearly 300,000 strong in what we now considered Iraq. At the time this was the largest Jewish population in the world. Sadly now, they number only 9. Yes 9. 9 followers of the Jewish faith amongst the 25 million people of Iraq.

As for the number of Synagogues in Iraq? 1. I had no idea I would be observing and eating dinner in the only Synagogue in Iraq.

Service was led by Rabbi John Cutler who is in the Navy and is the Chaplain for the Third Marine Air Wing stationed here in Al Asad. Rabbi Cutler is also from Pennsylvania and lives in Bucks County (not too far from Philly).

Afterwards the dinner, the Rabbi and I talked for awhile so that I can gather some of his thoughts and opinions on how religion can play a role in the counter-insurgency (COIN) in Iraq.

All the left-wing nuts so badly wanted to call this a civil war (yes including MoveOn.orgs favorite son B. Hussein Obama) so that their blame-America-first rants would start to have more validity. In keeping with tradition of the loony left they failed to look at the facts nor show a desire to help a culture other then theirs.

We have now been fighting a COIN for the past couple years. Since General David Petraeus was able to implement a surge our ability to conduct COIN operations has proved huge dividends. By the way, McCain supported the surge and the General while B. Hussein Obama still speaks against both.

While we are doing a terrific job with COIN operations we still lack probably the most necessary ingredient for quicker success and that is the implementation of religious engagement programs. We need more American Muslim Chaplains to live with and work the Iraqi religious leaders.

Iraqis do not identify themselves as Iraqis. They first identify themselves by their household (family), then their clan (group of families), then their tribe (groups of clans), and finally a confederation or qabila (groups of tribes). Essentially, we are talking about what is known as blood loyalty.

With loyalty based on local leadership (predominantly religious leaders) vice those in Baghdad it would be in Americas best interest to expand our Chaplain Corps well beyond the 2 Muslims Chaplains we have now.

If you attended any meetings with military, political, and religious leaders in Iraq its easily recognizable that the Iraqis listen to the religious leaders first and foremost. This is the sort of knowledge that we must exploit.

Let me close by thanking Rabbi Cutler for the Shabbat dinner and follow-on discussion and of course the warm welcome I received from all of my new friends who also attended last night.

Shabbat Shalom and Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 68% [?]

Just went rolling through a few towns the other day but when getting to Ramadi I was surprised how trashed that place still is.  Actually worse then what I saw of Baghdad.

Ramadi was a key location for the Ba’ath party and assorted other loyal Saddam goofs so the coalition forces did some re-decorating via at the outset of the war.  But still, it’s been how many years now?  Clean it up already as you and your children live there.

I was up there to take a look at a few places that we suspected as potential problem areas for movement.  In hindsight I think the whole place is a problem area.

Getting out of the MRAP I certainly gained a better understanding of their hardship but was also trying to reason why they didn’t rise up against Saddam.  Knowing that they are above pre-war levels in all the basic needs (water, sewage, communication, electricity, health, etc…) and recognizing it to still be a complete dump one can only imagine how bad it was under that yahoo.

Trash in the street.  Wires running like spider webs barely over the streets.  Metal objects sticking out of the ground everywhere.  Other then one soccer field I didn’t see anywhere the kids can play safely.

The populace is certainly much more used to use rolling through certain cities and areas and that showed the other day.  As soon as I got out to take pictures people to start coming out of their “homes” and seeing what was going on.  This is a pain because not only do you have to scan the area for IEDs as you walk and all the vantage points for possible yahoos but now you have to continually scan the crowd as you try to do your job.  Basically, you are looking for anyone in the crowd with a possible weapon, cell phone, camera, or just watching too intently to what we are doing.

All in all it was a success. I got the information I needed and the engineers got the information they needed to collect.

Below is a picture of an MRAP in case you didn’t know what they look like as well as some pictures from one of the streets we rolled down.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 93% [?]