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: 84% [?]

The last couple of weeks neither the Marines in my workspace and I noticed new food as our shelves of goodies were not being replenished as often as they were a month or so ago.

However thanks to some of my family, the American Sheep Dogs (West Chester, PA), and new friend Cathy Bates (Collegeville, PA) we are back on track to indulgence.

Also need to thank fellow leatherneck Jim Doedderlein (U.S. Marine 1967-1970) who not only sent a hand written card but a small Marine Corps flag.  May sound odd to some but when the other warriors in the work space seen it they made mention of it.  Now we just need to find a place to hang it in here.

Please accept our gratitude for your generous donations.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 53% [?]

Today one of my nephews turns, Eric, turns 15 years old.

With being called back to active duty the last 5+ years I have barely seen my nephews.  Wow, I just thought about this – over a third of his life been away. 

Happy Birthday Eric.  You’re a tool but I love ya.  haha

Semper Fi,
GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 25% [?]

Helen is my baby sister and today she turns 29 again.  Weird how all 3 of my sisters don’t age past there.

I am not that bright so it’s a wonder I can remember anything but I honestly do remember the first day I ever saw her.

I don’t remember much of the day but I do know it was nice weather, very sunny, and grandma babysitting us.  And most of all and I remember my dad walking into the house holding her, placing her in a crib, and looking down at her. 

I don’t recall anything else but all in all a great memory.

Happy Birthday Helen!

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 27% [?]

Grrrrr.  What a long day this was. 

Up at 0530 to finish packing (ok start packing), unplug everything, and get on the road to attend a pro-troop rally and then my friends house to drop my car off and scam a free ride to the airport.

I thought all my gear would barely fit into 2 sea bags but thinking and packing were not to be synched up today.  I quickly found I needed a 3rd bag and regrettably a carryon too.  The weight however wasn’t as bad as a I thought (ok I did leave some stuff behind I thought there would be no need for).  All told about 200 pounds of gear so not that bad.  I like the idea of going by myself and being on my own program but the downside is you have to totally fend for yourself.

On my way to my friends’ house I stopped to thank the patriots who meet weekly in West Chester to show their support to the troops, their mission, and the ideals of America.  Believe it or not there have been protestors on the opposite corner for 5 years now.  They protest the troops, the mission, religion, and most notably America.  If you ever have a chance to attend the rally its 11AM every Saturday.  Just look for the side that has American flags or pro-troop signs.

Next, I stopped at my friend Cheryl’s’ house.  She is going to keep an eye on my car and help out with the finances/power of attorney stuff while I am away.  Great girl and I am soooo lucky to have her as my friend.  She is also considered one of the bets local jewelry makers so check out her site Inspired Designed at http://www.inspiredesigned.com.

At Philly International Airport I was happy to see my mom and my elder sister Christine with her family.  Unfortunately, we were only able to chat for maybe 30-45 minutes as I had to ensure there were no delays due to international security checks.  I know the week before when I was in Montreal it took over an hour to get out.

Plane rides for me are never fun.  First, being that my primary job in the Marines is that of an Air Traffic Controller I know what goes on with the goofing around and games, second, food is worse then that in a hospital, and third its rare I get to sit next to a hottie.

Pete Peeve #1:  Passengers who pour over into my seat
The first plane ride, from Philly to Dulles, I had the window seat but the woman next to me was sooooo large she took up all of her seat, some of my seat, and some of the aisle.  I do like people but like in Air Traffic Control – separation is important.

Pete Peeve #2:  Stuck in the middle with you
Sitting next to a goof, being sick, or squashed on a short trip maybe but 11 hours flight?  No thank you.  I had the worst seat I could get heading from Dulles into Kuwait.  There were 2 seats, an aisle, 5 seats, an aisle, and then 2 more seats.  Well I got to sit in the middle seat of the middle section for 11+ hours.  We were so tight I don’t think any of us were able to sit back and relax but thankfully the woman from the Philly to Dulles flight wasn’t with us.

I guess it was about 1730 Kuwaiti time (7 hours difference) when I arrived in theater, picked up my bags, went through customs and meet the Marine Liaison waiting for me.  Master Sergeant Hendricks drove me to Ali Al Salem which was about 30 minutes away.  Once there he hooked me up with all a Marine needs:  A weapon, something to eat, and a rack. 

Life is good.

Semper Fi.

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 33% [?]

For those that know me well my favorite meal is the traditional Thanksgiving Day feast.

We met at the home of my elder sister Christine’s (I can’t tell you she just turned 40 ok?).  It was so nice to have my parents, grandmother, and all 3 sisters with their children and spouses all sit down for a great meal and talk for hours.

Being recalled for over 5 years my time with family has been greatly reduced but it is what it is.  A good number of schools and groups have asked me to speak when I come back but no matter what I will certainly spend more time with family when I am home again.

And yes in case you are wondering it didn’t take any effort to con Christine into cooking another Turkey Day feast when I get back in October.

I am a single guy which means I of course gladly accept free meals so be sure to watch when I fly home and invite me!

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 26% [?]