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: 90% [?]

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: 77% [?]

150 calories per Gatorade.  150.  Wow I know.  And so much sugar.  Grrrr

Well I guess I have to change another habit.  First it was cutting back on coffee and now looks like more water and less Gatorade.

Normally I drink 5 to 6 20 ounce bottles of water a day and 3 to 5 Gatorades a day.  Oh yea and of course start everyday the American way, 2 cups of java.

Now I guess cutting down to 1 Gatorade a day and going up to 8 20 ounce bottles of water is better for me.  So with those still wishing to send out goodies I ask to hold off on the Gatorade.

The only problem I have now is what to put in my water.  So much water gets boring and I have liked the Propel but of course need to check on if that’s sugar free and near to no calories. 

Anyone know?

Any other suggestions?

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 40% [?]

I just wanted to once again thank everyone for their generosity by writing and sending care packages.

Birthday cards, books, food, letters from kids, stationary supplies, hygiene gear, the list goes on.

And of course socks, socks, and more socks. Because of the socks my little piggies are now good enough to start running again. I only ran for 30 minutes today as I want to ease into it but plan on being up to 45 within a couple weeks and an hour in a couple weeks.  Of course another reason why I am easing into it is because of the crazy heat.  Despite running at 530AM the mid to high 80s still isnt ideal but oh well.

Speaking of running, my friend Cheryl and I usually run a half and full marathon every year. Last year we helped raised money for Autism and would welcome your help again. The money we raise is for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and Mission for Educating Children with Autism (MECA). OAR is probably the leading nationally recognized group for advancing research and proving information on this infliction and MECA is a phenomenal organization located in my backyard (Chester County, PA) that provides life skills to young adults with Autism.

Please click http://www.firstgiving.com/runningwithscissors and donate whatever you can to this great cause.

Semper Fi,
GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 41% [?]

Tonight we had another Walking Blood Bank but this time for B+ blood.  Just like the other day Marines and Sailors were turned away because so many showed up.

Unfortunately, this time it was an Iraqi Policeman (IP) whose vehicle was struck by an IED.  Both of the IPs survived, one had just minor wounds and was released but the other sadly had to have both legs and some fingers amputated.

Iraqis wounding and killing Iraqis just make the jihadist all that much worse in the eyes of the general populace.  It’s a shame that it has taken so many tragedies t get the populace to start having the courage to stand up for themselves.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 46% [?]

A Walking blood bank is when we call for everyone with a specific blood type to immediately donate due to someone being seriously wounded and near death.

Earlier today an Iraqi police officer took a few rounds to the chest and was rushed into our surgical center here on TQ.  Lacking O+ blood they sent out an emergency message.

The blood bank needed 9 donors and within minutes (literally) they had 30 or so Marines show up.  Not to sound dark but it was an awesome sight to see so many Marines running to the blood bank to give life to someone they probably have never met.

Unfortunately, a few minutes ago they asked for O+ again and being a “quite” day one can only assume it’s for the same fellow.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 28% [?]

I guess 30 some years of knowing how to walk stairs left me today.  My ego won’t allow me to assume full responsibility for my swan dive to the second floor though.  Iraqis are horrid at anything dealing with construction so I would like to credit them for my tumble too. 

Those knuckleheads “built” steps going up in this tower that literally are more tight and of more varying heights and widths then any castle in Europe I have ever climbed.  At one point the ceiling just drops a foot or so out of nowhere so when I went duck I ended up diving. 

Here’s to adding every Iraqi masonry workerr to our high target value list.

Semper Fi,
GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 28% [?]

Being recalled back to active duty for over 5 years I thought wearing my boots 8-10 hours a day was a lot.  Being out here and wearing them every waking moment except when showering or sleeping (most of the time) I found a new appreciation for socks.

Supplies in our exchange (store) is always low when it comes to purchasing health and comfort items so help from friends and relatives in the states can be crucial to many Marines.

After chow this morning I tried he exchange once again to see if they have cushioned black socks and woo hoo they did!  What a difference.  Probably the best $10 item I got out here yet.  Too bad they only had one pair left.

Well, if anyone wishes to save me from having to amputate my toes please feel free to send black or brown over the calf cushioned socks.

            In care of Jonathans Feet
            GySgt Jonathan Jenkins
            G3 MCCLL LNO
            1st MLG Fwd H&S Co
            Unit 42175
            FPO AP 96426-2175

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jenkins

Popularity: 27% [?]

I think I have the infamous crud.

I was told by a number of Marines that I will be getting sick a few weeks after getting my boots on the ground and that it should last a week or two.  I didn’t think much of it as I have been running around so much but as of tonight I think I may finally have it.

Right now it’s just a loss of appetite, feeling a little run downed, and very dry sore throat.  I am still eating no matter if I am hungry or not at least 3 times a day.  As for the sore throat grrrr I hope that’s all I get.

Despite this minor obstacle my spirits are high and honesty, I like being over here.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

Popularity: 20% [?]