Published: March 10, 2011
Congratulate Marines in Sangin for Huge Success!
Introducing St. Patrick's Day Packages
We've now made available special care packages for St. Patrick's Day for all our troops serving overseas. St. Patty's Day is a fun-filled time to celebrate the rich history of Irish-Americans to this great land, and as you know, our troops deployed overseas will also be taking note of it and doing their best to hold their own celebrations even while they're on deployment.
Troops in Sangin Tout Successes. Secretary Gates Visits 3/5 Marines, Praises Good Work.
This week Secretary Robert Gates has been visiting troops around Afghanistan, and yesterday he stopped in Sangin, Marjah Province, to visit troops from the 3/5 Marines who have been fighting to bring stability to one of the most dangerous areas.
This part of Helmand was a troubled spot for the British troops there were previously in charge of it. According to reports, almost one third of British casualties for the whole Afghan war, have come from this region, so it's a tough area!
The Marines hit it hard, to clean it up, and as a result they took heavy casualties. The 3/5 Marines, also known as Darkhorse Battalion, has lost almost 30 Marines and suffered 150 wounded in action since taking over the area. It's been a tough fight, but they have also made huge security gains, all thanks to the sacrifices of those brave men and women.
[ Lt. Colonel] Morris [Marine battalion commander] said when the Marines arrived, their patrol bases "were literally ringed by Taliban flags." The Marines took most of their losses in the first two months of their deployment, but in the past three months they've pushed the Taliban back.
"We've been very successful in killing a lot of Taliban, capturing a lot of Taliban, and driving those low- and mid-level insurgent leaders out of the area," he said. American Forces Press Svc., 09 MARCH 2011
These troops have done such great work in their area of operation, against all the odds, they deserve a token of our appreciation, and gratitude for their sacrifice.
These Marines deserve our support! The 3/5 Marines are fighting in one of the worst parts of Afghanistan. The Taliban are dug-in tough, and they're used to fighting the Brits who, while they fought bravely, were not as aggressive as our Marines and so the Taliban are used to being on the offensive. Our troops have taken losses, and while they continue to defeat the Taliban and inflict high casualties on the enemy, every Marine lost in battle is felt by the whole battalion.
Support the 3/5 Marines "Darkhorse Battalion" by sending a St. Patrick's Day care package filled with coffee, cookies, beef jerky, Gatorade and other items that will help them on the front lines and provide some *comfort and encouragement.
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