Hello from Uncle John

Here are a couple of photos of me dropping a box of goodies Darin sent. I gave the bulk of the items to Company D stationed at Combat Outpost (COP) Tagaz. They are truly on the edge of the empire. The photo ‘Getting the boys ready’ was a hell of a lot harder than it needed to be. I told them to line up for a photo and they milled around like a herd of cattle, so I made it easy for them; ‘You three over there and you three on this side.’ The next photo is me calling them a bunch of chuckle heads and the 1stSgt laughing. I gave him two boxes of protein bars to pass out as he saw fit. I will give him a couple more boxes once the rest arrive. The last photo is the finished set up. The plastic bag in the top center of the table contains about a third of the jerky.

The rest of the boxes were divided up amongst the JUMP Platoon (they are responsible for the personal security and transportation of the Battalion Commander and myself around the battle field), Quick Reaction Force (QRF) (they are our base security react force and on call for all assigned tasks), Guard Force (responsible for the security of the FOB) and the engineer detachment. I dropped all of the hygiene supplies and movies off with the chaplain. The chaplain and chaplain’s assistant are good with seeing the Marines and sailors and dropping off hygiene gear as needed.

The men of 3d LAR Battalion are doing well. The one good thing about be stationed at 29 Palms is that we were already acclimatized to the heat. Afghanistan is a lot like 29 Palms except it is greener here with the river. The Wolfpack has adapted well to their environment and continues to teach, coach and mentor the Afghan security forces in our area. We have already un-partnered several location and are preparing to un-partner several other locations. When we un-partner a position, the Marines pull back to the COPs and provide over watch while the Afghan security forces patrol the area. Talking to the Marines, the Battalion Commander and myself tell the Marines to continue to train themselves out of a job.

Darin, thank you again for the care packages. Pass on to all who contributed my many thanks and gratitude. None of what was sent has gone to waste.

Best wishes to all, have a safe and happy 4^th of July,

John