thedrifter
01-08-07, 01:06 PM
January 07. 2007 6:59AM
Three Marines from other countries
For South Bend reservists in Iraq, life moves at a different, alcohol-free pace.
The South Bend Tribune's Fred Dodd, a retired Marine, recently spent the Christmas and New Year's holidays with the Marines of South Bend-based Engineer Company B.
Dodd was embedded with the same Marine Corps unit in 2003 during the invasion of Iraq.
Here are some of Dodd's observations after his most recent visit:
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq -- Three Company B Marines aren't U.S. citizens -- yet here they are fighting for the United States.
"I don't look at it like I'm fighting somebody else's war," said Cpl. Jesus Mendoza, of Chicago, who was born in Mexico. "I'm here to be with my brothers -- the Marines. I'm doing it for the Marines. I feel like my brothers need me to help them."
"It's just one way for me to give back to this country that's given me so much," added Lance Cpl. Jordan O'Hearn, of St. Joseph, who was born in Australia. 'I've grown up and spent most of my life in America. As much as I love Australia I also love it in America."
"I always wanted to make a difference in the world," said Sgt. Francois Cummings, of Indianapolis, who was born in Liberia. "The Corps allowed me to make that difference. It has given me the pride of being a part of something that's larger than myself."
New Year's in Iraq
What little was going on during New Year's Eve was interrupted by sirens warning of incoming mortar rounds. But Camp Taqaddum is a pretty big place and no one in Engineer Village, where most of Engineer Company B stays, heard anything.
The staff non-commissioned officers got together for dinner and the non-commissioned officers gathered together for a small party, but otherwise the year's end passed quietly here. The South Bend Marine reservists did get a little extra sleep both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Liquor laws
Company commander Maj. Mark Boone, of Medford, Ore., half-laughingly described it as heartbreaking duty.
Alcohol is prohibited here. Yet, occasionally someone will receive a bottle in the mail from a well-meaning friend or relative. It usually ends up with Boone.
"I think I was probably the very first Marine in the company to receive alcohol. I took some very fine Jack Daniels whiskey and dumped it out in front of everybody to sort of set the tone. Since then, when folks get alcohol it ends up with me so I pour it out. It sets the right example for the company and we have to make sure we have our heads on straight over here. I think it was one of the most trying events while I was over here."
Happy birthday
Each month 9th Engineer Support Battalion, the active duty unit that Company B is attached to, celebrates birthdays and anniversaries with a cake. On Dec. 31, Marines and sailors gathered in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center and the battalion chaplain called out the names of those born in December. Along with the cake was a song -- "Happy Birthday."
Ellie
Three Marines from other countries
For South Bend reservists in Iraq, life moves at a different, alcohol-free pace.
The South Bend Tribune's Fred Dodd, a retired Marine, recently spent the Christmas and New Year's holidays with the Marines of South Bend-based Engineer Company B.
Dodd was embedded with the same Marine Corps unit in 2003 during the invasion of Iraq.
Here are some of Dodd's observations after his most recent visit:
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq -- Three Company B Marines aren't U.S. citizens -- yet here they are fighting for the United States.
"I don't look at it like I'm fighting somebody else's war," said Cpl. Jesus Mendoza, of Chicago, who was born in Mexico. "I'm here to be with my brothers -- the Marines. I'm doing it for the Marines. I feel like my brothers need me to help them."
"It's just one way for me to give back to this country that's given me so much," added Lance Cpl. Jordan O'Hearn, of St. Joseph, who was born in Australia. 'I've grown up and spent most of my life in America. As much as I love Australia I also love it in America."
"I always wanted to make a difference in the world," said Sgt. Francois Cummings, of Indianapolis, who was born in Liberia. "The Corps allowed me to make that difference. It has given me the pride of being a part of something that's larger than myself."
New Year's in Iraq
What little was going on during New Year's Eve was interrupted by sirens warning of incoming mortar rounds. But Camp Taqaddum is a pretty big place and no one in Engineer Village, where most of Engineer Company B stays, heard anything.
The staff non-commissioned officers got together for dinner and the non-commissioned officers gathered together for a small party, but otherwise the year's end passed quietly here. The South Bend Marine reservists did get a little extra sleep both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Liquor laws
Company commander Maj. Mark Boone, of Medford, Ore., half-laughingly described it as heartbreaking duty.
Alcohol is prohibited here. Yet, occasionally someone will receive a bottle in the mail from a well-meaning friend or relative. It usually ends up with Boone.
"I think I was probably the very first Marine in the company to receive alcohol. I took some very fine Jack Daniels whiskey and dumped it out in front of everybody to sort of set the tone. Since then, when folks get alcohol it ends up with me so I pour it out. It sets the right example for the company and we have to make sure we have our heads on straight over here. I think it was one of the most trying events while I was over here."
Happy birthday
Each month 9th Engineer Support Battalion, the active duty unit that Company B is attached to, celebrates birthdays and anniversaries with a cake. On Dec. 31, Marines and sailors gathered in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center and the battalion chaplain called out the names of those born in December. Along with the cake was a song -- "Happy Birthday."
Ellie