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thedrifter
03-09-09, 07:17 AM
'Accomplishing the mission' in Afghanistan
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March 8, 2009 - 8:31 PM
JENNIFER HLAD

As 8,000 Marines and sailors prepare to deploy to southern Afghanistan as part of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, the commander of the Camp Lejeune-based infantry unit that has been serving in southern Afghanistan since November says they have made important gains even while suffering difficult losses.

"Counterinsurgency is a sustained commitment that will take time here in Afghanistan; however, we feel we are accomplishing our mission daily and ‘moving the ball' down the field here," 3 rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment commander Lt. Col. David Odom told The Daily News via e-mail.

The 3rd Battalion deployed to Afghanistan as the ground combat element of a special purpose Marine air-ground task force. The task force will be joined in southern Afghanistan later this spring by another 8,000 troops to form the 10,000-strong 2nd MEB.

The assumption of command ceremony for that brigade - and the announcement of the subordinate units that will make up the MEB - is scheduled for this morning at Camp Lejeune. Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson will command the brigade.

Odom said the Marines of 3/8 know that the additional troops will "sustain and advance the successes" made by Marines, Afghan National Security Forces and NATO troops in the area.

3/8's primary mission has been counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring Afghan National Security Forces, Odom said.

They have been able to expand into areas where there was no previous security presence, facilitate better freedom of movement for the local people and prevent movement in those areas by insurgents, he said.

"We do have a viable and capable insurgency that we are fighting against, and there is still much to do; however, we know that with sustained presence and continued efforts alongside the Afghan National Security Forces and Afghan people, we are making a difference," he said.

The unit operates from several bases in various district centers, he said, working with the Afghan people to establish good relations and holding frequent meetings, called "shuras."

"Through seeking to conduct all operations and actions ‘by, with and through' the Afghans, we know we are making a difference that builds steadily over time," Odom said.

The Marines of 3/8 have built on the successes of the 29 Palms-based 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment before them, Odom said. But like 2/7, 3/8 has suffered numerous casualties.

Lance Cpl. Alberto Francesconi, Lance Cpl. Jessie Cassada, Lance Cpl. Julian Brennan, Sgt. David Wallace III, Sgt. Trevor Johnson and Lance Cpl. Kevin Preach all died supporting combat operations, according to the Department of Defense. Lance Cpl. Daniel Bennett died in what the DoD called a "non-hostile" incident.

"Unfortunately, our success here has come with great sacrifice at the loss of some of our brothers," Odom said. "We honor and remember our fallen angels and their families daily here by accomplishing our mission here in Afghanistan."



Contact interactive content editor and military reporter Jennifer Hlad at jhlad@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8467.

Ellie