Marines prepare to cast votes in Iraq
Marines prepare to cast votes in Iraq
Submitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 2004829182754
Story by Cpl. Joel A. Chaverri
AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 29, 2004) -- As November’s general elections approach, the time for Marines to consider their vote has arrived.
After working hard to help stand up the first elections for the people of Iraq since the removal of Saddam Hussein from power, the time has now come for American forces to exercise their freedom to vote.
Even while deployed to a war zone, those who wish to vote are actively supported by the military. However, it’s not always easy for those deployed far from home to cast their vote and many wonder whether their ballots make a difference.
“Marines are strongly encouraged to take an active role (in the general elections),” said Capt. Jesse L. Sjoberg, voting assistance officer, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, “and as we know from the last (presidential) election, your vote does count.”
Each unit is assigned a voting assistance officer to aid Marines in making sure that each person is aware of voting deadlines and able to vote in a timely manner, as well as convey the significance of exercising the privilege.
“It’s important that everyone knows (about) and utilizes their right to vote,” said Sjoberg.
“Voting is extremely important,” added Cpl. Lonnie R. Mitchell, administration clerk, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “People need to be educated about their voting options,” offered the 26-year-old from Charlotte, N. C.
According to the Federal Voter Assistance Program, Marines who want to vote here must first fill out the Federal Post Card Application. The FPCA is sent to the Marine’s home state, which in turn sends the voting ballot back to the Marine in Iraq.
“The voting process is nearly exactly the same for the military as it is for people back (in America),” said Sjoberg. “Filling out the (FPCA) is the key factor for Marines who want to vote overseas.”
Serving in a foreign country during wartime can cause a slowdown in mail delivery, which is why the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot was made available to military personnel serving overseas.
“The (FWAB) is a last resort for those who don’t get their ballot from the state in time because of mail issues,” explained Sjoberg. “Marines simply write in their choice for the national election and sent it in.”
Although the voting assistance officer is responsible for troop awareness, once the Marines have the information, it’s up to them to take action, said Sjoberg.
“I put all the information out there and give everyone ample opportunities to act with it,” remarked the 32-year-old from Omaha, Neb., “but actually casting the vote is a step that (the individual) has to take.”
“Everyone has the responsibility to vote,” emphasized Mitchell, “and being lazy isn’t an excuse.”
The deadline for overseas post card applications was Aug. 15, but it’s not too late for those in the states to send theirs in.
“The deadline for state side post cards is September 15,” remarked Sjoberg. “There will be a voter awareness week taking place in the beginning of September.”
For more information concerning voting, servicemembers can contact their unit’s voting assistance officer, or visit the Federal Voters Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...6?opendocument
Ellie
Revving up: Marine providers ready for road
Revving up: Marine providers ready for road
Submitted by: 1st Force Service Support Group
Story Identification #: 200482215237
Story by Staff Sgt. Bill Lisbon
CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 22, 2004) -- Sucked beyond the western horizon the night before, sunlight seeps back into the valley here, in an everlasting give-and-take.
Such as the insatiable west in celestial cycles, Marines' stomachs, gas tanks and weapons cry for more and more.
From the east emerges the provider.
With the growing light, Marines funnel from their barracks' beds to a narrow lot where their behemoth trucks, wearing coats of muted green and black or tan paint, were parked the night before in three neat rows.
Both man and machine are rested, and the latter's engines are cool from a night of rest. Soon, though, they too will awaken, grumbling.
For the Marines of Combat Service Support Battalion 7 here, their return to the road is perpetual, and in the moments before they climb behind steering wheels and heavy machine guns, they scurry over, under and through the columns of vehicles making final preparations. Odometer readings are scrawled down on vehicle logs; weapons are lubricated; cargo straps are cinched tighter.
This battalion alone shoulders a heavy load -- delivering life-sustaining supplies to fellow Marines operating across Iraq's vast western province the size of Wyoming. Since March 2004, approximately 5 million pounds of cargo have rested on the beds of these trucks during scorching, dusty treks, some spanning hundreds of miles.
By now, to most Marines, putting a convoy on the road is mere reflex. Still, they gather ritualistically to review the mission: where they're going, which route they'll take, who's in charge, what to do if insurgents say hello.
Ever repeating shouts domino down the lines of steadily awakening trucks announcing the minutes remaining before the logistics train chugs away on its way. Marines don flak jackets, sandwiching themselves with armored plates. Helmets settle atop their close-cropped heads.
And with the bottom of the sun separated from the horizon, the Marines' day officially begins.
They have mouths to feed.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image...40811a_low.jpg
In the minutes leading up to their departure, Marines of a Combat Service Support Battalion 7 supply convoy move within rows of vehicles making final preparations at Camp Al Asad, Iraq, on Aug. 11, 2004. During the past six months alone, CSSB-7, a part of the Marine Corps' 1st Force Service Support Group, has hauled approximately 5 million pounds of supplies to Marines operating throughout the vast western portion of Iraq's Al Anbar Province. Photo by: Staff Sgt. Bill Lisbon
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...9?opendocument
Ellie