Farewell

2nd battalion 3rd Marines, who just returned from Iraq, did so without 23 of their own. We attended their memorial service held on base. All of those who fell had family members in attendance. Their command-ing officer spoke of their contribution to the effort of bringing peace to Iraq. It was an emotional moment for him when he read a letter from the Mayor of the city in which these men fell, expressing his appreciation for the sacrifice that was made on their city's behalf. It was a touching moment to feel a level of loss these family members were experiencing. It reenforced our passion to be here for them, reaching out with the good news to those preparing to deploy once again.