Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon, Inc.

This from the 3/7 CO to the families of the Marines on 2 August 2010:

Hello 3/7 Families:  Since the last letter I wrote, the battalion has been assigned a new area to conduct operations.
Our mission remains the same: in partnership with Afghan Army forces, we provide security to the honest Afghan civilians who are trying to live a life without being strong-armed by insurgent forces. The men have worked hard and have succeeded in moving equipment, vehicles, sustainment goods, and alike over a large distance to our new operating area. When fighting is required, your men have displayed the highest levels of bravery I have witnessed in combat. Sergeant Major B. and I are proud to walk amongst the men in all the companies’ operating areas as they continue to display a high level of professionalism and proficiency.  Lima Company has been operating in another area for the past month and I am happy to report they will be moving rejoining us in our new area (soon). I continue to receive praise on the performance and professionalism of Lima Company by leaders of units they have
worked alongside.

I know the communication with home continues to be a challenge. Most of your Marines and sailors are operating in an expeditionary manner and have been laser-focused on the mission.  I have the upmost confidence that spouses and parents understand this challenge and will be patient as we are working on acquiring more phones once the men get some rest and refit time. I thank you all for your strength, your commitment, and for all that you do while your loved ones are deployed.  Men in this battalion have given their lives for the freedom of our country. I tell you with
pride that the men of this battalion are more committed to the mission than ever and they continue to press on with resilience. I have never been as honored in my life as I am to be associated with the warriors of this battalion. Until they return, know that the Marines and sailors of 3/7 will continue to do great things here in Afghanistan.
Semper Fidelis,
LtCol Clay T.

3/7 Marines

Afghanistan

Our Adoptees:

LTC Clay T.

GySgt Lucan L.

Special Friends Support: Bryan Cave Law Firm, NYC;  Wanaque, NJ, Police Dept.; Snell and Wilmer Law, Phoenix, AZ; Cookiehead Rock Band

The 3/7 Marines have taken over from the 3/4 Marines and have a very similar mission. And one of the 3/4's favorite projects was taking care of the children of Now Zad, AFG, once the Marines secured the town from the Taliban. AaSP supported the 3/4 Marines and sent them scores of school supplies, toys, recreation equipment and clothing. Now we will take care of the 3/7 Marines and do the same thing! Oo-Rah!!

If you are an individual or a Special Friend group that would like to provide school supplies, clothing or recreation equipment for the children of Afghanistan, please let us know. It's a great feeling helping the future of a country and you can be a part! Thanks!

This came from the CO to the families of the 3/7 (1 June 2010):

"The men are very busy operating in our assigned area and continue to display the highest level of professionalism. Your men are working hard on a daily basis, still hunting the enemy…still helping the people of Afghanistan.      

"The Marines and sailors find themselves executing numerous tasks as they continue to work the full spectrum of counterinsurgency operations.  Marines and sailors have mentored Afghan military and police forces, found and destroyed bomb making safe havens, distributed wheat to poor local villages, found and destroyed illegal drugs, made improvements to local roads, and engaged enemy forces that have resisted our efforts. 

"Communication with home continues to be a challenge.  Most of our areas have limited capabilities.  I ask you all to be patient and understand that your Marines are doing the best that they can to keep in touch with you.  I thank you all for your strength, your commitment, and for all that you do while your loved ones are deployed.         

"I am confident that the men will someday look back on this deployment with pride in the contributions they made to our nation’s mission.  Although your loved ones may not realize it yet, future generations of Marines will be taught about their actions and will seek to follow in their footsteps.  Until they return, know that the Marines and sailors of 3/7 will continue to do great things here in Afghanistan."

Semper Fidelis,

LtCol Clay T.