We have official word on when Anthony will be returning from his tour in Afghanistan and we are very excited! As I write, he has already started the departure process to come back home and has moved to Camp Dwyer... a real base with great facilities and even a chow hall. We are comforted to know that he does get to spend Thanksgiving eating turkey. He sounds in good spirits since they moved to Dwyer, energized, and optimistic. Combat Out Post Payne was a tough place to spend 6 months, so right now anything is an upgrade.
We are so proud of Anthony! December 2nd at Camp Pendleton will be a great day for our family.
Here are some excerpts from Anthony's commanding officer, Captain King's letter to the families dated October 30th. The 1st Platoon that he talks about is the one Anthony is a part of:
The weather has finally decided to work its way into a more favorable fall climate. The high temperatures finally dropped below the 100 mark and we have had steady weather of highs in the 80s and lows in the 40s. With such a shift in temperatures from the highs to lows, the Marines can often times be seen with their cold weather gear and sleeping bags out in the morning.
1st Platoon (1stPLT) was busy at the beginning of the month with a week-long operation to the West of Combat Out Post (COP) Payne, even further West than the last time the PLT displaced and occupied a position on the high desert plateau above the Helmand River Valley. These efforts were in support of 2D Light Armored Reconnaissance’s (LAR) sweep and clear of the villages of Zhrande Kalay and Tagaz. Although it was relatively quiet on our end, the PLT still performed superbly and efficiently on the displacement and deliberate occupation. 1stPLT was again tasked with supporting an operation to the North East of COP Payne. In fact, we have just returned today from this three-day operation. We were positioned to the West of a town called Khalan Kalay while C Company, 2d LAR, swept through an area of interest for Taliban fighters, contraband, IED Materials, and any other enemy paraphernalia. As 2d LAR became involved in several attacks from rockets and mortars, 1stPLT was called upon to fire several volleys in support. The impacting artillery rounds quickly put an end to the several hour-long engagement so LAR could continue with its assigned mission. Once again, the Marines performed well and we are preparing for what should be our final operation on this deployment. These efforts will be in support of the re-elections country wide, with the focus on providing security to the polling stations so the local nationals can vote with minimal threat from the Taliban.
We are all just as excited as you are with the news and we look forward to that welcome home with EVERY Marine and Sailor. My staff and I will double our efforts to maintain the high levels of focus and commitment as if it were our first day out here. I’m happy to say this is the last Family Readiness Letter of the deployment, and the next time you hear from me will be in person, getting off the bus, and returning your Marines to you. Thank you all for your continual, undeniable support, and unwavering faith. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve with these fine men.
Semper Fi,
Capt King
N Battery Commanding Officer
