Articles 12.4.2004

The Naples, FL, Daily News has an article on middle school students who filled 20 boxes of care packages to support "Operation Package", the support program initiated by 1-9th Commander Lt. Col. Joe Southcott. The main page of the 2ID web-site has a story on families and friends in Korea preparing care packages for soldiers, including the family of 2BCT Commander Col. Gary S. Patton.
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Fox News has another reporter blog update and video report with the 2/5 Marines in Ramadi. To view the video, click on the "video" tab in the article and select "Clearing a minefield."
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Personal stories from the recent offensive in Fallujah (none involving the 2nd BCT):
- Honolulu-Star Bulletin: Fellow troops from the 1/3 marines tell the story of a wounded comrade who jumped on a grenade to save their lives, sacrificing his own
- Philadelphia Inquirer (reg req'd): five part series following Alpha Company, Task Force 2-2: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V
- Associated Press: Marines take pride in their mission, vow to finish the job

News from a similar sort, the DoD announced that the 4th ID Command Sgt. Maj. received the Silver Star for his leadership in assisting an ambush on a Marine patrol in Ramadi on 4.6.2004.
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Other news from the region:
- Associated Press: Use of observation balloons in Iraq
- Voice of America: Iraq rebels attempting to regroup after Fallujah rout
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Troops torn between competing needs to battle insurgents and win over populace