Good morning,

In response to last weeks featured veteran Russell E. Searcey I want to say thank you to those who sent in your memories of the Iraq invasion 20 years ago. In fact this week I have toasted those who did not make it back, and rekindle friendships that seem unchanged no matter how much time passed.

So, this week we have your memories, a link to the Russian jet taking out one of our drones, and an interesting YouTube clip from our channel.  

But first…

On this day in 2003

Continuing the Iraq invasion theme on the 20th anniversary, it takes us to this day in 2003 when US forces encountered a large number of Iraqi forces in the center of the city of Samawah, resulting in a fierce firefight.

The US forces were eventually able to overcome the Iraqi resistance, but not without suffering casualties. The exact number of casualties is still unclear, but it is believed that several US soldiers were killed, and wounded during the battle.

The capture of Samawah was an important victory for the coalition forces, as it helped to secure the southern part of Iraq and cut off Iraqi supply lines to the north. The battle also marked a turning point in the Iraq War, as it signalled the beginning of a prolonged insurgency against US and coalition forces.

In todays newsletter we honor some of our readers…

In response to our request last week of memories of Iraq, below are some of the stories we’ve received.

If you have a story you wish to share then please send it through to us. I hope you enjoy some reflections of other readers ⬇️

Frank’s Story:

“20 years ago today, I was a Corporal in Charlie Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines. I had led a section of eight Marines in capturing the biggest oil infrastructure in southern Iraq called the Manifold an Metering Station, just outside the small town of Al Faw. Once we captured our objectives, the rest of the invasion got the green light, Charlie Company were the absolute spearhead of the entire operation.

The night before we had checked, then rechecked our kit, ammunition and weapons, then burned our letters from home that came on the last mail run. We couldn’t take them to where we were going because of the risk of capture by the enemy.

Each of us sat quietly with own thoughts in the cool desert night as the little fires burned down to ash. We then picked up our kit, equipment, ammunition and weapons then boarded the chinook helicopters that were waiting for us.” Frank

Ami’s Story:

“This was the last time our family saw my brother, US Army SPC Christopher Neiberger. It was December 26, 2006. My mom took this photo at the airport. He had been home on a two week leave from a war zone in Iraq. He was killed in action in Baghdad on August 6, 2007 only three days after he turned 22 years old.

He will never grow old. We will never see him get married or become a father. He has missed weddings, heartbreaks and delights in our family. As we pause for Memorial Day I urge you to take a moment to think of our fallen service men and women. They gave their very best for all of us” Ami

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Joe’s Story:

“20 years ago today marks the invasion of Iraq. As a Citizen-Soldier, I was working full time for PeopleSoft, Inc. and called up in January 2003. We were given 2 business weeks to get our affairs in order and report for active duty.

My Army Reserve unit was activated and I served as an Infantry Major in the G-3 Operations Section at V Corps (Rear) HQs - the senior command over US Army forces for the war. Forever grateful for the support we received from my colleagues back in the states at PeopleSoft, where we had numerous care packages sent to my unit, where I would send them on to the line units that were on the front lines.”  Joe

Tim’s Story:

“A week into the war, we drove through Nasiriyah, trying to catch up with a US military convoy. Iraqi forces, with 50-caliber guns, opened fire on our car, destroying our wheels and peppering the right side with bullet holes. Miraculously, Chris and I were not hit.

Traveling in our group in other cars was Luc Delahaye and Scott Johnson, both working for Newsweek. Scott was rescued by soldiers soon after the ambush, but Chris, Luc and I ran into the desert, with Iraqi soldiers in pursuit, and we were on foot for more than 6 hours until we found a U.S. Army forward operating base. We had left everything behind in our disabled cars, except for our cameras, and we eventually made our way back to Kuwait, walking for hours through the desert and back across the border.” Tim (media)

From our YouTube Channel

Check out our YouTube Channel which tells the story of the Green Berets rescuing Jessica Lynch.

In the news this week

So each week I share news stories that I found interesting and I hope you do to.

• Tragic incident of Army command sergeant major killed along with 3 children in South Carolina shooting

• Things are heating up with Russia as they warns US not to fly over Black Sea, honors pilots who forced drone to crash

Did you know?

Did you know that the US Marine Corps has its own hymn, known as the "Marines' Hymn"? The hymn, which dates back to the mid-19th century, is often played at Marine Corps events and ceremonies (if reading this you were in the Marines then of course you do!)

"From the Halls of Montezuma, To the shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine."

Meme of the Week

Sponsor this newsletter

If your business or company is interested in reaching an audience of veterans, serving military personnel, or supporters of our brave men and women who keep us safe, you may want to advertise with us.

Have any stories that you wish to share like above? Please send them through to us on the form or by email. I really enjoy reading them all and its so important to share these stories.

Have a great week and will be back next week.

Rob 🫡