I +H -- Operation Phantom Fury

Just received:

If anyone was wondering, yes, Phil is in Fallujah. Please say some extra prayers for him and the rest of the troops.


Subject: "Letter from MGen Natonski to the Families of 1st Marine Division"
A letter to the families of the 1st Marine Division from the Commanding General, November 8, 2004

Recently elements of the 1st Marine Division commenced combat operations against insurgents in Fallujah. We are conducting Operation Phantom Fury in order to provide the Iraqi people hope and a chance for a brighter future. Our mission is at the request of the Iraqi government. We are not alone. Iraqi security and armed forces will participate in numbers exceeding that of any operation conducted to date. This operation is critical and will deny the insurgents a safe haven to conduct attacks against coalition forces and the ability to continue with the murder and intimidation of the Iraqi people.

Your loved one has received all the resources required to ensure victory. Our Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen go into harm's way with the best equipment, the best training, and the best leadership available to our great nation. The planning and preparation for this operation has been detailed. We have worked very hard to mitigate the dangers to our forces. I am very proud of the fighting spirit and morale of the Division.

Our actions today will be recorded on the pages of our nation's history. Our mission requires courage, faith, honor, and commitment from the men and women of the Division. We humbly ask you for the same. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers and your support sustains us. May God's blessing be with the 1st Marine Division and it's families.