From the Commanding Officer

Today was another glorious fall day in the Midwest.  The trees are brilliant with orange, yellow and red. The sun was bright and the sky clear.  In addition, we received word from Lt. Colonel Don Tomich, Commanding Officer of 2/7 Marines. I've included his update below.

Today is 1 October 2012 and here’s a quick update on the Battalion. We arrived in northern Helmand, Afghanistan and completed our transfer of authority with 1/7. That means that we are now officially at the helm. We are settling into our daily routine and beginning our work with Afghan Nation Security Forces who are in the lead. The surrounding area looks much like the areas we are familiar with in Twentynine Palms. The only difference is the fertile farmland surrounding the Helmand River.
In the areas near the river, the corn is nearing the end of its growing season and the locals are beginning the harvest. We continue to improve our living conditions and build on all of the work that 1/7 and 3/7 had done before us. Every man has billeting with a cot and plenty of food. The Marines eat tray rations, but supplement their diet with fresh fruit. The internet and phone connectivity to contact home is located at all company positions which will allow our Marines and Sailors to contact home in order to touch base with loved ones. I only ask that you are patient and remember that the units are still getting settled in and that there are often lines associated with these conveniences. 

I also want to mention that the Marines were extremely motivated as our first shipment of mail arrived yesterday.

As always thanks for your support to the Marines and Sailors of 2/7.

Thanks to all who sent Keefe and the Golf Company care packages.   I am anxious to hear from Keefe again so I can find out what they have received.


Keep those prayers coming.

Semper Fi!