1. What does it mean to be a Marine?

-I think being a Marine is doing your job to the best of your ability, never giving up, and doing the right thing even when no one is looking.

2. If you could make one thing better in the world, what would it be?

-The legal drinking age.

3. Who was the most influential person in your life?

- I have a few. I'd have to say my mom for raising me by herself. I know I can be a pain in the ass sometimes. I also admire my Grandmother and my Grandfather.

4. Who is your best friend?

-I have 3, David Rowe, Ronnie Milburn, and Max Stachowski. Another one of my best friends is Kate. She is the only girl ive ever met that seems to understand my weird sense of humor.

5. What's your ideal vacation?

-Sitting in my buddy David's basement drinking beer and playing video games.

6. What's your favorite food, car, band, actor/actress, etc.?

-Favorite food, probably my mom's lasagna. Car, I'm gonna have to go with a Mustang. Favorite bands Mudvayne, Mushroomhead, Korn, Slipknot, Cannibal Corpse, and alot more. I can't remember them all.

1. I think what it takes to be a Marine is heart. You also have to be in the best physical shape your body can get. When I think of a Marine, I think of a bad ass, someone you don't mess with. I like the fear but also respect you get from people back home, knowing your a United States Marine. Know your job, be dedicated, and have some motivation, and you will be an outstanding Marine.

2. The most influential people in my life would have to be my parents I have now. They raised me since I was a boy and kept me out of serious trouble, you can't stop everything. "Boys will be boys." I love them and I respect everything that they did for me in my life. Thanks Ron and Lupe Kalstabakken, my parents.

3. My best friend would have to be my beautiful girlfriend Brianna. One day, she will hopefully be my wife. Had to make a shout out to her. Brianna if you read this I just want to let you know I love you baby!

4. My favorite kind of music, hands down, rap baby.

5. My nickname that all my friends call me back home is Hollywood. One day I'm going to be famous, you might want my autograph.

**Platoon Commander's Note: Congratulations to LCpl Richman who recently won a MEU(SOC) Marine of the Quarter board. He will be meritoriously promoted to Corporal on June 2nd.

Hey to everyone out there checking out this site. First off, I would like to thank you very much for the support you have shown us through the good and the bad. It really means alot to me and all the other guys. Also, thanks to my girlfriend, Colleen. You guys probably see her making comments all the time on the website. So thanks to you especially sweetie. I Love You!

Well my name is Mike Sullivan. Most everybody calls me Sully. I am 21 years old and I'm from Moorhead, MN. I was originally born in NC right by the Marine base there. That is probably one of the reasons that I came in because I always remember wathcing my Dad get dressed in his uniform and I wanted to do the same thing.

I am big into bikes, the pedal kind. I like mountain biking the most, but I will ride almost anything. When I get out of the Marine Corps, I want to start up my own bike shop. That is probably my life time goal. Some of my other intrests: I like partying. I still haven't gotten that out of my system yet ( sorry Mom ). Music is a big one too. I like alternative type of music. Incubus, 311, and Alice in Chains are just a few. I listen to a pretty broad sectrum of rock.

Well that about does it for me. Hopefully that wasn't too hard to follow. Once again, thanks for the support.

Mike

1: Being a Marine has been a dream come true since I was in the thrid grade. I was in 1/1, C Co, 3rd plt from 96-01 and then went to Virginia to teach at security forces. Virginia was nice but I wasn't around the real Marines ( Grunts ) and I missed them so I came on back to 1/1. My wife has been very supportive of me since we were in high school.

2: The people most influential to me have been my dad and my wife. Both of them because they have worked their tails off for everything they have. When times have been tough they kept pushing and have been a success.

3: Bestfriend, without hesitation, is my lovely wife, Jamie. We have known each other for over ten years now and it is terrific. It's funny that we started in HS and now we're here. Who would have ever guessed?

4: My ideal vacation would be to go to the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania and stay there for a week or so. Also, another cruise would be nice ( hint hint hint ).

5: Favorite food is anything that I don't have to cook myself. I love lasanga, pizza, and steak, not always in that order though. I enjoy going to the olive garden as well. Cars, I really don't care about as long as they get me from one point to another safely. I'd like to get a truck when we get back though. It's a guy thing. Io really favorite band but if i had to pick one it would be AC/DC. No real favorite actor or actress but Harrison Ford and Robert Redford movies I like.

6: I have two English bulldogs named Chesty and Cammie. Chesty is almost 3 and we got him 3 years ago the day after my birthday as a present from Jamie. Well, I really put her up to it. Cammie, I think just turned one and she is a ball of fire. Not as fat as Chesty, for those of you that have seen them before.

7: The reason I joined the Marine Corps is kind of strange so I'll leave it out so as to not scare the kids and the other family members that read this. My first six months I wanted out and there wasn't a chance I'd stay in. Now after almost nine years, I still love what I do. One, I love being called a Marine, especially by my old man ( dad ). That I will never forget. September 6, 1996 graduation day from boot camp. He always called me son or Joseph, but the first person I saw after we graduated to call me a Marine was him. What keeps me going in the gun club is the younger guys coming in and the sense of pride. The younger ones really keep me on my toes to say the least. I wouldn't be doing this without the support of my wife either. She has been the best and hopefully these next 11 years go by quickly. My family, and when the time comes, children are the most important. I want the chance to do things while I am still young and enjoy.

FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPEN TO ME, MY GIRLFRIEND MARLENE, MY FAMILY, MOMMA, TOMMY, DAD AND KATHY, MY SISTER MORGAN, ROSIE, GRANDDAD, AND MEMA.

THIS SHOUT OUT GOES OUT TO NAN, AKA MONIC, AND JESS. THANKS FOR MY MOVIE. YOU'RE THE BEST!

1. BEING A MARINE TO ME MEANS HOLDING YOURSELF TO A HIGHER STANDARD, BELIEVING IN WHAT YOU DO, AND ACCOMPLISHING WHATEVER MISSION IS ASSIGNED...AND TO DO IT WITH SOME TENACITY.

2. THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN MY LIFE IS MY MOM. SHE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A TRUE INSPIRATION TO ME, TAKING WHAT EVER SHE HAD AND MAKING THE BEST FOR HER AND US KIDS. I NEVER APPRECIATED IT UNTIL I WAS OLDER AND SAW WHAT SHE HAD GONE THROUGH . THANKS MOM. YOU'RE THE BEST!

3. MY BEST FRIENDS ARE MARLENE, PETE, DOAN, DYAS, WIMMER, AND GUITRON.

4. MY IDEAL VACATION WOULD BE A TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS FOR TWO WEEKS.

5. FAVORITE FOOD IS MY MOM'S CHICKEN CORDON BLUE AND FILET MINGON WITH BERNAISE SAUCE...AND YOUR ENCHILADAS, BABY.

6. EMERIL LAGASE IS MY IDOL.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE A FRIEND AND A FELLOW MARINE THAT DIED RECENTLY IN OIF, SGT JADYON PATTERSON. HE WAS FROM MY HOME TOWN, WAKEFIELD, VA. I WANTED TO SAY I KNOW HE SERVED HIS COUNTRY HONORABLY. TO STEPH AND YOUR FAMILY MR. AND MRS. PATTERSON, I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WAS A GREAT GUY THAT ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE.

1. What does it mean to you to be a Marine?

-Being a Marine means you are always looking out for that Marine to the left and right of you. Also, a Marine always looks good, meaning a clean shave and a fresh hair cut. You also have this great feeling of pride and honor. You have to back that up by making the right decisions and going down the right road, always showing honor, courage, and commitment.

2. If you could make one thing better in the world what would it be?

-I would take out all the terrorists that want to kill my fellow Americans.

3. Who was the most influential person in your life?

-I would have to say my mom. She has always been there for me through the good times and the bad. Whenever i was struggling and was having a tough time, she would always be there for me. She is a damn good mother and i am proud to have her as one. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!

4. Who is your best friend?

-That's a hard one to answer. I've got a couple of best friends. I would have to say Noel Ashwell (student at Purdue University), Jon, Justin, and Jeremy Clawson, Chase Thompson, Zach Lee, Jessica Haas, and my mom.

5. Who is your Idol?

-My dad is my idol. My dad used to have a little alchohol problem a while back and he went and got it fixed. He is now going on about 12 years of being sober and he is a bar tender. I'm very proud of my old man. If that's not motivating, I don't know what is!

6. What is your ideal vacation?

-CANCUN, MEXICO. I will go there before I die. Haha.

7. What is your favorite food, car, band, actor/actress, etc.?

-My favorite food is my mom's homemade macaroni and cheese. Nothing can or will beat that! My favorite car is probably the Mazda RX-8. My favorite bands are probably Poison, Reo Speedwagon, Killswitch Engage, Korn, Finch, 311, Newfound Glory, and Blink 182. There are too many bands that I like, I can't even name all of them! Easily, my favorite actress is either Jessica Alba or Angelina Jolie.

New Thing...

Starting tomorrow, we'll be putting up individual posts for the Marines. It'll consist of some personal stuff regarding what that respective Marine is all about. A lot of you suggested this to me, and it's a great idea.

We'll get the ball rolling on it tomorrow, trying to post and cover at least three or four Marines per week.

Here are some photos of Girl Scout Troop 412 preparing one of the many care packages they sent the Wolfpack. One of the photos, you'll see the girls trying one of our beloved MREs.

Thanks for the packages and the pictures, Scouts.

If anyone has pictures that they would like to see up on the site, please send them to me! You're all a part of the Pack.

Update...

Just an update on what we're up to out here. The Wolfpack is scheduled to be leaving the Persian Gulf in the very near future for our journey home. On the ride home, we'll have a turnover between the current and future leaders of Third Platoon. Billet holders will show all the on-coming billet holders the duties and responsibilities of their job. I know for a fact, the Marines are excited to pass and receive the buck.

On another note, the Wolfpack has been talking about still getting platoon clothing. We're working it out right now with the printer, but the plan is that we'll take an order some time on the ride home, through this site and an email address, and then the clothing will be ready upon our return. You all will be included in the order, so no worries there.

Finally, if you have any ideas for what you'd like to see on this site, please email me at:

letchfordjh@15meu.usmc.mil

I'll do my best to make it happen.

We're excited to get home. From the Wolfpack, we'll see you all soon.

This is the newsletter that Capt Coyne wrote up upon our return to ship. Some of you may have already received this through various networks, but for those of you who have not, I think it rates making it onto our platoon website. The photo is of the entire company before we launched into our first mission:

To the families and friends of Company C,

Charlie Company is back! After nearly two months ashore in the Middle East, I am proud to report that every Marine and Sailor returned safely and unharmed to the USS Bonhomme Richard. It has been an exciting and challenging time for the Marines and Sailors of Company C since I last wrote.

In early February, we were the helicopter quick reaction force afloat for U.S. Central Command in the Persian Gulf. At the end of February, as planned, Charlie Company flew ashore to Kuwait to begin a two-week live fire training exercise at Udairi Range. Shortly after our advance element arrived in Kuwait, however, it became clear that our training plan would have to be cut drastically short. There was a major change of plans waiting for us upon our arrival- we were going to Iraq in one week and now only had 5 days to train!

True to form, Charlie answered the call-to-arms like professionals. We conducted an intense training package at Udairi Range that was condensed to meet our most critical training needs. The first two days of training focused on marksmanship with our individual weapons/optics/lasers, and familiarization and refresher training with machine guns, rockets, grenade launchers, and demolitions. The final three days were devoted to a live-fire urban operations package that focused on room entry/clearing procedures, house take-downs, and close quarters battle. This urban package culminated with all four platoons conducting separate live-fire attacks on a mock city street. Concurrent with the above training, we conducted Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training, convoy training, medical training/evacuation drills, combat reporting drills, and language/culture training to prepare us for combat operations.

Trained and ready for combat, the warriors of Company C flew from Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Airport to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) on the 5th of March. When we arrived in Baghdad, many Marines had their first taste of combat as they were greeted by enemy mortar impacts visible just outside the airport perimeter. The following night, we loaded on U.S. Army CH-47 Chinooks for transport from BIAP to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Falcon, just south of the city of Baghdad. Although we only spent a few days there, FOB Falcon would be our new home for the next 30 days. The chow hall there was the best the Marines had ever experienced. The living quarters, however, left much to be desired. This became evident during a four-day rainstorm that accompanied our arrival at the FOB, flooding our tents for nearly a week.

The first company from Battalion Landing Team 1/1 to hit the ground for combat operations, Charlie Company inserted into unknown territory, at night via U.S. Marine CH-46 helicopters, within days of arriving in Iraq. Assigned the mission to search for and attack enemy insurgents in “Sector Bravo-2”, we moved more than 50 miles via foot, over unforgiving terrain, during the initial 10-day operation in South Baghdad. Providing a robust presence on the ground with over 200 men, we disrupted enemy activity in the region and prevented mortar and rocket attacks from affecting the Iraqi Transitional National Assembly and other government activities in the city of Baghdad. Running patrols from frequently displacing company patrol bases, we engaged the local Iraqi’s as much as possible to gauge their feelings towards coalition presence, as well as to gain intelligence on enemy insurgents that were known to be operating in the area. We were very successful in all endeavors during this period, most notably our ability to rapidly identify “hot spots,” or areas that needed more attention after our departure.

The remainder of our time in Iraq was spent conducting platoon and squad sized combat patrols, ambushes, IED sweeps along major roads, hunting for weapons caches, and conducting raids on known terrorist sanctuaries. The Warriors of Charlie Company became quite skilled in all these areas. During our brief time in Iraq, we tallied some impressive numbers: 46 patrols conducted, 506 persons questioned, 114 houses cordoned and searched, 19 vehicle checkpoints established, 197 vehicles searched, 164 persons searched, 6 mortar/rocket points of origin investigated, 13 IED’s investigated/cordoned, and 3 weapons caches located.

Numbers, however, do not explain some of the magnificent accomplishments/stories that accompany them. For instance, fourth platoon, while conducting an IED patrol along a major coalition road in the 15th MEU’s area, found a 250-pound aircraft bomb with three 105mm artillery rounds connected by detonating cord, buried alongside the road and rigged to detonate on one of our convoys. Second platoon, acting on a tip gained from an Iraqi farmer while en-route to conduct a raid on an insurgent hideout, unearthed one of the largest weapons caches found to date in the Baghdad area. First platoon, as a result of their aggressive patrolling, confiscated the most illegal weapons in the company and provided outstanding intelligence that shaped other coalition operations. Third platoon, acting independently, discovered a deadly insurgent ring and detained one of its key members. This ring is responsible for the beheading and murders of Americans and Iraqi National Guardsmen. These are just a few highlights that come to mind. There are many more, but I will let your Marine or Sailor tell you himself. Their vigilance saved countless coalition and Iraqi lives and our efforts will clearly benefit the soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment who recently took control of our battle space.

I am extremely proud of the men in this company. If you saw them in action like I did, you would be too. They all performed magnificently, and they did so at great personal risk. Not only did they accomplish more than their assigned missions, they did so in a dangerous and uncertain environment, against an adaptable and lethal enemy. What I am most proud of, though, is that we were able to accomplish all of this and bring everyone back home alive and uninjured. I thank God, the leaders of this company, and our individual Marines and Sailors for the exceptional performance and professionalism that made this happen. I also thank you for your prayers, support, and sacrifices during this time.

On a different note, we have had a few promotions in the company since I last wrote. We recently promoted Sergeant Jerry N. McPherson, MERITORIOUSLY, to the rank of Staff Sergeant during a ceremony held in Iraq. He was hand picked from a very competitive group of Sergeants from I MEF. This is a very rare occurrence and quite an accomplishment. Charlie Company is lucky to have such a high caliber individual as Staff Sergeant McPherson in its ranks. Congratulations Sergeant Mac! Headquarters Platoon proudly promoted Lance Corporal Matthew J. Bonaminio to the rank of Corporal. First Platoon added two Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) to its roles since February’s letter. They are Corporal Preston D. Manygoats and Corporal Alfredo A. Alvarez. Five other Marines from the “Fightin’ First” were promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. They are Lance Corporal Daniel Estrada, Lance Corporal Michael J. Davies, Lance Corporal Antonio M. Cue, Lance Corporal Michael L. Worthy, and Lance Corporal Nicholas A. Calvillo. Second Platoon (“Second to None”) is proud to add a new Sergeant, two new NCOs, and three Lance Corporals to their chain. Congratulations to Sergeant Damon A. Demetre, Corporal Mark A. Ortega, Corporal Ryan C. Zimmerline, Lance Corporal Johnathan M. Pigg, Lance Corporal Ryan E. German, and Lance Corporal Cameron M. Newberry. The Third Platoon “Wolf Pack” has a newly promoted NCO and a Lance Corporal. They are Corporal Alejandro Caldera and Lance Corporal Michael N. Stevens. The “Orphan Platoon” (Fourth Platoon) added a new NCO and two Lance Corporals to their list of orphans. They are Corporal Joshua J. Melendrez, Lance Corporal Moises O. Hernandez, and Lance Corporal Brian J. Sitter. Congratulations to all the newly promoted Marines in Company C.

I am glad to announce the birth of three children in the Charlie family. Lance Corporal Jonas B. Lady and his wife Lauren had a baby boy named Tristan in early March. We are thankful that all worked out for mother and baby, and that they are both doing well amidst the complications. Corporal Shannon D. Crosby and his wife Amy had a baby boy in February. They named him Shannon Jr., after his dad. Lance Corporal Jacob P. Nelson and his wife Kristin had a boy in March named Zach. Congratulations to the Lady’s, Crosby’s, and Nelson’s.

We all look forward to our return trip to sunny San Diego. With Iraq behind us, we can settle down a bit and look forward to the future of Charlie Company. On our way home we will look to improve our Marines with professional development classes and training for our future leaders. We will devote a good deal of time to building our bodies back up as well. Many Marines lost weight and strength while in Iraq, but don’t worry ladies, we’ll be sure to do some extra “curls for the girls!”

We anxiously await our reunion with you. We will likely visit two ports on our way home, Australia and Hawaii. These visits will give the Marines a chance to unwind, see another country, and allow the Navy to take on stores and replenish the ships. All indicators suggest that we will return from deployment on time. That is great news to us all. Until next time, take care and be well.

Semper Fidelis,

B.P. COYNE
Commanding Officer
Company C, BLT 1/1

A belated congratulations to LCpl Nelson and Kristin on their new-born son, Zachary. Zachary was born on 11 Mar 05 at 1433. He weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and was 18 inches long.

Here is a picture of LCpl Nelson's other son, Eric, with Zachary.

Wolfpack...

We look hard because we are hard. Since we've returned from our last ten day operation, we've conducted several other missions. We've operated in all different regions in our Area of Operation (A0), from highly vegetated to highly urbanized. The Wolfpack was, once again and still, extremely successful in all that it encountered. Great journey.

The Pack will start it's transit back to the ship tonight, 03 Apr 05. It could take a couple days for us to put our boots back on the deck, but know that we're all safely pulling out of our current position.

We'll keep you up to date, as much as possible, on our situation. But until then, rest easy knowing we're starting our long mission home to you all.

From top, down and left to right: Doan, Armstrong, Partin, Guitron, Cardenas, Garcia, Stevens, Miller, Ray, Raulerson, Dyas, and Watje.

From top, down and left to right: Richman, Sullivan, Davis, Stark, Huddleston, Ross, Cole, Nguyen, Heuman, Cantu, Caldera, and Agrguello.

From top, down and left to right: Legere, Petterson, Lopez, Huffman, Waller, Jensen, Barrett, Martinez, Salazar, West, and Stack.

From top, down and left to right: Letchford, Sanchez, Ross, Dyas, and Barrett.

LCpl Stevens got promoted the day the Wolfpack was taking back off for the ship. If you ask me, Iraq's a pretty motivating place to pin on Lance Corporal.

Capt Coyne hands off the LCpl chevrons to Sgt Dyas to be pinned on.

Formation...

Here's the Wolfpack in formation for LCpl Stevens' promotion.