Well, we have officially reached the half way point of our deployment and the Marines here are glad to know it is all downhill from here. Our 4th of July was somewhat uneventful. Those Marines that did not have official duties had a "day off" and we got together to play a game of softball. We all had fun even though we were in the middle of a sand storm. We have been getting sand storms about every other day. Not sure which is better, a sand storm day that is a bit cooler but sand everywhere or a clear day with temperatures blazing.

Many packages continue to arrive and we are so grateful for the support. A few folks that I would like to acknowledge:

- Momma Jodi, Dennis O'Bryant and the folks at "Supporting Our Heroes- Thank you for all the goodies, games and the Beanie Babies. The Farkle game was the first thing to be grabbed by the Marines. As usual the freezer pops did not last long and was very noticeable that the Marines can never get enough of them. Thanks you.

- Peggy Kane- I do remember you seeing us off at our training center a few days before we left. Thank you for your generosity and support. The Marines enjoyed all the snacks, treats and hygiene supplies.

- Laura Kirk, Health to Soldiers and Betty Lou's Inc- once again the treats are very appreciated. The granola bars and the peanut butter balls were devoured by our health nuts, and we have plenty of them here. Thank you!

- James Spliedt and the folks at Agruim U.S. Inc.- Thank you all for your never ending support. It was apparent that the snacks and the jerky were very much appreciated by the Marines by the way they disappeared as soon as the box was opened.

Enclosed are a few pictures of our Marines in action and some of us not in action. We have also updated our website and more pictures can be seen on 2/23 G Co

Thank you all once again,

From the Marines and Sailors of Golf Company 2nd BN 23rd Mar.

I wanted to pass on the sincere appreciation from all the Marines and Sailors of 1^st Battalion 3^rd Marines for all the thoughtful care packages.  Many of my men are on their first deployment, let alone first combat deployment, so it can be a difficult adjustment, but with all your support it makes it easier.  It is good to know that there are so many caring Americans that continue to support the men and women fighting this war on terrorism.

We only have a little time left now and I ask that is you had plans on sending more care packages, please do so in the next couple of days so it makes it to us prior to getting forwarded back to Hawaii.  I recommend no other care packages after the 15^th of this month, even though we will still be over a month out of our departure they will be rerouting mail starting in early Feb.

Thanks again for all the great support, take care

Semper Fidelis!

R/S

Sergeant Major Richard Lewallen

Task Force 1/3

3445-325

HERO SUPPORTERS, 

THANK YOU for all your help in sending Support Boxes to this Task Force Unit. Since mail cut off is early February and it takes 1 to 2 weeks for mail to arrive, we'll be sending out this week and all next week to this Unit. If you have anything you'd like to send, please call or email. 806.898.0356  or Jodi@SupportingOurHeroes.com. From what I've heard, the last month of deployment is one of the hardest, so we'll be sending a lot to our guys to try to help them through that mail-less last month. 

Semper Fi