I MEF returns, takes charge in Al Anbar CPL. JON C. GUIBORD I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - The Marine command that spearheaded combat opera- tions in Iraq in 2003 assumed responsibility for training Iraqi Security Forces in western Iraq during a transfer-of-authority ceremony, February 28, 2006. First Marine Expeditionary Force (For- ward) took charge of the Al Anbar Province from the North Carolina-based II Marine Ex- peditionary Force (Forward). The ceremony officially relieved the II MEF command of its Multi-National Force - West title and bestowed the California-based I MEF with the new job. Commanded by Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, I MEF (Forward) commanding general, MNF-W is composed Cpl. Jon C. Guibord of active and reserve Marine, Army, and Navy units from throughout the United States. Major Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, commanding general I Marine Expeditionary Force (For- ward), speaks to a crowd of guests at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, Feb. 28, 2005. The speech “I am here to tell you that I MEF is ready to was made minutes after unfurling the I MEF (Forward) colors and taking command of Multi- assume our position as part of this great force,” National Force -- West in the Al Anbar Province during a transfer of authority ceremony. said the Reading, Penn., native and graduate of Kutztown University, Penn. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Multi-Na- “It is an honor to follow your lead,” Zilmer I MEF spent the past year preparing for its tional Force - Iraq commanding general, and said to Huck. “We have watched from afar for current deployment to Iraq by training in the Army Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, Multi-Na- the last year...the great work (you and your Southern California coastal base Camp Pendle- tional Corps - Iraq commanding general. The team) have done. You have written new pages ton, Calif., and Marine Combined Air Ground unfurling of I MEF’s colors and battle stream- in the history of the 2nd Marine Division.” Combat Center in 29 Palms, Calif., located in ers symbolized the transfer of authority. Throughout 2005, MNF-W while under II the Mojave Desert. During his brief comments, Zilmer noted MEF’s command, conducted major operations, Zilmer and Sgt. Maj. Thomas H. Howard, the accomplishments of II MEF (Forward) such as Steel Curtain in November, and pro- I MEF (Forward) sergeant major, unfurled and 2nd Marine Division commanding general vided security during the Iraqi national elec- the unit’s colors carried by an MNF-W color Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck and his Marines tions in December 2005. guard, which included an Iraqi soldier, dur- and Sailors, who returned to the U.S. last ing the small courtyard ceremony attended by week. See TOA Page 9 Commander’s Message to Families Hello from the Al Anbar Province of a market based economy will place the future of Iraq. This is Major General Rick Zilmer, the Iraqi freedom squarely in the Iraqi people’s capa- Commanding General of I Marine Expedition- ble hands. We have a very important, yet difficult ary Force (Forward.) Over the past couple of mission. The Marines are extremely capable and weeks, Marines have been moving into theater I have no doubts that we will be successful. This and preparing to do their part in restoring morning marked the transfer of authority from II sovereignty to the nation of Iraq. Our force de- Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) to I Marine ployed safely and we were warmly received by Expeditionary Force (Forward.) II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward.) From this date on, the men and women of I The weather is still cool and dry but the MEF (Fwd) will need your continued love and temperature is slowly rising. The Marines are support to guide them through the challenges and focused on their task. They are becoming fa- victories that will mark their time here. I ask for miliar with their areas of operation and getting your help in keeping their focus on the mission to know and understand their counterparts in and I thank you for your constant support. Please the Iraqi Army - who they will train and fight keep us in your thoughts and prayers and continue with over the course of the next year. to write, email, and MOTOMAIL. Our main mission is to develop the Iraqi Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer The next update will come to you from Ser- Security Forces in the Al Anbar Province. Ac- geant Major Howard, the I MEF (Fwd) Sergeant complishment of this mission in coordination Commanding General Major. Until then, take care on the home front and with the development of the rule of law and MNF-W Semper Fidelis. BRIEFS Need Legal Support? Tobacco cessation program AKO Individual Medical Readiness Applications for naturalization of a U.S. All personnel that are interested will (IMR) and Immunization Record citizen/ passport services/ powers of attend an orientation mtg on 29 Mar 06. On 4 January 2006, the MEDPROS Team attorney/ notary services/ tax issues/ Time and place TBD. Sign-up NLT 26 modified the AKO Medical Readiness wills/ family support issues/ separation Mar 06 at GAS front desk or call 3640- Alerts to include a link for Soldiers to view agreements/ divorce/ servicemembers civil 715. Personnel may also e-mail HMCS their Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) rights act/ USERRA guidance/ creditor, Tolosa, Renato for more information or and Immunization Record (DD Form debt collector issues/ consumer protection to sign-up. At the orientation, personnel 2766C). Soldiers who find incorrect or consultation or all other personal legal can choose a self-paced program with or blank data in their records can contact matters contact Legal Services Support without medication or choose to attend their nearest MEDPROS Data Entry Team – Iraq @ 3422-121 or email smoking cessation classes, also with or representative to have their information [email protected] without medication at the preference of the corrected/updated. member. 2 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 3 Chaplain’s Corner: Camp Fallujah MWR events Dominoes: Thur. @2000 living in denial Chess Tournement Fri. @2030 I arrived in theater and hit the ground 5/10k fun run Sat.@0800 running, working 15 hours a day; but the Jazz night: Sun. @2130 truth is that underneath it all, I’m probably Board game night Tue . @2000 still in denial and probably will be for a few Backgammon Wed. @2000 more weeks. My wife and family are, too! I *Movie Night: Daily @ MWR facility 2000 expect soon to start feeling numb and a little For more information, contact aimless. Perhaps I’ll be a little lonely and a bit [email protected] disorganized. You see, I’m just following the emotional A message to emotional script! I can’t help it. I’m human. And so are you. All of us in Iraq need to face The Eagle & Crescent readers the fact that we have begun the emotional cycle The Eagle & Crescent is a publication made of deployment. The good news is, when you for the Marines in Iraq, by the Marines in Iraq of begin to feel emotionally disorganized, you’re the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. We appreci- already in Stage three—a stage that will last ate your interest, prayers and patriotic support. through the first few weeks of deployment. You’ve already made it through stage one-- Semper Fidelis, anticipation of loss and stage two—detachment and withdrawal. Stage four begins when the BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: If you don’t receive The Eagle & The Crescent “So don’t be surprised, fellow directly, and would like to, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. humans, about everything Just put Subscribe in the subject line and we’ll going on in your heart and add you to our e-mail distribution list. head. The shock will pass Chaplain (CAPT USN) Bill Purdue I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) MNF-W Chaplain and we will thrive.” Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer Chaplain (CAPT USN) Bill Perdue Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Thomas H. Howard Our lives have certainly changed over the last few weeks, haven’t they? We kissed the Public Affairs Director...Lt. Col. Bryan F. Salas numbness wears off and you get stabilized into Deputy Director..............Maj. Riccoh T. Player family and Taco Bell goodbye, said farewell a routine. You feel self-confident and know Public Affairs Chief.......Master Sgt. John A. to our beverage of choice and “slipt the surly that you can survive. Cordero bonds of Earth” for a dusty and dangerous So don’t be surprised, fellow humans, about Media Officer.................Capt. Megan M. McClung mission half a world away. They say everything going on in your heart and head. Press Chief.....................GySgt. Timothy A. Streaty confession is good for the soul, so here’s mine: The shock will pass and we will thrive. In Editor/ I’m in denial! I probably have been for about Combat Correspondent...Cpl. Jon C. Guibord the meantime, make friends, work hard, call two weeks before I departed. your family, email regularly. Do something My wife, Susan, could tell. I could, too. We Correspondents from throughout the military con- sacrificial for someone else today. Work on tribute to this publication. The views and opinions were about to separate for 12 months, but we your spiritual life by focusing on those things expressed are not necessarily those of the Depart- were acting as if life would never change. We that give you meaning and purpose.