Submitted 19 August 2011

Dear Marines/Sailors, Friends & Families,

 

Marines, Sailors and families, We continue to welcome those Marines and Sailors home from Afghanistan and uphold our strong emphasis on family support and taking care of our service members. Headquarters Battalion has maintained an aggressive approach to the numerous events that have been unremitting. Although we are aware of an eventual draw down of forces in Afghanistan, the operational tempo of Headquarters Battalion has seen little reprieve. The invaluable training that has continued to occur within has been immeasurable. As detachments and personnel go forward, the support from you at home and your flexibility during these sometimes chaotic work ups has been remarkable.

 

Recent preparations for deployments have been exciting! Specifically, Truck Company has executed numerous live fire exercises and final preparations for the detachments heading to 2d Battalion 9th Marines and 2d Battalion 6th Marines. The training that these detachments have had with the Heavy Machine Gun Site Systems, provided our Marines an improved acquisition against long range targets was motivating. These new sights provide a significant advantage against the enemy.

 

As we remember the Anniversary of those who lost their lives during the September 11th attacks ten years ago, we can look to our Marines and Sailors who have answered the call to arms against a determined enemy. I draw attention to the Marines, Sailors and families of Fox Company, 4th Anti Terrorism Battalion. Fox Company presses on with a comprehensive training package. Although the future remains undecided as to where they will deploy, the Marines maintain high expectations and continue to stay enthusiastic about the training that they are receiving. The fact that these Marines and Sailors have put their lives on hold, to come to Camp Lejeune NC without their families is a testament to their dedication and patriotism.

 

I would like to extend my gratitude to the many service members who have deployed in support of both OEF and OIF as they transition from Headquarters Battalion, 2d Marine Division. There are a number of personnel moving on to another phase of their lives, whether it is school, a new duty station or moving back home, we thank you for your dedication and support. For all of you returning from theater and those of you here at Camp Lejeune NC, continue to lean forward and be vigilant, we have performed well in combat but our garrison execution has become routine. Let us get back to the basics with customs, courtesies and the traditions that separate us from the other services as United States Marines.

 

Very Respectfully,

Stephen J. Taylor Major

 USMC Commanding Officer

 Headquarters Battalion