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2/25 completing several missions, keeping morale high

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 20034228546
Story by Sgt. Rob Henderson

CAMP RYAN, Kuwait (Apr. 18, 2003) -- During a resupply mission here Saturday, reserve Marines from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines (2/25) took the opportunity to share their experiences in An Nasiriyah, Iraq, with Marines of Task Force Tarawa.

"With support from the (15th) Marine Expeditionary Unit, 2/25 as a battalion has been able to effectively complete several missions," said Maj. Tom P. Adissi, battalion logistics officer, 2/25. "The Marines are glad to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom and are really proud to help the war-torn city of An Nasiriyah get back to being a stable community."

One of the keys to helping An Nasiriyah back to her feet is establishing a provincial police force. Since the Ba'ath Party has been effectively eliminated from the city and the surrounding areas, there is no formal government and no police force left. 2/25, with numerous members employed by the New York City Police Department and New York State Highway Patrol, is well equipped to handle this mission.

"Basically, we have taken 32 police officers from their jobs in the battalion to help set up a police force," said Maj. Joe Nelson, battalion adjutant, 2/25. "We are trying to bring democratic principles to An Nasiriyah that weren't here before."

Starting at the top and working down, 2/25 hopes to build a strong infrastructure for An Nasiriyah's police force.

"The first level of this operation is to train police commanders," said Nelson. "Next, we will help train the lower levels of the force before we hand the entire operation over to the Iraqis."

2/25 is also participating in several humanitarian aid operations including providing health care on a limited basis and handing out food to the citizens of An Nasiriyah, according to Nelson.

"Some of our medical personnel have been going to various medical facilities to see what kind of assistance they need," said Nelson. " What they are finding is the Iraqi medical personnel have the knowledge to take care of their own people, they just don't have the supplies. We are helping in that wherever we can."

Every day, several enemy prisoners of war (EPW) are processed through An Nasiriyah before being transported to detention facilities throughout Iraq. On average, 2/25 has five EPWs a day in An Nasiriyah. They have had up to 15 EPWs at one time, but having that many at one time is uncommon, according to First Sgt. Greg G. Vacimini, First Sgt., Headquarters and Service Co., 2/25.

2/25 is also in charge of guarding the bridges that lead into the city. As long as the battalion controls the routes leading into An Nasiriyah, they can keep any opposing forces from interrupting the rebuilding efforts inside the city.

"Our line companies are guarding the bridges," said Gunnery Sgt. Joseph F. Yuditsky, battalion logistics chief, H&S Co., 2/25. "We're trying to keep any potentially hostile individuals from coming into the city where we are trying to help the Iraqis."

On Apr. 10, Golf Co. Marines injured a bus driver who tried to drive through a bridge checkpoint. The Marines fired several rounds into the engine and tires of the bus. When the vehicle kept approaching, they fired into the driver's shoulder. The shooting is under investigation.

Even under the strenuous operational tempo, the Marines of 2/25 are keeping their morale high by focusing on how their involvement in Iraq is helping a formerly oppressed people learn to live without fear, according to Nelson.

"Generally, morale is high," said Nelson. " The Marines are really focused on helping the Iraqis. They are looking forward to the day when we turn this city over to these people and go home, but for now, they know they're part of an important mission."