FIRST BATTALION, 8TH MARINES        

       During the latter part of June 2004, the Marines and sailors of 1^st Battalion, 8^th Marines, (REIN) deployed to Iraq and joined Regimental Combat Team 7, 1^st Marine Division for operations in the western Al Anbar Province. 1^st Battalion, 8^th Marines is truly blessed to be joined by our brothers from 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Truck Company and Communications Company, HQBN, Second Marine Division, and 2d FSSG.

       The Battalion’s purpose is simply: To help the great people of Iraq transition to a free, secure and stable democratic society.  To accomplish this mission, 1^st Battalion, 8^th Marines will conduct two main tasks.  First, we will help maintain the security and stability of our zone of action.  Secondly, but nevertheless just as important, we will help train, equip and integrate with the Iraq Security Forces in our zone. Our commitment is to help return Iraq to the Iraqi people.  The Battalion Commander, LtCol G.F. Brandl, echoed this sentiment when addressing the local Iraqi leaders on the 4^th of July.  He said, “Support, Cooperation, Trust, and Friendship.  These words are our guiding principles as we work with you.”

       We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our friends and families for their love and support during our deployment.  With God’s help, we will all be reunited as quickly as possible.