BearTheMarine.com

Open Letter from Jim Litchfield

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:55:11 -0800

To Bear the Marine …

I think it was four years ago today, in the driveway of their home, that Roger and Lori tearfully handed their son Barrett over to one Sergeant Butcher from the United States Marine Corps – at about 4 a.m.! I’m guessing they all knew it would be an experience that would forever mark their lives, but that they had no idea of what the specifics would look like or how Barrett would do.

What a memory to look back now, four years later, and think about that same son, back in their house, having completed four years in the Marines with the highest of accomplishment and success. Barrett, the civilian. Barrett, an outstanding man! Barrett, always a Marine! Barrett, a leader. Barrett, trained and educated. Barrett, seasoned and tempered. Barrett ready to successfully engage life with capabilities and confidence that few his age have to draw upon. Barrett, an American hero who served God and country in the most difficult of circumstances in a foreign land. Barrett who understands what it means to sacrifice for a greater cause above and beyond his own interests. Barrett the kind of man that America needs more of these days. Barrett, the one of whom we are so very, very proud.

We all remember the reports and stories from Roger’s pen on the blog. Who could ever forget the call from Barrett on August 31, 2007 saying he’d been wounded by an IED while on patrol in Iraq. We will never forget the stories of departures and homecomings, the stories of fellow Marines and the unique bond between one another.

Barrett, I am so grateful and appreciative of your service to me, my family and our country as you so capably wore the uniform of a United States Marine. Thank you for risking your very life for us and our freedom. It was a true blessing to be on your prayer team and to pray for you every day. I am so thankful you are safely home.

I doubt Sergeant Butcher was there to shake your hand and say congratulations for a job well done as you left Camp Pendleton for the last time, but I do know there was a tearful couple in a driveway in Thousand Oaks that could not wait for the Marines to return the favor and turn you back over to them! Welcome home! You did it! What a significant and amazing accomplishment and experience. Have a wonderful land joyful Christmas celebrating the birth of our real Defender and Savior who not only guards but guarantees our eternal safety and freedom!

Your thankful friend,

Jim Litchfield

He’s Home

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:21:29 -0700

Battalion 1/4, Bravo Company, returned home to Camp Pendleton today after their seven-month deployment to Iraq. An emotional reunion on the parade deck.
Nothing quite like watching moms and dads, girlfriends, brothers and sisters, young wives with their children in tow ... ready to greet their loved ones. The American flags were waving from onlookers who stood on the streets to cheer and applaud several hundred returning Marines.
But nothing can compare to watching our young Marine greet his mother. An overwhelming sense of relief, pride and happiness ... as Lori and Barrett embraced.
We spent the remainder of the day taking care of details on base, and then driving to Orange County to run a few errands ... and to see Barrett’s friends and family. He is required to report for duty Wednesday ... before taking an extended weekend leave.
Join me in welcoming Barrett home!

Today’s the Day

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:41:06 -0700

It’s 4 a.m., and we’re getting ready to drive to Camp Pendleton. Today’s the day. Bear is coming home.
He called us in the middle of the night during a layover in the midwest. Everything appears to be on schedule, and he should be on base mid-morning.
Barrett will complete his four years with the Marine Corps in December. We expect he will be assigned to a new job at Camp Pendleton for the remaining months ... but he has no anticipation whatsoever of returning to Iraq.
Grateful for your prayers! We will post pictures from today as soon as they’re available.

Fallujah in the Rear View Mirror

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 06:18:14 -0700

Well, it’s official. This morning Barrett is out of Iraq. His days in Fallujah are now in the rear view mirror. And he’s on his way home.
If you’ve been following along with this blog, you probably noticed that this is the first time I’ve identified the location of Barrett’s deployment. Until now, I have not had the freedom to write the word, “Fallujah.” But that’s where he’s been ... along with the men in Bravo Company.
I thought you might want to see the update below, written by Barrett’s commanding officer, Captain Micklis. Very interesting to hear about their experience in this historic battle.
We expect to see Barrett early next week!

Dear Friends and Family of Bravo Company,
As the month comes to close, it has proven to be yet another eventful and historic month for the Marines of Bravo Company. With the success of the Al Anbar Provincial election last month, Fallujah and Iraq are on their way to a strong and vibrant democracy. As such, it has come time for our Marines to begin to drawn down inside the city and allow the Iraqi citizens to enjoy the independence and safety that so many Marines have fought for. Over the last month, we have closed down all our positions within Fallujah and consolidated the company aboard Camp Baharia. I'm pleased to announce that Bravo Company has entered history as the last Marines inside of Fallujah!
Thousands of Marines have fought and sacrificed for this historic moment when Fallujah could stand alone with the safety of its Police Forces. Once the bastion of the insurgency, it is now a city filled with hope for the future. With your support and encouragement, our Marines have worked diligently to see this moment come to fruition. We are but a small part of the long line of Marines that have served over the years in the city of Fallujah. We hope, though, that you will join us in celebrating the success of this great accomplishment for all the Marines who have fought here along with many of their Iraqi brothers. In addition, please join us in remembering those who spent their final days here so that peace and prosperity may prevail in Fallujah.
Although the Marines are pleased to be re-united with some of their brothers that they have not seen for awhile, many of them will miss the city. Over time, our Marines have come to develop strong ties with the Iraqi Police, local citizens, and the neighborhoods they patrolled. Bravo Company built a strong reputation as a respected and trusted friend throughout Fallujah. You can be proud of your Marines, knowing that they left an indelible impact on those they have touched on this deployment. The last Marines in Fallujah will not easily be forgotten by the people of the city.
Again, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to sharing the challenges and successes of our deployment. On behalf of the Marines of Bravo Company…
Best Wishes and Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful),
Captain Daniel W. Micklis

Easter

Tue, 7 Apr 2009 09:19:54 -0700

Easter Sunday two years ago, our family of six stood in the parking lot of Denny’s restaurant in Oceanside and said our farewells to Barrett. He was leaving on his first deployment to Iraq with the Marine Corps. That private family circle remains permanently etched in our minds ... as we recall the tender way he embraced each member and whispered his personal goodbyes. We were all duly traumatized.
This year ... just after Easter Sunday ... Barrett returns home to California. And this time ... we’ll gather around in a circle to celebrate his completion of two tours to Iraq. He is finished. Done. Back “inside the wire.”
Any messianic overtones to Barrett’s character are entirely unintentional with this analogy. However, for those who follow Christ, the weekend ahead represents both the darkest moments of departure ... and the grandest of all celebrations. A stark contrast.
And for this father, Easter 2009 delivers a profound sense of relief. The son we relinquished two years ago in that pathetic Denny’s parking lot ... our worst fears spilling out on the asphalt ... is on his way home.
How fitting that Easter is the bookend for both events. Relief is what the resurrection represents. Once I was lost. Now I am found.
Thank you for your persistent prayers on Barrett’s behalf! I’ll post pictures later next week ... when his smilin’ mug arrives at Camp Pendleton.