Friday, November 18, 2005

March of the Wooden Soldiers

Three press releases from the Governor’s office in the past two days. And gone are the times when one soldier got one statement. As you can see from the following, now up to three are sharing a single document. The flag’s at half-staff, but despite the claim of these sad documents, you can no longer tell on whose behalf it has been lowered.

Here at highwayscribery, we will begin dispensing with the headlines affixed to the governor’s statements and just reproduce the body of the text so as to keep pace with the increased clip of casualties.

They’re beginning to die in clusters, which is bad, but not nearly as bad as those who have passed in Iraq. What’s all this business about the use of “white phosphorous” in Fallujah? Isn’t that chemical warfare? Isn’t it illegal? There were some stories two days ago, but they seem have been pushed back into the alternative stream. There should be headlines.

Anyway, on to the remembrances:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Maj. Ramon J. Mendoza Jr., of Columbus, OH, Cpl. John M. Longoria of Nixon, TX and Lance Cpl. Christopher M. McCrackin of Liverpool, TX:

“Courage and honor are cherished by the USMC and these values were embodied by the soldiers we mourn today. These three Marines bravely committed themselves to protecting and advancing the cause of freedom, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten. Maria and I offer our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Mendoza, Longoria and McCrackin families.”

Mendoza, 37, and McCrackin, 20 died Nov. 14 as a result of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forced during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi, Iraq. Longoria, 21, died Nov. 14 of wounds sustained from small arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Steel Curtain in New Ubaydi, Iraq. All three Marines were assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

In honor of Maj. Mendoza, Cpl. Longoria and Lance Cpl. McCrackin, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

***

Governor Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Lance Cpl. Jeremy P. Tamburello of Denver, CO:

“Lance Cpl Tamburello carried with him the highest ideals of our country, and we are grateful to him for his service in protecting our freedoms. Maria and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Jeremy’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Tamburello, 19, died Nov. 8 from wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operation just west of Rutbah, Iraq, He was assigned to the 1st Light Armor Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA.

In honor of Tamburello, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

***

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Lance Cpl. David A. Mendez Ruiz of Cleveland, OH and Lance Cpl. Scott Zubowski of Manchester, IN:

“There is no higher calling than to fight for one’s country in the struggle for freedom. Lance Cpl Ruiz and Lance Cpl. Zubowksi served this nation with determination and dignity. Maria and I send our deepest condolences to these two Marines’ families as they mourn them.”

Ruiz, 20 and Zubowski, 20, died Nov. 12 as a result of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Amiriyah, Iraq. Both Marines were assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7 th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

In honor of Lance Cpl. Ruiz and Lance Clp. (sic) Zubowski, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Peace






Don't forget, the scribe will read to his novel "Vedette" http://www.angelfire.com/wa2/margin/nonficSellmanVedette.html to the accompaniment of the marvelous flamenco guitarist Omar Torrez www.omartorrez.com/ at 331/3 Books & Gallery Collective, 1200 N. Alvarado, L.A. Califas, 8 p.m. Dec. 15.

1 comment:

Trader Rick said...

God Bless Scott Zubowski, a patriot and hero in the fight against Global Terrorism. For those who have fought for it, Freedom has a sweet taste the protected will never know. You will never be forgotten, Scott.