Marine Corps Association & Foundation

I’m writing this from 29 Palms, where I’m enjoying myself at yet one more brutally hot Marine base.  But this is a different sort of trip for me; I’ve swapped flak, Kevlar, and boondockers for grandson, girlfriend, and pool sandals; we’re spending the week visiting my son and his wife. They got married a few months ago when I was in Helmand Province, so we’re adding “happily married” to our Rites of Passages card that already includes “Marine” and “combat veteran.” It’s a trio of accomplishments I hope many of you Marine parents are also enjoying!

15 June, 2011

Patrol Base KT-4. It stands for "Key Terrain # 4," and as Regimental Combat Team # 1 (RCT-1) continues to expand the Marine presence in southern Helmand Province, KT-4 is 1st Battalion, Third Marine Regiment's southern-most patrol base in Afghanistan. It's one of some 180 or more small patrol bases now dotting the central and southern part of the Helmand River Valley.

COP Sharp. It took longer than I hoped, but after arriving at Camp Leatherneck, I was able to make my way south, and am currently in Helmand Province, Garmsir District.