Jim Spiri in Iraq

t was dark now, and for me, I depend on whomever I'm with at the time, who has NVG's (night vision goggles) on to be my eyes in the event I have to change positions should the situation dictate so. After a brief waiting period there was some communication with the IP's who it had been determined did the firing into the night streets. Soon, all was fine, and after a short time, a stand down was back in place. Someone saw something suspicious, fired into the streets, and all seemed to be fine in short order. That's what happens at Jubail, on occassion. Welcome back to the streets of Fallujah once again.

Later that night, I mingled with the other marines and a cot was brought out for me, and I now had a place to sleep among them, and it was a welcomed sight. I stayed up late while duties shifted among marines, and I was able to converse with all of them at one point in time to another throughout the night. Just casual conversation between them and with them, served a purpose of a break in monotany for them. I was glad to lend a listening ear.

In the morning I accompanied Lt. Kesling and one of his squads as we strode the streets of his AO (area of
operation) in close proximity to the precinct headquarters. We went to a few streets, mixed with the locals, handed out candy and school supplies to the children who were out in groups awaiting the marines walk-bys. It was very hot this day,
temperatures again soaring towards 120+ degrees. I
had quickly forgotten the energy expended for simple patrols. I had not done patrols in Taji, and the break from the patrols quickly reminded me of how staying in shape is important. After a few bottles of water consumed during the patrol, I was pretty much back in the swing of things.

During the patrol, we stopped at a clinic that was a fairly new building that has not been fully utilized as of yet. I had been here before, perhaps a month earlier and no one at that time had been occupying it.
Now, there has been some equiptment delivered including an X-ray machine and other medical supplies.
The hope of course is to have the clinic up and running on a regular basis. The Lt. sat with the folks who have some kind of association with the clinic and inquired as to what is needed to assist the clinic operationally. Matters were discussed and during the conversation it was mentioned that TB is a concern among the local residents. I do not know at this time as to what extent the concern is at the moment, but it was brought up in conversation. The logistics to establishing, maintaining and operating a simple medical clinic are vast on any scale. Add to this, the potential for terrorist activities to inhibit progress in this general direction, and one can take in rapidly the magnitude of securing a step forward for the local population.

Later as we departed the clinic and patroled through the district, many of the marines commented to me and pointed out areas that have since been cleaned up. Of course, to the untrained eye, one would think the place looks like a hurricane came through, but daily, weekly and now monthly, everyone is seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, just in basic clean up, neighborhood by neighborhood. I later talked at length after the patrol with Lt. Kesling and he told me of plans for soccor fields, lot clean ups, school supplies as well as food distribution plans. I was struck at his hearts' desire for wanting more and more projects on the menu prior to his departure. When the goal of the whole endeavor can be seen, allbeit a long ways down the track, perhaps, the motivation for continued effort is a natural chain reaction. These are the things that keep a young, professional Lt., in the USMC guided as his precinct becomes one of many in the whole big picture of what we know stateside as "progress". Whatever standard it may be measured by, there is progress. I have seen it, I have walked among it, and I have been with those who are at this time doing whatever is asked of them to carry it out, one step at a time.

Later that evening I was to leave Jubail and return to FOB Reaper. I mentioned to the Lt. and the rest of 4th platoon that I would return in due time. For now, I had a list of things to tend to. It was time to go.
Each time I leave, I plan to always return. Yet I know a time is coming that one can only do so much.
Perhaps others will become motivated to come see for themselves what has become of a place called Fallujah, Iraq. Battles were fought, intensely for months and years. Blood has been spilled and the streets are still dangerous. But, it has improved dramtically and those fighting tooth and nail against it, know this is the case. It has been said, that fighting the war is always difficult. Maintaining the peace, seems just as high a challenge from my perspective. A challenge that up to this point is being met at this time by Lt.
Kesling and the marines under his command, 4th Platoon, Golf Company.

History in the making, and it is before my very eyes.

Jim Spiri
Jubail precinct headquarters, Fallujah, Iraq jimspiri@yahoo.com