Marine Corps Interrogator Translator Teams Association
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MCITTA E-Bulletin Number 03-08

November 2008

The MCITTA E-Bulletin An Email message for members of the Marine Corps Interrogator Translator Teams Assn www.mcitta.org

Officer Links Team Commander Jim Haskins jandv1@cox.net 1st Sub-Team Cdr (Vice President) Chuck Chlarson arizeke@hotmail.com 2nd Sub-Team Cdr (Treasurer) Howie Kahn hkahn@ec.rr.com 3rd Sub-Team Cdr (Historian) Doug Brower doug_brower@excite.com Team Chief (Administration) Felix Conde fcondejr@aol.com Bulletin Editor Mitch Paradis mitchcan@bwr.eastlink.ca  Website www.mcitta.org In Honor of Their Service and Sacrifice Lest We Forget... A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States. From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn. Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world. With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third. GEORGE W. BUSH Thank you for your service.

Marine Corps 233d Anniversary The Team Commander's Message      Happy Birthday Marines!  On November 10th, members of our Association will gather with other Marines and friends to celebrate the 233rd Anniversary of our Corps, and 233 years of making Marines and winning battles for our nation.      Marines have always taken pride in our contributions to the defense of our nation and over years, the name "Marine" has taken on a legendary, almost mystical, warrior status.      On this birthday of the United States Marine Corps, each of us has every reason to stand tall and be proud of our rich Marine Corps heritage and to pay our respects to those men and women who have gone before us.      We at the Marine Corps Interrogator Translator Teams Association extend our best wishes for a Happy Birthday to each and all of you. Semper Fidelis Jim Haskins A BIRTHDAY MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS During the summer of 1982, in the wake of a presidential directive, Marines went ashore at Beirut, Lebanon. Fifteen months later, on 23 October 1983, extremists struck the first major blow against American forces—starting this long war on terrorism. On that Sunday morning, a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden truck into the headquarters of Battalion Landing Team 1/8, destroying the building and killing 241 Marines and corpsmen.      Extremists have attacked our Nation, at home and abroad, numerous times since that fateful day in Beirut. Their aim has always been the same—to kill as many innocent Americans as possible. The attacks of 11 September 2001 changed our Nation forever, and our President has resolved that this Nation will not stand idle while murderous terrorists plan their next strike. Marines will continue to take the fight to the enemy—hitting them on their own turf, crushing them when they show themselves, and finding them where they hide.      Only a few Americans choose the dangerous, but necessary, work of fighting our Nation’s enemies. When our chapter of history is written, it will be a saga of a selfless generation of Marines who were willing to stand up and fight for our Nation; to defend those who could not defend themselves; to thrive on the hardship and sacrifice expected of an elite warrior class; to march to the sound of the guns; and to ably shoulder the legacy of those Marines who have gone before.      On our 233rd birthday, first remember those who have served and those “angels” who have fallen—our reputation was built on their sacrifices. Remember our families; they are the unsung heroes whose support and dedication allow us to answer our Nation’s call. Finally, to all Marines and Sailors, know that I am proud of you and what you do. Your successes on the battlefield have only added to our illustrious history. Lieutenant General Victor H. “Brute” Krulak said it best when he wrote, “… the United States does not need a Marine Corps … the United States wants a Marine Corps.” Your actions, in Iraq and Afghanistan and across the globe, are at the core of why America loves her Marines.     Happy birthday, Marines! Semper Fidelis, James T. Conway General, U.S. Marine Corps  7th Annual Gathering     Jim and Lynne Riemer, with help from Peter Halle are hard at work putting together a most inviting package for the MCITTA Annual Gathering to be held in San Diego.     This is sure to be a great opportunity to experience, once again, our roots and heritage at Boot Camp.  We will be attending a recruit graduation and mingle with today's young Marines.      More information will follow in the next edition of The Spot Report  due in December 2008.  Also, stay up to date at our MCITTA website at www.mcitta.org.     Mark the dates 29 September-3 October 2009 on your calendar and join your fellow Marine Interrogators for what is sure to be a splendid event, filled with memorable activities. See you there!