October 2007 Newsletter from Iraq   Team Leader’s Comments               We have been deployed for a little over one month, or as some of the team looks at it one of the seven days of the week, so we are now on Monday of our deployment.  The learning curve has been fast and steep as we only had ten days with the previous team to learn everything we need to know to operate in this area and accomplish our mission of training, mentoring, and advising the Iraqi Border Force battalion.  We go out on patrols almost daily and thus far everyone has been able to serve in every position in a patrol.  Our goal now is to improve on our techniques and make everyone an expert in everything related to patrolling.         One of the unique things about the Iraqi Border Patrol is that they work for 30 days and then get 30 days off.  We were able to make our way around to meet the leadership from the 2nd Rotation before they departed and then the 1st Rotation returned from their leave period.  Many of the Shurta, Iraqi word for police, live in the southern part of Iraq and it takes them several days to travel from the border forts to their homes.  This turnover means that we will be working with different people every month.  Not sure how much progress we will be able to make but it will keep things interesting to say the least.  During this past month, we have spent time getting to know the officers and Shurta from the 1st Rotation and look forward to their return next month so we can begin to train and operate with them.   A unique thing about our first month was Ramadan.  This is the Islamic Holy month; kind of like having Lent and Christmas at the same time for Christians.  During this month, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, sex, profanity, etc. during the daylight hours.  This is very difficult for the average person, and even harder for the military and police personnel.  I made the team respect Ramadan while we were with or around our Iraqi partners.  The Iraqis appreciated this very much and we hope it helps with our personal relationships which are very important in this culture.  Then there’s Eid al Fatr.  This is a three day party like atmosphere to celebrate the end of Ramadan.  We were invited by the Commander to the battalion border fort to enjoy a feast of lamb kabobs with the Officers and Shurta.  A good time was had by all on this festive occasion.     In addition to the team that left Camp Pendleton together, we had four other members join our team here.  Two are Border Enforcement Advisor’s who work for Dyna Corp under a Department of Homeland Security contract.  Their names are Marty and Dennis.  We also have two interpreters who work with us.  Samee is from Jordan and lived in the USA for six years in the past before returning to family in Jordan.  Nick is an Iraqi local national who has recently moved his family to Syria for their safety.  We are blessed to have these individuals and their expertise on our team.   Our team members of the month are Master Sergeant Foley the Senior Enlisted Advisor and Personnel Chief for the team and Petty Officer Blount our team Corpsman.  You can read about them in their own words on pages 2-7.  The team is very fortunate to have both of these warriors serving with us.   Until next time, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and we will continue to perform our mission safely and to the best of our ability.   God Bless and Semper Fidelis, Maj Stan Horton         Master Sergeant Foley     I am Master Sergeant Foley originally from Lexington, Massachusetts.  I joined the Marine Corps in 1989 and attended boot camp at MCRD Parris Island.  With all the different jobs and places that I have worked “not wanting to bore you” My family and I have decided to make California our home.  I’m currently serving my forth deployment here in Iraq, and with my three girls getting a little older and since they have not yet started high school we have decided that I will retire in 2009 “ get a real job” like my wife Yvonne likes to say.  At that time we will move to Clovis, Ca, to settle down.  I assure you the time of this deployment or even a career for your love one will be over before you know it.                   I would like to take this time and sincerely thank all of the love ones and family members who help support us with this very demanding profession that we have chosen.   A special thanks to my Beautiful wife Yvonne and my three adorable children Katianne, Kylie and Kelsey.   Master Sergeant Sean M Foley            Master Sergeant Foley doing a little home improvement, the nearest Home Depot is 6700 miles from here.     MSgt Foley and “Doc” Darrin Blount at the Joint Combat Center        Hello my name is Darrin Blount and I am the team Corpsman. I joined the Navy in 1996. I attend field medical school at Camp Johnson in North Carolina. I was most recently stationed in Rota, Spain as an emergency medical technician.  My favorite hobbies are listening to music and riding my Suzuki motorcycle.  I joined this team to give me an opportunity to work independently. In my former training I was a special ops corpsman for over 10 years. This deployment so far has been great, but I can’t wait to get home and see my family and loved ones. Peace out! Also note that when “Doc” was in SpecOps he was a 50cal Sniper, Doc’s hard and deadly from long range!     Doc on the right and Nate on the left, unknown Iraq Army solder in the middle. Behind them is the top of the line Iraq Army patrol vehicle, a Chinese made Chevy S-10, 4X4 with a RPK chain gun mounted in the bed.