Multi-National Force - Iraq:CAMP RIPPER — After more than 12 months of hard work in Iraq's Anbar province, the Marines and Sailors of Regimental Combat Team (RCT) 2 are finally heading home.
Marine Col. H. Stacy Clardy III, RCT 2 commander, said in a recent news conference that when the team arrived, its area of operations -- known as AO Denver -- was one of the most dangerous places in Iraq. "Now, it's not," he said. "If I were to characterize our situation here in western al Anbar, I would simply say that we, the Iraqis and Americans, are now winning. And for us, winning is peace."
"I can honestly say that the Iraqi leaders get it," he said. "And by 'it,' I mean they know the only way to peace and prosperity is through a legitimate government, focused on the needs of the people and driven by the rule of law. They're tired of war. They want to move into the 21st century."
RCT 2 conducted six regimental-sized operations during its tour. As a result, the area has seen an overall 75 percent reduction in enemy incidents over the past 10 months. More improvised explosive devices are being found than are detonating, Clardy said, and weapon caches found have become progressively less sophisticated.
Would it be too much for the Sacramento Bee to say "thanks" to the troops achieving success in Iraq? The Bee ran a front page article Sunday showing US troops are maladjusted murderers. How about some equal time for the troops who did a tough job well?
