The 1/5 Vietnam Veterans are committed to a Care Package Program for the young Marines serving in the 1 st Battalion, 5 th Marines, the “Best Battalion in the United States Marine Corps,” when they are deployed overseas. 1/5 is currently serving their 3rd deployment in the War Against Terrorism” in Iraq.

After receiving the first two care packages, the CO of 1/5, Lt. Col. Eric M. Smith, USMC, sent us the following message:

“Dear Brothers of 1/5,

We, the lads and I, want to thank you for the boxes. I can't tell you how much it means to have the men who fought in Vietnam , especially Hue, cover our six. This is a dangerous place, but we remain strong with your help. Stay safe.

Semper Fi

Eric Smith,
Lt. Col., USMC”

****************************************

9 June 2005

Marines: We received your care package boxes today, and once again you lifted our spirits.  We look to the future, when we return home, and can do so easier, knowing that you did it 40 years ago.  We'll use your example to guide by.
Our mission in Ramadi continues at full speed.  We are attacking insurgents, hunting them down in their safe houses, and seizing their weapons.  We'll keep on doing it until they're done.  Our fight is not without costs.  We have 5 KIA and 80 WIA.  I pray that we have lost our last man, but fear we have not.

We'll keep the faith here, and we'll build the next generation of gunfighters.  We just need some continued supporting fires from you guys. 

We owe you. Be safe, and Semper Fidelis!
Lt. Col. Eric Smith, USMC
Commanding Officer,
1^st5^th Battalion, Marines.

Pride in Being Professional.”

****************************************
E-MAIL dated September 5, 2005

To all 1/5 Vietnam Veterans :

Our last two care packages were sent about two weeks ago, and they just arrived in Iraq .  The following is a brief note from the CO of 1/5, Lt. Col. Eric Smith, USMC.

Semper Fidelis!

Nick,

We just got the boxes.  Your timing is PERFECT my friend.  We are leaving here in a couple of weeks and mail just cut off today. That stuff was great.  The 1/5 towel was a big hit as well.  We raffled it off since so many guys wanted it.

You gents have been class acts.  I wish I had written more, but I know you understand how busy it can be.  We have lost 16 very good men here, and have had another 120 wounded.  Some will be changed forever.  Having you guys watching our back has helped more than you know. 

We are to be back at Camp Pendleton in Oct.  We will have to live out at Talega, as Camp San Mateo is full.  The war on terrorism is making things interesting.   We truly appreciate your example, Nick.  Your time and mine have both crossed in the urban fight, and we now have more in common than ever before. 

Thanks again.

Semper Fi

Eric

Eric M. Smith
LtCol, USMC
Commanding Officer
1st Bn, 5th Mar