IN THE FUTURE THE PAST MATTERS MOST

When I was in 1^st Battalion 5^th Marine Regiment, we were deployed to fight fires in Washington State and in Montana. Our Commander was Lt Col David F. Bonwit, a great Marine, and a great leader. He was a soft spoken man, of quiet conviction who possessed a keen intellect a deep understanding of the abilities and weaknesses of each man under his command. At the time I was only an Corporal, and my faults were abundant, yet when he spoke to me, he did just that, he spoke to not at me, or down to me. When anyone in his charge spoke to him, they felt as if the “old man” heard them. When we initially landed we were given another crash course in forest and structural fire fighting procedures, broken down into our teams, and assigned sectors or areas where we were to concentrate our efforts. There were areas we would be able to save, and areas we had to burn to save other areas. For a group of Marines fighting fire was something new, but we were so ordered so off we went; and we were led by the finest officer I have ever had the pleasure of serving with. In a future better than this present, and in a place different from this one I hope to one day share a drink with him and thank him for being a Marine, and a damn good man.

 

We were gone for about 45 days, and in that time we walked about 300 miles over some of the most arduous and gorgeous terrain of the American North West. We hated each and every second of it, we suffered 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns, heat exhaustion, home-sickness, blisters, splinters, concussions, fractured and broken bones, and in general we were sick and tired of each other. Through it we saw an entire mountain literally explode as the flames raced zig-zag up and down the mountainside igniting trees sending them shooting high above the firestorm below. The sap from the super heated trees acting as a propellant, in peace time it was one of the most awesome displays of destruction I have ever been witness to. The raw power of nature was incredible, Earth, Wind, and Fire united in a torrent destruction completely engulfing the landscape and rendering it devoid of life. In less than two hours where lush green forest once stood remained nothing but smoldering ash. I stood witness to the wrath of Mother Nature, and I stood in awe of the sheer power of it. We had spent most of the previous day, well in to the night digging a line in the sand if you will, a fire break to stop the wrath that we knew was coming, we spent the night in a fire camp watching the fire sweeping all before it, just as the Legio XXI “Rapax” once did, nothing was spared. We were briefed that the mission before us was to draw that proverbial line in the sand and in doing so we’d be saving peoples homes. At the time all that meant to us was more work, and more hills. Being Pendleton Marines, we were quite used to climbing hills. Yet to date, we had climbed nothing like the mountains we were about to ascend and as usual we were fighting against the clock. But in this case, our enemy would not succumb to fatigue, fear, doubt or pain. Fighting fires is a war wholly different from anything any of us had ever experienced, before or since.

 

As we descended the mountain having at least reached detente with our fiery nemesis as we crested yet another lesser mountain ridge we were over looking Lake Chelan Washington, the sight was one of the most magnificent and breathtaking visions of the majesty of American scenery I have ever been witness to, the stark contrast from what lie behind us was beyond description. As we stood there with soot, and ash clinging to every square inch of our uniforms, kit and exposed skin, we stood there at the point of exhaustion. Yet, each of us stood a little taller looking at the homes that we’d helped to save, when we reached the road, a Jeep pulled up and a Captain from the Washington National Guard stepped out in a clean starched uniform, and he promptly told us there was to be no swimming in the lake. He continued on about this and that for nearly 10 minutes, none of us really listening to him.  Finally he got back in his Jeep and drove off. Our Platoon Sergeant, looked around and said with a look on his face I’ll never forget; “The hell with him, I’m going swimming!” It was a mad dash to the water, Marines jumping in, in various stages of undress, what was behind us just over the hill was almost immediately forgotten. When we emerged from the water, there was a van parked there and several women were standing there, Marines being Marines, began approaching the women, it looked rather like peacocks dancing about trying to gain favor. Yet the ladies had other intentions; opening the back of their van they produced the largest submarine sandwich I have ever seen, and more importantly BEER! We of course were forbidden from consuming alcohol during this time, but as all good Marines do, we embraced the locals and their strange customs so as not to offend. We didn’t offend them to the tune of consuming the whole sandwich, and 18 beers between us. It was a feast worthy of kings. I dare say I have eaten so well in the last 9 months. That day we did a good thing, we didn’t do it for thanks, not for free food nor beer (which helped by the by). We did it because we were asked to.

 

What is my point in this little aside to where I am now? Only this, Lt Col Bonwit gathered us at the end of our deployment as we prepared to return to our lives; he often gathered us together to “give us the gouge” as to what was what in our little world. I used to dread those massive formations, having to “bring it in, and sit, kneel, and bend so all could see, be seen, and hear the “old man” speak. He always told us like it was, he never fluffed the situation, or sugar coated things for us. He treated us like men… no he treated us like Marines. If we asked he’d always be honest, never taking out his anger, or frustration on a subordinate. He always found something positive to add, even after he or his XO Maj Dan Trout removed a piece of ones ass. He always admonished in private, but his was always the first hand to pick you up. He had a decent way with words, he spoke softly and plainly, never condescending, or short. He stood smiling before us and he said simply; “That sucked!” We all laughed out loud with a thunder that echoed all over the camp, he always told it like it was, and his humor was never lost on any of us. He said that he knew that it had been hard going, but that’s how Marines liked it, and that’s why they sent us. He said he’d be glad to be away from this place, but that in 5-10 years from now, each and every one of us would look back at the job we did here, and be proud. He was right. So, that is my hope for this place, for our struggle here in Iraq that in 5-10 years from now I’ll be able to look onto the fields that our blood was spilt and see a new Iraq growing from the turmoil of the old. It will not abate the sense of loss we all feel for our departed comrades, friends, brothers, sons, Fathers, and husbands, but it will lessen the sting and anger of their passing and their children can know that it was not in vain.

 

In three or four month’s time, I will do my best to forget this war, and leave it behind me. That of course will be short lived as the events of my future will not allow it. What will the future hold for the men I have met here that I know call friend, that are now and forever more brothers. What will become of us as we separate from the “big Army return to the world of the National Guard, or retire, or separate altogether from the Army? Where will the path then take us, will we become like the men who stand at rapt attention as the colors pass by on Memorial Day, and the 4^th of July, whose faces bear the scars of wars past, and whose eyes burn with intensity beyond explanation. Already a member of the VFW, at 23, and now again at 34, I look at my face and wonder where the time has gone. It is of course rhetorical, but I ask nonetheless. Will, Dan, Murph, Greg, and I be those old warriors who stand on the side of the road, as the parade passes by? What will the coming year bring for us? Children, return to careers and family, finish PhD’s, maybe try a new career, but what I do know is this. As Dan said all of us have changed in many ways, some changes we aren’t even aware of yet. All with one thing in common, we were here. Lt Col Bonwit’s words still ring in my ears, in 5 or 10 years we will look back on what we did here with pride. Young for his years, Luke Stricklin aptly stated, “I don’t care why Bush went into Iraq, I know what I did here and I’m damn sure proud of that.”

 

THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM (THE SOUL OF A NATION)

 

Last night I went on a patrol with Civil Affairs, our mission was to see if everything was ready for today’s vote. We drove around from site to site accessing the security of the polling sites, what we found was an Iraqi population that was calm and eagerly awaiting their chance to vote once again, and take part in their own destiny. The day passed virtually without incident, and once again the Iraqi people took a step towards complete independence. Today didn’t belong to the insurgency, or the Coalition, it belonged to all of Iraq, and everyone in it. Again, I find it interesting to be here on the ground and witness to this historic event, for better or for worse we will say years from now, we walked the ground on that day. I was there.

RDC

Comments

[Molly S]

Thank you for your contributions to the article published in USA Weekend on Sunday 5 March 2006.

It is possible these may be of interest to you:

http://mcmablog.blogspot.com/2006/03/16-message-for-our-soldiers.html

http://mcmablog.blogspot.com/2006/03/17-update-on-col-joseph-s-buntin-usmc.html

I am glad you are safe. Shalom, Molly

[Michael GAtton]

Lt.Col Bonwit-I served with a Captain David Bonwit in 1986 with Kilo Company 3rd BN 4th Marines. Is that the same David Bonwit? I would love to get in contact with him. I was in a helocopter crash under his command. Can anyone help? Mike

[JakeFeuerbacher 1st battalion 5th marines]

keep your head up grunt. and good to you for your postings. maxine does not have a solution yet.

[flythemig29]

You are right Bro. WE were here during these trying times. Years from now we will gather and raise toasts to those who did not come home. WE will never forget what happened here. No matter what spin the media and politicians put on it WE know what we did and how it has impacted these people. WE will never forget these days, these people, these soldiers who made a difference. WE brought a people from the bowels of tyranny to the light of democracy. Be proud. I am.

[Wild Thing]

I am so very proud of you. Thank you for sharing like this, it means a lot. You are not only living history you are a large part of making history. Thank you for all you do.

[Rebecca McCormick]

Have you seen this?? Your blog is worth Your blog is worth $33,307.86, according to http://www.business-opportunities.biz/projects/how-much-is-your-blog-worth/.

[minijaxter]

Thank you for all you have done for this country. People like your LT Col make things so much bette I wish everyone who was a leader was like that.
I look back on my time in the military and say I am proud that I did that but I have moved on and it is not who I am anymore.

As for your problem with Hamlet I can understand but remember he was a tragic hero and therefore flawed. He was also going mad. Thats one of the things with writing as you know when you create something you can have them do whatever but as I explain to people all the time... if the character did the way things we thnk they should the story would be very short and not as good. Or in the case of movies... if she killed him now there wouldnt be much of a movie now would there? ;)
I actually like Hamlet it is not my favorite play that would be A Midsummers Night Dream but I do like Hamlet.

Ok Ive rambled enough.
Thank you again for what you are doing overseas.
Please come home safely soon and continue with your political plans. Not sure I agree on the fighting of the Liberals of the commentor but well I will settle for fighting stupidity and corrutption-i know a losing battle but one that needs to be fought anyway

[Acad Ronin]

Looking back 34 years on another war in another place, a failed campaign in a larger war we ultimately won, I too know what I did, and I am proud of that. Also, though it took time, I found in time that Shakespeare was right when he wrote:

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

Hang in there, come home safe, and thanks for your service.

[AFSister]

Hey Russ!

OUTSTANDING!!!!! I love the "That sucked" quote, the story behind it, and applying it to your current situation. It's true, you know. For the rest of your life you'll be able to look back on your year in Iraq and be proud of the job you've done. Just as proud as the rest of American are for the job you're doing.

FANTASTIC!

[Huntress]

Russ...as I read your blog and as I talk to many soldiers now in Iraq, I tried to think of what to say about what you have been a part of in Iraq, and suddenly a couple of lines from a song came to mind.

I'd like to share those lyrics with you...I feel they are poignant and very relevant, but before I do, I will say this to you:

Where you have found yourself this past year is in an area in which the collision of politics geography and faith has dominated for millinium. It is the land where God was born.

The first war in this land was fought between Cain and Abel and its echos are heard today. Amidst all the challenges, I hope in some way, this time spent in Iraq will have served as a spiritual journey for you.

There's a light
In the darkness
Though the night
Is black as my skin
There's a light
Burning bright
Showing me the way
But i know where i've been

There's a cry
In the distance
It's a voice
That comes from deep within
There's a cry
Asking why
I pray the answer's up ahead
'Cause i know where i've been

There's a road
We've been travelin'
Lost so many on the way
But the riches
Will be plenty
Worth the price we
Had to pay

There's a dream
In the future
There's a struggle
We have yet to win
And there's pride
In my heart
'Cause i know
Where i'm going
And i know where i've been

There's a road
We must travel
There's a promise
We must make
'Cause the riches
Will be plenty
Worth the risk
And chances that we take
There's a dream
In the future
There's a struggle

We have yet to win
Use that pride
In our hearts
To lift us up
To tomorrow

'Cause just to sit still
Would be a sin

I know it, i know it
I know where i'm going
And lord knows
I know Where i've been
Oh! When we win,
I'll give thanks to my god
'Cause i know where i've been

Stay safe my friend!

[Kat in GA]

Thanks so very much. We are extremely proud of you.

[Beth]

Not only will you be able to say, "I was there," you will be able to say, "I helped make it happen."

During the first Iraqi election, I cried as I watched. But this time there were no tears, though I still remembered all who had sacrificed for this day. Instead I felt a tremendous sense of pride and awe for both the Americans and the Iraqis. You all "done good."

[devildog6771]

"That Sucked!" What a great man and leader he must have been.

I have no doubt that when you look back 5-10 years from now, you will feel a great sense of pride at what you and all our troops, those fallen, and those still with us have done today. Thank you for sharing your expeiences, all of them. Be safe.

[DagneyT]

You will carry your well-founded pride in your accomplishments with dignity, Russ. I look forward to the day that you return to US, to fight a new fight: The fight against liberals in America!

God bless you, Marine & Soldier, you and your fellow heroes are the reason I am proud to be an American. May God continue to bless you with safety and good health, and bring you home safe and sound.