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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the news:
        
(Message started by: Ree on Aug 14^th, 2003, 1:42pm)

Title: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Ree on Aug 14^th, 2003, 1:42pm

This is his group the 26th MEU........... oh boy
Thousands cheer U.S. troops in Liberia
Rebels hand over Monrovia port to peacekeepers
Thursday, August 14, 2003 Posted: 2:24 PM EDT (1824 GMT)
MONROVIA, Liberia (CNN) -- Tens of thousands of Liberians clapped and cheered Thursday as helicopters carrying U.S. troops landed at Monrovia's Roberts International Airport to help stabilize the nation.

Not long after the first U.S. CH-46 chopper arrived, a general from the major rebel group -- Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) -- and Brig. Gen. Festus Okonkwo, the Nigerian commander of the West African peacekeeping force ECOMIL, met briefly on a contested bridge for a short ceremony to begin the rebels' handover of the seaport to peacekeepers.

A second rebel group, Movement for Democracy in Liberia, or MODEL, was about 30 miles east of the airport. Its plans were unclear.

Thousands of Liberians poured over the bridge for the first time in two months, looking for loved ones.

Monrovia's port area had been heavily ravaged on Wednesday, as looters stripped it of stocks of food aid, furniture, vehicles and gasoline. (On the Scene: CNN's Jeff Koinange, Gallery: Looting in Monrovia)

More than 100 U.S. troops -- mostly Marines -- arrived Thursday morning. More were expected to arrive later in the day. The troops quickly secured the perimeter of the airport and occupied the northern part of the terminal to begin setting up a base of operations. (Gallery: U.S. Marines arrive at airport, On the Scene: CNN's Jeff Koinange)

About two dozen U.S. communications and engineering specialists will assess the port, and a team of 10-12 Navy SEALS will clear the port to make way for humanitarian aid, Lt. Gen. Norton Schwartz, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told CNN in Washington.

Schwartz said U.S. forces would help the Nigerian peacekeepers move from the airport to secure the port. Helicopters and other aircraft, such as Harrier jets, will provide aerial support.

The U.S. reaction force is expected to be in place for only a few days until a second battalion of Nigerian peacekeepers arrives later this week. "At that point, the reaction force will depart," Schwartz said.

U.S. Ambassador to Liberia John Blaney expressed optimism shortly before the U.S. forces arrived.

"I feel good today. I think this is going to be a very important step to help the people of Liberia," Blaney said. "As President Bush has said and underlined, we want to help those who are suffering here -- and there are quite a number of them -- and by working with ECOMIL, we are going to make it happen."

"With the good news of the port opening, we hope to get food distribution going in a couple of days, but there's so many other issues to address, particularly the state of health of people and a lot of people affected by the war," said U.N. Deputy Relief Coordinator Carolyn McAskie.

A ship loaded with food and supplies is docked in neighboring Sierra Leone, awaiting word that Monrovia's port has been reopened.

The port is Monrovia's chief entry point for desperately needed humanitarian aid, which came to a quick halt in June as the rebels launched fresh attacks against Taylor's government and aid workers fled.

Brig. Gen. Festus Okonkwo, Nigerian commander of ECOMIL, met with a rebel general to begin the handover of Monrovia's port to peacekeepers.
Also Thursday, Liberia's new president, Moses Blah, is scheduled to travel to Accra, Ghana, to discuss peace efforts with Liberian rebel leaders, government officials said. (Profile: Moses Blah, CNN Access: Taylor interview)

After taking office earlier this week, Blah offered to share power with the rebels, whose efforts to force former Liberian President Charles Taylor into exile succeeded Monday. He promised to make progress toward ending the civil war.

Fourteen years of war have created a massive humanitarian crisis, with 1.3 million of the country's 3.2 million population being uprooted from their homes. More than 250,000 people, half of them civilians, were killed in the war, according to U.N. figures.

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Donna on Aug 14^th, 2003, 1:52pm

Ree, I don't know what to say. It would be so hard for me to know my son was over there and not lose my mind. I really wish I could hug you and tell you not to worry. I admire your courage. I pray for strength for you and safe keeping for Sean.

I will someday thank Sean for helping to keep me and my loved ones safe.

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Peppermint on Aug 14^th, 2003, 2:07pm

More power to you and your family Ree.. watching the news...
Its amazing how detached I usually feel/am from all of it, I hate politics and all the "stuff"... but reading this and the stories about Sean's experiences from you brings it close and helps me feel more appreciative of what you parents are going through with your sons and daughters in danger zones.
God bless him in his journey home.

Pep

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Darleen on Aug 14^th, 2003, 3:10pm

Ree,

I really don't know what to say except that my thoughts and prayers are with both you and your family.

God bless.

D

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by jonny on Aug 14^th, 2003, 3:17pm

You think you can be a bigger prick than you are with this post, Brian?....Ree's kid is over there, get it?

We have bigger problems in the US, Cathy landed in Baltimore 40 mins ago.....All Americans are in danger from this one Brit ;D

..............................jonny

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Brian_Y on Aug 14^th, 2003, 3:20pm

Ah, I didn't read the headline well enough. Thought it was a news item. My apologies.

In all fairness to me, though, you are jumping to conclusions about my actual intent. But that is not surprising.

My apologies to you, Ree. My hope is still for safety. And for manners.

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by jonny on Aug 14^th, 2003, 3:24pm

No, im not....im reading what you posted knowing how worried Ree is already.

But hey, ive been known to post without reading the whole post myself so I know where your coming from ;D

.............................jonny

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Brian_Y on Aug 14^th, 2003, 3:27pm

That's what happened. I made it right. And stand by what I've made right, irrespective of the means of getting there. My apologies to anyone who feels disrespected. None was intended.

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by jonny on Aug 14^th, 2003, 3:36pm

Brian,

Thats nothing....do a search on my name and you will be laughing for weeks at how many times I read only half a post and went off.....LMMFAO ;D

No one can beat me in the amount of posts posted or how many times fucking up....LOL ;D

IM KING of it all :D

..................................jonny

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Karla on Aug 14^th, 2003, 4:29pm

Ree we have been praying for protection and for a group of angels to stand guard over your sons. There job is not an easy one. Neither is yours. Being a mother is so hard but to have a son in the service in active duty over seas is the hardest thing I can imagine as a parent. May God give you a peace of mind and comfort during this time. Love ya, Karla

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by 2late on Aug 14^th, 2003, 5:36pm

stay strong Ree, Sean is being strong for all of us. I hope he get's home soon!! .............Jack

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Gofishgriff on Aug 14^th, 2003, 5:52pm

Ree,

Prayers going out for a quick and safe return.

I am very proud our military and the job they do. Having served in the military, I would like to think I know how your son feels. I'm sure he is extremely proud of what he is doing. So please know there are people out here that are proud, and grateful, for him being there. These sons and daughters who are out there are true heros.

We're also grateful for the parents who bore these heros. I'll be thinking of you and your son in the days to come.

Andy

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Ree on Aug 14^th, 2003, 8:30pm

Thanks all... You guys are the best!
No harm Brian Y everyone has a right to their opinion...
night folks easy night tonight (hopefully) Ree

Title: Re: Sean says is anyone watching the news:
Post by Ree on Aug 17^th, 2003, 9:28pm

MONROVIA, Liberia -- U.S. Marines in Liberia went about the workaday tasks Friday of America's first peace mission in Africa in a decade, patrolling new razor-wire perimeters and guarding the first in a convoy of aid ships.

For now, the task seems straightforward: "Trying to get the boats in the port," said Maj. Leonard DeFrancisci of Melbourne, Fla., a reservist with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Friday marked the first full day ashore for about 200 U.S. troops, who landed by helicopter from three ships offshore after President Charles Taylor, bowing to international pressure, resigned and left his country.

For U.S. forces, it is the first humanitarian mission in Africa since Somali fighters killed 18 U.S. troops in Mogadishu in 1993, an event depicted in the book and movie "Black Hawk Down."

The deaths in Somalia prompted the U.S. government to withdraw its troops and to have a lingering reluctance to get deeply involved in Africa.

"We've all seen the movie," said Capt. James Jarvis, a spokesman for the 26th Marines at Liberia's main airport. "But in this day and age, you try to help people when you can."

Marines guarded the airport's landing strip Friday, securing it for flights of West African troops and aid.

Deployment at the airport freed a stretched-thin West African peace force, now at roughly 1,500 men, for duties in Monrovia -- where hungry crowds on Friday broke through the front line that split the city during the 10-week rebel siege.

A 150-member U.S. rapid-reaction force was on standby at the airport, ready to fly out by helicopter if the Nigerian-led peace force came under attack anywhere, Jarvis said.

On Thursday, a Navy SEAL team scoured the trash-strewn water at the port, making sure it was safe for ships carrying aid to the hungry capital.

About 40 Marines helped West African forces guard the heavily looted, badly damaged port.

After pounding stakes Thursday to erect razor-wire fences, Marines patrolled the port barricades Friday, or sought shade in dilapidated buildings.

Within blocks of the Marines, rebel fighters lingered, despite a pledge by their leaders to withdraw from the city.

"The country's in shambles," Sgt. Nathen Baker, 23, of Olean, N.Y., said at the airport. "We're trying to keep the peace."

Many of the Marines, including Jarvis, served in Afghanistan. The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed in Iraq as well, at the northern city of Mosul, but few here were part of that mission.

The limited size and role of the U.S. troops' mission means they take a back seat to West African forces in Liberia.

"We like it that the Americans are flying to protect us. But why don't they come down with us and see our hunger?" Emmanuel S. Cooper, a 22-year-old unemployed university graduate, asked as he crossed Monrovia's newly opened front-line to look for beans, rice and oil.

The presence of the heavily armed Marines, backed by planes and ships, has already helped cow fighters on both sides -- militias more accustomed to attacking civilians than disciplined fighting.

"The streets have gotten quieter," Jarvis said. "This is what the people have been waiting for."

Copyright 2003

Title: Re: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the n
Post by Lori on Aug 17^th, 2003, 9:37pm

I can't even begin to imagine how you must worry Ree. It is so hard being a parent. The worry involved. I pray for safe return for your sons and strength for your family during this time.

Title: Re: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the n
Post by Ree on Aug 17^th, 2003, 9:45pm

Thankyou Lori that is very sweet... It is hard but the pride that I hold for my two sons outweighs the fear in my heart. They are Patriots, they believe in freedom and I believe in them...
I just wanted to get the word out, they are wanted in Liberia, and as it says here they were hesitant because of past times in this troubled place. If we moms don't keep the word going for our sons they will be forgotten like the guys in Afghanistan right now. An hour ago the Taliban struck a police building there killing 22 people. Still our Marines die there everyday and in Iraq too for our freedom. How quickly they are forgotten. Thanks again for your kind words. Fly the flag... Ree

Title: Re: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the n
Post by cootie on Aug 17^th, 2003, 9:54pm

SAFENESS wishes for yer boys Ree.......flag flyer Pam :)

Title: Re: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the n
Post by Darleen on Aug 18^th, 2003, 11:08am

Ree,

Your pride and view on things is simply amazing. In your writing you seem to be so calm.

You certainly should be proud of your sons and I too certainly hope and pray for their safe return as soon as possible and also for the continued strength for your family.

D

Title: Re: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the n
Post by Gofishgriff on Aug 18^th, 2003, 11:51am

Quote:

They are Patriots, they believe in freedom and I believe in them...

I believe in them too, Ree. All of them.

What does Sean do in the Marines?

Title: Re: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the n
Post by Ree on Aug 18^th, 2003, 12:05pm

Thanks for asking Sean is an analyst in Millitary Intellegence... Ted tried to convince me that he would be spending most of his time on the ship on the computer... WRONG!!! Thanks for trying Ted...LOL
He also does his share of guard duty and services that other Marine Corporals do...as well as alalyzing every little tidbit of information, that comes his way...

My other son is a helicopter pilot soon to get his wings on Sept 5th Im gonna be there for the honors... cool.... thanks for your concern everyone love ya Ree

Title: Re: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the n
Post by Callico_Kid on Aug 18^th, 2003, 10:59pm

Marine "intelligence" ??? ;D

From the father of a future Ranger. ;D

We are proud of him for you and are grateful for what he and the others have already done. We're praying with you.

jc

Title: Re: UPDATE:8/17 Sean says is anyone watching the n
Post by Ted on Aug 20^th, 2003, 4:45pm

You can read a little more on Sean and a lot more on Ree in the Sept 2002 issue of the OUCH newsletter at http://www.clusterheadaches.org/members/newsletter.htm. She was chosen to be profiled from her extraordinary work supporting her husband.