‘Spirits Are Still High’

Marine Cpl. Tyler S. Trovillion
May 5, 2004 (letter to his mother)

We just got back from an ambush a few hours ago.  The battalion and the regimental commanders came with us.  Our platoon, specifically our squad is hot, so hot the Battalion Commander chose our platoon to send the Regimental Commander on patrol with.  The RC is from Vietnam and thinks the grunts have become too mechanized and lost the skills of the infantry tactics and such.   Well, even though the patrol didn't follow the plan (they rarely do) we impressed the RC which is great for 1/5, for Alpha, for 2nd for the Co, etc.  Yesterday, we were to insert 4 klicks out from our ambush, patrol to it, set in at 2230 till 0600 and watch for enemy to set in IEDs (makeshift bombs) on the road we use.  Well, we got inserted about 5 klicks short.  Se we had to patrol for hours to the OP so we only set in for about 1 ½ hours before sunbreak, then we walked the road on line looking for IEDs till link up.  Last night seemed like it would never end.

Anyway, I got 3 packages from you.  Thank you Mother.  That Granny Smith apple hit the spot.  It just made me mad that the chocolate won't solidify because it's too warm.  If we're back at the FOB it will but not in the field.  Thank you for the Wheat Thins, those hit the spot too.  Thank you for the food and pictures.   All that stuff brings me back to reality and makes me remember that there is civilization out there somewhere in the world.

Well, it looks like we're starting a new FOB.  It's an old VX plant (nerve agent factory from Desert Storm or thereafter).  I really think this place was also a concentration camp.  There are underground tunnels with chambers with signs of torture written all over the place, not to mention what looks like a mass grave in the corner.  There are huge rooms with shower heads but no way to turn them on.

Anyway, I need to get some rest.  Again, thank you for the packages.  I hope you all are doing well.  I love you and will talk to you soon.
Love,
Tyler

Trovillion, 23, of Richardson, Texas, was killed in Ramadi June 15, 2005, by a roadside bomb during his second Iraq deployment.

Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Tricia Jameson
July 10, 2005 (An e-mail to her mother)

Hello, there is only one other female on the convoy with me that I know of. She is my partner for the trip. We are supporting what they call "TCN's" Third Country Nationals. They are from other countries, Jordan, Iran, etc, etc. It is a mix of military and these TCN's. Apparently it is quite amusing. When we stop for whatever reason, some of them hate each other due to whatever reasons, and like to get out of the truck and beat the crap out of each other. They have also been known if the convoy stops for just a moment, they hop out and start cooking dinner. I have been told that I will be amused. Sounds like it will be an interesting time. :)