Messages from abroad

By Nancy Malcom

Kelsey Smith is a Vernon County resident now serving with the U.S. Marine Corps, in Iraq. His grandfather retired from the U.S. Navy, his uncle served in the Navy, and his older brother, Zachary Tennison is now serving in the Navy on the USS J.F. Kennedy. But a career in the Navy didn't hold water for Smith.

"He knew what he wanted to do," said Smith's step-father and Nevada firefighter William Patrick Thornton, Jr. "Kelsey signed up for the Marines while still a senior in high school."

Smith's mother, Bobbie Jo Thornton, is a nurse at the Nevada Regional Medical Center.

"He was never big on sports," she explained. "He was in the band. When he signed up for the Marines early, he started going to training to prepare himself for bootcamp."

As part of a military delayed entry program, Smith was designated a "poolee" and attended monthly drills and a winter campout.

After graduating Nevada High School in May 2003, Smith joined the Marines in June 2003 and completed recruit training on Sept. 19, 2003.

"I continued with my training at Camp Pendleton, California where I went through the School of Infantry where I picked up my MOS, 0311; which is a rifleman in the infantry," Smith explained.

"From there I joined the Fleet Marine Force which has placed me where I am now. I am currently in Western Iraq near the Syrian border, and about 30-45 minutes away from one of the hottest zones in Iraq at the time."

"I am with 7th Marine Regiment, out of Camp Pendleton, California, but my home base is 29 Palms, California. I have been in country almost a month now." Smith said he wanted to be a Marine because of the 9/11 attacks, the challenge of being part of the military, but mostly out of a desire to serve his country.

He had been told what to expect once "in country" in Iraq.

"I anticipated attacks with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, roadside bombs, and interaction with the locals." He has found that and more.

A typical day is anything but the typical days he was used to when home in Nevada. "Some days we go on patrols ranging from 12 to 24 hours. Some days we take classes on new or different weapons systems. In my free time, I read, listen to music, write to family and friends or sleep."

Used to fertile fields and the hometown lifestyle of Vernon County, Smith found living conditions in Iraq shocking.

"I was surprised at how poor the country in most parts actually is, and how far away. It really hits you when there's a 5-10 second delay when you're talking on the phone."

Smith said he believes the troops have influenced the Iraqi people's feelings towards America for the better.

He commented, "I feel that most (Iraqis) are truly sincere in their thanks for what the United States and Coalition forces have done for their country."

Like his fellow service men and women, Smith is reminded daily that the U.S. occupation isn't tolerated well by all Iraqis.

He has experienced his share of unexpected dangers and horrors.

For instance, "attacks on base when everything seems calm, or seeing fellow Marines get hurt," Smith said, expressing the cruel reality of military life.

"We are trained for the worst but on most of our patrols we haven't had to implement our training which is always the best case," Smith added. "We take care of each other and that's why we are so good at what we do."

While well aware he is in a war zone, Smith feels that for the moment at least, "I'm pretty safe where I'm at, and have had some interaction with locals -- both good and bad encounters." Like all the American and Coalition personnel fighting for Iraq's future, Smith finds immediate validation for his service from not only his own grateful nation, but the citizens of Iraq.

"For the most part all the Iraqi's truly appreciate what we have done here and what we are continuing to do," Smith said. "I think the best part of this situation is seeing the people that are truly benefiting from what we are doing over here."

Doing the job is certainly not easy, and often uncomfortable in many ways.

Smith said the things he misses most about home are, "My family, my friends, and Sonic!"

He added that although typically well supplied, there are certain items the troops cannot get enough of and need sent from home if anyone wants to help and show support for them.

"Things that help are hygiene items, (i.e. baby wipes, foot powder, soap/shampoo, etc.) snack foods, and just letters." For the service men and women stationed overseas, mail call with the distribution of letters of support from the people back home, is often the most cherished time of the day.

To those of us safe at home, a few minutes to write words of encouragement seems like a small sacrifice of our time for those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Smith has offered to help. "There are quite a few other sailors, Marines, and soldiers here where I currently am, and if people would like to send items here, I will distribute what they want to be spread out among the troops here."

In his e-mail from which much of this feature was written, Smith concluded with, "I just want to thank everybody for their support of the troops and what we're doing over here. It truly makes it easier to do what we do, so thank you all."

Editor's note: Thank you, PFC Kelsey Smith, and all those there with you -- including the many others from our area serving in Iraq.