2nd Force, Suicide Charley or simply 1/2 is my call sign. Casey is what I’m called anywhere other than work. I am in Al Anbar providence Iraq. Last year, as you all know America and coalition forces over-threw the tyranny that repressed this country for over three decades. Now our mission is to stabilize Iraq in order to allow the Iraqi people to establish an inter security system that can sustain a democratic government. Suicide Charley maintained the peace in An Najaf last year by presenting a show of force which overwhelmed terrorist cells and denied any insertion of foreign fighters into the area. When we turned that area of operation over to the coalition forces in October, the buildup of anti-Iraqi forces began. This escalated into what you see on television today, which is not up to par with what the Marines left.
 
We arrived at our new area of operation where coalition forces were doing all they could do to defend themselves. Their methods of patrolling consisted of mechanized infantry in Bradleys and M1A1 Abrams thundering through the local towns and absorbing blasts from improvised explosive devices which lead to perfidious anti-coalition forces feeling comfortable on the streets because they could hear the tracked vehicles coming. They simply dropped their weapons, stood in place, smiled and waved at the passing patrols. That is not how we as Marines do business. Marines are equipped with the proper gear and psychological training that allows us to travel covertly through city streets under the cover of darkness and hunt down Iraqis that refuse to live in harmony with their fellow man.

Stealth, superiority of fire power, and Esprit de Corps are our security from the shadow of evil that is seemingly endless here. My men prove daily that they are the ultimate peace keepers of the world. My company Gunny, Gunnery Sgt. Lefeur once said to us, "America does not need a Marine Corps, she wants one." I repeat that quote as often as needed to keep their spirits soaring in order to allow them to face their fears day after day.

The Marine Corps is made up of a mixture of ethnic groups with a variety of questionable backgrounds. Some of them have no family. They receive no mail rejoicing their sacrifices to their country and ultimately America’s freedom. What I am asking for, should you choose to accept, is that my men receive a thank you from my home, America. Should it be of the simplest form, they will be grateful. I lead my troops in a prayer before every mission. A couple from home would not hurt either.

Nickelodeon Partners with Boys and Girls Clubs of America in new wide- reaching pro-social initiatives to feature multi-media and local community grass roots campaigns, and a televised special event on Nickelodeon this fall.

Tiki Barber, Nick Cannon, Rick Fox, Tony Hawk, Jason Kidd, Romeo, Summer Sanders, Russell Simmons, Teresa Weatherspoon, Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Kaiser Family Foundation’s Vicky Rideout and health/education experts lend support to Let’s Just Play.

In June, Nickelodeon kicked off the campaign to encourage kids to get out and play. Nickelodeon, the number one kids’ entertainment brand and basic cable’s top-rated network with kids and adults, launched Let’s Just Play, a national multi-media campaign and grassroots effort to get kids more physically active and encourage more positive, healthy and playful lifestyles.

Nickelodeon’s Let’s Just Play, in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, employs public service announcements, celebrity endorsements, community events, partnerships and grassroots efforts to reinforce the pure value of play and to challenge community infrastructures to support re-investment in recreational resources for kids.

North Panola held its annual coronation to crown the queen and announce the king. Chosen King was Travis Davis, not pictured.

Voters in the second judicial district of Panola County will have more to decide than just who they want for President of the United States when the November 2 General Election rolls around.

The second judicial district will have the opportunity to decide the fate of Tri-Lakes Medical Center.

While the decision was made months ago following the submission of a petition containing more than the required 1,500 names, the election places are just now being released.

The outcome of the election has somewhat hindered the city and county’s desires to get out of the hospital business, but they have not forced them to a grinding halt.

Consultant J.C. Burns, along with city and county representatives have met with four of the five bidders for Tri-Lakes.

"We have met with almost all of the parties involved and the remaining bidder has been extended the opportunity to meet," Assistant City Attorney Colmon Mitchell told the Batesville Board of Aldermen during a meeting in late September.

If the ultimate decision is to sell Tri-Lakes Medical Center, the negotiations and meetings between the interested parties can become more involved.

A Notice of Special Election, released by Chancery Clerk Jim Pitcock’s office, states that qualified electors of the South Panola Hospital District will take part in a scheduled special election to held on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

A cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi, Westfaul was elected vice president of the Associated Student Body. She has also recently completed graduate work in counseling. She is a native of Holly Springs and an honor graduate of Marshall Academy. Westfaul is an active member of the committee on nominations. She is a life member of the Junior Auxiliary of Batesville where she also served as president.