06 Jan 2009:
IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 006-09
January 05, 2009

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DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

      The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

      Lance Cpl. Alberto Francesconi, 21, of Bronx, N.Y., died Jan. 1 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

      For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 2nd Marine Division public affairs office at (910) 450-6575.

26 Dec 2008
My platoon consist of 25 young men from the east coast. Im from New York City, any my platoon is based out of North Carolina. Six are married and our youngest marine just had a new born boy. Unlike Iraq, our FOB here in Afghanistan isnt as developed. The essentials are provided, but life can be much easier with your help.
Its winter season here and the average temperature at night is 35-50 degrees. Winter apperal is muchly appreciated. The average size of my plattoon is med-reg to x-large. Green and blue are authorised colors.
My platoon on our off time can either be found at the gym, or eating protein bars. Our line of work requires our physical fitness to be top-notch. Supplements are hard to get out here. Protein bars, cell-mass, no-xplode and other supplements will strengthen morale among my plattoon.
Their isnt an MWR or recreation center here, so entertainment is limited. Dvds, music, magazines, poker sets, etc, will really help smoothen the level of stress here. eight marines brought laptops, so viewing movies can really get crowded. Portable dvd and mp3 players will be one of the highest valued peace of gear our Marines ironically will make last for a long time. We have 220 electricity and american plug converters.
The majority of my plattoon have goals of pursuing college education. Unfortunally, their isnt enough time or internet access to take online classes. Clep exams are the best things we can prepare our selves for. CLEP, SAT and ACT study guides will help prepare my fellow Marines for college.
Thank You on behalf of 3/8 Scout Snipers, for supporting your troops. Your concern and help reminds us of what were fighten for. SEMPER-FI