"Family of Marines taking the fight to ISIS"

RallyPoint Shared Content — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:20:31 -0400

From: Fox News

Harry M. was a U.S. Marine, a civilian police officer and a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army National Guard. He served numerous combat tours, including a violent stretch in Ramadi as a sniper team leader in 2005, tasked with capturing or killing high-value targets. He had retired from the service to his home in New Jersey, when two of his sons, Josh and James, told him they were planning a trip to Kurdistan to join the fight against ISIS terrorists. The 49-year-old divorced dad knew he had to go with them.

“'We want to join with Peshmerga and we want to confront ISIS on our terms,’” Harry said his sons told him. “I've got over 20 years experience and I thought to myself, ‘I got two boys going, there is no way they are going without me.’”

Josh, 29, is Harry’s oldest son. Tall, handsome and built like a linebacker, he was a U.S. Marine machine gunner, serving two tours in Afghanistan, one of them during the surge in Al Anbar province. On his left arm is a tattoo of a skull and crossbones – but the crossbones are .50 caliber machine guns.

“I don’t even watch the news anymore because I can’t imagine what those people are going through” Josh said about the Iraqis who must deal with ISIS on a daily basis. “At one point you had the entire U.S. military protecting them, and then they were gone. And then another group of guys, ISIS, came in and just started slaughtering them by the thousands. And there is nowhere to run. I couldn't imagine that. And I sit at home. The war drew down. The war technically ended for conventional warfare which put me and my brother basically out of a job. I'm still able to fight and the opportunity arose… James lit the fire… and I'm going. That’s it. I need to help out."

James, 23, is the baby of the bunch, the only member of the family with blue eyes. He also served two tours in Afghanistan as an infantryman and registered for college when he got home. But James said he still had a burning desire to serve, and wanted to gain experience as a combat cameraman. So nearly a year ago, he started planning a trip to Kurdistan in northern Iraq to document the fight. After months of discussions with his brother and father, the mission evolved. They decided they’d all go together and film what they could, but their new goal was to help defeat some of the most dangerous and ruthless men on the planet.

“If the military, conventional forces were going, we’d go with them,” James said. “We’d sign back up, no problem. But they’re not. And that’s what it comes down to. They’re not and we’re capable and we’re going.”

The family members asked Fox News to withhold their last names for security reasons, but the men said they’re not worried about getting in legal trouble, since they’re not breaking any laws in the U.S. or in Kurdistan, where they will register with the Regional Government and be deployed under the direction of KRG military leaders. The U.S. State Department wouldn’t comment specifically on the family’s trip,but said it’s aware that American citizens have joined groups to fight against ISIS. The department said the efforts by those citizens is “neither in support of nor part of U.S. efforts in the region,” warning that “travel to Iraq and Syria remains very dangerous.”

In other words, the U.S. government doesn’t endorse it, but also doesn’t forbid it.

James, his brother and his father flew to the Middle East the same evening they spoke to Fox News.

“Hey, I know how to survive in combat,” James said. “We are going to contribute on our level. My brother is a heavy machine gunner, my dad is a sniper, I was a rifleman… we are going to bring that together and present that to the Kurds and aid them in whatever way possible.”

“ISIS has threatened our nation and us individually. They came out and said every military member needs to watch out because we are coming for you. We are Marines. We are going to bring the fight to them.”

Josh spoke of the importance of the trio’s mission

“Every day we’re not there, people are dying. I know I can make a difference, I know he can make a difference and I know he can,” said Josh, gesturing to his father and brother. “And us together? We’re a formidable team. Every day that I’m not there is a day lost.”

The men admit the rest of their family and loved ones aren’t happy they’re leaving and are concerned for their safety. They say they’re fully aware of the dangers involved and are willing to risk their lives for the cause. But they also insist they will not be captured and wind up in a prisoner’s cage or execution video. They will die on their own terms, if it comes to that, they said, by putting a gun to their own head.

“Worst case scenario is one or two of us being killed,” Harry said. “And we would be fools to think that may not happen. We know that from being deployed. We have already accepted death and we’ve done everything we can to take care of our loved ones in case that happened.”

Josh chimed in, his stare hardened.

“I will not be captured,” he said. “I will not. I’ve seen the videos. Warfare is warfare. When you accept it, it actually becomes very easy. You just go in there and you fight to live. You never go into a gun fight or any type of fight with the expectation you are going to lose.”

James added: “Obviously, losing my brother or my father would be terrible, devastating. But this is the life we live. We are warriors.”

Josh nodded and at the sentiment and said the reason for the mission was clear.

“I don’t think we ever questioned why,” he said. “I’ve never one time looked at my brother and asked ‘why are you doing this?’ It’s unspoken.”

James agreed.

“Yeah, I mean we celebrate the fights we are in, you know?” he said. “That’s just how we do it.”

Finally, before they finished packing their bags, the men were asked if they had a message for America.

“I think one thing that is important is try not to get wrapped around the edges of why we are doing this,” Harry said. “Try to understand that there are men in this country who are willing to go one step beyond and confront whatever threat is there, whether here at home or overseas. I love my country, I love the ability to debate, I love the ability to worship as I want, I love the ability to pursue happiness and I’m willing to put my life on the line, not just for this country but for complete strangers.”

James said he wanted people to understand the family was joining the fight for the right reasons

“I want them to know that we are not out for bloodlust,” he said. “We are out there to protect and serve, and not just serving the United States, but people, humanity. Being a good person. We have the capabilities to protect others and that is what we are about.”

Said Josh: “I’m an American and this is what we do.”

“This is what I do. We are the one percent [who serve] and that doesn’t go away. That is driven. Don’t hate on that. My intent is to make my brothers who wear the uniform proud of me again and continue to bring havoc to the enemy and protect my family. The foundation of who we are as a people, as a family, as Americans is to protect the ones that can’t be protected.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, Harry and his sons are already in Iraq, in an undisclosed location, in the process of linking up with Peshmerga soldiers under the direction of the Kurdish Regional Government. Their trip is being partially funded by donations to Humanitarian Defense Abroad, a 501C3 non-profit organization run by another former Marine, Lu Lobello, who has helped dozens of former service members carry out similar missions.

He said the family’s mission is “a way to break through this administration’s failed foreign policy and make a difference in the hearts and minds of the people we consider our best allies on the ground in that region: the Kurds.”

Lobello called such trips the antithesis of PTSD.

“We represent post-traumatic growth,” Lobello said. “We are leaders, not broken down vets in need of medical attention. We just need the ability to continue fighting to make the world a better place.”

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/08/25/father-and-his-sons-take-fight-to-isis/

Family of Marines taking the fight to ISIS

Harry M. had retired from the service to his home in New Jersey, when two of his sons, Josh and James, told him they were planning a trip to Kurdistan to join the fight against ISIS terrorists.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 26 at 2015 10:22 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:22:05 -0400

A family with an agenda for ISIS! Get em!

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Aug 26 at 2015 10:46 AM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:46:00 -0400

Americans have a long and Noble tradition of volunteering for War and Combat-most of the regiments raised on both sides of the civil war were composed of volunteers. The Spanish Civil War produced the Lincoln Brigade, a combat unit composed mainly of North American English speakers with some Brits thrown in. They were immortalized in Hemingway's novel "Among the Valiant." There were Americans and Canadians and Brits who saw the threat that Hitler and his fascists/Nazis posed to world peace. These volunteers were willing to put their lives and health on the line in the what many historians consider the first combat of WWII. The Nazis perfected many of the planes and weaponry and war tactics during the Spanish Civil War. I have wondered for some time now, when the US Government would step up and actively aid Americans who were willing to fight ISIS with the Peshmerga or other groups the US Government has vetted and given the thumbs up to. Americans also volunteered in substantial numbers during the Battle of Britain in the famous Eagle Squadron, 1940-41, before the US joined the War and while we were officially Neutral. In a slightly different twist, Americans aviators volunteered to fight against the Japanese in the 1930s with the famed Flying Tigers Squadron under Claire Chenault in China. Those Americans were somewhat unfairly labeled Mercenaries due to the fact that they were paid a bonus for shooting down Jap planes. These American Volunteers and heroes should be getting financed and armed and supported by the US Government and the CIA.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 26 at 2015 10:51 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 10:51:26 -0400

I wish them well, but I also wish they didn't go. Come home safe and alive.

Response by SSG Ricardo Marcial made Aug 26 at 2015 11:15 AM

SSG Ricardo Marcial — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:15:49 -0400

They will go to fight ISIS and fight along side Kurds, but thanks to the Turkey government most of those Kurd groups are labeled a terrorist organization and therefore are subject to criminal charges for aiding and supporting a known terrorist group. There is nothing to stop them from going, but they will face charges when they return.

Our government has failed to support the Kurds, from the time of the invasion in '03 to now. Iran and Turkey are opposed to any support going to the Kurds, military or financial. Iraq who is supposed to provide all Iraqi forces with equipment provided to them by the US has withheld those weapons from the Kurds/Sunni Iraqi forces. They instead provide the Iranian sponsored militias like al-Sadr Brigades, and those lead by persons listed as terrorist by the US and NATO with that equipment. The same militias that threaten all US forces, the same ones on the ground now to retrain the same marathon running forces that ran from places from Mosul, Tikrit, Baiji, Fallujah, and pretty much every place where Daesh forces control the area. And now Kurds, the only force bleeding Deash is being targeted by Turkey's Erdogan in order to keep them from gaining control of Turkey's southern flank and gaining support within Turkey itself.

These men have my support, but they will not get it from our government. One thing that needs to looked at as well is that with Turkey's entry into the fight (allegedly supporting the fight) they may detain and hold these men. They could be labeled terrorist by Turkey and thrown in jail or deported. They face too many obstacles just to get to the fight. I wish them luck and god speed.

Send them to paradise, were they will be welcomed with open arms, because we have no use for them here.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 11:16 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:16:05 -0400

I have gone through a few different thoughts on this (and may have even posted some yesterday. I can't recall if I posted this article, responded to it, or just read it).

In my opinion they are doing what they think they need to do, and no one can say anything negative about that. Potentially they are even doing what will have the most impact they can personally have.

To an extent I worry about how it will go, but I also know that there are times I would consider something similar.

I wish them the best and hope they stay safe in their service in common cause against a known enemy.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Aug 26 at 2015 11:44 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:44:40 -0400

I wish these folks success and safety. But it is a symptom of a much bigger issue - the USA created ISIS by destabilizing and destroying Iraq. I strongly believe we need to send in everything we have, to wipe out ISIS before they incur into Europe and cause WW 3...

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 26 at 2015 11:57 AM

SPC David S. — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 11:57:55 -0400

I'm OK with this as these guys know what they are getting themselves into as well they know what they are doing. They have the necessary skill set to engage in such a manner. I wish them well - these guys have the hearts of warriors.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 26 at 2015 12:07 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:07:44 -0400

Brave, selfless men, for sure. But I wish they wouldn't go, simply because they've given their time, taken their risks. But it's their choice. I wish them well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2015 2:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 14:18:47 -0400

As long as they aren't acting against their own countrymen, I personally don't have an issue with their decision. Its an example of putting your body where your mouth is; actions speak louder than words after all.