A Marine Commander's Wife On Strains Of War
[3 min 48 sec]
'America's Battalion' In Afghanistan
The Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment — known as "America's Battalion" — were deployed in Afghanistan from May to November 2009 as part of a surge of 21,000 troops ordered up by President Obama early in his term. NPR followed the Marines, and their families, during the deployment.
John Poole/NPRLaughter, Tears And Kisses As Marines Come Home WHQR
()Families gather at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to welcome back the Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment — known as "America's Battalion" — after months deployed in Afghanistan. But not every family is going to see their Marine: Thirteen of the Marines died in Afghanistan.
Marines Seek To Tame Afghan 'Snake's Head'()
November 3, 2009 The Marines in Afghanistan's Helmand province are pursuing a counterinsurgency strategy of "hold to build" — pushing out the Taliban and helping the Afghan government bring a sense of normalcy to villages in a region known as the "snake's head."
On The Hunt For Roadside Bombs In Afghanistan()
October 27, 2009 The Marines of "America's Battalion" have been fighting the Taliban in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province since July. Now, as the Marines move south, looking to extend their area of operation, they are patrolling for the deadliest of threats: roadside bombs.
Marine's Family Awaits Word From The War Zone()
September 15, 2009 WHQRLance Cpl. Josh Apsey is serving in southern Afghanistan with the Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment — known as "America's Battalion." Back home, his parents wait for any word from him. They must rely on old-fashioned letters and the occasional phone call to stay in touch.
Toll Of War: Broken Hearts, Marriages For Marines()
August 19, 2009 Marines fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan's Helmand province face another foe, too: the strain of separation from loved ones that sometimes leads to heartbreak and divorce. Phone calls home are rare, and letters can sometimes take weeks. Officers and chaplains seek to counsel and comfort the Marines.
U.S. Marines Fight In Challenging Afghan Terrain()
August 12, 2009 Lt. Col. Christian Cabaniss, commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion of the 8th Marine Regiment out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., talks with Melissa Block about his unit's deployment in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He says the terrain is the most difficult the Marines have faced since World War II.
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