“Our hearts go out to the family of Arab American Salem Bachar for the loss of their son, husband, and father.  Corporal Bachar gave his life while serving his Country and his Corps proudly  in Iraq.  His sacrifice during the duty of his country will not go unnoticed – his memory will forever be in our hearts.  Volunteering for a second tour to combat is indicative of his selfless devotion to duty and to his country.  We will miss you Salem.”

Jamal Baadani, President APAAM

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (April 17, 2006) -- A memorial service was held for a member of I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group here Monday.

Cpl. Salem Bachar, an intelligence analyst and Arabic interpreter, died April 12 as a result of enemy action while operating in Al Anbar Province.

Bachar, who was born in Chula Vista, Calif., on June 24, 1985, joined the Marine Corps Oct. 14, 2003. He served as an intelligence analyst and Arabic translator during his second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his first deployment, in August 2004, he was assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Approximately 200 Marines, sailors and soldiers attended the memorial service at Camp Fallujah’s Chapel of Hope. Before the service, many lined up to hand-write messages to Bachar.

“Cpl. Bachar, you always had a smile and a joke even at the worst of times,” one message read. “It was an honor to know you and I cherish the time we had.”

The messages, along with photos displayed during the memorial, will be sent to Bachar’s family in Fontana, Calif.

Bachar’s death was especially hard and unexpected for the Marines and sailors who worked closely with him.

“He chose to make a difference with his life, first by becoming a Marine, second by putting himself in danger, and finally by becoming a memory to those that knew him,” said Cpl. Adam G. Wanjon, a friend of Bachar and fellow intelligence analyst. “I willingly carry the memory of him in my heart until the day we meet again.”

Col. Peter H. Devlin, assistant chief of staff for Bachar’s battalion, never expected to lose one of his intelligence Marines.

“Today is very difficult for me,” said Devlin. “He was an absolute pleasure to work with, and it was an honor to get to know him and to serve with him.”

Bachar is survived by his wife, Kristine, his parents, Fouad and Martha, and two sisters.

 

News From Camp Fallujah, Iraq 4/15

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE - WEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE CAMP FALLUJAH, IRAQ
April 15, 2006 Release A060415b

Two Marines killed, 22 wounded in al Anbar Province

CAMP FALLUJAH , Iraq – Two Marines died and 22 were wounded due to enemy action while operating in al Anbar Province April 13.

One Marine, assigned to I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, died at the scene of the attack. Another, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5, died at a medical facility in Taqqadum.

Eight wounded Marines, all assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5, were evacuated by air to a medical facility in Balad. Two were listed in critical condition. Six were listed in stable condition.

 

Ten wounded Marines, all assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5, were evacuated to a medical facility at Camp Fallujah . Four were being held for observation. Six were treated and returned to duty.

Four other Marines assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 received minor wounds.  “Our hearts go out to the families of the dead and wounded Marines,” said Marine spokesperson Lt. Col. Bryan Salas. “Our wounded Marines are receiving the best care available, and we look forward to their speedy recovery.”

The names of the deceased and wounded are being withheld pending notification of next of kin and release by the Department of Defense.

Police Station Opened
Fallujah, Iraq- A new police station opened in Fallujah Thursday. Top city officials attended the opening celebration, to include the city police chief, chief judge, and the mayor Dahri Alzobai. The stations, which has been up and running for three weeks, will serve the city's district headquarters with more than 1,500 Iraqi policmen.


Roles & Responsibilities
I MEF (or any MEF) is the largest echelon Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF). By definition, it is task-organized for a specific purpose but normally will include an aviation combat element (ACE) built around a Marine air wing (MAW), one or more ground combat elements (GCEs) up to division-sized and a force service support group (FSSG) for logistics. A MEF roughly equates to an Army corps-level combat organization.