For some time now I've been gathering resources, searching through lots (and I mean lots) of pics and experimenting with techniques while I thought this project through. I was approached to do this by someone it's really hard to say no to, given my personal history with the subject I was very reluctant to take it on. In the end I decided to do it, and in doing so paying honor to the memory of my 11 Brothers 1/25 Marines lost during our tour there in 2006.

My tour in Fallujah lasted all of two months before I found myself being medevaced after we got hit near a line on the map we called Fran, a little over a year later I was retired.

Thus far I've gathered a bunch of figures, searching high and low for appropriate civilian figures (having watched Adamskii's build I know how difficult they are to find) and Marines wearing the MARPAT uniforms. Buildings are going to be made from scratch, lord knows I have enough pictures. For vehicles I'm looking at M1114's to represent part of a Mobile Assault Platoon and an M1123 with MAK. The story line centers on one we encountered on occasion -- a kid comes up and tells a dismounted patrol about a bunch of Ali Babas which mushrooms into something a whole lot bigger.

John, you served your time as well, that makes you a Brother, and I thank you for your service and kind words. As I said, the only reason I agreed to do this is to remember those who didn't make it home.

John,

First I'd like to thank you for your service. I have been in the military for 27 years with service as a Recon Marine in the late 1980's to mid 1990's and the rest in the Army. There is a special place in my heart for Corpsmen and Medics as they have helped several of my fellow Marines and Soldiers (and me too) while taking great risks in doing so. My first tour in Iraq was December 2004 through November 2005 and I was stationed at Camp Taqaddum (TQ). Our eastern patrol boundary was the western edge of Fallujah, so I am familiar with what the town looks like.

Second, I hope you find this project healing for those unseen wounds. I use modeling as a sort of therapy and it has helped a bunch in the healing process. However, I use Vietnam as a backdrop instead because some of those memories are from some jungle countries I operated in as a young Marine and others are from Iraq and Afghanistan, and it is easier for me to relate the feelings and incidents in a "safer" setting like Vietnam (by safer I am referring to it being safer for me emotionally, not that Vietnam was a safer place - it was probably a whole lot worse than anything I experienced in the various countries I served in) rather than placing them in the places they actually occurred and in the process I am also honoring those who served in Vietnam by trying to be as accurate in the details of units, uniforms, and equipment.

I have alot of respect for you for undergoing this endeavor showing the actual places that the event occurred. I know it will be painful at times, but the tribute you are making for your 11 fallen Brothers will mean so much to their families and your fellow Marines from your unit. Hopefully the experience will become theraputic for you.'

As far as the modeling part of this project goes, I think you are doing a great job recreating the buildings and atmosphere for the scene. I will be following this build log with much interest.

Semper Fi,
James