It's been 17 years since the Rt Gypsum ambush in Ramadi in which 12 men of 2/4 Marines were killed-in-action in an ambush at the intersection of Rt Gypsum/Rt Nova. Today and always, we remember the ultimate sacrifice paid by these men and their families. My mission to get Gold Star Dad John Wroblewski to Rt Gypsum to perform a memorial service on 6 Mar 2008 was just the first step to honor the Fallen.
To honor the memories of the 34 men of 2/4 that were KIA during the 2004 Ramadi deployment and the service and sacrifices of the rest of 2/4, I've been working diligently on interviewing as many men of 2/4 Marines as possible in the last 10 years for a book I'm writing, "The Magnificent Bastards of Ramadi and A Father's Journey There." The Marines and Corpsmen detail their own experiences of the 1st Battle of Ramadi in these interviews, as well as memories they shared of their Fallen Brothers, plus a description/photos of the 2 trips I made to Iraq with GSD John Wroblewski in 2007 and 2008 in order to accomplish the memorial service mission. All profits from the book will be used to establish a scholarship fund for the survivors of the 34 men of 2/4 Marines that did not survive the 2004 deployment.
So far, I've interviewed 38 men of 2/4, 6 Gold Star parents, and a Marine spouse. The Marine and Corpsmen interviews are much like puzzle pieces in that putting their stories together is making the chaotic events of 5-10 April (the unofficial dates for the 1st Battle of Ramadi) come together to make a clearer overall picture of what these men experienced during that tough deployment. Their shared memories of their Fallen Brothers helps us to know and remember these young men whose lives were tragically cut short in 2004.
My goal is to publish the book before Memorial Day 2022, so if any 2/4 Marines or Corpsmen want to participate by sharing their stories, now is the time. I will not write anything to dishonor the Corps or the actions of the Marines or their Fallen Brothers, but can still honor their service and sacrifices through these interviews. If you are interested in doing and interview, please email me at gregjanney@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. Interviews take about 1 hour and are recorded for accuracy in transcription. I promise to honor your request if you want to share certain information but want it kept off the record. I will never forget the names of your Fallen Brothers, their sacrifices and that of the Gold Star families, as well as your heroic efforts during this difficult deployment.
