Dear First Team Family,
My family and I recently joined your battalion upon returning to the United States after three years overseas in Okinawa. It has been a thrill to return home and become a part of such a marvelous organization. We have been to Twentynine Palms many times, but this is our first time stationed here. We are learning the ropes of the local area. We look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and hearing your ideas on how we can best serve our Marines, sailors and families. We wish Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. Fosdal the best of luck at their next assignment and thank them for their contributions to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine’s family.

I will routinely refer to the First Team or 1/7 “family” in these updates. Our unit is more than just our active Marines and sailors. For every Marine or sailor in the battalion there is a family member who follows our movements and schedule just as closely as their son, husband, father, brother, or uncle. Those of you who wait at home are in my thoughts always. In addition to immediate family members, our larger family also includes former members of 1/7. Our brothers in arms who made the 1/7 legacy in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Shield/Desert Storm and remain active in the battalion are a vital piece of the support network behind the First Team. We consider you part of the family also. As we prepare for our next deployment we will continue to have an inclusive, supportive family readiness program coordinated by our family readiness officer, Ruby Zunino. I encourage you to contact her with any concerns you may have. I ask you to remain active and involved in the life of the battalion. Forming strong bonds and sharing your strength with others is the surest way to handle the inevitable hardships of our military lifestyle.
Best Regards,
Lt Col Todd P. Simmons

Offical November 2009 Newsletter

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