03Nov05

CWO2 Newton currently is still deployed forward in the Ar Ramadi and Fallujah gap area. I asked him whether our Marines preferred candy, food, et c or critical equipment and clothing.. His response was unequivocal. "MA RINES STILL NEED GEAR AND CLOTHING THAT IS NOT CURRENTLY PROVIDED OR EVEN IN THE SYSTEM . IT MAY BE SOME DAY, BUT OUR GUYS NEED THIS STUFF NOW:

Nomex Flight Gloves and Balacalva Hoods. Those produced by Hatch are the best value. _www.diamondbacktactical.com_ (http://www.diamondbacktactical.co m) . Let them know you are ordering them for Marines deployed forward, as they will offer you a discount. Oakley gloves are great, but they are not curren tly flame retardant, and I thus don't recommend them..

Diamondback sells nomex flight suits as well. Medium and large are needed most. Tan is the best color.

Fire-retardant undergarments, T-shirts and underwear. Best are X-Static by

Potomac Field Gear. _www.quanticoarms.com_ (http://www.quanticoarms.com) .

Local weather is getting cold. The 'Inferno' jacket is idea l and highly prized. Available at _www.massif.com_ (http://www.massif.com) .

Surefire G-2 lights, with red or IR lens caps are indispensable _www.surefire.com_ (http://www.surefire.com) . Again, tell them your order is for our deployed Marines and receive a 25% discount.

Leatherman Tools. Best is the 'Charge XTI.' _www.leatherman .com_ (http://www.leatherman.com)

Knives. We like the Strider-designed Bucks, in particular the folding SBMF , and the fixed-blade FB. _www.buckknives.com_ (http://www.buckknives.com) . Cold Steel, Gerber, Al Mar, CRKT, and Emerson are also excellent.

My address is still:

CWO2 JR Newton MWSS 372 Eng Co, HE Ops Unit 42020 FPO/AP 96426-2020

I'll personally see to it that whatever is sent to us gets into the hands of the guys who need it most, without delay! We thank you for not forgetting about us in this lonely and dangerous corner of the world."

/John