Veterans Day

It was on my third trip to Iraq when I met Marine Capt. Douglas Zembiec, I was embedded with Marines in a forward operating base in Fallujah, Iraq. And earlier that day I made of point of meeting the 3 company commanders at the FOB. The first company commander made it clear about his dislike of the idea of having a journalist alongside his men in battle but would tolerate. The 2nd commander was indifferent, at best. The last commander I was to meet was Capt Douglas Zembiec. Right from the beginning there was something different about him. Zembiec was candid and bluntly honest. He felt there was no greater honor than leading Marines in combat in defense of one’s country.” He later also said One of the most noble things you can do is kill the enemy. He then shared a copy of the letter he wrote to the parents of one of his Marines killed,.. At your son’s memorial services in Iraq, His death brought tears to my eyes, tears that fell in front of my Marines. I am unashamed of that fact.” When I asked if I accompany his Marines on a plan raid he quickly replied “absolutely anytime Nel, the truth will set you free” Like most journalist I wondered how long the invitation would hold true on future missions. On one such mission where his Marines were assembling a quick reaction team to join in a firefight just outside of Fallujah, his Marines kidded me that when all hell breaks out, just stay close to a Marine.. besides Capt Zembiec is going too, things will be o.k. Weeks and several raids and firefights later it didn’t take long to realize that Zembiec’s had a reputation as a warrior who led from the front. And his Marines trusted and believed in him wholeheartedly. I believe if Zembiec were leading them, his Marines would take the fight to the fires of hell and back for him.

On May 11, 2007 Zembiec was serving what was his fourth combat tour in Iraq when he was killed while leading a raid in Baghdad.

I knew you for such a short time, however you have left a lasting impression on me and for that I am grateful to you.

God speed to you Doug.

Nel Cepeda
Photo used by permission of The San Diego Union-Tribune

Veterans Day