This is my rifle.There are many like it, but this one is MINE.My rifle is my best friend. It is my life.I must master it as I must master my life.My rifle without me is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless.I must fire my rifle true.I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me.I must shoot him before he shoots me. I will...My rifle and myself know that what counts in war is not the rounds we fire,the noise of our bursts, nor the smoke we make.We know it is the hits that count. We will hit...My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life.Thus, I will learn it as a brother.I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel.I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage.I will keep my rifle clean and ready, even as I am clean and ready.We will become part of each other. We will...Before God I swear this creed.My rifle and myself are the defenders of my country.We are the masters of our enemy.We are the saviors of my life.So be it, until there is no enemy, but PEACE.-- Maj Gen WH Rupertus
FLF is pleased another NOT GUILTY verdict after a trial on the merits on September 27, 2007 in Okinawa, Japan. A Marine Captain was charged by III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, with Rape, Assault & Battery, Threats, Failing to Obey a Lawful Order , and Obstruction of Justice. The charges stemmed from a complaint of spousal rape and abuse from his wife of 7 years.After several very lengthy and contentious motions argued during the same week, the matter went to trial on October 26 and concluded in a verdict of not guilty on all charges and specifications the following day.This matter involved a Marine Corps officer whose record is impeccable, and who has continued to thrive even in the face of these allegations and investigation for the past 11 months. Just prior to the allegations being lodged, he served 7 months in Iraq in support of the Global War on Terror. He is asked for “by name†throughout the Marine Corps Military Occupational Specialty Community. Having maintained his innocence since the beginning and with over 16 years in the Marine Corps, he looks forward to his continued service.FLF is victorious once again in the Dorchester criminal trial against a Plymouth man on July 5, 2007. NOT GUILTY all charges. He is a resident of Plymouth, Massachusetts and had been charged in the Dorchester District Court with Assault & Battery With a Dangerous Weapon and Threats against a female acquaintance. The complaining witness testified, as did the defendant. In less than 1 hour after the close of evidence, the Suffolk County jury returned a verdict in favor of the defense