The Command Post
Iraq
April 08, 2003
Fox Embed Rick Leventhal checks in

Shepard Smith: Rick is patrolling airstrip..got transfered to another bunch...out of breath
Rick Leventhal checks in: Infantry group on patrol 1st Division 2nd BN 23rd Marines..mostly this is on foot.. looking for resistances.. trying to draw fire... another unit was out had 9 casualties.. lots of fire around.. locals staying inside as marines walk by..

Smith: Where?
Leventhal: East of the center of Baghdad

Smith: near yesterday's bombing
Leventhal: Don't know... saw some large fires... seen Bath loyalasts.. they had sniper fire last night.. put it down.. walking the streets.. haven't been hit.. 9 marines medivaced.. only 1 was serious...

Smith: initial impression?
Leventhal: Arrived last night... 12 hrs ago... drove from one place to another.. road blocks.. one bridge was blown up.. arrived at dusk... thick smoke... like a war movie... that's what my photog kept saying... unsettling... first look at the city... hearing explsions that I think is marines artillary... these guys are reserves.. activated shortly after 9-11 have been in active duty for along time... cops.. data processor...

The misison is to walk the streets to draw fire so that they can flush out the enemy.. wild...

Smith: is this like US civil war where people pull up a chair and watch
Leventhal: Lots of people watching... like a parade.. lots of smiles..thumbs up... saw that in the farmland as well.. on our way here we saw widespread evidence of looting.. people taking what they could from RG HQ's farm machinery.. 4 guys pushing an 18 wheeler...

Brett Baier: Snipers?
Leventhal: Lots of that... many soldiers were taking off their uniforms... using civilians as shields... see someone without a gun... fine.. with a gun.. a target

Baier: How are you walking
Leventhal: couple of compaines out here... fanned out... some cases defensive positions.. other times...private vehicle drove up... being sent away... people with radios

Smith: now we have Greg Kelly -- any questions for Rick?
Greg Kelly: Hey Rick, be carefull.. I came in on an armored vehicle..

Smith: Alot more to accomplish w/Fedayeen?
Kelly: Not the unit I'm with.. looking for someolne to surrender... but feeling that the bulk of mission behind them...

Posted By Martin Devon at April 8, 2003 11:22 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Anchor needs to do his homework. If he had bothered to look at the map - he would know Hussein bombing was NORTH WEST of center.

Posted by: Andy Killick at April 8, 2003 11:27 PM

Yeah, but you got to love Rick Leventhal's sense of humor!

Posted by: maj at April 8, 2003 11:36 PM

Shep Smith asked an absurd question: "Rick, you sound nervous."

He's walking down a deserted street on a telephone, unarmed, albeit in a group of Marines. No one knows who's in any of the buildings.

What's not to be nervous about?

Posted by: sullivan-fan at April 8, 2003 11:56 PM

Did he actually say it looked like a war movie? I looks more like a Western on TV.

Posted by: travis at April 8, 2003 11:58 PM

Mr. Rick Leventhal: You have given us information that we would never have known had you not been there. We thank you very much!! You have done an awesome job, keep up the great reporting, and stay safe. My youngest brother is a medic,in Iraq. He is HM2 Angulo, DJ USN, Golf Co, 2nd Battalion, 23 Marines, with the 1st Marine Division. I have not heard from him since the war started. I am hoping to see him on Fox News. Or at least to hear that he is safe. My TV is set on Fox News, 24/7!! My brother Doug is a Desert Storm Veteran, he is a wonderful single father, and brother! We was attending school and working as a nurse before being called to duty. Our mother passed away just before he was called to duty. She would have supported the troops, and President Bush in liberating the people of Iraq. Of course I am very worried about my brother, and the other troops. If you see him or know of him would you please give him our love. Thank you, Eileen Angulo-Barner

Posted by: Eileen Angulo at April 10, 2003 08:05 PM

Hello to Corporal SOBEY with 2/23 Marines Golf Company! We love you, JON and we are praying for you all! Bless you! We appreciate our Marines!
Thanks, Rick, great job!

Posted by: Kath Sobey at April 10, 2003 08:37 PM

I am just happy to see Rick's beautiful face on the news. He can tell me anything and still make me smile. purrrrr!

Posted by: Heather at April 10, 2003 08:47 PM

I look forward to Rick's reports. He is one of the highlights of my day! You still look great! Keep up the good work and come home safe!

Posted by: Lisa at April 10, 2003 11:44 PM

Peter, be careful out there. We want you to come home safely. You are our hero.
Love, Mary Ann & Adam

Posted by: Mary Ann at April 11, 2003 12:06 AM

Keep the stories coming Mr. Leventhal! Hi to my loving boyfriend Lcpl. LANDRY from the 3rd LAR Battalion Maintenance!! Much love and luck from me and your family!!! Stay safe!! (Rick you should let him use your "phone" sometime, haha!)

Posted by: Jessica at April 11, 2003 12:47 AM

It was great today seeing that 1st Marine Div 2/23 took over the UN building. It was even greater getting to see my husband and finding out now he is 1stSgt Darrin Craig. My son missed the news, and we have been trying to see it ever since. How do I get my hands on a copy of that broadcast??
Yellow ribbons are tied to trees every where, and our hearts are filled with pride for our Marines. Our prayers are with you
Be safe - watch your back and hurry home!!

Posted by: Brenda Craig at April 11, 2003 12:55 AM

Hi All:

Thanks to the Fox News Team for keeping us up to date on Operation Iraqi Freedom.
I see a lot of thank you's to Rick, absolutely Rick and the other Fox news reporters in Baghad are doing a fantastic job-Greg, Ollie and Rick...however, the video we are seeing couldn't happen without those wonderful photographers with them. Big guy, Christian Galdabini, Griff Jenkins, etc. Thank you photogs for doing a great job. Miss ya, Christian-aka Forest Gump.

Hey Griff, be safe and see ya soon. Great job to you all, and please let the troops know we at home are very proud of them all! No doubt they are the best of the best!
PS...Keep safe and hurry up home, Forest!
From Jenny AKA Stell

Posted by: stella at April 11, 2003 01:16 AM

It's great seeing the coverage that you bring us straight from the middle of the war. There was just a very short airing of yesterdays findings of a possible mobile lab. There was also a statement about 9 marines airlifted with injuries. I hope that you are all okay especially one most dear to my family that I believe is with you. LCP Ledesma, Kurt from San Jose, CA. 2nd BN, 23RD Marines, If you see him please let him know that his family loves him and we have him as well as everyone out there in our prayers. BE SAFE & GOD BLESS!!! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!!

Posted by: Bobbie Zamaripa at April 11, 2003 10:58 AM

Hi Rick
I'm glad all the marines from 2/23 are well, God Bless all of them for the fine job they are doing. If you happen to be with WEAPONS COMPANY, can you PLEASE inter-view my son Lance Cpl. MITCHELL ORSATT. Thank you for a great job you are doing.

God Bless everyone.
Janet Peters

Posted by: Janet at April 11, 2003 03:27 PM

Hi Rick,

I have been glued to the T.V. waiting for some information about my brother. 1st Sgt. Nick Lopez, 2nd BN/23rd Marines Fox Company, and last night, April 10th, I caught your segments about the mobile bio-lab, and then you went on to interview some Marines. We were very lucky to see my brother, in fact, you had asked him about Sgt. Cawley (who was an earlier casualty). My brother Nick was able to say some very nice things about Sgt. Cawley. They were friends in Salt Lake City, Ut. My brother is a firefighter there while, Cawley was a police detective. I'm so thankful that I was watching, but my mother missed it. Is there anyway to get a copy of that evenings broadcast, with Rick Leventhal's interviews? It would mean everything to my mother to see her son is safe and sound for now.
Thank you, Stephan Valenzuela

Posted by: Stephan Valenzuela at April 11, 2003 08:32 PM

Rick Leventhal is not only really cute, but a great reporter. He has the most calming voice. Only Rick can stand in one of the worst or most horrific situations and make me feel like everything is going to be just fine. You're doing a wonderful job Rick!! God Bless Our Beautiful Country and The Brave Selfless Troops Fighting for our Freedom. Remember that the Lord Jesus will never leave your side.

Jennifer

Posted by: Jennifer at April 11, 2003 09:46 PM

Hello! I just wanted to tell Rick that he is doing such a wonderful job. I love how, even though things arent the greatest, he makes people laugh and allows us to be less worried. My husband is Lcpl Saiz. He is with 1st tank batallion, 1st marine division. I'm not sure if any reporters are with his unit so i really don't know how they are doing. Hopefully I will be ablel to hear from him soon. Well, thanks for doing such a great job. Remember, not only our troops are heros, you are one too. God Bless You All and take care. If you ever meet up to 1st tank batallion, let the armour of H&S company know how much me, his son, and all his family loves and misses him. We are so proud of you all.

Posted by: Francine Saiz at April 12, 2003 12:57 AM

Hello Rick, I was excited today to find out that you are reporting with the 1st Marine Div 2/23. I know, I'm a little behind. But i have a friend from back home who is with this division and now have had my t.v. set on Fox news all day and it will stay that way. If you happen to come across Roland Vandenburg, please let him know that everyone here at home misses him. We would love to see him on t.v. Along with everyone else and their loved ones. His parents have seen him once already. Thanks for your couragious efforts to be there and keep us updated.Keep up the good work

Posted by: Rachael Place at April 12, 2003 02:25 AM

I had heard that Rick was with 2/23. My brother was SSgt. James Cawley and I missed the report the other day when Rick was talking with the men of Fox Co. If anyone knows how I can get my hands on a tape I'd love to have one. Keep up the great reporting Rick, you picked the best group to be with. God bless our troops!

Posted by: Lori Antonich at April 12, 2003 01:04 PM

Dear Rick, first I like to thank you for all your updates you give us on Fox News. You have such a great sense of humor! I'm sure the troops appreciate it as such as we do back home. Thank you for being there for us and the troops.
My nephew is part of the 2/23. His name is LCPL Fernando Armenta Jr. I know you’re a busy man, but please funnel a message to him. Let him know that he is part of the Armenta's family every prayer and we are waiting for him to come home. Our love is always with him. May God keep his hands upon our troops.

Posted by: Petra Armenta Estrella at April 13, 2003 12:08 AM

Hi rick,
You are doing a great job. Thanks for interveing the troops. My husband Luis Gomez is with 2nd Blt. 2/23 marines, echo company. It has been very hard to establish communication with him. Pls inform him that his family loves him,"peanut,jr.,and wife". We are praying for him and all the troops for a safe return.
I haven't been able to see him on the news, but I believe he is doing fine.
thanks for everything
Karina Gomez

Posted by: karina gomez at April 13, 2003 04:05 AM

Hi rick
It's me again,Karina. Can you pls e-mail me back
if you're able to establish contact with Luis Gomez 2Blt 2/23 marines, echo company.
thanks
Karina Gomez

Posted by: karina gomez at April 13, 2003 04:09 AM

Rick ...Do you know my brother LCPL Kurt Ledesma....He is with Echo Company...can you please relay a message....Tell him we love and miss him very much...and we are very proud of him. Love His Big Sis,
Gina

Posted by: Gina Dew at April 13, 2003 11:54 AM

rick,
please say hi to my son, LCpl Jun-Mayer Alcid of Echo co, 2nd BN/23rd MAR. I've heard the 3rd PLT is now at UN building down in Baghdad. You had an interview with him last Wednesday, April 9 around 9 p.m. pacific time. My relatives were really excited to watch that moment but I missed it. I'd like to request a copy of that broadcast. Thanks!
Mrs. Elizabeth Alcid
1054 E Evelyn Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Posted by: Elizabeth Alcid at April 13, 2003 06:08 PM

Rick Rocks! He is funny, he gives us an inside look with a unique perspective. I'm now a fan and actually worried when he didn't wear his helmet and vest. Missed him when he wasn't on this past weekend! Give those great Marine Reserves a high five from Baltimore - we support you 100 percent!

Posted by: Terry MacKay at April 14, 2003 09:48 AM

Hello to Corporal SOBEY with 2/23 Marines Golf Company. Hey brother, all my students in every class know you're there and are praying for you and your brothers in arms. We are proud of you more than you will ever know. Went to a track meet today; our National Anthem was sung by all with such reverence, it brought a lump in my throat.

Posted by: James D. Hernando at April 15, 2003 10:20 PM
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