The following is an e-mail Marine Capt. Jesse Melton III sent to his family and church in July, two months before his death.
This is Capt. Jesse Melton III with the Marine Embedded Training Team (ETT) currently assigned with the Afghanistan National Army (ANA).
Things have been very difficult over here for us these past few weeks with new units arriving and old ones leaving. The enemy in this area has been very determined to test us by attacking us on an almost daily basis for the past week.
However, during these events, I think of the 23rd Psalm, especially the part, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” Every time my team and I have gone out to face the enemy, I always felt comforted because I knew that we weren’t alone. There have been times when my Marines were astonished that despite the best efforts of the enemy (IEDs hitting our vehicles, RPGs exploding 10 feet away from us), no one has been injured.
I just wanted to take this time to say thank you and [say] that your prayers are very much appreciated.
Please continue to lift us up in prayer. We can’t win this war alone using our military weapons, I know that our victory is only possible through the divine intervention of God. I believe that we can do “all things through Christ, who gives us strength.”
God bless and Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful).
Your Brother in Christ,
Capt. Jesse Melton III
United States Marine Corps
