Mills explains 'What is Happening in Iraq and Elsewhere'

FALLBROOK — As guest speaker at a recent Rotary Club of Fallbrook meeting, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills shared his observations on “What is Happening in Iraq and Elsewhere” with the full-house crowd, which included many retired servicemen.

As to Iraq, Gen. Mills included comments about Iraq being less violent and that al-Qaida was defeated: “The country now is in the needed and necessary process of building infrastructure and institutions.

“The Iraqi people want peace; they want jobs; they want to raise their children in a safe environment; and they want to raise their standard of living.

“[However], Iraq remains in a political power struggle, is still a dangerous place, and still harbors people who wish to do us harm.”

Relative to Afghanistan, Mills posed the country as a historical warrior culture, parts of which are being rearmed against their government and the US government and its presence there.

“The US Marines are proud of and ready to serve their country and fulfill the mission there,” he concluded, and stand behind the oft-spoken United States credo: “There is no better friend and no worse enemy.”

Now Asst. Division Cmdr., 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Maj. Gen. Mills’ background includes a wide array of worldwide assignments spanning more than 30 years.