NPR Follows "America's Battalion," Brendan Murphy '07

BRUNSWICK, Maine - The Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment, who count former Bowdoin football captain Brendan Murphy '07 among their ranks, were originally bound for Iraq this spring.

But members of the unit known as "America's Battalion" instead find themselves in Afghanistan as part of the 21,000 additional forces President Obama is deploying in the administration's new strategy for the war effort there — the largest American military operation in years.

Two National Public Radio (NPR) staffers, All Things Considered producer Graham Smith and photographer David Gilkey, are travelling with the unit and sharing stories with NPR's listeners. They've reported on various aspects of the effort to root out the Taliban in Helmand province, including the death of the first Marine killed in the new offensive.

As part of the series, NPR is also airing stories of the Marines' families here at home in the U.S., including how they braced for Father's Day without Dad and how they anxiously await word from their loved ones overseas.

[Listen to NPR's "America's Battalion" stories, read the accompanying articles and see the photos here.]

In emails to family and friends, Murphy writes of running convoys across open desert terrain.

"On our first one, we drove for 12 hours and the only things we saw were six mud brick homes, a shepherd with his sheep and a few shrubs," wrote Murphy. "When we drive through the market and the surrounding villages, the people seem relatively receptive to our presence. The kids usually come out and wave, while the adults just stare blankly as we pass, occasionally nodding in stoic approval."

Murphy, of Winthrop, Mass., was a defensive back and kick returner who captained the Polar Bears as a senior. He was named as an All-NESCAC performer in his career and double-majored in English and government and legal studies. Murphy received his commission immediately following Commencement May 26, 2007.

John Murphy, Brendan's father, says he knows Brendan and his platoon would appreciate care packages and messages of support. They can be mailed to:
2nd Lt. Brendan Murphy, USMC
2nd Battalion, 8th Marines
H&S Company
Unit 73225
FPO AE 09510-3225