User:Rtzink

Russell Todd Zink
Russell Todd Zink
Personal details
Born	February 6, 1969 Fresno, California
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Christon Esme Brooks-Zink
Children	Hunter, Connor
Residence	Thousand Oaks, California
Alma mater	University of Southern California, Loyola Law School
Occupation	Deputy District Attorney, County of Los Angeles
Profession	Legal
Awards	Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal(3d award), Combat Action Ribbon(2d award)
Military service
Branch/service	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	18
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel
Unit	1st Battalion, 23d Marines
Commands	Battalion Commander of 1/23, Company Commander of 4th LAR Bn.
Battles/wars	Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Restore Hope (Somalia)

Russell Todd Zink is currently serving as a Deputy District Attorney for Los Angeles County. He prosecutes serious and violent felonies in Los Angeles Superior Court, Van Nuys, California. His cases have included murder, attempt murder, robbery, assault, burglary, kidnapping, and other gang related crimes. Todd Zink is a veteran of Operation Restore Hope, Somalia and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq. He served with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines, Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme, Ventura County, Calfornia in Operation Iraqi Freedom I during the intial march to take Bagdad in order to remove Saddam Hussein from power. He has been selected to take command as the Battalion Commander of 1st Battalion 23rd Marines located in Houston, Texas.

Family background and childhood years .

Family

Background

Zink is the first born of G. Russell Zink, Jr. and Margo Rita Brabant. Zink's father was a career U.S. Army Officer. He is a Vietnam veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for valor as an infantry company commander. His father achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and commanded a mechanized infantry battalion under General Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. during the height of the Cold War. After retiring from the military, Zink's father became a successful business executive . for the defense/tech industry. He reached the position of CEO of a weather technology company.

Margo Rita Brabant, was a registered nurse who paid her own way through college to eventually earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California. His mother was able to earn a doctorate despite being told by her father that women did not have a need for education. She created a successful career while supporting her husband and caring for a family. She not only earned her degree, but became a Chairman/Professor of a university's nursing department and eventually became an independant, health care consultant. Zink has one brother, Justin (born in 1971). Justin Zink also served in the U.S. Army and continues to work in the internet/tech industry in San Francisco.

Growing up as a "military brat" was challenging and rewarding. It was challenging in that Zink moved 15 times during his childhood. It was rewarding in that he lived in all four corners of the United States getting to know different people from different regions. He also had the fortune to live in Frankfurt, Germany during his youth and see much of western Europe.

History

The early spelling of the name was Zincke. One Zink researcher has claimed to trace the family line to a Volcnant V von Erlach (1168-1230).31 Von Erlach was a poet and master of the medieval cornet, or Zincke, from which the later members of this man's family took their name. The Erlach district region, where the Zincks lived for many generations, is in the area where Germany, France, and Switzerland come together. The Zinck line, according to this researcher, goes back eventually to a Danish king, Harald Klak (784-850) of the Skioldung dynasty. At the time of their immigration to the American colonies, they were mainly from the area of Germany west of the Rhine Valley called the Rhineland-Palatinate. They were Palatinate Germans escaping harsh persecution by Louis IV of France for religious reasons. They became known in the United States as Pennsylvania Dutch..

Jacob Zink came to America in 1728 and settled in Virginia in what was then known as Frederick County, Virginia. This was the frontier of the American colonies. Before the American Revolution they were constituents of George Washington who was elected to his first office as their representative to the House of Burgesses in 1758. Later they supported and served in the American Revolutionary War.

Future generations of Zinks moved west in covered wagons to southern Ohio in 1810, later to Missouri and ending up in Omaha, Nebraska at the time of the Union Pacific Railroad expansion to the west. Zinks were farmers, doctors and post masters as they moved west. Zinks have served in the military at time of war. Carl Russell Zink, Zink's great great grandfater was born in a sod house on the Great Plains and eventually became a railroad engineer and investor. His son, Gale Russell Zink followed his sweet heart, Deletta LaCounte, originally from Atchison, Kansas to settle down in Fresno, California in the 1930s. They survived the Great Depression and Gale served in World War II. Deletta lost her brother-in-law, Wilson, who was awarded a Silver Star for valor in Saint-Lô, France as part of the Invasion of Normandy. Other Zinks came to California at this time. Zink has lived in the Conejo Valley of California on and off since 1996 when he bought his first home.

Childhood years (1969-1987)

Zink was born in St Agnes Hospital in Fresno, California on February 6, 1969 while his father, then Captain G. Russell Zink was serving in the Vietnam War. His father heard word of his son's birth via a High Frequency (HF) radio in a remote jungle location. Zink shares the same birthday as Ronald Reagan .

Zink was quickly joined by his younger brother 18 months after his birth. The two became inseparatable as they grew up turning to each other for companionship as the family moved often. Zink moved over 15 times growing up living in all corners of the United States (California, South Carolina, Georgia (3x), Washington, Kansas, Virginia, Michigan and New Hampshire). While in Fort Benning, Georgia, his family lived in the same house as President Eisenhower did when he was stationed there. The family also lived in Frankfurt, Germany for three years.

Zink was active in sports (soccer, basketball, football, track, tennis) throughout the year growing up. This passion continued in high school where he lettered in soccer and tennis all four years. In addition to sports, Zink was active in student government often times being elected to office having just moved to a new school. Outside of his activities in school and sports, Zink went through the ranks from Indian Guides and Cub Scouts to eventually achieving the rank of Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America).

Zink had the fortune of having had many family excursions while growing up. His father became a passionate sailor and as result Zink learned to sail and navigate out at sea. He grew up cruising many bodies of water to include the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and Maryland; Lake Huron in Michigan and Canada, Long Island Sound, the Atlantic off of Savannah, Georgia, the British Virgin Islands and open ocean sailing from Bermuda to the eastern shore. He learned the value of being prepared, safety and a reliance on one self when out at sea.

Living in the center of a divided Europe in Frankfurt, Germany in the middle of the Cold War was an invaluable experience for the young Zink. He learned to appreciate cultures other than his own and was left with a strong impression of the value of freedom. His family travelled to most of western Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Netherlands, Brussels, Luxenbourg, Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark). He had the fortune to visit Berlin on numerous occassions. Viewing the Berlin Wall that separated East and West Berlin, an extension of the Iron Curtain, was symbolic of repression of the human spirit. Most memorable to Zink was his visit to the Checkpoint Charlie and its Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, a private museum that commemorates the great feats of courage East Germans would do to escape over the wall to gain their freedom in the west.

University of Southern California (1987–1991)

In 1987, Zink entered University of Southern California on a full Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), academic scholarship because otherwise, he would not have been able to afford the expensive private school. He participated in the Marine-Option NROTC program that included naval science classes, military inspections and physical fitness. In NROTC, Zink maintained his grades and was at the top of his class in physical fitness. He earned a leadership position in his senior year and was awarded Academic Stars and the Professor of Naval Science Award for his excellence. Nevertheless, Zink did not care for the artificality of the ROTC program where upper classman are put in leadership positions over underclassmen based simply on age, and not on merit or their leadership abilities.

His most enlightening semester was during his participation in the USC Jesse Unruh's Institute of Politics, Washington D.C. Semester. He was exposed to national security issues at the National Defense University under the renown economist and former Dean of Yale Law School, Eugene V. Rostow who he assisted in his book, A Breakfast for Bonaparte; and attending classes at the university's Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS). He was taught about how politics works by well known political consultants working in Washington, D.C. He had the opportunity to attend President George H.W. Bush's first inaugral ball at the Kennedy Center and meet then Senator Pete Wilson of California. He witnessed Ronald Reagan visit USC's campus immediately at the end of his second term.

Zink was selected for the university's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). He was initated into the Trojan Knights, a spirit organization that supports USC Trojans football, protects the Trojan Shrine "Tommy Trojan", and sings "Fight On" and All Hail. He also found time to join a new fraternity on campus, Sigma Pi. To help cover expenses he worked in the USC Real Estate Office and as a waiter. Over four years, Zink maintained a 3.35 (B+) grade average. During his last two years, he practically earned straight A's having found his passion in political science. His first year in school was in Aerospace Engineering which he later elected to change. He graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Economics. He was admitted into the National Honor Society for Political Science (Pi Sigma Alpha) having earned an A average in his political science classes. On the day of his graduation, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps by his father who administered him the United States Uniformed Services Oath of Office.

Military service (1991–Present)

Main article: Todd Zink's military service

Basic Officer Training (1991-1992)

While still attending USC, Zink was required to first complete Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia to determine if he was qualified to become a Marine Corps officer. The course was rigorous with a heavy emphasis on leadership and physical fitness. Lieutenant Colonel Zink was commissioned in May 1991 on the same day he graduated from University of Southern California.

Eagle Globe and Anchor

Following commissioning, he attended The Basic School (TBS). At TBS, he was taught everything he would need to know to be an effective leader of Marines. The environment was also competitive to determine what military occupation specialty one would end up with at the end of the school. He was selected to become an infantry officer and to attend the United States Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course (IOC). Upon graduating from IOC, Zink was assigned to 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California.

Infantry Platoon Commander (1992-1993)

Ranger School and Counter Narcotics Mission

He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st Marine Division as a Platoon Commander and later as the Assistant Operations Officer responsible for the Super Squad Competition. He led "Striking 1st Platoon" of India Company. At first, Zink was selected by the battalion to attend the U.S. Army Ranger School. He was told by his company commander at the time if he failed that he would not remain in the company. After being selected by the battalion, he had to go through further screening at the division level to ensure he would represent the Marine Corps well at this elite Army school.

Ranger Tab

Zink successfully passed the arduous school loosing nearly 25 pounds in the process and being one of only 20% that make it through the school without dropping or being recycled. Afterward, Zink attended the Army Airborne School and earned the coveted Army airboure jump wings, what the Marines refer to as lead sleds for the comparsion to the Marine Corps Parachutist Badge (United States) otherwise known as "gold jump wings." Upon his return, his platoon served as part of JTF-6 along a very remote stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border to counter the smuggling of narcotics into the United States.

Humanitarian Mission in the Horn of Africa

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Next the battalion was one of the first battalions to be sent into Mogadishu, Somalia to secure the airport and inner parts of the country for follow on UN Peacekeeping forces. The purpose of Operation Restore Hope at that time was to save hundreds of thousands of lives from imminent death from the hands of ruthless bandits and clansmen. Thirty-two countries participated in this international humanitarian effort. Zink will never forget the orphaned boy named Abraham who had lost more than 3/4 of his herd of camel and his father, yet still managed to smile with Zink when they met outside the city of Baidoa. Zink's platoon was selected as the site for President George H.W. Bush to inspect upon his arrival on January 1, 1993. His platoon was personnally inspected by the President and each of his Marines had the privilege of shaking the Commander-In-Chief's hands.

Responding to the North Korean Nuclear Crisis (1993)

Upon the unit's return to the United States, they were sent to the Pacific island of Okinawa, Japan on a unit deployment for six months. During this period, North Korea made a serious push towards nuclear armament so forces in the region to include Zink's unit participated in a show of force in a bilateral exercise with the ROK (Republic of Korea) Marines called Operation VALIANT BLITZ, South Korea. While in Korea, Zink made a trip to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and went the Joint Security Area (JSA) in the middle of the zone and felt the tangible tension of arms between the North and South Koreans. It was as if the war had never ended. This left an indelible mark with Zink as a reminder of the remarkable differences in the quality of lives from the north and south.

It was while stationed in Okinawa that Zink did the indoctrination test otherwise known as "the indoc" held by Force Reconnaissance. It was the hardest day of his life. The test determines if you have what it takes to be a member of Force Recon. At the end of the test, not sure how he had performed, he was surprised when he was asked to join their ranks. The test is physically demanding and looks for leaders that will never...never give up.

Special Operations (Force Reconnissance) 1993-1995

Upon his return to the United States, he was assigned to 5th Force Reconnaissance Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force back in Okinawa, Japan. He was initially assigned the Reconniassance and Surveillance (R&S) mission and was training to become a Designated Marksman. He was the youngest Marine and only officer in the platoon of primarly Sergeants with upwards of 13 years in the force. He was so young his callsign became "High School" because on the Marines said he looked like he just got of high school.

Anti-Terrorism Hostage Rescue Mission

In mid course in the Designated Marksman Course, he was selected to become the Direct Action Platoon Commander for the CIF (CINC In Extremis Force). The mission was similar to what Los Angeles Police SWAT does in training to do a dynamic entry into a building that is armed with terrorists holding hostages. The mission requires a tremendous amount of mental focus to ensure the fire from the fully automatic weapons are accurate and do not miss the targets. His platoon was praised by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations for the units acumen in close quarters battle after having viewed the SEALS and the Special Forces in similar demonstrations.

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Upon graduation from the Close Quarters Battle Course, Zink and his unit were tested by a Special Purpose MAGTF under an evaluation called TRUE, Training in an Urban Environment on the Pacific island of Guam. Afterwards, the unit trained on the Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) on moving vessels out at sea. From Guam, Zink was sent without prior training to Panama City, Florida to attend one of the most rigorous courses the Marines have to offer, the United States Marine Corps Combatant Diver Course. The course unlike its predecessor the Navy Scuba School focuses on clandestine entry on an enemy's shoreline at night using a diving apparatus, a rebreather that converts CO2 back into oxygen for the diver can stay under water for hours and emit zero bubbles to give his position away. Zink survived and eventually excelled at the course as the only officer in the class.

Training in Australia and Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the World

Zink took his platoon to Nowra, Australia to train with the Australian Army paratroops. His unit, 5th Force Reconnaissance Company (-) and the Australians conducted numerous full mission profile para operations using static line and freefall, High Altitude Low Opening (HALO)insertion techniques during the day and night. Zink had the fortune to see the capital, Canberra with its Australian War Memorial, Sydney, and Darwin, Northern Territory with a trip to the Kakadu National Park.

As the Operations Officer for the unit, Zink planned a Reconnaissance Exercise with Indonesian Marines and SEALS on the island of Java. The remote base provide ample jungles to conduct bilateral patrols with Indonesian counterparts. Zink learned a great deal about the very hospitable Indonesia and its people. Zink even had some R&R to visit Jakarta and the island of Bali to watch the famous "Monkey Dance."

Marine Corps Ambassador to the Community (1995-1999)

San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

Subsequently, he was assigned to his B-billet on I-I duty to 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines as a Company Inspector-Instructor and the Assistant Battalion Inspector-Instructor. Initially, Zink was assigned to be the Company Inspector-Instructor for Golf Company (-) located in the heart of San Bernardino, California. While there in addition to training the reserve Marines as the leader of the active duty cadre, Zink was exposed for the first time to people and organizations in the community that made a difference. He sat on a Truancy Board at the school district and witnesses the difficulties schools face. He worked with organizations attempting to curb drug abuse. The unit's biggest achievement in improving the community came with Toys for Tots. Zink was frequent speaker in Riverside and San Bernandino Counties (the size of New Jersey) telling the story of Toys for Tots, collecting toys and giving toys to needy children.

Los Angeles County

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Zink continued this work when he was transferred to the Battalion as an executive officer (Assistant Battalion I-I). While there he became even more involved in the greater Los Angeles community. Zink was in high demand from the elementary schools in the San Fernando Valley for the Flag Day presentation with Marines in periodic uniforms with their respective American flag for that period in our country's history. For Toys for Tots, in addition to going to functions in San Fernando Valley, the Conejo Valley and Los Angeles; he produced and ran a Toys for Tots 5k and 10k Run in the heart of Los Angeles at Griffth Park drawing thousands of runners and earning tens of thousands of dollars in donations to Toys for Tots. He had Catherine Bell from the TV show JAG and produced by former Marine, Donald P. Bellisario as the star supporter and Dave Zorn as the master of ceremonies. The Mayor of Los Angeles recognized the event for its good work. For all of his efforts, Zink was nominated by the Regiment for the highly sought after Leftwich Trophy for leadership.

In 1999 to complete his legal education, he transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve. He was first assigned in the reserves to 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, Reno Nevada as a platoon commander. The unit conducted amphibious, dive and para operations (High Altitude Low Opening /HALO and High Altitude High Opening/HAHO) in California, Florida and Hawaii; and cold weather, mountain patrolling in the Sierra Nevadas.

Response to 9-11 (2001-2003)

Taking some time off to complete the California State Bar Exam, he immediately rejoined his nearest reserve unit after 9-11. He joined 2nd Battalion, 23d Marines the fill vacancies as the Weapons Company Executive Officer and the Battalion Air Officer. The unit was activated a few months after 9-11 to support Operation NOBLE EAGLE to protect the homeland.

Protecting the Homeland from further Terrorist Attacks

Zink as the executive officer was responsible for training of the company. He and the Company Commander although told to focus solely on nonconventional training such as riot control and less-then-lethal munitions, they decided to maintain the company's conventional training as well focusing on weapons proficiency of heavy machine guns (HMG), mortars and rockets (Javeline and TOW). The battalion found itself stationed at Camp Pendleton, California as the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to respond to any further terrorist attacks west of the Mississippi River in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The unit had C-130 cargo aircraft on strip alert in the event the unit would need to be flown on a moment's notice. To execute the QRF required a great deal of detailed planning, rehearsals and exact execution to work properly. Zink designed the procedure for how the QRF would work that was adopted by the battalion to ensure it could fulfill its mission. Luckily, no further terrorist attacks occurred during that first year after 9-11.

Since the company still maintained its skills in conventional warfare, the company performed the best at 1st Marine Division's Crew Served Weapons Competition gaining the attention of General James Mattis. This lead to the battalion being selected as the only reserve battalion to be integrated into an active duty regiment during the march up to Iraq to take Baghdad.

March up to Take Baghdad to Remove Saddam Hussein from Power

Zink outside gates of Babalyon shortly after taking Baghdad April 2003

The battalion after being assigned as part of Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division focused on training for a conventional war against the 4th largest military in the world in Iraq for the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. There was a heavy emphasis placed on knowing how to survive and operate in a biological or chemical attack. This was thought to be likely based on Saddam Hussein's use of biological and chemical weapons against the Iranians during the Iran-Iraq War where millions died and against the Kurds in the northern part of Iraq.

Zink in additional to overseeing the training of the crew served weapons, also self taught himself how to become an Air Officer coordinating and directing jets, attack helicopters and casevac helicopters for close air support. He led the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) comprising of numerous Forward Air Controllers (FACs), Joint terminal attack controllers (JTAC) and unarmored, light skinned Mark 148 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HUMMWV) vehicles laided with robust radio assets (VHF, HF, UHF, etc).

Defending Force The number of personnel in the Iraqi military prior to the war was uncertain, but it was believed to have been poorly equipped.[98][99][100] The International Institute for Strategic Studies estimated the Iraqi armed forces to number 538,000 (army 375,000, navy 2,000, air force 20,000 and air defense 17,000), the paramilitary Fedayeen Saddam 44,000,republican guard 80,000 and reserves 650,000.[101] Another estimate numbers the army and Republican Guard at between 280,000 to 350,000 and 50,000 to 80,000, respectively,[102] and the paramilitary between 20,000 and 40,000.[103] There were an estimated thirteen infantry divisions, ten mechanized and armored divisions, as well as some special forces units. The Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Navy played a negligible role in the conflict.

In addition to Iraqi forces, during the invasion foreign volunteers from Syria traveled to Iraq and took part in the fighting, usually under the command of the Saddam Fedayeen. It is not known for certain how many foreign fighters fought in Iraq in 2003, however, intelligence officers of the U.S. First Marine Division estimated that 50% of all Iraqi combatants in central Iraq were foreigners.[4][5]

The invasion was swift, leading to the collapse of the Iraq government and the military of Iraq in about three weeks. The oil infrastructure of Iraq was rapidly seized and secured with limited damage in that time. Securing the oil infrastructure was considered of great importance.

After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines was activated initially for one year, in participation of Operation Enduring Freedom, to act as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) for any additional terrorist attacks that might occur in the United States. Just before its one year deactivation date, the battalion's active duty status was extended in order for the unit to deploy to the Middle East to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines was the first complete infantry reserve battalion to deploy in support of OIF I(2003).

The unit initially acted as camp security for Camp Commando located in Kuwait, but later was pushed forward into Iraq on March 20, 2003 to Camp Coyote. Among other locations, the battalion fought in An Nasiriyah assisting Task Force Tarawa's operations in that area after a U.S. Army convoy was ambushed and several soldiers were taken prisoner by insurgent forces. The battalion moved up Route 17 as part of Regimental Combat Team 1 (RCT-1) fighting in Al Garraf and Al Fajr among other towns. The battalion suffered it's only combat fatality in Al Fajr. The battalion continued north with RCT 1 and was part of the tactical feignt at Al Kut. Ultimately traveling west to An Numaniyah where the 1st Marine Division crossed the Tigris River. A few days later on, April 8th 2003, the battalion entered Baghdad with the Division. Fox Company found itself engaged in combat with approximately 200 Fedayeen and Iraqi Inteligence Service (ISS)personnel and the next day moved to secure the Iraqi Intelligence Service headquarters from which they had been attacked the previous day. Once Baghdad was largely secure, Golf Company and a CAAT section from Weapons Company were then selected to be a part of Task Force Tripoli, which was the Marine vanguard into Tikrit.

On December 1 2008, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines was activated for deployment to Iraq in support of OIF 9.1.

Battle of Nasiriyah

Ambush Alley The bloodiest day of the operations for the Marines was also March 23, when 18 men of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, were killed in heavy fighting with Iraqi forces around the Saddam Canal.

A friendly-fire incident occurred when two A-10s from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard strafed the Amphibious Assault Vehicles of Charlie Company by mistake, killing at least one Marine.[9] The A-10 strike was cleared by the battalion's forward air controller, who was with Bravo Company, bogged down on the eastern outskirts of the city and did not have contact with Charlie Company and was unaware that Marines were so far north[2][10].

Two other Marines, from the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, Corporal Evans James[11] and Sgt. Bradley S. Korthaus[12] drowned while trying to cross the Saddam Canal under fire the following day. A third Marine from the Marine Air Control Group 28 died from hostile fire.

RCT-1 pushes through Ambush Alley The advance of Regimental Combat Team 1 (RCT-1) through Nasiriyah was delayed by fighting there. On the evening of March 24, the LAVs of 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (2nd LAR, commanded by Lt. Col. Eddie Ray) pushed north of the Saddam Canal, leading RCT-1 through Ambush Alley. With Apache Company in the lead, 2nd LAR attacked north on Highway 7, coming under fire from a heavily defended compound north of the city. Two anti-aircraft guns protected the approach to the compound. After coming under fire from LAVs, M1A1 tanks, Cobra gunships and artillery, Iraqi resistance subsided and at dusk, 2nd LAR established a perimeter 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) north of Nasiriyah. However, a huge sandstorm rolled in and a force of Iraqi reinforcements coming south from Kut took advantage of the worsening weather to attack the battalion from every direction. Using a combination of direct and indirect fire, as well as close air support, the battalion was able to defeat the Iraqi attack. The last attack was beaten off around dawn and a large number of Iraqi prisoners were taken. The battalion estimated that between 200 and 300 Iraqi soldiers were killed, while not one Marine was injured.[13][14]

Meanwhile, the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (the "Thundering Third", commanded by Lt. Col. Craparotta) held open Ambush Alley as the rest of RCT-1 passed through Nasiriyah on the night of 24-25 March[15].

Partly as a result of RCT-1's delay, Colonel Joe Dowdy was later relieved of command of RCT-1[16].

Fall of Baghdad (April 2003)

The April 2003 toppling of Saddam Hussein’s statue in Firdos Square in Baghdad shortly after the capture of the city.Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces moved into Baghdad. Initial plans were for Coalition units to surround the city and gradually move in, forcing Iraqi armor and ground units to cluster into a central pocket in the city, and then attack with air and artillery forces. This plan soon became unnecessary, as an initial engagement of armored units south of the city saw most of the Republican Guard's assets destroyed and routes in the southern outskirts of the city occupied. On April 5 Task Force 1-64 Armor of the U.S. Army's Third Infantry Division executed a raid, later called the "Thunder Run", to test remaining Iraqi defenses, with 29 tanks and 14 Bradley Armored Fighting Vehicles advancing to the Baghdad airport. They met heavy resistance[citation needed], but were successful in reaching the airport. US troops faced heavy fighting in the airport, and were even temporarily pushed out, but eventually secured the airport. The next day, another brigade of the 3rd I.D. attacked into downtown Baghdad and occupied one of the palaces of Saddam Hussein in fierce fighting. US Marines also faced heavy shelling from Iraqi artillery as they attempted to cross a river bridge. The Iraqi commander directed the fire, and one shell from an Iraqi gun killed or wounded four Marines, but the river crossing was successful. The Iraqis managed to inflict heavy casualties on the American forces near the airport from defensive positions but suffered severe casualties from air bombardment. Within hours of the palace seizure and with television coverage of this spreading through Iraq, U.S. forces ordered Iraqi forces within Baghdad to surrender, or the city would face a full-scale assault. Iraqi government officials had either disappeared or had conceded defeat, and on April 9, 2003, Baghdad was formally occupied by Coalition forces and the power of Saddam Hussein was declared ended. Much of Baghdad remained unsecured however, and fighting continued within the city and its outskirts well into the period of occupation. Saddam had vanished, and his whereabouts were unknown. Many Iraqis celebrated the downfall of Saddam by vandalizing the many portraits and statues of him together with other pieces of his cult of personality.

Citation

Training in Ukraine and Morocco; and Command

Upon his return he served with 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion as a Company Commander. The unit did SASO training (March AFB).

fitrep

Next, he was reassigned to 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines as the Operations Officer and the Battalion Executive Officer. The battalion participated in mountain training (MWTC Bridgeport) and the multilateral exercise SEA BREEZE (Ukraine).

His last assignments were with 23d Marine Regiment as the Fire Support Coordinator and Logistics Officer. The unit led exercise AFRICAN LION ( Morocco) and exercise JAVELIN THRUST (MWTC, Bridgeport).

Military Schools

He is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College (Weekend Seminar) and the Reserve Component National Security Course (RCNSC). While attending the RCNSC, he visited Congressman Elton Gallegly and spoke about Afghanistan, his participation in the Marine Corps program for kids called Devil Pups, the incoming Los Angeles City Attorney and his relation with Charlie Wilson and his impact on the Russians in Arghanistan during the Cold War.

Early career (1999-2002)

Law School after Work (1996-2000)

Victor Gold

John Nockleby

Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court Justice visit

David P. Wright

Guilford Pharma

Aventis Pharmaceuticals

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Early legal career (2003-2005)

Steve Manning

Manning & Marder

Rising Star Super Lawyer

Personal life

Immediate Family and Home

Christon Esme Brooks

Hunter Russell Zink

Connor Spencer Zink

Thousand Oaks

Marine Corps League Simi Valley

Boy Scouts of America, Venture Council, Mert Badge Counsellor for Citizenship in the Community, Nation, World and Law

Religious Beliefs

The Zink family originally came to the British colonies to escape prescution from Louis IV living in the German area of Palestine.

Zink while serving with the Marines in Los Angeles started attending the Bel Air Presbryterian Church. He became a member of the church. This was the same church that Ronald and Nancy Reagan use to attend. Beginning in 1963 Reagan generally attended Presbyterian church services at Bel-Air Presbyterian Church, Bel-Air, California. He became an official member of Bel-Air Presbyterian after leaving the Presidency.

Zink found a personal connection to Christainity while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He attended all religious services and read the New Testament and other readings on Jesus.

See also

• German Americans
• Frederick County, Virginia
• Shenandoah Valley
• United States Marine Corps
• Force Reconnaissance