AR RAMADI, Iraq -- Staff Sgt. James M. Hussey and Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment’s Company A patrolled through several neighborhoods and a portion of the city’s marketplace recently. The purpose of the Marines’ operation was to stifle insurgent activity and inform citizens why coalition forces are operating here. “This combat patrol is aimed at denying free movement of anti-coalition forces,” said the 28-year-old platoon sergeant from Poughkeepsie, N.Y. “We also want to let the local Iraqis know that we’re here to get rid of the insurgents and make their city a safer place to live.” The operation kicked off in the midday heat with temperatures in the low 100s. The harsh conditions weren’t enough to deter the Marines, though; they had an operation to accomplish. For more than four hours, Hussey led his Marines through several neighborhoods. With their weapons at the ready, they moved with a sense of urgency from street to street and building to building. “We’re looking for anti-coalition and anti-Iraqi government propaganda,” said the former Company F senior drill instructor, who once transformed young men into Marines at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. According to Hussey, insurgents write their propaganda on walls and buildings with paint in an attempt to influence locals. “We destroy the propaganda we find and replace it with (information about what coalition forces and the Iraqi government),” he said. Throughout the mission, Marines posted coalition forces and Iraqi government fliers over the insurgents’ graffiti. They also handed the fliers out to locals in the streets they patrolled and in the homes they searched. The fliers have a phone number civilians can call to report insurgent activity to coalition forces. The Marines searched 12 houses for weapons caches, members of the insurgency and insurgent propaganda. Each place turned up empty, but the efforts weren’t in vain. Hussey and his Marines, with help from an interpreter, questioned the residents and asked them if they had any information about the insurgency. They also explained why they searched their homes. “Do you know any (insurgents),” Hussey asked one man as he handed him a flier. “We are here to help you. If you see any (insurgents), call this number and we will come and get them. We’re in your city to get rid of them so you and your family can have a better life.” Just before their patrol’s end, the Marines went through the city’s marketplace. “I might as well do some shopping while I’m here,” joked Lance Cpl. Phillip R. Dunseath, a rifleman with 3rd Squad, 4th Platoon, as he negotiated his way through a narrow alleyway crammed full of vendors. “This place has really picked up the last couple of months,” added the 22-year-old from Donora, Pa. Hussey explained the marketplace has become increasingly busier since 1st Battalion, 5th Marines arrived here three months ago. “More stores are open and more people are out shopping,” he said. “People are starting to wave and smile at us when we come through now. It wasn’t like that in the beginning. They used to give us dirty looks. They seem a lot friendlier now, which is good.” The Marines finished their patrol without incident and returned to their base, Camp Hurricane Point. “The Marines did well today, which they do every time we go out,” Hussey said. “We interacted with the people well and explained to them we’re here to help.”