thedrifter
07-08-04, 07:30 AM
CMC visits Okinawa, views quality of life
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 20047620281
Story by Sgt. Jason D. Gallentine
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan —(July 5, 2004) -- Commandant of the Marine Corps General Michael W. Hagee and his wife Silke visited Okinawa July 3-7 to participate in the review of the recent Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise, or MEFEX, and observe quality of life issues on the island.
The MEFEX allows commanding generals to receive evaluation, mentoring and advice from retired Marine generals on how to run a MEF and engage in battle.
“His visit brings a sense of importance when there’s a war going on and when all the attention is going to I MEF and II MEF,” said Col. Glenn L. Wagner, commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “This also provided him an opportunity to see how Marines live on Okinawa.”
The commandant had breakfast with and addressed Marines at Camps Foster and Schwab.
Lance Cpl. Michael A. Downey said it was an honor to have breakfast with the commandant and that he expected it to be a lot more formal.
“It can be nerve racking talking to a four-star general, but he definitely made it so it wasn’t. It’s nice to see the top man in the Marine Corps is still down to earth,” said the combat engineer with Combat Engineer Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.
Downey said Hagee answered questions, spoke about Iraq and what the Marine Corps has ahead of it, and addressed some local issues such as the liberty policy.
“He helped me see the big picture,” Downey said.
The Hagees also made a point of spending time with family members at the Camp Foster Community Center.
Hagee covered a lot of concerns families have about the fighting in Iraq. He covered that right away and that was reassuring, said Wanda E. Segarra, a Marine spouse.
“It’s definitely important to hear from him. Hearing directly from him gives a sense of pride to spouses, and we’ll keep supporting our husbands because the top guys do care,” she said.
While Hagee spent Tuesday on Camp Courtney for the MEFEX review, Silke toured various service centers, such as the Camp Foster Child Development Center, spoke to members of the Key Volunteer Network and toured family housing on and off base to see the quality of life here.
When a person reaches the rank Hagee has, that person and their spouse become a team, Wagner said. Hagee only has a couple days here and Silke can be his eyes and ears.
“General and Mrs. Hagee are a team for the price of one General,” Wagner said.
[img]http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200476203214/$file/Release0320-2004-04low.jpg[/img[
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee addresses Marines at the Foster Theater July 5 about the Marine Corps’ current efforts. Hagee and his wife Silke came to Okinawa to visit Marines and view the quality of life here. Hagee also participated in the review of the recent Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise. Hagee is the 33rd commandant. Photo by: Sgt. Jason D. Gallentine
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/6785EF3BE545EA5685256ECA000290F3?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 20047620281
Story by Sgt. Jason D. Gallentine
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan —(July 5, 2004) -- Commandant of the Marine Corps General Michael W. Hagee and his wife Silke visited Okinawa July 3-7 to participate in the review of the recent Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise, or MEFEX, and observe quality of life issues on the island.
The MEFEX allows commanding generals to receive evaluation, mentoring and advice from retired Marine generals on how to run a MEF and engage in battle.
“His visit brings a sense of importance when there’s a war going on and when all the attention is going to I MEF and II MEF,” said Col. Glenn L. Wagner, commanding officer of Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. “This also provided him an opportunity to see how Marines live on Okinawa.”
The commandant had breakfast with and addressed Marines at Camps Foster and Schwab.
Lance Cpl. Michael A. Downey said it was an honor to have breakfast with the commandant and that he expected it to be a lot more formal.
“It can be nerve racking talking to a four-star general, but he definitely made it so it wasn’t. It’s nice to see the top man in the Marine Corps is still down to earth,” said the combat engineer with Combat Engineer Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.
Downey said Hagee answered questions, spoke about Iraq and what the Marine Corps has ahead of it, and addressed some local issues such as the liberty policy.
“He helped me see the big picture,” Downey said.
The Hagees also made a point of spending time with family members at the Camp Foster Community Center.
Hagee covered a lot of concerns families have about the fighting in Iraq. He covered that right away and that was reassuring, said Wanda E. Segarra, a Marine spouse.
“It’s definitely important to hear from him. Hearing directly from him gives a sense of pride to spouses, and we’ll keep supporting our husbands because the top guys do care,” she said.
While Hagee spent Tuesday on Camp Courtney for the MEFEX review, Silke toured various service centers, such as the Camp Foster Child Development Center, spoke to members of the Key Volunteer Network and toured family housing on and off base to see the quality of life here.
When a person reaches the rank Hagee has, that person and their spouse become a team, Wagner said. Hagee only has a couple days here and Silke can be his eyes and ears.
“General and Mrs. Hagee are a team for the price of one General,” Wagner said.
[img]http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200476203214/$file/Release0320-2004-04low.jpg[/img[
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee addresses Marines at the Foster Theater July 5 about the Marine Corps’ current efforts. Hagee and his wife Silke came to Okinawa to visit Marines and view the quality of life here. Hagee also participated in the review of the recent Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise. Hagee is the 33rd commandant. Photo by: Sgt. Jason D. Gallentine
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/6785EF3BE545EA5685256ECA000290F3?opendocument
Ellie