thedrifter
11-03-05, 04:52 AM
This one goes out to Chesty…
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by:Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.--(Nov. 2, 2005) -- - Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller is, hands down, the Marine’s Marine. He looked out for morale, stood up for what was right, stayed combat-ready, and when the time came to send rounds downrange, his rounds hit their mark.
Chesty isn’t physically with us anymore, but three units within the II Marine Expeditionary Force were recognized Nov. 2 for keeping his memory and mission accomplishment alive.
The Lieutenant General Chesty Puller Award for Sustained Superior Leadership and Performance originated approximately a year ago to commend a small, medium and large-size unit on superior leadership. The Puller award changes hands bi-annually to units within the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
II MEF Commanding General, Lt. Gen. James F. Amos, explained the award is a “leadership” award, and not a “safety” award; it encompasses a multitude of factors, such as deployment readiness, mission accomplishment, re-enlistment rates, and training statistics. It follows that a unit that has outstanding leadership is going to be a leader in all areas to include safety and force preservation..
“When I sat down on the board to select a winner, there were a lot of units within (II MEF) who were in the ball field," said Amos, "but no one crossed over the home plate like (2nd Marine Division) had.”
The small category winner of the award was “D” Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Because “Delta” Company is currently in Iraq, the award was presented by Amos via video teleconference. Delta was singled out of the crowd for having every Marine enrolled in Professional Military Education, complete a physical fitness test and medical and dental preparedness.
“You brought everyone with you to the fight,” said Amos. “I need every Marine and sailor in the fight. Not just some, but all,” said Amos, noting that administrative details can sometimes stop Marines from deploying.
The medium category Chesty Puller award was given to 2nd Tank Battalion as a whole. From the support of operational deployments, like aggressive and innovative pre-deployment training, and continued general support of the force, the battalion distinguished themselves in the eyes of its command. During the period when almost half of the battalion deployed at various times, the battalion maintained its preeminent position as an operational innovator and continued front runner in force protection with no Class A or Class B mishaps.
The large unit award went to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Amos noted the battalion has emphasized personal and unit accountability to ensure that Marines look out for themselves and each other. The Battalion’s force preservation plan, better educated tracker program, emphasis on mentoring, competency review boards and other positive preemptive actions have resulted in Marines and Sailors who set high standards for themselves and meet them.
Each award was accepted by the respective unit’s commanding officer, who gave a pat on the back to their Marines for “getting it done” the way it’s supposed to be. Each unit received a trophy and a lithograph image of Chesty Puller for display. At the end of the next evaluation, the trophy will be passed on to other outstanding units within the MEF.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2005112152924/$file/closespeechlowres.jpg
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.--Lt. Gen. James F. Amos, II Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general (right), and Sgt. Maj. Harvey L. Allred, II MEF Sgt. Maj., presented three units with the Chesty Puller award. The Lieutenant General Chesty Puller Award for Sustained Superior Leadership and Performance originated approximately a year ago to commend a small, medium and large-size unit on superior leadership and force preservation. The Puller award changes hands bi-annually to units within the II Marine Expeditionary Force. Photo by: Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
Ellie
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by:Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.--(Nov. 2, 2005) -- - Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller is, hands down, the Marine’s Marine. He looked out for morale, stood up for what was right, stayed combat-ready, and when the time came to send rounds downrange, his rounds hit their mark.
Chesty isn’t physically with us anymore, but three units within the II Marine Expeditionary Force were recognized Nov. 2 for keeping his memory and mission accomplishment alive.
The Lieutenant General Chesty Puller Award for Sustained Superior Leadership and Performance originated approximately a year ago to commend a small, medium and large-size unit on superior leadership. The Puller award changes hands bi-annually to units within the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
II MEF Commanding General, Lt. Gen. James F. Amos, explained the award is a “leadership” award, and not a “safety” award; it encompasses a multitude of factors, such as deployment readiness, mission accomplishment, re-enlistment rates, and training statistics. It follows that a unit that has outstanding leadership is going to be a leader in all areas to include safety and force preservation..
“When I sat down on the board to select a winner, there were a lot of units within (II MEF) who were in the ball field," said Amos, "but no one crossed over the home plate like (2nd Marine Division) had.”
The small category winner of the award was “D” Company, 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Because “Delta” Company is currently in Iraq, the award was presented by Amos via video teleconference. Delta was singled out of the crowd for having every Marine enrolled in Professional Military Education, complete a physical fitness test and medical and dental preparedness.
“You brought everyone with you to the fight,” said Amos. “I need every Marine and sailor in the fight. Not just some, but all,” said Amos, noting that administrative details can sometimes stop Marines from deploying.
The medium category Chesty Puller award was given to 2nd Tank Battalion as a whole. From the support of operational deployments, like aggressive and innovative pre-deployment training, and continued general support of the force, the battalion distinguished themselves in the eyes of its command. During the period when almost half of the battalion deployed at various times, the battalion maintained its preeminent position as an operational innovator and continued front runner in force protection with no Class A or Class B mishaps.
The large unit award went to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. Amos noted the battalion has emphasized personal and unit accountability to ensure that Marines look out for themselves and each other. The Battalion’s force preservation plan, better educated tracker program, emphasis on mentoring, competency review boards and other positive preemptive actions have resulted in Marines and Sailors who set high standards for themselves and meet them.
Each award was accepted by the respective unit’s commanding officer, who gave a pat on the back to their Marines for “getting it done” the way it’s supposed to be. Each unit received a trophy and a lithograph image of Chesty Puller for display. At the end of the next evaluation, the trophy will be passed on to other outstanding units within the MEF.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2005112152924/$file/closespeechlowres.jpg
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.--Lt. Gen. James F. Amos, II Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general (right), and Sgt. Maj. Harvey L. Allred, II MEF Sgt. Maj., presented three units with the Chesty Puller award. The Lieutenant General Chesty Puller Award for Sustained Superior Leadership and Performance originated approximately a year ago to commend a small, medium and large-size unit on superior leadership and force preservation. The Puller award changes hands bi-annually to units within the II Marine Expeditionary Force. Photo by: Sgt. Tracee L. Jackson
Ellie