thedrifter
01-20-06, 06:23 AM
Commanding general visits Marines all over Iraq
2nd Marine Logistics Group
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 20, 2006) -- Brigadier Gen. John E. Wissler, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), commanding general, visited Marines and Sailors at numerous locations and forward operating bases throughout Iraq’s Al Anbar Province during the month of January.
Many units deployed within 2nd MLG (Fwd), are on other bases, hence, the visit gave Wissler the opportunity to see first hand the living conditions, training and operations of his forces.
“[The Marines and Sailors] have without a doubt, performed magnificently,” Wissler said as he addressed a group of service members with Combat Logistics Battalion-2, 2nd MLG (Fwd). “But this won’t mean anything if you lose sight of the mission at hand.”
Wissler visited Marines at Al Asad, Al Qaim, Korean Village, Camp Hit, Ramana and Fallujah.
Al Asad was the first stop on his trip where he addressed the Marines of CLB-2 as well as giving Lance Cpl. Harland D. Allen, who is with the Security Detachment, CLB-2, 2nd MLG (Fwd), the Purple Heart Medal. Allen was injured during a routine patrol.
“I wish I didn’t have to give out Purple Heart [Medals],” Wissler admitted. “But there are still a lot of insurgents out there who are not going to give up.”
He also visited the first Iraqi motor transportation regiment, that were being trained by both Marines and Soldiers.
“It is great for us to be learning from you,” said Iraq Army Maj. Ali, who was the 2nd MTR commander.
Wissler responded to Ali by explaining that we are learning from them as well.
“Training the Iraqi Army is another step we are taking in order for us to return to the states.”
Boarding a CH-46E helicopter, Wissler flew to Al Qaim and then to Korean Village in order to visit with Marines who see him at least one a month, according to 1st Lt. Juan O. Turner, 2nd MLG (Fwd) aide-de-camp.
“[Wissler] always makes sure that he visits his Marines every month even if he is extremely busy,” Turner said.
Once arriving at Ramana, Wissler walked and talked with Marines. Ramana doesn’t have a shower facility, a chow hall or any other conveniences enjoyed by many other bases throughout Iraq.
Although the Marines didn’t have the pleasures that many other service members have, they remained in good sprits. Also, Wissler was impressed that although they have little to work with, the Marines in Ramana managed to create a makeshift gym using minimal supplies found throughout the area.
“Don’t let me stop you from your workout,” Wissler said as two Marines stood to attention. The Marines had made a curl bar merely using a metal pole with cinder blocks on either side.
“This is where it all happens,” said Turner in reference to Marines remaining positive after being in the field for more than three months without warm food and showers.
Wissler answered questions from the service members during town hall-type settings at each location he visited. He also stressed to the Marines and Sailors to not drop the ball during the following months.
“It would be nice to say our job is finished in Iraq,” Wissler said. “Instead of thinking of your redeployment date, I want you all to keep moving. It is critical we take care of each other in the next two months. This is far from over.”
Ellie
2nd Marine Logistics Group
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier
CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (Jan. 20, 2006) -- Brigadier Gen. John E. Wissler, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), commanding general, visited Marines and Sailors at numerous locations and forward operating bases throughout Iraq’s Al Anbar Province during the month of January.
Many units deployed within 2nd MLG (Fwd), are on other bases, hence, the visit gave Wissler the opportunity to see first hand the living conditions, training and operations of his forces.
“[The Marines and Sailors] have without a doubt, performed magnificently,” Wissler said as he addressed a group of service members with Combat Logistics Battalion-2, 2nd MLG (Fwd). “But this won’t mean anything if you lose sight of the mission at hand.”
Wissler visited Marines at Al Asad, Al Qaim, Korean Village, Camp Hit, Ramana and Fallujah.
Al Asad was the first stop on his trip where he addressed the Marines of CLB-2 as well as giving Lance Cpl. Harland D. Allen, who is with the Security Detachment, CLB-2, 2nd MLG (Fwd), the Purple Heart Medal. Allen was injured during a routine patrol.
“I wish I didn’t have to give out Purple Heart [Medals],” Wissler admitted. “But there are still a lot of insurgents out there who are not going to give up.”
He also visited the first Iraqi motor transportation regiment, that were being trained by both Marines and Soldiers.
“It is great for us to be learning from you,” said Iraq Army Maj. Ali, who was the 2nd MTR commander.
Wissler responded to Ali by explaining that we are learning from them as well.
“Training the Iraqi Army is another step we are taking in order for us to return to the states.”
Boarding a CH-46E helicopter, Wissler flew to Al Qaim and then to Korean Village in order to visit with Marines who see him at least one a month, according to 1st Lt. Juan O. Turner, 2nd MLG (Fwd) aide-de-camp.
“[Wissler] always makes sure that he visits his Marines every month even if he is extremely busy,” Turner said.
Once arriving at Ramana, Wissler walked and talked with Marines. Ramana doesn’t have a shower facility, a chow hall or any other conveniences enjoyed by many other bases throughout Iraq.
Although the Marines didn’t have the pleasures that many other service members have, they remained in good sprits. Also, Wissler was impressed that although they have little to work with, the Marines in Ramana managed to create a makeshift gym using minimal supplies found throughout the area.
“Don’t let me stop you from your workout,” Wissler said as two Marines stood to attention. The Marines had made a curl bar merely using a metal pole with cinder blocks on either side.
“This is where it all happens,” said Turner in reference to Marines remaining positive after being in the field for more than three months without warm food and showers.
Wissler answered questions from the service members during town hall-type settings at each location he visited. He also stressed to the Marines and Sailors to not drop the ball during the following months.
“It would be nice to say our job is finished in Iraq,” Wissler said. “Instead of thinking of your redeployment date, I want you all to keep moving. It is critical we take care of each other in the next two months. This is far from over.”
Ellie