II Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general visits Marines in Iraq

Photo By Cpl. Megan Murray | Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks with service members of Multi National - Force West at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 17. During his visit, Hejlik met with senior leaders of MNF-W and visited service members, updating them on the status of Marines in the U.S. and Afghanistan and fielding their questions.  

AL ASAD, IRAQ

06.26.2009

Story by Cpl. Megan Murray 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — The commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force traveled from Camp Lejeune, N.C., to visit Marines and sailors of Multi National Force - West in Al Anbar province, Iraq, June 16-18.

Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik began speaking with service members and leaders of MNF-W immediately upon arrival, first meeting with Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, the commanding general of MNF-W, and the command's senior leaders.

Though he spoke with many high-ranking leaders, Hejlik made a point to spend much of his time speaking with younger Marines, giving them updates about their fellow service members in the U.S. and Afghanistan, and fielding their questions.

Hejlik originally planned to pay a visit to Marines in Camp Ramadi and Camp Al Taqaddum, but due to a severe sandstorm, he was unable to travel out of the immediate area. However, Hejlik made the best of his time aboard Al Asad.

He visited Marines and sailors with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), II MEF Headquarters Group (Fwd), Regimental Combat Team 8 and the MNF-W Command Element. After seeing what these service members have accomplished since they began their time in Iraq, Hejlik said he was impressed.

"I'm proud of you," he said. "I come out here, and I'm humbled by what I see."

Hejlik also encouraged the service members of MNF-W to keep up the hard work until their mission in Iraq comes to a close.

"You're on the 5-yard line, but you have to punch across the goal line," said Hejlik. "You have a tough, tough job. You are responsible for the Marine side of the house coming home."

Finally, Hejlik was sure to express gratitude to the deployed service members.

"None of you had to do this. All of you volunteered. Thank you for what you do, because I truly believe being in the military is the greatest calling we can have on this earth."

• Date Taken: 06.26.2009
• Date Posted: 06.26.2009 06:25
• Story ID: 35658
• Location: AL ASAD, IQ