MEB CG welcomes CLB-6 Marines 'to the fight' in Helmand

Photo By Staff Sgt. Justin Shemanski | Brigadier Gen. Larry D. Nicholson, commanding general for Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, addresses the Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion-6, Combat Logistics Regiment-2, MEB-Afghanistan, here Feb. 11. Nicholson spoke of pending engagements within the MEB's area of operation and where the "Red Cloud Battalion" will fit into the grand scheme of things during their tenure here.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

02.11.2010

Story by Sgt. Justin Shemanski 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Brigadier Gen. Larry D. Nicholson, commanding general for Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, addressed the Marines and sailors of Combat Logistics Battalion-6, Combat Logistics Regiment-2, MEB-Afghanistan, here Feb. 11.

In a school circle-style gathering, hundreds of Marine and sailors congregated around the commander as he welcomed them "to the fight" in Helmand province and updated them on engagements and the happenings of other units currently in country.

At the top of his agenda was the operation in Marjah — a location he noted as the last Taliban refuge in the MEB's of operation in Afghanistan. Although it will be a sister unit of the battalion digging in there, Nicholson reassured them that they too had challenges that lay ahead during their tenure here, most notably the build-up in Delaram and the immediate surrounding area.

"You are all truly blessed to be here, but it's going to be a tough six or seven months," said Nicholson. "We are going to ask you to do more than you think you could ever do and you'll do it. For the last several months, the Marines here have stepped it up. Your job is to support [Regimental Combat Team-2] and I know you'll do well."

Prior to his departure, Nicholson opened to the floor to questions during the casual meeting, but rather than a flurry of questions, only motivational battle cries could be heard. He took the opportunity to explain that, although Marines generally excel at it, fighting is not the only objective in Afghanistan. He noted it is important to "work all the lines" in terms of helping the people establish legitimate livelihoods, which will then set precedence for stability.

"How we treat these people is extremely important," he said. "Respect is important; respect translates well, and if we can continue to do this they will continue to choose us. They want us here; they want government."

• Date Taken: 02.11.2010
• Date Posted: 03.26.2010 05:19
• Story ID: 47236
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF