CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Gen. James Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, the sergeant major of the Marine Corps visited Marines aboard Camp Leatherneck, Dec. 23.

The commandant and sergeant major are touring the area of operations during the Christmas holiday to speak with Marines and wish them all a merry Christmas.

“If we’re going to have Marines that are going to be over in Camp Leatherneck, (and) Kandahar, then we wanted to be over here and spend Christmas with you as well,” said Amos. “We wanted to come over and say thanks. Thanks for being Marines, thanks for being willing to serve.”

The commandant and sergeant major praised the Marines in attendance for their work in Afghanistan and the sacrifices they have had to make.

“The commandant and I just want to say that we are extremely proud of what you do for our corps,” said Kent. “You are truly living up to the great legacy of our corps.”

The commandant spoke about how he has been in and out of Afghanistan for the past three years, and during the previous Christmas. He said that the first two times he visited combat outposts he had to run inside. Now, they can take their time and remove their gear.

After the leaders praised the Marines for the great job they are doing, they opened up the floor to questions from the Marines to give them the opportunity to engage their senior leaders.

The leaders addressed several issues including retention, Marine Corps military occupational specialty structure, and counter improvised explosive device measures.

After answering the Marines’ questions the leaders again thanked the warriors in attendance for commitment to the mission in Afghanistan.

“The corps is in great shape for the next two hundred and something years because of Marines like you, and we are extremely proud to be here with you over the holidays,” said Kent.

“I’m honored to be in your presence. I want to say thank you and God bless every one of you and merry Christmas,” said Amos.

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