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CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – The new Secretary of Defense, Leon E. Panetta, visited Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 7, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), July 19 at Camp Dwyer, during his first tour through Afghanistan after a week in office.
His visit was especially significant for two of CLB-7's Marines, as he presented the Purple Heart to Staff Sgt. Shawn C. Vernon, a motor transportation chief with the Embedded Partnering Team, and Cpl. Bryan N. Bigley, a motor vehicle operator.
Vernon, from Fort Worth, Texas, received a concussion after his vehicle hit and improvised explosive device while escorting an Afghan National Army convoy from Kabul back to Patrol Base Amir May 14.
“It is definitely an honor to receive this award from him,” Vernon explained. “He seems like he cares about us and appreciates the effort troops are making in Afghanistan.”
Bigley, from Southlake, Texas, also sustained a concussion from an IED explosion while driving his vehicle to Camp Dwyer June 2. His convoy had just delivered supplies to infantry units aboard Forward Operating Base Geronimo.
“It was definitely something else,” Bigley explained. “I feel honored that the secretary of defense not only presented the Purple Heart to me, but that he is taking the time to see and talk to the troops out here.”
Panetta spoke to all Marines present after the ceremony. He acknowledged the effort troops are making in Afghanistan.
“As the new Secretary of Defense, I thought it was important for my first trip to be able to come out to the war zone to speak to the men and women who are putting their lives on the line on behalf of our country,” Panetta said. “I’m here to say thank you to all of you for your service, for your sacrifice and for your duty.”
Panetta spoke of some of his personal values to express how much he appreciates the sacrifice of service from the Marines and sailors who gathered around more closely than during the ceremonial formation.
“Through public service, I think we can make a difference,” he said. “A difference to make sure the lives of our children are better … you are making a difference.”
Soon after his personal thoughts, Panetta mentioned the success troops have had at disrupting insurgency operations in Afghanistan.
“Every time you go out after targets here, you add to the effort to dismantle and disrupt al-Qaida and their allies,” he said. “You have been able to deal with Taliban here and allow the Afghans to get their country back, so they can govern it, not the Taliban … and that has been important.”
He highlighted the importance of finishing the mission in Afghanistan to allow Afghan military forces and the local population to retake their country. He also mentioned his dedication to troops combating terrorism.
“You are conducting the fight, and you are doing one hell of a job,” Panetta said. “You have my commitment that I will fight for you in Washington, or wherever I am, to make sure you get the support you are entitled to.”
| Date Taken: | 07.10.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.14.2011 07:01 |
| Story ID: | 73711 |
| Location: | CAMP DWYER, AF |
| Web Views: | 149 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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