DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled

Vice president, second lady visit Camp Pendleton

Courtesy Photo | Vice President Joe Biden shakes the hand of a Marine at the Wounded Warrior...... read more read more

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

01.20.2012

Courtesy Story

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Vice President Joe Biden and the second lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden, visited Marines and sailors at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 20.

Dr. Biden arrived at the base earlier in the day and observed Marines at the Infantry Immersion Trainer, a state-of-the-art training complex that simulates what Marines could expect to see in Afghanistan. Dr. Biden toured the Explosive Ordnance Disposal facilities and spoke with Marines and families who will soon deploy.

“It’s been an amazing experience to be here,” said Dr. Biden speaking of her first visit to Camp Pendleton. “What we saw was just incredible. It just shows you the resilience of the men and women of our military. It made me realize just how different it is for our military when they go to Afghanistan than when they went to Iraq. The whole culture is different. The sights, sounds, and smells-- everything is so different than what they’re used to.”

The visit was part of Dr. Biden’s ongoing work with First Lady Michelle Obama and their Joining Forces initiative, which aims to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take actions to support veterans and military families as they serve our country and throughout their lives.

Assisting Dr. Biden in understanding the mission and role of the Marine Corps was Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force. Marines and sailors from I MEF are slated to deploy to Afghanistan in the near future. Also advising Dr. Biden during her visit was Lt. Col. Terry Johnson, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, which recently returned from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.

The Second Lady was joined by Vice President Joe Biden while on a tour of the Wounded Warrior Battalion-West, a command dedicated to providing non-medical care for wounded, ill and injured Marines and their families as they return to duty or transition to civilian life.

“It’s taking care of the men and women when they come home, whether its employment, education or wellness,” said Dr. Biden. “As far as the wellness part of it, it really makes me realize what the Marines and soldiers have to deal with. You can see how it’s so different and how they are affected. It makes me think of my own son when he was in Iraq. It helps you to understand it a little better.