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> Special Sections > Letters From Iraq > Letters > Two Generals visit 3/25
Two Generals visit 3/25 |  | | | Corporals Althouse and Rye with General McCarthy |
Capt John A. Kasparian
3d Battalion, 25th Marines
3/25 had a few visitors that gained the attention of everyone. Lieutenant General Dennis M. McCarthy, Commanding General, Marine Forces Reserve and Lieutenant General John F. Sattler, Commanding General, First Marine Expeditionary Force (IMEF). Whew!! We generally start preparing for these visits a few weeks prior, then, when we get good at it and it becomes a few days.
General McCarthy commands the entire Marine Forces Reserve, or MFR. He told 3/25 how proud he has become of the performance of not only the nine reserve infantry battalion, but also the many other supporting units mobilized in support of the war on terrorism. 3/25 has a lot to live up to because of the amazing work the previous Battalions have done. However, our Battalion Commander, LtCol Urquhart always keeps us focused, "We do not measure 3/25 against anyone before us, good or bad. We measure ourselves against ourselves. My staff and commanders must always look to improve on past accomplishments and look to the future."
Two of our stand-out Marines had a rare treat during the visit. Sergeant Major Edward Wagner, SgtMaj for 3/25, had a good idea have General McCarthy promote two of our meritorious Marines during his visit. Corporals Jared C. Althouse (Columbus, OH) and Frank L. Rye (Hamilton, OH) both from Company L marched up, saluted, and had their new rank pinned on by the three star general. As with so many of the Marines, they marched sharply and exuded a great deal of confidence.
Lieutenant General Sattler visited 3/25 to give us his guidance about many things to include our future operations and lessons learned from IMEF. He spoke to the Marines and motivated them speaking of the past accomplishments of other units and his confidence in 3/25 to carry on the traditions of the Marine Reserve's performance in Hadithah, Iraq. As the IMEF CG, LtGen Sattler's advice pertained directly to our mission and goals. The commanders soak this kind of information up. It gives the Battalion confidence that higher command supports us and devotes vast groups of talent to provide equipment and assets to accomplish our front line missions.
3/25 wishes to thank both of the Generals and appreciate their visits.
Capt John A. Kasparian
3d Battalion, 25th Marines
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