Commander-in-Chief Donald Trump celebrates Marines at MCAS Miramar

SAN DIEGO, California, March 15, 2018. – Praise and good news for the military was on the way.  President Donald Trump taxied down the tarmac in his official helicopter at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar. There were over 3,000 Marines and a sprinkling of Sailors and Coastguardsmen having a hard time keeping in their seats.  In Hangar 4 at Miramar the anticipation was high and patriotism pulsing with music provided by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band.  Their Commander-in-Chief addressed the men and women in uniform,

“We’re here today to celebrate your incredible achievements. So, relax, be at ease, and have a good time for a couple minutes,” he began.

The Commander-in-Chief was there to speak to each active-duty member.  To reassure, remind, renew hope, and report on matters relevant to their jobs. Jobs which translate to the protection of our nation and making lives better around the world. It was incredible.

Morale significantly shapes the outcome of conflict

Negative headlines about President Trump hurt our troops’ morale. Whether training or in the battlespace, morale improves unit cohesion. Esprit de Corps is considered to be an important part of a fighting unit. The dedicated assembly tuned toward the President, who understands it takes more than machinery to win wars.

Care had arrived and for a cherished time, Miramar Marines were inspired by a leader they have sworn to obey.  The President said of the troop commanders in the room:

 

“You lead 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) and Miramar Marines with the excellence and honor for which the Corps is admired. All throughout the world – they talk about you.”

Stealing some really tough Marines to his cabinet Trump named people like General ‘Mad Dog’ James Mattis and General John F. Kelly.

“I think he [Kelly] likes what you do better than what he does, but he’s doing a great job. He misses you. Your devotion fills our allies and their families with confidence – your courage fills our enemies with dread. Your examples inspire countless young Americans to dream of being the best.”

He offers a message from the heart of the American people:

“We support you, we thank you – we love you, and we will always have your back like you have ours.”

When an American puts on the uniform of a warrior, a harsh reality awaits. It’s essential for morale to be strong when faced with combatants like ISIS, the Taliban, Al Qaeda,  Boko Haram or other violent groups. Staying positive, confident, alert and knowing someone has your back reduces injuries and saves lives.

Trump was on a morale high, speaking to his troops.

Marines on patrol, providing air support, turning wrenches on aircraft, sending supply trucks through IED- ridden roads, or cooking a pot of spaghetti for weary troops give way more than they get. They listen to mortars or rifle fire instead of their kids saying their prayers at night. This Commander-in-Chief knows what his troops sacrifice and why. He knows what history drives them.

Don’t ever be on the bad side of a fighting Marine.

Trump repeated Marine Sergeant Major Daniel “Dan” Daly’s World War I motivating battle cry, “Do you want to live forever?”

Daly is one of the nineteen men (including seven Marines) to have received the Medal of Honor twice.

Marines never stop paying the price to win in the world’s conflicts.  Iwo Jima Island,  Chosin Reservoir in Korea, Belleau Wood in France, the Persian Gulf War, the Battles of Fallujah, Ramadi in Iraq, Helmand Province, Afghanistan… Marines can be counted on to run towards danger and get there first.

 

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Marine Lt. Col. Mount now commands Wounded Warrior Battalion-West

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Freedom-Fighting demands improvements.

President Trump acknowledged troops bearing the cost of the military breakdown for years and being asked “to do more with less.”

He was happy to announce significant changes that are coming. That he would be applying his skills to rebuilding a more effective, a more ready military.

“Last year I requested and received an additional 21 billion dollars to address urgent readiness shortfalls. The two-year budget agreement I just reached with Congress will provide 700 billion dollars in defense spending this year. Next year, we will raise that number to 716 billion.”

Trump stated that no longer will there be underinvestment and deferment of modernization and maintenance be a shackle for the greatest fighting forces on earth.

He assured Miramar pilots that brand new CH-53K King Stallion helicopters are coming soon.

Add F-35 joint strike fighters and lots of other weaponry, some never seen before, like hypersonic weapons systems that can fly five times the speed of sound.

Additionally, nuclear capabilities will be modernized and nuclear infrastructure will expand to keep America safe, strong, and prepared.

Then the President said:

“We’re investing in our greatest weapon of all – our most powerful weapon, our most beautiful and brilliant weapon – you. In 2019, we want to give you your largest pay raise in over a decade.”

The crowd roared and the hangar shook.

President Donald Trump: National and Intergalactic Strategies.

On the builder’s block, is Trump’s new national security strategy to deter dangerous criminal and terror organizations seeking to exploit the immigration system.

While in San Diego, President Trump reviewed effective border wall prototypes, praising Border Patrol and ICE agents.

“We don’t have a choice. We need it [the wall] for the drugs, we need it for the gangs, we need it for lots of reasons,” said Trump.

A national strategy for space is on Trump’s idea card.

“Our service members will be vital to ensuring America continues to lead the way into the stars,” he said, recognizing that “space is a warfighting domain.”

The Middle East.

Troops were assured their President is zoned into conflicts they will be facing. Authority has been given to military commanders in Afghanistan so they can win, backed with the full might of the American military.

“The coalition to defeat ISIS has now liberated almost 100% of territory previously held by terrorists in Iraq and Syria. We did a great job – you did a great job,” said Trump.

A special thanks was offered to two San Diego-based air squadrons just returned from deployment, the Marine Corps Death Rattlers (VMFA-323) and Navy Greyhawks (VAW-120).

“It’s a good-looking group…your service has been extraordinary. We won’t let up until ISIS is completely destroyed,” he adds, while praising the spouses and families who also serve this nation.

The President has a zealous commitment to America’s allies and partners to confront Iran’s Middle East sponsorship of terror and bloodshed and block Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon. He warns,

“We’re dealing with it [Iran] in a very serious fashion.”

Encouraging the fighting men and women who face rogue and violent actors, and aggression daily, he asked,

“We must think bigger, build faster, push farther, and dare higher, and be greater than ever, ever, ever before.”

Esprit de Corps starts at the top.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I have no greater comfort than knowing I can have absolute faith in you. [Your] heritage drives you, your heroes inspire you, and your actions immortalize you in the pages of American history. But above all – you are great American patriots. It’s an honor to be with you.”

 

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