Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080907-02
Sept. 7, 2008

General Petraeus meets with RCT-5 service members
Multi National Force – West PAO

HUSAYBAH, Iraq – Army Gen. David Petraeus, commanding general of Multi-National Force Iraq and the highest-ranking American officer in Iraq, visited Marines, Soldiers and Sailors assigned to Camp Pendleton-based Regimental Combat Team 5 Sept. 6 as part of an inspection of the Husaybah port of entry on the Iraqi-Syrian border.

"The company is very excited the general is coming," said Capt. Bart Lesniewicz, company commander for Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines, RCT-5, just prior to Petraeus' arrival.

After touring the port of entry with Iraqi border and governmental officials, Petraeus met with some of the regiment's senior officers to discuss an array of issues that ranged from the future operational outlook of western al-Anbar province to the promotion of free trade along the border.

When Lt. Col. Bob McCarthy, executive officer of RCT-5, briefed Petraeus on the increased troop-to-task ratio along the Euphrates River Valley, Petraeus quipped,

"It's a good thing we have American Marines there."

Petraeus then spoke to a gathering of service members and distributed souvenir coins to recognize their achievements.

"The fact is because of great actions by Marines, Soldiers and Sailors and very courageous Iraqis, this part of Iraq is much quieter," Petraeus said.

"The skill that you all have displayed is very impressive," he added.

Lance Cpl. Michael Jacobs, one of the RCT-5 Marines who received a coin, beamed from ear to ear after the informal ceremony.

"This is kind of like my trophy for being here," Jacobs said.

Petraeus noted that the tactical actions the service members influence can result in a "strategic impact."

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