U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee and Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada toured provinces in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan to check on their Marines' welfare and morale, ensure they have the proper equipment to engage the enemy, and recognize the Marines' contributions to defeating enemy forces here.

Hagee and Estrada both shared their gratitude and appreciation with the Marines at each stop and spoke with them about the future of the Corps, their contribution to world history and the Marine Corps legacy.

"Thank you all for your service both to the Corps and to the nation. I could not ask more of you or your family," said Hagee. "What our parents and your grandparents did during World War II was change the course of history; now you are doing the same thing."

The sergeant major added he was happy to accompany the commandant to see warriors in Afghanistan responding when the nation needs them and stated that Marines continue to add to their proud legacy.

The commandant and sergeant major awarded Purple Heart Medals to 19 Marines, conducted combat promotion ceremonies for three Marines, and recognized Marines nominated by their small unit leaders for stellar performance.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dunaway, who was shot in the left bicep in the Chawkay Valley, was one of the Marines presented the Purple Heart by the commandant Sept. 26.

"It was a real honor to receive the award from the commandant. Although, considering the circumstances, the honors belong to the Marines I fought with," Dunaway said. "I am grateful we made it through the fight with only one wounded Marine."

The commandant and sergeant major also took time for questions and photos with Marines at every stop once the formal ceremonies were completed.

The questions included everything from future rotations to new equipment and the future of the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps is always planning for the worst, Hagee said. But there have been reductions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. However, he reminded them deploying is what Marines will always do.

The commandant explained that his focus is on better training and better equipment for the Marines--something they should see in the immediate future.

"The Marine Corps would like to buy enough radios and night vision goggles for every Marine," he said. "They are also experimenting with a sight that could be used during the day and night."

The commandant and sergeant major both emphasized the development of small unit leaders because they have strategic impact on the battlefield.

Marines are making policy when they make decisions on the battlefield and when they interact with Afghan people and the Afghan Army, Gen. Hagee said. They need to be able to make strategic decisions in an asymmetric battle space.

They told Marines to take care of one another and thanked them again for their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families as they parted.

"My best wishes to you, and thanks for what you are doing here," said Estrada. "Stay motivated, take care of our Corps, take care of each other and take care of your battalion commander."

Every Marine involved understood the importance and significance of their visit.

"The commandant and sergeant major's visit to Afghanistan reaffirmed the support and confidence for this generation of Marine warriors," said Gunnery Sgt. Jeff Labrador, senior enlisted advisor to the Marine Forces Central Command Coordination Element, Afghanistan. "As we visited the many areas where Marines were positioned, the presence of pride and courage was signified by the Marine colors and American flag."

Prior to coming to Afghanistan, Hagee and Estrada visited Al Asad, Camp Fallujah, and Taqaddam, Iraq, to also visit with Marines there.