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AL ASAD, Iraq (Jan. 25, 2006) -- Marines and Sailors from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 recently received a very personal message of appreciation. Brigadier Gen. R. David Papak, the commanding general of 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, and Sgt. Maj. Jimmy D. Cummings, the Wing sergeant major, visited the Wild Geese of HMM-774, Jan. 18, at Al Asad, Iraq. The visit was much more than just a trip to inspect the front lines, Papak said. "I came to see my Marines," Papak said. "I don't want these guys out here having all this fun by themselves." The Wild Goose, a...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Oct. 18, 2005 ) -- Marines from throughout 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) put their regularly duties on hold and took an active role in safely transporting Iraqi poll workers during the Iraqi Constitution referendum. Operation Liberty Express ended Oct. 18, as the successful Iraqi poll workers and the cast ballots flew out of Al Asad, Iraq, and into history. The Marines, who spent days and nights making sure the vote was able to happen safely were finally able to get some rest. “First couple of nights we worked for 18 straight hours,” said Staff Sgt. William...

AL ASAD, Iraq (July 25, 2005) -- The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, visited Marines and sailors here July 25 accompanied by Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada, sergeant major of the Marine Corps. “I’m here for two reasons,” said Hagee. “I want to talk to the Marines and sailors and see how they’re doing and I want to ensure they’re maintaining operational situational awareness.” Escorted by Brig. Gen. Robert E. Milstead Jr., 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) commanding general, and Sgt. Maj. Collin A. Cotterell, 2nd MAW (Forward) sergeant major, the Corps’ top leaders interacted with...

3rd MAW families welcome Marines, sailors homeSubmitted by: MCAS MiramarStory Identification #: 20053910339Story by Lance Cpl. Skye Jones MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2005) -- Maj. Gen. Keith Stalder, commanding general, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and more than 230 3rd MAW Marines returned home to Miramar March 7 after supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, completing the unit's longest deployment in its 62-year history. "I'm so excited and relieved that he's finally back. This time hopefully it's for good," smiled Bethany Stalder, the 22-year-old daughter of the 3rd MAW commander. "I'm extremely proud of him and I'm glad...