U.S. Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, and members of his visiting delegation prepare to load a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter following a Christmas Day visit here, Dec. 25. Crammed inside the base’s dining facility, Dunford thanked the men of “America’s Battalion” for serving overseas during the holiday. He spoke about the importance of their mission in Garmsir district before answering questions on family programs and future deployments. “What’s happening in Afghanistan is the most important thing going on in the Marine Corps,” he told them. “You’re the main effort here and the transition you’re helping with is extraordinary. The reason I enjoy wearing this uniform is because of Marines and sailors like all of you.”