WEBVTT

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- Marines, fellow III MEF
teammates, and family members,

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I want to thank each and every one of you

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for your patience and leadership

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as we wrestle with the impacts

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and potential effects of COVID-19.

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To date, our response and actions

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have been both measured and deliberate.

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We have protected the force,

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complied with higher
headquarters guidance,

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and continue the mission
to the best of our ability.

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I recognize there's a
tidal wave of information

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and guidance flowing from the governments

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and throughout every type
of media conduit and forum.

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This, and our own anxiety,

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creates turmoil at work
and in our daily lives.

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As with any threat,

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we'll continue to adapt and overcome.

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- As you know by now,

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the World Health Organization

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has assessed this as a pandemic.

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The President of the United States

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has declared this a national emergency

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along with the Pacific
country's own declaration,

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we are in a period of heightened risk.

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In response to the risk posed by COVID-19,

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the Secretary of Defense
released memorandums

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to guide actions throughout
the Armed Forces.

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And since then, other higher headquarters

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have followed with amplifying guidance.

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- As the situation evolves,

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I expect leaders to enforce
policies, guidance, and orders.

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I also expect each of you to comply

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with the clear intent
of all these documents

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to limit movement, unnecessary contact,

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and large gatherings.

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Use good judgment,

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make sound decisions in your interactions,

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and work to ensure that we
can continue the mission

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and look out for the
welfare of each other.

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To address the developing situation,

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III MEF and other senior commanders

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have established COVID-19 response cells.

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- Preventing the spread of misinformation

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is a key part in this fight.

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Service members are counting
on commanders to ensure

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every member of the
team and their families

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has the most up to date information

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and has avenues for them to ask questions

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and clarify guidance.

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To aid leaders at all levels,

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III MEF has created a
COVID-19 page on the website

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and has created an organizational mailbox

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where people can send questions.

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The email is mefcovid.questions@usmc.mil.

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- I want to thank each
and every one of you

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for your service and your commitment.

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We're stronger when we stand together.

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Semper fi.