"Those who are over in the Gulf right now," he said. "And those who wish they were over in the Gulf right now."

Three thousand voices roared in agreement.

Hagee delivered his motivational talk to the troops after a flag-raising ceremony this morning at Marine Corps Base, Kane'ohe. The base was also acknowledged for receiving an award from the Marine Corps Center for Safety Excellence.

Hagee said that the role of Marines in Hawai'i is to "secure responsiveness in the Asia-Pacific region," and he assured them that their presence here is an important part of the Marines' role in world affairs.

He spoke proudly of the rapid deployment and the successes of the 35,000 Marines in the Gulf region, and also of Marines helping to train their contemporaries in the Republic of Georgia and of still others deployed to the Horn of Africa and to South America.

Combined with those in the Asia-Pacific region, Hagee said, the Marines provide an intimidating presence to those who might be tempted to "step across the line."

"We will still have fog, friction, confusion and chaos on the battlefield," Hagee said. "Yes, we have smarter weapons, but today's Marines are better educated and highly motivated, and that is what has allowed us ­ with a much smaller force than 12 years ago ­ to go all the way to Baghdad and to take Baghdad." Sgt. Justin Stephenson, who stood behind the bleacher with camouflage-clad bulldog named Dano O'Blarney, said he enjoyed Hagee's speech.

When asked whether he agreed that every Marine would want to be in Iraq now, he agree wholeheartedly, and said he spoke for his wife, the other Sgt. Stephenson, as well.

"My wife is active duty, too," he said. "We only fight about which of us will get to go first."

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com