The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, speaks during a town hall meeting aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 12, 2014. The purpose of his visit was to thank service members and their families for their contribution to the nation and reinforce his commitment to the defense of the nation. - The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, speaks during a town hall meeting aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 12, 2014. The purpose of his visit was to thank service members and their families for their contribution to the nation and reinforce his commitment to the defense of the nation.