Come check out the newest Marines of Charlie Company as they graduate from Recruit Training!!!
Transcript
[Announcer] Lance Corprol Manny is a two year full-blooded, English Bulldog, born in Fogo, California, on July 9, 2018. His name is Sgt Johnny R. Manuelito, Sr, one of the ‘original 29’ Navajo Code Talkers who trained in the first All Navajo Platoon, here on the Depot in 1942. Sgt Manuelito helped create the code that the Navajos developed at Camp Elliott, now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. He became an instructor, teaching other Navajo Marines the Navajo code. Later, Sgt Manuelito participated in the battle of Iwo Jima, where a Marine Signals Officer stated, “Had it not been for the Code Talkers, “we would have never taken Iwo Jima.” Lance Corporal Manny continues the tradition of a line as mascots at MCRD, San Diego, dating back to 1939, when Major General Smedley Butler introduced, James Jolly Plum Duff as the first mascot here at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. He’s being escorted by the office of communication, Corporal Brook C. Wood. (audience claps)
Step, fall in.
Halt. (commander mumbles)
[Announcer] Spiritual development plays an important part in the making of the United States Marine. Lieutenant Brian J. McCrane, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy, will deliver the graduation credit. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise.
[Brian] Let us pray. Well one who has many names, but breathes life into us all. This is the day. This is the day that we acknowledge those among us who have been tested, and have prevailed saying, “These fires of life shall not consume me. “Nor these fires instead will forge me into a warrior, “into a Marine.” This is the day. This is the day when we give thanks for the support these men receive from their family, and friends. For those spirits seen and unseen, of Marines past and present. The cloud of witness who attended them along the way. And for all those gathered here today, on this sacred hour, on this sacred ground, this is the day. This is the day where we give thanks for the drill instructors, whose leadership, discipline, and sacrifice instilled in these Marines values, that make Marines the few, and the proud. This is the day. And when the ceremony ends, and the moment comes for these Marines to leave their drill instructors watchful eye, may they go to serve our great nation knowing your eye is ever upon them. May your call to serve with honor, courage and commitment, be forever in their hearts. May your abiding love and presence, and boundless blessing, be always upon them. This is the day. This is the day that you have made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it, amen.
[Commander] Take your poses.
[Announcer] Thank you, please be seated. Officially formed in 1921, Marine Band San Diego, has thrilled countless millions throughout the world, with it’s inspired renditions of traditional and contemporary music. Each member of the band that’s completed recruit training, maintains combat skills, and many have been on combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Giving true meaning to the title Marine Musicians. Marine Band San Diego is under the leadership of Chief Warrant Officer II, Alex Panos, Band Officer, and Master Sergeant, Robert Marroqu√≠n, Band Master. Today the band is led on the march by Gunnery Sergeant James Dempsey, drum major, and is under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer II, Alex Panos. The Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, welcomes you to what is a historic event in the life of a Marine, their graduation for bootcamp. Approximately 40 weeks each year for the past 99 years, new Marines have departed San Diego for service, with units of the Marine Corps around the globe. The primary mission of the Recruit Depot is to provide basic training to recruits enlisted West of the Mississippi, which represents approximately 51% of all their applicants in the Marine Corps each year. The Depot is also home to Recruiter School, and Drill Instructor School. All our efforts here are geared toward one end. Producing America’s finest fighting force, The United States Marines. This morning Company C first recruitment training assignment, recruit training regimen, was form and march in the parade. Following the pass and review, the graduating Marines will return front and center of the review and stand final dismissal. The staff for today’s grade is comprised of Marines from the Recruit Training Regimen. The Commander of Troops is First Sergeant Larry D. Crompton II, Company First Sergeant, Company C, First Recruit Training Battalion. The parade adjutant is Sergeant Patrick D. Harris, Platoon Sergeant, Company C, First Recruit Training Battalion.
Attention. (band music)
[Announcer] The marching units are now being called to attention, and the adjutant’s command, sound adjutant’s command (mumbles) call, will begin today’s parade. (adjutant mumbles) (upbeat band music) Marching today’s parade are 352 of the graduating from Company C. Recruit training is comprised of subjects required to produce basic Marines, to function effectively in garrison, are trained in rudimentary individual field and combat seals, and practice their personal and professional traits, which distinguish them as Marines. Examples of these traits are, discipline. The achievement of a state of discipline, which assures respect for authority, incident and willing of being supporters, and the self-reliance to maintain or improve those traits, which exemplify more Marine. Military bearing, consistently demonstrating military presence, and personal awareness, as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. A spirited corps, acquiring the common spirit of the Marine Corps that enthusiasm, devotion, pride, initiative, teamwork, aggressiveness, determination, moral courage, integrity, camaraderie, and the burning desire to work with, and for others, to an excellence in common goals. For 244 years, Marines have fought, and won, whenever and whatever the nation calls, in the harshest conditions, over the most brutal terrain, and against the most formidable enemies, Marines defend the ideals of freedom, with grit and tenacity. Though battle fields change, and capabilities called, history proves that true victory comes from the individual Marine, with steel resolve. The drive to overcome any obstacle, and the warrior spirit to fight off against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness, Semper Fidelis, to corps, country and each other, that abounds to through out our storied legacy. Marines today remain in combat, fully deployed throughout the world, confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty, and faithfulness. Their resolve to be most ready, when the nation is least ready. To defend freedom at anytime and anywhere. To stand ready to aid those devastated by natural disasters. To pay tribute to those who have forged out proud legacy, and to honor the families, and loved ones who faithfully stand beside us. For the Marines of Company C, today marks the end of the 14 week recruit training session. They have marched countless miles at Camp Pendleton, and on this career deck, and have been trained, as are all Marines, as basic riffle men. In addition, due to the intensive physical training program, their strength and endurance has doubled since their arrival aboard the recruit depot. They are Marines, qualified to take their places in the ranks of the world’s finest fighting organization. (upbeat band music) (commander mumbling) (jet engines roaring) The next portion of the ceremony will be the presentation of the colors. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise, and remain standing for the playing of our National Anthem. (commander mumbling) (upbeat music) (commander mumbles) Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem. (American National Anthem) (commander mumbles) (jet engines roaring) Thank you, please be seated. (commander mumbles) (upbeat band music) (audience claps) (audience claps) (commander mumbles) The Parading Adjutant now presents the assembly commands of the Commander of Troops.
March forward, (mumbles). (train honks) (commander yells)
Sir, all present. (speaker mumbles)
Yes.
Attention, (mumbles). United States Marine Corps (mumbles). (upbeat band music)
[Announcer] At the command, Officer Sam March, Adjutant Commander, San Diego’s, marching front and center of the formation. He certainly, is at his (mumbles) the commanding officers issue orders and instructions to the unit commanders. Following this, the (mumbles) returns to the units, and pass the information along to their Marines. (upbeat music) (jet engines roaring) (commander mumbling) Ladies and gentlemen, the Battalion Commander, for First Recruit Training Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Farsaad.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, both those here in person, and those watching online. On behalf of the Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Western Recruiting Region, Brigadier General Heritage, and the Commanding Officer of the Recruit Training Regiment, Colonel Palma, I’d like to welcome you to the graduation ceremony for Charlie Company. I also like to welcome the Grade Reviewing Officer for today’s ceremony, Sgt Major Vega. Sir Major Vega served in the Marine Corp for 23 years, and is currently a Sgt Major for 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, here at MCRD San Diego, and is the former General Instructor in Charlie Company. It’s great to be able to have him out here, and recognize him today. Welcome, Sgt Major, thanks for joining us. (audience claps) I’d also like to thank all the parents, families, and friends for everything you’ve done for your new Marines. Although you can’t be here in person, I can assure you that your love and support was vital to their success. Now ladies and gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to address the Marines in Charlie Company. Good morning Marines.
Morning sir, hurrah!
Congratulations, today marks a milestone in a journey that began 15 long weeks ago, when you arrived here, and committed yourself to becoming Marines. You were taught our core values, of honor, courage and commitment, in order to make Marine, for the exemplary character, with a clear understanding that being a Marine, carries a special trust and confidence, and the highest expectations of the American people. We developed your physical and mental toughness. by viewing you as a warrior spirit, able to thrive in a complex and chaotic environment. And able to persevere past, and push past your perceived limits when your metal is tested. You’ve learned the skills of a war fighter, characterized by sound judgment, and aggressiveness in execution. You hiked countless miles, learn to operate in the fields, and completed our Martianship program, enabling you to engage, pinpoint targets, at distances of up to 500 yards. You were taught how to decide, act and communicate with a bias for action, and with the boldness, and determination required of every Marine. And we trained you to be leaders, embracing that exceptional, and unremitting responsibility to each and every one of your fellow Marines. All that training culminated in your most difficult task, The Crucible. Yet you came together as a team, and you completed The Crucible, and earned the title that you will take pride in, for the rest of your lives. The title of United States Marine. Be thankful for your drill instructors. They have been with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for last 15 weeks. It is through their hard work, your dedication, that you are transformed into the Marine you are today. So congratulations again Charlie Company, you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. You have taken your place in that long line of illustrious Marines who have served as soldiers of the sea since the founding of our corps. And so as you leave here today, remember our core values of honor, courage and commitment, because now you represent all those Marines who went before you, and you will help mold the ones you come after. May you always have fair wins in following seas, and remain Semper Fidelis. (audience claps)
[Announcer] Now taking his position in the reviewing area is today’s Parade Reviewing Officer, Sergeant Major George L. Vega. He is accompanied by Sergeant Major Marcus D. Reece, Battalion Sergeant Major, First Recruit Training Battalion. (commander mumbles) Sergeant Major George L. Vega. Sergeant Major Vega, enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1997, and completed recruit training aboard Marine Corp Recruit Depo, Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing Marine Combat Training, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he attended the motor vehicle operators course in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. There he was assigned the MOS of 35-31, motor vehicle operator. Sergeant Major Vega has served in a variety of challenging bullets, in numerous commands to include serving as a drill instructor, and senior drill instructor for Charlie Company, First Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corp Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. Corporal’s Leadership Course Senior Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge, and Deputy Director at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Company First Sergeant for Food Service Company, and Communications Company, headquarters regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. In December of 2015, Sergeant Major Vega was transferred to 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, in North Carolina, where he served as a company First Sergeant, for company chief, at headquarters and service company. As of November, 2018, Sergeant Major Vega was assigned to the Marine Corps recruiting post, San Diego. Where he is currently serving as a 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Sergeant Major. Sergeant Major Vega personal decorations, include the Mandatory Service Medal, with one gold star, and due a second award. The Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, and due a second award. Underneath the Marine Corps chipping medal, with two gold stars, and color distinguishing device, in lieu of the award. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Sergeant Major George L. Vega. (audience claps)
[Adjutant] Morning Sir, the parade’s formed. (commander mumbling)
[Announcer] More than a million Marines have been trained here in the past 99 years, and reported San Diego for combat in conflicts around the world, including places whose names aren’t immediately associated with Marine courage and dedication. Names such as: Guadalcanal, Torii, Iwo Jima, Hysan, Incham, Chosen Reservoir, Kesan, Washi, Lebanon, Lunabel, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia, Fullujah, Iraq, Marja, Afghanistan, are our most current operations world wide. This carrier deck is rich in history and tradition. And no Marine trained here ever forgets its sights and sounds. (upbeat band music) Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander of Troops, First Sergeant Larry D. Crompton II, (speaker drowned by audience claps) Marine Band San Diego- (speaker drowned by band) (audience claps) Ladies and gentlemen, as the national flag passes directly in front of you, please rise, once it passes, you may be seated. (speaker drowned by band) (audience claps) Platoon 1050, Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant, Robert J. Walker. (audience claps) (upbeat band music) Platoon 1051, Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant, Marco M. Hall. (audience claps) The Regiment of Color Guard is led by Regiment of Color Sergeant, Drill Instructor Sergeant Patrick Pacid. (commander mumbles) Series 1053, Chief Drill Instructor, Guard Sergeant Roberto D. Martinez. (audience claps) Platoon 1053, Senior Drill Instructor, Sergeant Patrick G. Andrew. (audience claps) (upbeat music) Platoon 1054, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Justin T. Johnson. Also from Platoon 1054, is the Company High Shooter, Private First Class Reed J. Rice. As well as the most visibly fit Marine, Private First Class, Tristan K. Kashnee. (audience claps) Platoon 1055, Senior Drill Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Wandiego C. Eskabio. (audience claps) The Marine Hymn has a history digging back to 1859. It is a long standing tradition for Marines to face the direction of the music, and stand at attention when it is heard. It is now directed that all Marines present, and who have served honorably, sing the words to the first verse, as the Marine Band San Diego performs the Marine Hymn. Will the guests please rise. (Marine Hymn) Thank you, please be seated. (commander mumbles) The Marine Corps uniqueness and strength as an elite fighting force is directly attributed to the magnificent efforts of the drill instructors, and company officers, who train and supervise the recruits. The distinct qualities of spirited and discipline, the heart and soul of every Marine, have to be developed, natured and ingrained in recruits, during the recruiting, observance, and relationship with their drill instructors, and officers. Recruit training is the very foundation of the corps. Each year, recruit training provides thousands of Americans young men and women, with the basic knowledge and skills to function in a profession characterized by its own set of high values and tough standards. The most important thing we do in the Marine Corp, is make Marines. The individual Marine is the corps. That is what we do here. For the Marines graduating today, the long, arduous journey of the last 14 weeks is no small step into the future of the Marine Corps. As they prepare to serve the ranks of our corps, they do so with the unquestionable support from the high ideals and standards of the United States of America, and the United States Marine Corps. Although Company C prepares for their final dismissal from bootcamp today, their initial training is not over. Soon after graduation, they’ll report to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton in California, where they will continue to be trained to serve as an effective member of a Marine Riffle Squad. The intense initial training undergo, is designed to instill the fundamental premise that every Marine is a riffle man. (upbeat band music) Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we’d like to introduce to you the Marines responsible for ensuring the success of the difficult transition required to become a Marine. The Company Commander is Captain Jason M. Braso. The Company First Sergeant is, First Sergeant Larry D. Crompton II. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of Company C. (audience claps) The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring guidons. (commander yells) The guidons have been carried by the platoons throughout their recruit training, and are being retired to symbolize the disbanding of the teams. All single units in Marine Corps carry such guidons, which identify the unit, and also applies to each individual member. Note that the honor of carrying these guidons, is bestowed upon those Marines who display outstanding leadership qualities, motivation and character, and were selected as a platoon honor graduands. The platoon honor graduands compete for the title of (mumbles), and company honor graduate. They are considered the top Marine graduating today, and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership, and responsibility in the Marine Corps. (upbeat band music) (commander yells) The guidons will now be returned to the drill instructors. (commander yells) (upbeat band music) (commander mumbles) (audience claps) The honor graduate for Platoon 1049 is, Private First Class, Eric Chavez from Sacramento, California. The honor graduate for Platoon 1050, and also the company honor graduate is, Lance Corporal Israel E. Remerez, from Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Lance Corporal Remerez is also the recipient (mumbles) of the outstanding performance, on recruit training. The honor graduate for Platoon 1051 is, Private First Class, Austin M. Lanham, from Kennewick, Washington. The honor graduate for Platoon 1053 is Private First Class, Alexander C. Cody, from Humble, Texas. The honor graduate for Platoon 1054, and also the series honor graduate, Private First Class, Gabriel Trio Latchin, from Houston, Texas. And the honor graduate for Platoon 1055 is, Private First Class, Hall W. Reins, from Van, Arkansas. Ladies and gentlemen, the honor men of Company C. (audience claps) (commander mumbles)
[Commander] Detail hold, left pace.
Morning Sir, Company First Sergeant reporting as ordered.
[Announcer] The Company First Sergeant will now give the command to the Senior Drill Sergeants to dismiss their platoons. Needless to say, this will be the most welcomed command they’ve received throughout recruit training. (commander yells) (Marines mumble)
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today’s graduation ceremony, thank you for attending. (audience claps)