Congratulations to the new Marines of India Company!
Transcript
[Announcer] A full-blooded English Bulldog, born in Barbara, California on July 9th, 2018. He is named in honor of Sergeant Johnny R. Manuelito, Sr., one of the original 29 Navajo code talkers who trained in the first all Navajo platoon here at the Depot in 1942. Sergeant Manuelito help create the code that the Navajo developed at Camp Elliott, now Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. He became an instructor, teaching other Navajo marines the Navajo Code. Later, Sergeant Manuelito participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima where a marine signals officer stated, “Had it not been for the code talkers, We would’ve never taken Iwo Jima.” Lance Corporal Manny continues the tradition of a long line of mascots at MCRD San Diego, dating back to 1939 when Major General Smedley Butler introduced James Jolly Plumb Dog as our first mascot here at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. He’s being escorted by the Office of Communications Lance Corporal Grace J. Kindred. (applause)
Staff, fall in. Halt. Step right.
[Announcer] Spiritual development plays an important part in the making of a United States Marine. Lieutenant Brian J McKreeder, chaplain for United States Navy, will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise.
Let us pray. Gracious one, we are grateful that you will never leave us or forsake us. And for the strength your presence provides to us. For it was you who told us when you go out against your enemies, do not be afraid for, I am with you. We are thankful today for these new Marines, for their perseverance. Fear not new Marines for you are part of the finest fighting force on Earth, forged in fire, surrounded by the most capable warriors, and accompanied always by a Holy presence. We are thankful today for families and friends, for their love and support. Fear not families and friends of these new Marines, for your freedoms and your lives are forever protected by these brave men. First to fight, most ready, when the nation is least ready. We are thankful today for the drill instructors for their leadership, discipline, and sacrifice. We’re thankful that they instilled in these young men honor, courage and commitment. Values that forever make woven into the fabric of evert Marine. You prepared these men to be guardians of this great nation. Fear not drill instructors, for you made Marines. Fear not great nation of ours, for your protection lies in good hands. We fear not, for we know, O Great One, that you go with us, always. Amen.
[Announcer] Thank you. Please be seated. Officially formed in 1921, Marine Band San Diego has thrilled countless millions throughout the world with it’s inspiring renditions of traditional and contemporary music. Each member of the band has completed recruit training, maintained 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 2 Alex Panos, band officer and Master Sergeant Robert Marroqu√≠n, band master. The band is lead along (indistinct) Staff Sergeant Brian Reed, drum major, and it’s under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Alex Panos. The commanding general Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, welcomes you to what is an historic event in the life of a Marine, their graduation from 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 male applicants in the Marine Corps each year. The Depot is also a home to recruiter school and drill instructor school. All our efforts here are geared towards one end, producing America’s finest fighting force, the United States Marines. This morning, Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment will form and march in the parade. Following the pass and review, the graduated Marines will return, front and center of the reviewing stand for final dismissal. The staff for today’s parade is comprised of Marines from a recruit trained regiment The commander of troops is gunnery Sergeant Albert J. Ross, Company First Sergeant, Company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. The parade Adjutant is Staff Sergeant Travis W. Page, drill instructor, company I, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.
[Commander] Attention! (fanfare)
The marching units are now being called to attention. At the Adjutant’s command, Sal Adjutant’s call will begin today’s parade.
[Commander] Sal Adjutant’s call (marching band begin playing)
[Adjutant] Forward. Hut.
[Announcer] Marching in today’s parade are 359 of the graduating Marines from Company I. Recruit training’s comprised of subjects required to produce basic Marines, who function effectively in garrison, are trained in rudimentary individual field and combat skills, and practice the 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, instant and willing obedience to orders, and the self reliance to maintain or improve those traits which exemplify a Marine. (marching band plays) Military pairing. Consistently demonstrating military presence and personal awareness, as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. (marching band continues) Esprit de corps. Acquiring the common spirit of the the Marine Corps that inspires enthusiasm, devotion, pride, initiative, teamwork, aggressiveness, determination, moral courage, integrity, camaraderie, and the burning desire to work with and for others towards excellence in common goals. (marching band continues) For 244 years, Marines have fought and won whenever and wherever 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 battlefields change and capabilities evolve, history proves true that victory comes from the individual Marine with steel resolve, the drive to overcome any obstacle and the warrior spirit to fight on against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness, semper fidelis, to Corps, country, and each other that are balanced throughout our storied legacy. (marching band continues) Marines today remain in combat or are deployed throughout the world, confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty, and faithfulness. They all resolve to be most ready when the nation is least ready. To defend freedom, anytime and anywhere. To stand ready to aid those devastated by natural disasters. To pay tribute to those who have forged our proud legacy and to honor the families and loved ones, who faithfully stand beside us. For the Marines of company I, today marks the end of a 14 week recruit trading cycle. They have marched countless miles at Camp Pendleton, and on this parade day, and have been trained, as are all Marines, as a basic riflemen. In addition, due to an intensive physical training program, their strength and endurance have doubled since their arrival aboard the Recruit Depot. They are Marines, qualified to take their place in the ranks of the world’s finest fighting organization. (military band continues)
[Commander] Atten-hut. Turn right. Color, color.
[Announcer] The next portion of the ceremony will be the presentation on the colors. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and remain standing for the playing of our national anthem. (“You’re a Grand Old Flag”)
[Commander] Present! Hut! Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem. (“The Star-Spangled Banner”) Thank you, please be seated. (indistinct commands) (marching band plays) (applause) (marching band continues) (applause) (indistinct orders) The parade adjutant now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. (indistinct orders)
[Soldier] Sir, all present. All present. Sir, all present.
[Commander] Attention soldiers. (indistinct) Atten-hut. (marching band plays)
[Announcer] At the command, officers center march. All unit commanders and guidon bearers, march to the front center of the formation. Historically, it was at this point, that the commanding officers would issue orders and instructions to the unit commanders. Following this, the unit leaders would face about, return to their units, and pass the information along to their Marines. (marching band continues) (indistinct commands) (marching band continues)
[Commander] Stop! (indistinct commands) (marching bad continues) (indistinct commands) (indistinct commands)
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony P. Bariletti.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, friends, family and distinguished guests. On behalf of the commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, Brigadier General Heritage and the commanding officer of Recruit Training Regiment Colonel Palma, it is my privilege to welcome you, both physically and virtually to the graduation ceremony for Company I. It’s also my privilege to welcome today’s parade viewing officer, First Sergeant Kieso, whose impressive bio you’ll hear shortly. First Sergeant, it’s an absolute honor to have you here today. (applause) Now, excuse me, a moment while I address our new marines just one last time. Good morning Marines.
[Marines] Good morning, sir. Oorah.
That was pure pride. Pride in yourselves and pride in the title that you have earned, and you should be proud because amongst you are some of the finest that this nation has to offer. See, when you arrived here, you were young and fit, 19 years of age on average and already in better shape than most of your peers. 95% of you are high school graduates, and four already have your college degrees. Further, you demonstrate the courage and commitment that few of your peers can muster. When you raised your right hand, and took that solemn oath to support and defend the constitution of the United States. And you come from every corner of the globe. In this case, from 10 different countries with some coming from as far as South Korea and the Ukraine. While others, as close as right here in San Diego. But it was the pursuit of one goal that brought the 358 of you together. And that goal was to earn the title Marine. Three months ago, you began our nation’s most difficult entry level training, when you arrived on your buses and stepped onto those historic yellow footprints. And over the course of the next 12 grueling weeks, your drill instructor forged into a cohesive team of smartly disciplined, physically fit Marines. Honing your minds and your bodies, until you proved yourselves capable of marching long distances over mountainous terrain, carrying heavy loads on your back with little food or sleep. To always be where you are needed, when you needed to be there to accomplish the mission. And beginning the mindset of being the most ready when our nation is least ready. Throughout your time here, you were undoubtedly tested, trained, and evaluated in the attributes that make our Marine Corps unique, and then we changed your minds and your bodies and developed within each of you, a physical and mental toughness that will never quit or give up, despite the odds. We indoctrinated you into our core values of honor, courage and commitment, building Marines of exemplary character in peace or at war. And we trained you in battlefield tested war fighting techniques. So that when America calls, our Marine Corps will always win. And thanks to highly skilled marksmanship instructors, at Western Training Battalion Camp Pendelton, when you arrive at your objective, you are capable of delivering precision live fire against pinpoint targets at a staggering distance of 500 yards. Finally, we built small unit leaders out of each of you and tested your ability to decide, act, and communicate with a bias for intelligent action, because that is what the future operating environment demands. So now having completed the longest, the toughest, and certainly the most demanding entry level training in the world, you now stand ready to carry on the legacy of our Corps as our nation’s naval expeditionary force and readiness, prepared to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Now, when you first arrived here and we offered you the challenge of becoming a Marine, I know the last thing on your mind was graduation. You were probably thinking, what the heck have I got myself into? And how do I get them to stop yelling at me? Well, you had a lot to learn. You had many miles to run and many challenges to overcome, but you did it and we’re proud of you. But you should be proud of yourselves, because few can even attempt what you’ve accomplished. And when you eventually get home, people will notice the difference. Your friends will look up to you, and when they ask you how you did it, because they will, make sure you introduce them to your recruiter. Your drill instructors cannot wait to meet your friends, but you must always remember that with this new title comes new responsibility. The key strength of our Marine Corps is not found in our weapons or equipment, but in the strength, character, and war fighting spirit of the individual Marine. That’s what matters most in combat. And that’s what sets us apart. So remember that and hold onto it, because the legacy of our Corps, not only first to fight, but to always win our nation’s battles, belongs to you now, for safe keeping. Because the world is a dangerous and chaotic place. And that’s why we have you. So always remember that that Eagle, Globe, and Anchor we place in your hands on top of the Reaper, represents 244 years of Marines that have come before us. And you must always endeavor to be worthy of that legacy and protect what you’ve earned. So on behalf of the officers, the drilling sergeants, and support personnel of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, it’s my privilege to be the first to wish you fair winds and following seas, Semper Fidelis Marines, and welcome to the Corps. (applause) Now taking his position in the review area is today’s parade reviewing officer, First Sergeant Jared D. Kieso. He is accompanied by First Sergeant Eric D. Ramirez, battalion sergeant major 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment.
[Commander] Regiment, atten-hut. Present-hut. (indistinct commands)
First Sergeant Kieso enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2000 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion, he attended Marine combat training at Camp Geiger and then attended landing support specialist school in Camp Johnson, North Carolina. There, he received the military occupational specialty, 0481, Landing Support Specialist. First Sergeant Kieso has served in a variety of challenging billings in numerous commands to include serving as drill instructor, senior drill instructor, and chief drill instructor 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Logistics chief for 8th Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, Marine Aircraft wing Okinawa, Japan. Ammunitions Company First Sergeant and Supply Company First Sergeant at 3rd Support Battalion Combat Logistics Regiment 35. In June 2018, First Sergeant Kieso was assigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where he is currently serving as a company first Sergeant for service company headquarters and service battalion. First Sergeant Kieso’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, First Sergeant Kieso.
[Kieso] Mark Commander review.
[Soldier] Yes, sir. Attention, review. (marching band drummer plays) Forward. Hut. (marching band plays)
More than a million Marines have been trained here in the past 99 years and have departed San Diego for combat in conflicts around the world, including places whose names are immediately associated with Marine courage and dedication. Names such as, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Yuuzhan, Ichon, Chosin Reservoir, Kaesong, Hue City, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia,, Fallujah, Iraq, Morzo, Afghanistan, and our most current operations worldwide. This parade, then, is rich in history and traditions and no marine trained here ever forgets it’s sights and sounds. Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander of Troops, Gunnery Sergeant Albert J. Ross, accompanying First Sergeant of the Battalion. (applause) Ladies and gentlemen, as the national flag passes directly in front of you, please rise. Once it passes, you may be seated. Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. (applause) (marching band continues) (indistinct) (applause) (marching band continues) Platoon 3202, Senior Drill Instructor, Gunnery Sergeant, Peter J. Columbus. (applause) Platoon 3203, senior drill instructor, Staff Sergeant, Zachary A. Clevos. (applause) The Regimental Color Guard is lead by Regimental Color Sergeant and Drill Instructor, Sergeant Patrick Cassey. Series 3205, Series Chief Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Ryan Forager. Platoon 3205, Senior Drill Instructor, Sergeant Devin A. Deval. (applause) (marching band continues) Platoon 3206, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sargent, Rodrigo Roblo. Also, from Platoon 3206, is a company high shooter, Private Alexis M. Padilla. Platoon 3207, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Kevin J. Earle. Also from, Platoon 3207 is the most physically fit Marine, Private First Class Juan A. Tohoro. The Marine’s Hymn has a history dating 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’s Hymn. Will the guests please rise. (“Anchors Aweigh”) (“The Marine’s Hymn”) Thank you. Please be seated. The Marine Corps’ uniqueness and strength as an elite fighting force is directly attributable to the magnificent efforts of the drill instructors and company officers who train and supervise the recruits. The distinct qualities of spirit and discipline, the heart and soul of every Marine have been developed, nurtured, and ingrained in recruits through their 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 America’s finest young men and women with the basic knowledge and skills to function in a profession characterized by it’s own set of high values and soft standards. The most important thing we do in the Marine Corps is make Marines. The individual Marine is the core. This is what we do here. For the Marines graduating today, the long arduous journey of the last 14 weeks, is but a small step into the future of the Marine Corps. As they prepare to fill the ranks of our Corps, they do so with unquestionable support for the high ideals and standards of the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. Although Company I prepares for their final dismissal from boot camp today, their initial training is not over. Soon after graduation, they will report to the School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, California where they will continue to be trained to serve as an effective member of a Marine Rifle Squad. The intense, initial training that every marine undergoes is designed to instill the fundamental premise that every Marine is a rifleman. Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we would 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 Jared McAdams. The company First Sergeant is Gunnery Sergeant Albert J. Ross. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of Company I. (applause) The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring the guidons.
[Commander] Atten-hut. (marching band plays)
[Announcer] The guidons have been carried by platoons throughout recruit training, and are being retired to symbolize the disbanding of platoons. All similar units in the Marine Corps carry such guidons, which identify the units and are a source of pride to each individual member. The honor of carrying these guidons is bestowed upon those Marines who displayed outstanding leadership qualities, motivation, and character and were selected as the platoon honor graduates.
[Commander] Present, Guidon. Order, Guidon.
[Announcer] The guidons will now be returned to the drill instructors. (marching band plays) (indistinct commands) (applause) (marching band continues)
[Announcer] The honor graduate for Platoon 3201 is Private First Class, Matthew F. Brooks from Phoenix, Arizona. The honor graduate for Platoon 3202, and also the series honor graduate is, Private First Class, Ian D. Campbell from Farmersville, Texas. The honor graduate for Platoon 3203 is Private First Class Daniel O. Guignol from Hollywood, California. The honor graduate for Platoon 3205 is Private First Class Dylan J. Juniper from Dana Point, California. The honor graduate for Platoon 3206, and also the company honor graduate is, Lance Corporal Samuel C. Cole from St. Peters, Missouri. Lance Corporal Cole is also the recipient of the Chesty Puller Award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. The honor graduate for Platoon 3207 is Private First Class Juan A. Daharo from Hemet, California. Ladies and gentlemen, the honor men of Company I. (applause)
[Commander] Ho, Hut. Company first order. Detail halt.
The company First Sergeant will now give the command to the senior drill instructors to dismiss their platoons. Needless to say, this will be the most welcome command they ever see throughout recruit training.
[Commander] Drill instructors! Dismiss your platoon! (indistinct) (indistinct)
[Marine Recruits] Oorah!
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today’s ceremony.