Congratulations to the new Marines of Golf Company! December 18, 2020
Transcript
(indistinct chattering) [Announcer] Lance Corporal Manny, is a two year old, full-blooded English Bulldog, born in Auburn, 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 aboard the Depot in 1942. Sergeant Manuelito helped 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.
[Instructor] Staff! Fall in. (matching footsteps amidst jet engine roaring) Staff, halt. Staff, center face. [Announcer] Spiritual development, plays an important part in the making of a United States Marine. Lieutenant Commander, Robert K. Kinner, chaplain for United States Navy, will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise.
[Lt. Robert] Okay. Let us pray. Heavenly Father we’re gathered, a beautiful morning here in MCRD, to be part of the graduation of Golfs Company. Lord as you know, over three months ago, these young men, that everybody knew, they left everybody in awe. They left their small towns, their large cities, to pursue their dreams, and answer their call, to be part of an organization that is bigger than themselves. And for this Lord, we give you many thanks, because You’ve admitted them and accepted their journey. Lord we wanna thank fathers and mothers, their fathers, their fathers’ sisters, grandmas, grandpas, and everybody back at home, that could not be here, this morning, for this celebration. We wanna thank them for their support, their love, and all their prayers. That in the future, the next time they see their young loved one, they will not let us, look unclean in their eye, the crystals of their uniform, their pride in their walk, because Lord these are our youngest warriors Lord, these, our future Leaders. And yes Lord, these young men, may now be called, the United States of America, and for this, we give you many thanks. Semper Fidelis to you Lord, Semper Fidelis to everybody back at home, but especially, Semper Fidelis, to the Corps. We ask this in your Holy name. Amen. [Announcer] Thank you. Please be seated. Officially formed in 1921, Marine Band San Diego, has thrilled countless millions throughout the world, with its 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 Marroquin, Band Master. The day to band is another match spot, Gunnery Sergeant James Stemseed, Drum Major, and it’s under the direction of Staff Sergeant, Ryan Reek. 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 G, 2nd 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 the Recruit Training Regiment. The commander of troops is Captain Evin S. Niece, Company Commander, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. The parade adjutant is Captain Joshua J. Mozallin, Company Executive Officer, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. [Commander] Troop, attention! (fanfare) (jet engine roaring)
[Announcer] The marching units, are now being called to attention. At the Adjutant’s command, Sal Adjutant’s call, will begin today’s parade. (jet engine roaring) [Commander] Sal Adjutant’s call. (marching band begin playing) [Adjutant] Forward. Hut. [Announcer] Marching in today’s parade are 362, of the graduating Marines from Company G. Recruit training is 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 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 continues playing) Military bearing. Consistently demonstrating military presence, and personal awareness. As well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. (marching band continues) (indistinct background chattering) 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. (marching band continues) (indistinct commands) 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 are resolved 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 G, 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 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) (indistinct orders) (indistinct orders) (indistinct orders) [Announcer] 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. (jet engine roaring) (indistinct orders) (fanfare) [Commander] Present! Hut! [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem. (National anthem playing: “The Star-Spangled Banner”) (indistinct orders) Thank you, please be seated. (indistinct commands) (airplane engine roaring) (airplane engine roaring) (indistinct orders) (marching band plays) (applause) [Commander] Company! Atten-hut! Present! Hut! [Announcer] The parade adjutant now presents, the assembled command to the Commander of troops. [Commander] Order. Hut. Report.
[Marine] Marine Corps San Diego, all present, North California.
[Marine] Team 2,141 all present. Team 2,145 all present. Sir, all present over them.
[Commander] Attention troops. Order, headquarters. Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. 18 December, 2020. (indistinct) (plane engine roaring) (indistinct orders) (marching band plays) [Announcer] At the command, officers at the center march, following the 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)
[Commander] Attent-hut. Hut. (marching band continues) Officers! Forward! Match! (marching bad continues) Officers! Halt! (band continues playing) (indistinct commands) Halt! (matching band continues) (matching band stops playing)
[Commander I] Parade! Hut!
[Commander II] Staff. Parade. Face on! [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel R. Mayers. (applause)
[Col. Daniel] Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you all for being here. On behalf of the Brigadier General Heritage, the Commanding General of the Western Recruiting Region, and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot here in San Diego, as well as on behalf of Colonel Palma, the Commanding Officer of Recruit Training Regiment, it is my distinct privilege to welcome you to Golf Company’s graduation. Let me also begin by recognizing all those individuals, who will join us virtually today. Specifically, to the family and friends of these new Marines standing behind me. I want to personally thank you for all your love, support at these new Marines during the recruit training. Where they stayed vital to their success. You laid the foundation, and gave them the preparation, to overcome the many mental and physical challenges during their recruit training. And you also gave them the courage and commitment, to take those initial steps towards becoming a United States Marine. And for that, we are forever grateful. To the families, the drill instructors who are also watching no one knows more than you, the time and dedication that it takes, to transform civilians into new Marines. And so I want to thank you for your many, many sacrifices, that allows these feelings to appear before a mission, that is very critical to our national security and our Marine Corps. And I’d also like to recognize today’s parade reviewing officer, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew McConnell, who’s impressive bio you will hear shortly. But now Lieutenant Colonel McConnell, let me just say it’s an honor to have you, thank you for joining us today. (applause)
And now ladies and gentlemen I’d like to turn and address, our nation’s newest Marines, the Marines of Golf Company. (applause) Good morning Marines!
[Marines] Good morning, sir. Oorah. Like I told you before, Sergeant major and I, are extremely proud of you. Every challenge, every obstacle that we put in your way you crushed it, and you truly earned the title, of a United States Marine. When you came to us, you were fit and young already in better shape than most youth of your age. On average, you were 18 years old, 99% of you were high school graduates, and seven of you had college degrees. Furthermore, you displayed the courage and commitment, that few of your peers could master, when you raised your right hand, swore solemn oath to support, defend the constitution of the United States, and retaliate from across every State in the Western Recruiting Region, and 10 other countries across this globe. Some, coming in as far as the Philippines, Ghana and Kuwait. And when you arrived here, well that’s when steel began to sharpen steel. As these drill instructors forced you through the fierce The Crucible into a tightly cohesive group of physically fit, disciplined Marines. Owning your minds and your bodies, until you proved yourself capable of walking long distances across mountainous terrain with minimal food and sleep, while wearing heavy packs to be where you are needed, when you are needed to accomplish the mission. And when you stepped on his legendary yellow footprints, for the very first time, these zoned suffers focused on instilling discipline, our core values of honor, courage and commitment and resiliency in you until you demonstrated armoring attributes, of exemplary character, and mental and physical softness. And as you progressed in your training, you enrolled in our Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, where you earned your Tan Belt. Some of you learned how to swim for the first time, in our swimming program. And then you progressed and continued on, until you went up to, Weapons Training Battalion, where you learnt weapons handling, and shot on the rifle range, learning to deliver precision fires, on pinpoint targets, from a staggering distance four or 500 yards away. And so you fully demonstrated our war fighting skills, and ethos and culture. And then you progressed into a grueling three day exercise, where you were given ballots and required to demonstrate leadership. Initiative, where you required to decide, acts, communicate and have a bias for action. And so you fully demonstrated all of our Marine attributes at a level that we expect in every Marine. And it’s because of this, because the journey that you have made and the physical, mental and moral preparation that you have made, that through your blood, sweat, and tears you’re now proud to brag a claim the title of a United States Marine. So now having completed the longest, the hardest, and certainly the most demanding recruit training process road, you stand ready carrying on an honoring for tradition, as our nations Naval expeditionary force and readiness, and defend our great nation against all enemies. Now, as you travel away from here, I implore you to be safe, be smart, make good decisions, just like we taught you. Never forget that it will blow your neck in anger that was pressed to the palm of your hands, up on top of that reaper. Work represents over 245 years of Marine Corps tradition. You must always be worthy of legacy and protect what you have earned. And so now on behalf of the officers, the drill instructors and support personnel here at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, it is my privilege to give you a traditional Marine Corps pardon of fairing into the palm of the seats. Congratulations Marines, Semper Fidelis, and welcome to our Corps. (applause) [Announcer] Now taking his position in the reviewing area, is today’s parade reviewing officer, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew N. McMonnell. He is accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel R. Mayers, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment.
[Matthew] Battalion. Attent-hut!
[Commander] Regiment! Atten-hut! Present. Hut! (indistinct orders) (indistinct orders) Order! Hut!
[Announcer] Lieutenant Colonel McMonnell, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, in August of 1995, after graduating from recruit training at Paris Island, South Carolina, and serving with Company C 810th battalion in Tallahassee, Florida. He completed the post-unit in Leaders course, and was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in July of 1997. He went on to graduate from the basic school, in April of 1998, and the Adjunist course, at Camp Missouri, North Carolina. Lieutenant Colonel McMonnell has served in a variety of challenging villards in numerous domains to include, serving as, role of law attorney with United States forces Iraq, at the United States embassy in Baghdad. Then he did serve judge advocate with Marine Corps combat development command as senior defense counsel, with Marine Corps defense service organization, Marine Corps base Quantico, Virginia. Regional defense counsel for the national capital region, served judge advocate, for the third Marine expeditionary Brigade. In June, 2017, Lieutenant Colonel McMonnell, received orders to Marine Corps recruit Depot Paris Island, where he served as a legal service support team officer in charge. Since July of 2020, Lieutenant Colonel McMonnell, currently serves as a staff judge advocate for Marine Corps recruit Depot, San Diego, and the Western recruiting region. Lieutenant Colonel McMonnell personal decorations include, the Marine orient service medal, with three Gold Stars in lieu of fourth award. The Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, with one Gold Star in lieu of second award. And the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Lieutenant Colonel Matthew N. McMonnell. (applause)
[Commander] Sir. The Parade is formed.
[Matthew] Start the Command review.
[Commander] Aye aye sir. Attent-review! Parade! Hut! (marching band drummer plays) (indistinct chatter) Forward! Hut! (marching band plays)
[Announcer] 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, Mosul, 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. (matching band continues playing) (indistinct commands) Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander of Troops, Captain Evin S. Noose, Company Commander, and the Battalion Staff. (applause) Ladies and gentlemen, as the national flag passes directly in front of you, please rise. Once it passes, you may be seated. (marching band drowns out announcer) (applause) (marching band continues) (indistinct announcements) (applause) Platoon 1141, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant, Jeremiah E. Safrin. (applause) (matching band continues) (indistinct orders) Platoon 2142, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Daniel A. Solomon. (applause) (matching band continues) (indistinct commands) Platoon 2143, Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Marcus A. Chestnut. (applause) (matching band continues) The Regimental Color Guard, is led by Regimental Color Sargent, drill instructor, Sergeant Patrick Atson. (marching band continues) (indistinct commands) Series 2145, Series Commander Captain Andrew E. Nomalion. (indistinct commands amidst applause) Platoon 2145, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Michael K. Dopperman. Also from Platoon 2145 is the company high shooter, Private First Class McGill A. Orais, as well as the most physically fit marine, Private First Class, Luke D. Seiler. (applause) (matching band continues) Platoon 2146, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Iatz M. Khan. (applause) (matching band continues) (indistinct orders) Platoon 2147, Senior Drill Instructor, Sergeant Andrew J. Brand. (applause) (matching band continues) 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. (matching band continues) (‘The Marine’s Hymn’ plays) Thank you. Please be seated. (marching band continues playing) (indistinct commands) 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 G 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. (matching band continues) (indistinct commands) (matching band stops playing) (indistinct commands) 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 Evin S. Niece. The Company First Sergeant is First Sergeant Colonel S. Fornage. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of Company G. (applause) The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring the Guidons.
[Commander] Parade. Attent-hut! Hut! (marching band begins playing) [Announcer] The Guidons have been carried by the 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. Know, that 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. The platoon honor graduates then compete for the titles of Series in Company honor graduates. They are considered the top Marines graduating today, and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibilities in the Marine Corps. (marching band continues playing) [Commander] Present, Guidon! Order, Guidon! [Announcer] The guidons will now be returned to the drill instructors. (indistinct orders) (marching band begins playing) (indistinct commands) (marching band continues playing) (indistinct commands) (applause) (marching band continues) (matching band stops playing) [Announcer] The honor graduate for Platoon 2141, and also the series honor graduate is, Private First Class Adrian M. Bates from Las Vegas, Nevada. The honor graduate for platoon 2142 is Private First Class, Colten T. Wieczorek from Kalispell, Montana. The honor graduate for platoon 2143 is Private First Class Sebastian A. Kondracki from Twin Falls, Idaho. The honor graduate for platoon 2,145, and also the company honor graduate is, Lance Corporal Steven Graven, from Farmington, New Mexico. Lance Corporal Graven is also the recipient of the chesty puller award for outstanding meritorious performance throughout recruit training. The honor graduate for platoon 2,146 is Private First Class Raul B. Reyes from Princeton, Texas. And the honor graduate for platoon 2,147 is Private First Class Brian W. Denke, from Alexandria, Minnesota. Ladies and gentlemen, the honor men of Company G. (applause) [Commander] Ho! Hut! Company First Sergeant. (jet engine roaring)
[Commander] Dismiss your Company.
[Instructor] Aye aye, sir.
[Announcer] 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] Senior drill instructors! Dismiss your platoons! [Sr. Drill Instructors] Aye, First Staff Sergeant. (indistinct orders) [Marine Recruits] Aye aye, sir. Oorah! (marching band begins playing)
[Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the main ceremony. (marching band continues)