Congratulations to the new Marines of Kilo Company! December 30, 2020
Transcript
[Officer] Step, fall in! (marching) Step, halt. Step, center, face.
[Announcer] Spiritual devoting plays an important part in the making of the United States Marine. Lieutenant Brian James McCready, 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 thank them for instilling in these Marines honor, courage and commitment. Values that forever remain woven into the fabric of every 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, oh, 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 Marines throughout the world with its inspired 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 Foreign Officer Two, Alex Panos, Band Officer and Master Sergeant Robert Verakee, Band Master. Today the band is led on the march by Staff Sergeant Brian Reed, Drum Major, and is under the direction of Chief Foreign Officer Two 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 boot camp. Approximately (indistinct) 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 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 K, third recruit train assigned recruit train regiment will form and march in the parade. Following the pass and review, the graduating Marines will return from the center of the reviewing stand for final dismissal. The staff for today’s parade’s comprised of Marines from the recruit trained regiment. The commander of Troop Six, First Sergeant Francis Govelasquez. Company First Sergeant, Company K, Third Recruit Train Battalion. The parade adjunct is, Sergeant Alec Gordecki, Drill Instructor, Company K, Third Crew Trained Battalion. (shouting) (horn music) The marching units are now being called to attention and the adjunct’s command, sound at the adjunct’s call will begin today’s parade. (shouting) (upbeat music) Marching in today’s parade are 367 of the graduating Marines from Company K. Recruit training is comprised of subjects required to produce basic Marines who function effectively a garrison, or 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 achieving of a state of discipline, which assures respect for authority. Instilling obedience of orders and the self reliance to maintain or improve those traits which exemplify the Marine. Military bearing, consistently demonstrating military presence and personal awareness as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. Esprit du corps, acquiring the common spirit of 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. 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 that true 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 a steadfast faithfulness, semper fidelis, to Corps, country and each other, that abounds throughout our storied legacy. Marines today remain in combat, 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 of loved ones who faithfully stand beside us. For the Marines of Company K, today marks the end of the 14 week recruit training cycle. They have marched countless miles at Camp Penalty and on this Marine camp, they 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 places in the ranks of the world’s finest fighting organization. (upbeat music) 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. (shouting) (“You’re A Grand Old Flag”) (shouting) Ladies and gentlemen, our National Anthem. (“Star Spangled Banner”) Thank you, please be seated. (shouting) (marching music) (audience clapping) (shouting) The parade adjunct now presents the assembly command to the commander of troops. (indistinct) (shouting) (indistinct) (shouting)
[Marine] Sir, all present. Thank you, sir. (shouting) (upbeat music)
[Announcer] At the command, officers center march. All Union commanders and (indistinct) march to the front center of the formation. Historically, it was at this point that commanding officers would issue orders and instructions to the Union commanders. Following this, the unit leaders would face about, return to their units and pass the information along to their Marines. (shouting) (shouting) Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander from Third Recruit Training Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony P. Derlin. (audience clapping)
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, friends and family across the internet and distinguished guests. On behalf of the commanding general and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the western recruit division, Brigadier General Heritage and the commanding officer of the recruit training regiment, Colonel Palmer, it’s my privilege to welcome you both physically and virtually to the graduation ceremony for Company K. It’s also my privilege to welcome today’s parade viewing officer, First Sergeant Henson, whose impressive bio you will hear shortly. First Sergeant, it’s an absolute honor to have you here today. Now, excuse me a moment while I address our new Marines just one last time. Good morning, Marines. (shouting) 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. You see, when you arrived here you were young and fit, 18 years of age on average and already in better shape than most of your peers and we made you better. 100% of you are high school graduates and one even has his college degree. Further, you demonstrated a courage and a 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 of the globe. In this case from six different countries. We have some coming from as far as the Philippines and Vietnam, while others as close as right here in San Diego but it was the pursuit of one goal that brought the 367 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 instructors forged you into a cohesive team. Smartly disciplined, physically fit Marines. Honing your minds and your bodies until you proved yourselves capable of marching long distances over mountainous terrain carry heavy loads in your back with little food or sleep. To always be where you’re needed, when you needed to be there to accomplish the mission and be getting in the mindset of being the most strength when our nation is least threatened. Throughout your time, you were undoubtedly tested, trained and evaluated in the attributes that make our Marine Corps unique and deadly. We train your minds and bodies and developed within each of you a physical and mental toughness that will never quit or give up, despite the odds. We indoctrinate you in our core values of honor, courage and commitment. Building Marines of exemplary character in peace or at war and we train in battlefield tested war fighting techniques so that when America calls, our Marine Corps will always win. And thanks to the highly skilled marksmanship instructors, our weapons and field training battalion can’t falter. When you arrive at your objective, you are capable of delivering precision rifle fire against pinpoint targets at a staggering distance of 500 yards and 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. Cause that is what the teacher operating environment demands and 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 Cops as our nation’s Naval expeditionary force in readiness, prepared to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And 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 in the heck have I gotten myself into? How do I get them to stop yelling at me? You had a lot to learn. You had many miles to run and many challenges to overcome. But you did it and you stand here today as America’s newest Marines and we’re proud of you but you should be proud of yourselves. Because few can even attempt what you’ve accomplished. 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. ‘Cause 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 on to it. The legacy of our Corps, of 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 golden anchor that we placed in your hands on top the reaper represents 245 years of Marines that have come before us. You must always endeavor to be worthy of that legacy and protect what you’ve earned. So on behalf of the officers, the drill instructors 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 fine seas, semper fidelis, Marines and welcome to the Corps. (audience clapping)
[Announcer] Now taking his position in the refueling area, is today’s Marine reviewing officer, First Sergeant, Christopher D. Matheson, he is accompanied by First Sergeant Ricky Brodway, third crew training battalion, recruit training regiment.
[Officer] Regiment! (shouting) (shouting)
[Announcer] First Sergeant Ashley, entrance in the Marine Corps on February 2nd, 1999 and attended recruit training aboard Marine Corps Crew Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. After graduation, he attended the personal administration school in Camp LeJeune, North Carolina and came to military occupational specialty of 0551, administrative clerk. First, Sergeant Ashley has served in a variety of challenging buildings, in numerous commands to include, serving as drill instructor for Alpha and Delta Company as well as Company 1st Sergeant for the instructional training company on board Marine Corps, recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Battalion administrative chief and battalion four, first battalion, seventh Marines, 29 Palms, California. Company First Sergeant for Alpha Company. Marine Corps Communications Electronics School, 29 Palms, California. Company First Sergeant for weapons company, Third Battalion Seventh Marines, 29 Palms, California. Before he assumed his current position, First Sergeant Ashley served as Company First Sergeant for Kilo Company, Third Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. As of February, 2020, he assumed his current duties as a First Sergeant for school, drill instructor school, west, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. First Sergeant Ashley’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Accommodation Medal with combat sea and gold star in lieu of second award. The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome First Sergeant Christopher D. Ashley. (audience clapping)
[Officer] Sir, Marines forward. (indistinct) (shouting) (drumming) (shouting) (upbeat music) More than a million Marines have been trained here in the past 99 years and have departed San Diego for combat and conflicts around the world. Including places whose names are immediately associated with Marine courage and dedication. Names such as Hawaii Canal, Toroa, Iwo Jima, Kusang, Nichon, Chosen Reservoir, Caisson, Heuy City, Lebanon, Granada, Catalan, Kuwait, Somalia, Fallujah, Iraq, Porja, Afghanistan and our most current operations worldwide. This parade day is reaching history and tradition and no Marine trainee ever forgets its sights and sounds. Ladies and gentlemen, as thee national flag passes directly in front of you, please rise. Once it passes, you may be seated. (shouting) Ladies and gentlemen, the commander of troops, First Sergeant Francisco Velasquez of the sergeant and the battalion staff. (audience clapping) (indistinct) (audience clapping) Series 3,221, series drill instructor, Staff Sergeant Christian Moreno. (audience clapping) Platoon 3,221, senior drill instrtuctor, Sergeant Julius B. Debo. (audience clapping) Platoon 3,222, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Enrique Dearco. (audience clapping) (shouting) Platoon 3,223, Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeantn John A. Cortez Junior, also from Platoon 3,223, is the company high shooter, Private First Class Heung Yi Sung. (audience clapping) The regimental color guard is led by Regimental Color Sergeant Drill Instructor Sergeant Patrick Hassem. (shouting) Series 3,225, Series Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Nicholas Malone. (audience clapping) Platoon 3,225, Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Andre L. Valenz, also from Platoon 3,225 is the most physically fit Marine, Private First Class Miguel Villanuevas. (audience clapping) Honor Platoon 3,226, Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Jesse Felipe. (audience clapping) (shouting) Platoon 3,227, Senior Drill Instructor Staff Sergeant Francisco Cortez. (audience clapping) The Marines has a history dating back to 1859. It is a long standing traditions for Marines facing the direction of the music to stand at attention when it is heard, it is now directed that all Marines present and Mr. Arley sing the words of the first verse as Marine Band San Diego performs the Marine’s Hymn. Will the guests please rise? (“Anchors Aweigh”) Thank you, please be seated. (indistinct) 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 trained and supervised the recruits. The state qualities are spirit and discipline, the heart and soul of every Marine, having developed, nurtured and ingrained in recruits through their observed relationship with their drill instructors and officers. Recruit training is a very valued use 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 the profession and is characterized by (indistinct). The most important thing we do in the Marine Corps is train Marines. The individual Marine is the Corps. 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 through the high ideals and standards of the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. Although Company K 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 Relty, 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. (shouting) 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 John Harmon. The Company First Sergeant is First Sergeant Francisco Velasquez. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the company staff of Company K. (audience clapping) The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional function of retiring the gallont. (shouting) (marching music) The gaylons 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 gaylons which identify the Union and are a source of pride to each individual member. Note that the honor of carrying these gaylons is bestowed upon those Marines who display outstanding leadership qualities, motivation in character and were selected into the Platoon Honor Graduates. The Platoon Honor Graduates then compete for the titles of series and company honor graduate. They are considered the top Marines graduating today and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibilities in the Marine Corps. (shouting) The gaylons will now be returned to the drill instructors. (shouting) (upbeat music) (shouting) (audience clapping) The honor graduate for Platoon 3,221 is Private First Class Cheyenne E. McDevitt from Phelan, California. The honor graduate for Platoon 3,222 and also the series honor graduate is Private First Class Colden B. Holt from Arlington, Texas. The honor graduate for Platoon 3,223 is Private First Class Nathaniel M. Bush from Washington, Missouri. The honor graduate for Platoon 3,225 is Private First Class Wesley E. Stuber from Clovis, California. The honor graduate for Platoon 3,226 is Private First Class Leslie Anne Ethrich from Junction City, Kansas and the honor graduate for Platoon 3,227 and also the company honor graduate is Lance Corporal Wyatt E. Salris from Roland, Missouri. Lance Corporal Salris is also the recipient of the Jesse Polar Award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. Ladies and gentlemen, the honor men of Company K. (audience clapping) (shouting)
[Officer] Company First Sergeant. (shouting)
[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 have received throughout recruit training.
[Officer] Senior Drill Instructor, disband your platoo!
[All] Yes, sir! (shouting) (upbeat music) (audience clapping)