Lejeune Marines bid farewell to ‘Seven for One’ battalion

Photo By Sgt. Marco Mancha | Spectators take photos in front artillery pieces after a deactivation ceremony for 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment April 26. From the battalion’s birth in 1943 in the midst of World War II to the wars of today in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Marines and sailors, both past and present, have stood ready and maintained a strong sense of duty throughout.  

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

05.06.2013

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Marines and sailors with 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, bid their final farewell during a deactivation ceremony at W.P.T. Hill Field April 26.

The hundreds of guests in attendance marveled at the military precision of the Marines and sailors in formation. Several military vehicles were staged behind the formation and three M777A2 Howitzers were centered on the parade deck.

The howitzer, a massive and powerful cannon, is a distinct symbol of the illustrious history of 3/10. From the battalion’s birth in 1943 during World War II to the wars of today in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Marines and sailors, both past and present, have stood ready and maintained a strong sense of duty throughout.
It is in remembering this devotion that Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Todd E. Perry expressed his appreciation for the pride and commitment each Marine and sailor showed while serving with the unit.

“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. The Marines don’t have that problem,” stated Spring, Texas native Perry, quoting former President Ronald Reagan. “The Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines, have embodied that quote, and I’m here to be a testament of over 70 years honorable and faithful service to our country and Corps, they have made a difference in our world.”

Perry then asked the audience to join him in a standing ovation for the service members standing behind him in the massive formation. The crowd rose to their feet with enthusiasm.

“I am honored to be the last senior enlisted advisor of this battalion,” said Sgt. Maj. Richard Estrada of Beeville, Texas. “The Marines performed admirably throughout my time here.”
Estrada, the sergeant major for the battalion, aided in the conclusion of the ceremony by casing the battalion colors for the last time.

The battalion gave 70 years of service to the U.S. and the Marine Corps. They served through multiple campaigns and operations spanning the Pacific during World War II, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Even with the deactivation, the artillery unit will forever live on in the hearts and minds of all the cannoneers who served in the “Seven for One” battalion.

• Date Taken: 05.06.2013
• Date Posted: 05.06.2013 12:25
• Story ID: 106412
• Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US
• Hometown: BEEVILLE, TX, US
• Hometown: SPRING, TX, US