Combat Center sergeant major retires after 26 years

Photo By Cpl. William Jackson | Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, congratulates Sgt. Maj. Matthew B. Brookshire, Combat Center Sergeant Major, before Brookshire's retirement ceremony at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field Aug. 19, 2013.  

AL, UNITED STATES

08.20.2013

Story by Cpl. William Jackson 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

Brookshire received a Legion of Merit Medal and a letter of appreciation during his retirement ceremony for his performance as the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, sergeant major since Nov. 28, 2011.
“It’s been great being a Marine,” Brookshire said. “I love everything about being a Marine and I love everything the Marine Corps stands for. It’s the greatest honor of my life.”
Brookshire relinquished command by ceremoniously passing the noncommissioned officer sword to Sgt. Maj. Karl Villalino. The passing of the sword symbolizes the transfer of the title of Combat Center Sergeant Major. The sword is a personification of Marine Corps tradition and Esprit de Corps, which Villalino will take on with his newly appointed duties.
“I’m also about the mission and today’s mission is to honor Sgt. Maj. Brookshire and Tracie,” Villalino said. “Thank you for the opportunity. I want to thank the Marines and sailors for service to their country and I look forward to visiting every section and tenant unit out here in the next couple of weeks.”
Spectators gathered, before and after the ceremony, to congratulate Brookshire on his 26 years of dedicated service. Brookshire and his wife, Tracie, will retire to Charlotte N.C., where he will continue to serve in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
“From all of us, Matt and Tracie, who are wearing the uniform and who have benefited from your unselfishness, I thank you on all of our behalf,” said Maj. Gen. David H. Berger, Combat Center Commanding General. “I’m not sure those high school students at that JROTC unit have any idea of what they are getting, but the rest of us do. They’re going to be better students and better human beings from it. From all of us, Semper Fidelis.”
Brookshire also received thank you letters from President Barack Obama, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, who came to show his support for his fellow sergeant major and longtime friend. As he finished his speech, Brookshire took a moment to speak to his wife for her years of support.
“Tracie, we were married 20 years ago,” Brookshire said. “I love you and thank you for all that you have done; you’re what made me successful. Behind every good Marine is a great woman – and I have the greatest.”

• Date Taken: 08.20.2013
• Date Posted: 08.20.2013 18:29
• Story ID: 112270
• Location: AL, US