Photo By Cpl. Shandra Dyess | Sgt. Maj. Michael Diggs salutes Col. Michael Orr during his releif and appointment...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - “I am bound by duty to God, Country, and my fellow Marines to execute the demands of my position to and beyond what I believe to be the limits of my capabilities.”
The words of the Staff Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO) Creed resonate in Master Sgt. Shawn D. Johnson, former operations chief for Marine Corps Air Station New River. Johnson retired Oct. 18 in a ceremony outside of the SNCO Club.
Johnson is the embodiment of the SNCO, said Lt. Col. Parrish Boulware, station operations officer.
“He will, at a moment’s notice, drop everything entirely to mentor a Marine,” added Boulware.
Johnson’s career has led him across the Corps as an aviation operations specialist.
He has been stationed in California, Japan and Virginia, serving in billets such as the White House liaison chief, in charge of coordinating and participating in presidential travel. He has deployed to Thailand, the Philippines and Afghanistan.
His awards include the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Presidential Unit Citation, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, which he received the third award of during the ceremony.
In spite of all of the personal awards and decorations, Johnson attributes his success to the Marines who have served with him and his family.
“When I look back at everything I have done, I picture the Marines who have stood behind me,” said Johnson.
Johnson sent out an email to the Marines aboard the air station before his retirement in an effort to impart the wisdom of his 20 years of service without delivering a long speech during the ceremony.
“As we bid each other farewell, know that I will be standing tall and proud as ever before as the color guard waves Old Glory and the Marine Corps flag in my shadows, you guys surrounding me and my family witnessing first hand for the first time the people who have been taking care of their son and now returning him back home safely,” wrote Johnson. “For this, Marines, I say ‘thank you.’”
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2013 12:24 |
| Story ID: | 115729 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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