II Marine Expeditionary Force embraces new Sergeant Major

Photo By Sgt. Kaitlyn Klein | Sergeant Maj. Bryan Zickefoose, the incoming sergeant major of II Marine Expeditionary Force, addresses the crowd during a relief and appointment ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 23, 2014. Zickefoose previously served as the sergeant major of 2nd Marine Division, II MEF.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

09.23.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Kaitlyn Klein 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Two accomplished sergeants major came together at a relief and appointment ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, exchanging the time-honored billet of sergeant major of II Marine Expeditionary Force today.

Sergeant Maj. Robert VanOostrom, who has served as sergeant major of II MEF since March 2012, handed over the Sword of Office to Sgt. Maj. Bryan Zickefoose.

“He set me up for success,” said Zickefoose. “This is a great day for me. I’m proud of it … Those young Marines you see out there today, those are the Marines making things happen on the battlefield.”

Zickefoose said he looks forward to putting together his team, and thanked VanOostrom for everything he has done while with the command.

VanOostrom received the Legion of Merit for his exceptionally meritorious conduct as the sergeant major of II MEF. The award citation credited him for his mentorship, sound counsel and ability to work in collaboration with the higher, adjacent and supporting commands, which contributed immensely to the high morale and outstanding performance of more than 52,000 Marines and sailors during his tenure.

“Sergeant Maj. VanOostrom and I have only had about nine weeks together,” said Maj. Gen. William D. Beydler, commanding general of II MEF. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me in the past nine weeks.”

While VanOostrom’s list of accomplishments with II MEF is expansive, his genuine appreciation for all service members under his charge remained a personal highlight for him.

“For those whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with, thank you all very much,” said VanOostrom. “It has been a great ride.”

Zickefoose, who recently left the position of sergeant major of 2nd Marine Division, II MEF, also thanked the many leaders who helped lay the foundation of the office he now holds.

“I’m looking forward to the next couple of years,” he added. “We’re going to drive through this.”

• Date Taken: 09.23.2014
• Date Posted: 09.23.2014 18:05
• Story ID: 143065
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US