Photo By Cpl. Jody Lee Smith | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paul G. McKenna prepares to pass the Non-Commissioned...... read more read more
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A bright sun shined upon Sgt. Maj. Justin D. LeHew as he accepted
a noncommissioned officer’s sword appointing him as the new sergeant major of 3rd Marine Regiment, replacing Sgt. Maj. Paul G. McKenna in a ceremony at Dewey Square May 13.
More than 100 members of the 3rd Marine Regiment, family, friends and distinguished guests attended the relief and appointment ceremony, complete with the regimental color guards, a formation of hundreds of Marines with rifles, and a performance by the U.S.
Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band.
McKenna, of Trenton, N.J., has served 3rd Marine Regiment as sergeant major since October 2008. He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal at the ceremony for his outstanding efforts at the regiment, including “dramatic progress in tackling systemic problems and challenges like drug and substance abuse, treatment of post-traumatic stress issues, and cohesion of new joins with combat veterans,” according to his award citation.
“He’s a mentor to me and I’ve learned a great deal in the short time we’ve been together,” said Sgt. Maj. Andrew Cece, sergeant major of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. “He has truly brought the battalions and the regiment together, and we work together as a team. I look forward to working with him again in the future.”
Col. James Bierman, who was McKenna’s commanding officer at the regiment, recognized McKenna for his discipline and high standards, and emphasized that he has been the driving force behind, “every success in garrison and combat.”
“What has truly impressed me about Sgt. Maj. McKenna is the way he has balanced tough, no-nonsense, exacting leadership with a true love, compassion and high regard for the young Marines of this regiment,” Bierman said.
Lt. Col. Seth Yost, the new commanding officer of 3rd Marines,
described McKenna as “the epitome of an engaged leader,” who is candid about his opinion and is passionate about the Marine Corps, being a Marine, doing the right thing and training Marines for combat operations.
LeHew, of Lima, Ohio, was battalion sergeant major of Assault Amphibian School Battalion, located at Camp Pendleton, Calif., prior to his new assignment. LeHew’s career includes deployments to Okinawa, South America, and in support of Operation Desert Storm.
LeHew is a the recipient of the Navy Cross for his herioc actions in Iraq in 2003, and a Bronze Star Medal with a Combat V for his efforts in the Battle of Najaf.
“Sgt. Maj. LeHew, you come with a tremendous reputation that precedes you,” Yost said to LeHew at the ceremony. “Your combat record is truly something to take a look at and you’re going to set the example for all these Marines out here. We’re glad to have you onboard. We’re lucky to have you and we look forward to working with you over the next few years.”
LeHew is no stranger to the islands, having visited for training while serving with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and spending vacation time here. He requested to become the regimental sergeant major “of this fine and storied Regiment.”
One aspect LeHew touched upon during his speech at the ceremony was his dedication to the service members and their families. Having had the experience of staying home while his wife deployed to Iraq for seven months, LeHew said he knows what it’s like for the families.
“Combat is nothing compared to what our families have to endure back here as their loved ones are forward deployed,” LeHew said. “There are a few things that I am known for and none are higher than the measures I will go to ensure the safety and well being of the Marines, sailors and their families in my charge. They mean the world to me as much as they mean everything to our great nation. People make the organization what it is and personal relations make a difference.”
McKenna will soon take over as the sergeant major of Training and
Education Command in Quantico, Va. He said he will miss the “ohana spirit” he experienced while in Hawaii, and leaves “with a heavy heart,” because for him, the job as sergeant major of a regiment is never done.
Rather than reflect on his own accomplishments, McKenna said the regiment’s proudest accomplishment was being able to support combat operations in Afghanistan and thanked all of the Marines for their efforts.
Michela McKenna was also recognized during the ceremony for her efforts aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, including helping coordinate the regiment’s Marine Corps birthday ball aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial last year.
“Paul and I have truly enjoyed our time at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay,” said McKenna’s wife, Michela. “The island holds a special place in our hearts and it will be difficult to leave, but what we will miss most are the Marines, sailors and families of 3rd Marine Regiment. A hui hou!”
| Date Taken: | 05.20.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2011 17:19 |
| Story ID: | 70789 |
| Location: | KANEOHE, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 1,378 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
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