11th Marines welcome new sergeant major

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Maj. Terry Jones addresses the audience and Marines of 11th Marine Regiment for the first time as the regiment sergeant major during a post and relief ceremony at Las Pulgas, Camp Pendleton, June 10. Jones was assigned to the regiment from 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, where he deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

06.10.2011

Courtesy Story

1st Marine Division

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The 11th Marine Regiment greeted their new senior enlisted advisor in a post and relief ceremony at Las Pulgas, June 10.

The retiring sergeant major, Michael Gonzales, relinquished his post to Sgt. Maj. Terry Jones.

Jones brings with him a wealth of experience. He has served in the Marine Corps since 1984, including tours in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Iraqi Freedom, time as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and a Naval officer candidate instructor in Pensacola, Fla. He recently returned from a deployment with 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment attached to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. This is his third time serving with 11th Marines.

Frazier, commander of 11th Marines, said he is happy to welcome Jones back.

“We served together at 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, so I know exactly the kind of leadership and mentorship he brings,” Frazier said. “He is a tremendous asset coming from 1/4 with his experience on the MEU. We are extremely glad to have Sgt. Maj. Jones back at 11th Marines.”

Jones said he is looking forward to teaching the Marines and learning from them in return.

“Being assigned to 11th Marine Regiment again is an honor and a privilege,” he said. “I look forward to a great tour here and I think we’ll do well.”

After the post and relief ceremony, Gonzales was presented with the Legion of Merit Medal for his service as the sergeant major of 11th Marines. Gonzales retired from the Marine Corps after more than 30 years of service.

Frazier wished Gonzales the best of luck in his future beyond the Marine Corps.

“Sergeant Major Gonzales has been a tremendous sergeant major,” he said. “I’m sad to see him go, but I’m also extremely proud of him. He has a great career.”

Jones has previously served with Gonzales and also praised his service.

“His 31 years of service is obviously a testament to his commitment to being a Marine,” Jones said. “I have some mighty big shoes to fill.”

• Date Taken: 06.10.2011
• Date Posted: 06.17.2011 13:08
• Story ID: 72270
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US