Florence man selected as next color sergeant of the Marine Corps

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

01.06.2012

Story by Cpl. Austin Hazard 

Marine Barracks Washington

WASHINGTON - A Florence-native was selected to be the new color sergeant of the Marine Corps at Marine Barracks Washington Jan. 6.

Sgt. Timothy Spreder, 25, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 and served as the color sergeant for Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., before the selection.

The color sergeant carries the national ensign, flanked by the Corps’ organizational color bearer and two riflemen. Together, these four Marines form the color guard. Every base has its own color guard, but the element at the Barracks is the official Marine Corps Color Guard, representing the Corps on a larger scale. This color guard performs at professional sporting events, formal government ceremonies and for thousands of spectators every year.

“It’s a great honor to be selected, and the fact that Sgt. Spreder was even considered for the position is indicative of his character and his service to the Marine Corps,” said Col. Paul D. Montanus, Barracks commanding officer.

The candidates arrived at the Barracks Jan. 2 and practiced the Barracks’ unique style of drill for three days before auditioning for the spot. Montanus announced Spreder as the next color sergeant of the Marine Corps Jan. 6 and personally congratulated him for the accomplishment.

“I’ve been a color sergeant before, but the drill is a lot different here,” said the 2003 graduate of Simon Kenton High School. “It was challenging to learn the new style in the three days before trying out.”

Not only does the color sergeant of the Marine Corps bear the nation’s flag, but he is also the highest billeted sergeant in the Corps.

“It’s exciting and a little overwhelming,” said Spreder. “I’ve done color guard performances at community events before, but never at the scale that this color guard does. I look forward to the experience.”

Aside from carrying the national ensign, the color sergeant is also responsible for the maintenance and appearance of the colors and for the other color guard Marines.

With nearly eight years under his belt, Spreder said he plans to serve a full 20 years in the Marine Corps.

Spreder’s awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

The Marine Corps Color Guard supports more than 30 parades at the Barracks and hundreds of ceremonies and functions, to include funerals and sporting events across the country and globe, every year.

• Date Taken: 01.06.2012
• Date Posted: 01.11.2012 08:43
• Story ID: 82261
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US