Photo By 1st Lt. Joe Kyle Thomas | Sgt. Maj. Robert G. VanOostrom presents Cpl. Nicole Dickinson, ammunition technician,...... read more read more
ALBANY, Ga. — Marines stationed at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany received an opportunity to say farewell to Marine Corps Installations East Sgt. Maj. Robert G. VanOostrom, here, March 13.
The visit was a part of VanOostrom’s final tour as he prepares to leave his current post to assume the II Marine Expeditionary Force’s sergeant major billet.
“The purpose of my trip is to say thank you,” VanOostrom said. “We (MCIEAST) recognize the responsibility you all have in serving a very large tenant, such as Marine Corps Logistics Command, especially as it looks to refit gear as it comes back from Afghanistan and re-issue it to the rest of the Marine Corps.”
VanOostrom has served as MCIEAST’s sergeant major for three years.
“Once you’re promoted to sergeant major you can’t go any higher,” VanOostrom said, who has been in the Corps for 26 years. “Because of this sergeants major typically seek certain billets and I’ve been fortunate enough to have that opportunity.”
During his visit, the sergeant major spoke to MCLB Albany’s staff non-commissioned officers at the Town and Country Restaurant and then to the command’s non-commissioned officers and junior Marines at the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters.
He also congratulated Cpl. Nicole Dickinson, ammunition technician, Logistics Support Division, MCLB Albany, on her meritorious promotion to corporal.
“Sergeant Major VanOostrom had a Marine contact me and pulled me out of an inspection so he could congratulate and present a coin to me,” Dickinson said. “It really shows he cares for his Marines. I was honored he made it a point to do so.”
The sergeant major also took the opportunity to shed light on how competitive the Marine Corps is becoming and how Marines, like Dickinson, should dedicate themselves if they wish to stay.
“It was great to hear how her NCOs prepared her for the meritorious board,” VanOostrom said. “The institution decided to invest in Corporal Dickinson, and that’s what it is, an investment. Those who work hard and demonstrate they want to stay will have a place in the Marine Corps. You should always strive to make yourself better. No one should stay static.”
VanOostrom also answered questions from the Marines, ranging from promotion opportunities to the future of the Marine Corps, especially in regards to overseas deployments.
“The Marine Corps is doing a lot of great things with respect to day-to-day operations,” VanOostrom said. “So it is important, despite the sensitive issues you may see in the news, that you know we’re getting it right.”
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.15.2012 12:03 |
| Story ID: | 85287 |
| Location: | ALBANY, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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