RALEIGH, N.C. — Major Brandon J. Gorman recently assumed command of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Raleigh before a formation of Marines assembled near the North Carolina State University Bell Tower in Raleigh, N.C.
The responsibilities of commanding officer were passed from Maj. Jennifer A. Nash during a change of command ceremony after 36 months with RS Raleigh.
“Personally and professionally, these three years have been the best of my life,” said Nash as she thanked the distinguished guests and Marines. “Throughout every day, you get to work with great Marines. It’s amazing, because our country has been at war for over a decade and there is not a shortage of young men and women who want to serve. It’s a great honor to have seen that from this perspective.”
Nash was awarded a meritorious service medal for her service as commanding officer of RS Raleigh from June 7, 2009 to June 20, 2012. She was cited for her strong leadership and intuitive problem solving that lead to a dramatic increase of performance by RS Raleigh. RS Raleigh received the Superior Achievement Award for the years 2010 and 2011.
The change of command ceremony is steeped in tradition. It involves a formation of troops and the passing of colors from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. The passing of colors symbolizes the acceptance, by the new commanding officer, of the responsibilities and duties of his position.
Gorman addressed Nash during the ceremony.
“Jen, you’ve been a great friend, you’ve been a mentor and teacher for me,” said Gorman. “I’m sure, by the things I’ve seen and by talking with your Marines, that the things you’ve done over the past three years have established a bedrock. Thank you for your time, and your friendship.”
Gorman’s illustrious career has led him from a vehicle commander as an enlisted infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, in Iraq, to the company commander of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, in Afghanistan and a more recent deployment with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Gorman will now lead 69 recruiters and staff non-commissioned officers in charge, 5 officers, 15 support personnel, and 2 civilians, in the annual task of enlisting over 800 future Marines and over 80 officer candidates, for the next three years.
“Marines, you’re the guys who make it happen, you’re the guys who make mission,” said Gorman. “I am honored, to be up here as your commanding officer.”