JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - Master Sgt. Kareem K. Hill said goodbye to the Marine Corps after 20 years of service during a retirement ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, June 7, 2013.
Marines and sailors with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit held the ceremony for Hill, a strategic mobility chief and the unit’s logistics chief since September 2008.
While with the MEU, he participated in two pre-deployment training programs, multiple special Marine Air-Ground Task Force assignments, and two deployments.
He used his logistical proficiency during Operation Unified Response in Haiti and various bilateral exercises and operations across three geographic combatant commands and more than 15 foreign nations.
According to Hill, serving with the 24th MEU has been the highlight of his career.
“It has been the most challenging and educational job where I’ve had the most freedom to run my section as I see fit,” he explained.
During the ceremony, Hill was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and received several letters of appreciation.
After 20 years of service, including nine sea-service deployments, Hill had these parting words for his fellow Marines.
“Take care of the Marines in your charge, take care of the Marines to the left and right and most importantly, take care of yourselves both physically and emotionally,” he said.
Hill is from Jackson, Miss., and joined the Marine Corps in 1993. His plans for retirement include finding employment in the civilian sector, spending time with his family, and learning to play the accordion.