8th Marine Regiment welcomes new sergeant major

Courtesy Photo | Sergeant Maj. George O. Rabidou III, the outgoing Sgt. Maj. for 8th Marine Regiment, Sgt. Maj. Steven L. Lunsford, the oncoming Sgt. Maj. for 8th Marine Regiment, and Col. Kenneth M. DeTreux, the commanding officer for 8th Marine Regiment, salute the colors during a post and relief ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. Oct. 9, 2014. Lunsford assumed responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. George O. Rabidou III after serving as the detachment sergeant major for Marine Corps Detachment Fort Lee, Va., May 2010 to Oct. 2014.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

10.09.2014

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Sergeant Maj. Steven L. Lunsford assumed his post as senior enlisted advisor of 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, from Sgt. Maj. George O. Rabidou III during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 9.

Rabidou, who served as sergeant major of 8th Marines since March 2013, handed over the sword of office to Lunsford, symbolizing the transition of responsibility.

“You’re getting a great regiment and I wish you the best of luck,” said Rabidou to Lunsford during the ceremony. “You’ve got some great Marines and sailors out there that need leadership.”

Lunsford said he looks forward to working with the Marines and sailors of 8th Marines and plans to maintain the same high standards of his predecessor.

Rabidou received the Legion of Merit for his leadership as the sergeant major of 8th Marines. The award citation credited him for his mentorship, sound counsel and ability to work in collaboration with supporting and adjacent commands, which contributed to the morale and outstanding performance of the Marines and sailors under his charge.

Rabidou’s list of accomplishments with 8th Marines is extensive, but he expressed his appreciation for the service members he led as his personal highlight above all else.

“I thank you [8th Marines service members] as your sergeant major from the bottom of my heart,” said Rabidou. “It has been an honor and pleasure to serve as your sergeant major.”

Lunsford, who recently left the position of sergeant major of Marine Detachment Fort Lee in Virginia, thanked Rabidou and many others who helped lay the foundation of the office he now holds.
“I couldn’t be happier. There’s no place I’d rather be than right here, right now,” said Lunsford. “I am excited, and I am honored to serve as the sergeant major of 8th Marine Regiment.”

• Date Taken: 10.09.2014
• Date Posted: 10.10.2014 11:28
• Story ID: 144858
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US