ARLINGTON, Va. - The new Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps has strong ties to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green served as Headquarters and Service Battalion, Headquarters Marine Corps, Henderson Hall battalion sergeant major from 2008 to 2010. Sgt. Maj. Craig Cressman, the current H & S Battalion sergeant major, served with Green as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., 1990. The pair have kept in contact or crossed paths many times over the course of their careers.
“He is one of the most compassionate, dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” said Cressman. “Great leader, mentor and just holistically a Marine who is well deserving of the post.”
In the shadow of a snow-covered Marine Corps War Memorial Feb. 20, Green became the Corps’ top enlisted Marine, replacing the 17th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Micheal P. Barrett, who retired after 34 years of service. The ceremony took place at the iconic memorial per Barrett’s request.
“We are committed to our nation, to our Corps and to our families,” said Green. “That is what today is all about. It is about reaffirming our commitment.”
Cressman said Green will be both a great advocate for enlisted Marines and a solid advisor to Marine Commandant Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr.
“He has some challenges with the current status of our forces and current events,” continued Cressman. “I know he will, along with our commandant, do what is right for our Corps and the Marines under their charge. He will set the example and be the leader he always has been as long as I have known him.”
During the time-honored ceremony that featured temperatures hovering around 6 degrees, Dunford noted that only three people had to be at the ceremony, himself, Barrett and Green.
“But looking out at this crowd, there’s a couple hundred [people] here,” he said.
The post of sergeant major of the Marine Corps was established in 1957, with its holder advising the commandant on enlisted matters.
“I think out of 365 days of the year, our sergeant major of the Marine Corps spends at least two-thirds of his time away and on the road, visiting our Marines and listening to the issues affecting our Marines,” said Cressman. “From congressional testimony to advising our commandant and getting a pulse of our Marines, the SMMC has a demanding job that requires a committed leader.”
The man who recruited Barrett into the Corps, 1st Sgt. Ron Swann, attended the ceremony. Barrett recalled their first meeting in Swann’s office.
“Do you shave every day, boy,” Swann asked Barrett.
“No,” came the response.
“I’ll take care of that,” said Swann.
Presenting Swann with his last sergeant major of the Marine Corps challenge coin, Barrett thanked him for giving him the opportunity to make his dreams come true.
“I am immensely grateful to serve the country I love and to stand next to the young people who wear the cloth of the nation,” Barrett said.
Barrett, who served in the post since 2011, received the Distinguished Service Medal and certificate of appreciation from President Barack Obama. He was also presented a flag that flew over the Iwo Jima Memorial Feb. 19 – 70 years to the minute when Marines launched their assault on the island.
“You have the admiration, affection and appreciation of your fellow Marines,” Dunford told Barrett.
An official reception following the ceremony was held at the Cpl. Terry L. Smith Gymnasium on the Henderson Hall portion of the joint base.
| Date Taken: | 02.20.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2015 14:02 |
| Story ID: | 155926 |
| Location: | ARLINGTON, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,531 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Green is new top enlisted Marine: Former Henderson Hall sergeant major takes Corps’ top-enlisted post, by Julia LeDoux, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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