Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    RS Raleigh command changes hands

    RS Raleigh command changes hands

    Photo By Sgt. Dwight Henderson | U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Richard P. Neikirk, the incoming commanding officer of Marine...... read more read more

    CHAPEL HILL, NC, UNITED STATES

    06.25.2015

    Story by Sgt. Dwight Henderson 

    Marine Corps Recruiting Command           

    RALEIGH, N.C. — Major Richard P. Neikirk recently assumed command of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Raleigh while before a formation of Marines assembled at Kenan Stadium, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, June 25.

    Maj. Brandon J. Gorman passed on the responsibilities of commanding officer to Neikirk after serving 36 months with RS Raleigh.

    The change of command ceremony is steeped in tradition. It involves a formation of troops and the passing of the unit’s flag 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.

    “This is an opportunity for us to recognize what this command has done under the leadership of Maj. Gorman,” said Col. John A. Bolt, the commanding officer of 4th Marine Corps District. “Over the past three years, Maj. Gorman has performed magnificently. What Brandon has done to make every Marine better is truly remarkable.”

    Gorman was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for his service as commanding officer from July 20, 2012, to June 25, 2015. He was cited for his strong leadership that led to RS Raleigh receiving the Superior Achievement Award for 2012 and being named the 4th Marine Corps District Recruiting Station of the Year in 2013.

    “Thank you to every one for being here,” said Gorman, a Charlotte, North Carolina, native, while addressing the Marines and family gathered at the ceremony. “To the Marines, you have a great commanding officer coming in. Good luck to Major Neikirk, you have a great command and a lot of great energetic Marines.”

    Neikirk, a New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, native, began his career in 2003. He has served as an artilleryman in the 10th and 11th Marine Regiments. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 and to Afghanistan in 2011. He also deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unity in 2005. Most recently he was assigned to the College of Naval Command and Staff in Newport, Rhode Island.

    “Major Neikirk, your record is incredibly impressive,” said Bolt. “Your accomplishments with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and Parris Island, have prepared you for this day and what you’re about to undertake. What you’re about to go into is completely different than anything you’ve done to this point. Recruiting duty is a tremendous challenge but it is very rewarding.”

    Neikirk will now lead 78 recruiters, 13 staff noncommissioned officers in charge, five officers, 14 support personnel, and two civilians in the annual task of enlisting over 700 future Marines and more than 40 officer candidates, for the next three years.

    “To the Marines of Raleigh, I’m very humbled to stand before you today and very grateful for this opportunity,” said Neikirk. “I want you to know, that I’m here to serve you.”

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.25.2015
    Date Posted: 07.06.2015 14:25
    Story ID: 169153
    Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC, US
    Hometown: CHARLOTTE, NC, US
    Hometown: NEW WILMINGTON, PA, US

    Web Views: 370
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN