Photo By Cpl. Dallas Johnson | Service members from each military branch lead players of the San Francisco 49ers onto...... read more read more
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Lieutenant General Rex McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, was guest of honor at a football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints at Levi’s Stadium, Nov. 6, 2016.
As part its “Salute to Service” campaign, the National Football League invited McMillian to toss the coin as part of the game’s opening ceremony help bring recognition to the MARFORRES Centennial celebration.
“Participating in this event is an opportunity to thank the American public for its support of Marine Forces Reserve,” said McMillian in an interview with Joe Fann, team reporter for the 49ers.
While the Marine Forces Reserve Centennial was highlighted in the pre-game and half-time events, many active duty Marines helped make that recognition possible at Sunday’s game.
Captain Skye Martin, public affairs officer for the 12th Marine Corps Recruiting District, opened the game with the national anthem and sang “God Bless America” during the half-time show.
The 1st Marine Division Band played the service song of each military branch at half-time, ending with the Marine Corps Hymn. During the Hymn, 150 active duty and reserve Marines marched in formation to display a large “100” on the field in honor of the Marine Forces Reserve Centennial.
31 Marines from Echo Co., 2nd battalion, 23 Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, participated in the half-time show. The Marines from 2/23 understand the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with San Bruno, California, their home station.
“The community shows us a lot of support,” said First Sergeant Andrew Holodnak, company 1st. Sgt. of 2/23. “This is one of several events we’re participating in this year.”
Feelings of pride were evident among all the Marines present.
“It’s welcoming, being here. I never thought I’d be on the field with the 49ers,” said Sgt. Brent Ruvalcaba, a recruiter from Recruiting Station San Francisco. “The Centennial makes me feel like we’re going to be around for a long time and that the nation definitely needs us.”
Marine Forces Reserve celebrated its 100 years of service on Aug. 29, 2016. From World War I to the current wars in the Middle East, Reserve Marines have been called upon to fulfill mission critical skill sets that the active component needs to provide security and stability, at home and abroad.
Today, approximately 500 Reserve Marines are providing fully integrated operational support to Fleet and Combatant Commanders around the world. For more information on the history and heritage of Marine Forces Reserve, as well as current Marine stories and upcoming events, please visit www.marines.mil/usmcr100.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 11.08.2016 15:14 |
| Story ID: | 214030 |
| Location: | SANTA CLARA, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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