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    Service runs in the family

    Service runs in the family

    Photo By Lance Cpl. Colby Cooper | (From left to right) U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Austin Renforth, commanding general...... read more read more

    MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, SC, UNITED STATES

    03.10.2017

    Story by Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones 

    Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

    As Sgt. Maj. Howard Kreamer stood among spectators, he found himself reminiscing as he watched his daughter march across the parade deck aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.

    Kreamer, the Sgt. Maj. of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, was the reviewing official for the graduation ceremony of his youngest daughter, Pfc. Madeline Kreamer, from recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, March 10, 2017.

    According to Madeline, she was motivated to join the Corps after her involvement in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program and her experiences within the Marine Corps community throughout her upbringing.

    “Eventually, I just knew I wanted to be a Marine,” said Madeline. “Not only have I experienced the community my entire life, I really admire the Marine Corps comradery and values. It’s something I’ve always looked up to, especially seeing it in my father.”

    According to Madeline, there are many things about her father that inspire her, but the trait she wants to emulate the most is his knowledge.

    “A well-rounded leader encompasses all leadership traits, but the one that inspires me the most is his knowledge,” said Madeline. “There really isn’t anything that I ask him that he can’t already answer or find the answer to. That has been very beneficial to my journey and from what I can see, beneficial to his Marines. I hope to be as knowledgeable as he is one day.”

    Madeline was also given a rare opportunity as her father was appointed the reviewing official during her graduation ceremony.

    “It was probably one of the most emotional things I have ever experienced. It’s difficult to describe the pride I felt when, being in fourth squad, I marched right passed him. It was a moment I’ll never forget,” said Pfc. Kreamer.

    During Madeline’s difficult journey toward earning the same title her father earned 26 years ago, she always held his words of wisdom close to her heart. He encouraged her not to quit and remember that every challenge she was put up against held a purpose.

    Madeline will attend School of Infantry East where she will learn basic combat skills before continuing to her designated military occupation school to become an administrative specialist. According to Madeline, she is looking forward to being part of the fleet Marine Corps and doing her job while experiencing the many different aspects of the Marine Corps.

    “I am not sure I can put into words what being able to review her graduation meant to me,” said Kreamer. “Incredible may come close.”

    Kreamer has held a successful career in the Marine Corps since he had his own march across the MCRD Parris Island parade deck in 1991. He has sacrificed countless hours to bettering himself and his Marines while still fulfilling his role as a family man.

    “I felt very proud,” said Kreamer. “As a career Marine, you often wonder how the time away from home, due to deployments and the hours spent at work, affects your children. Having my daughter join [the Marine Corps], validates my decision to stay a Marine. “My wife, oldest daughter, and I are immensely proud. The Marine Corps is now truly the family business.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.10.2017
    Date Posted: 03.15.2017 09:54
    Story ID: 226892
    Location: MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, SC, US

    Web Views: 1,246
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN