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One hundred years ago, Marine Advanced Expeditionary Base, San Diego was created. Although the base was originally home to multiple regiments and the 2nd Marine Division, its main mission was evident, to forge recruits into Marines. In the 1970’s, this mission became even more evident as the now designated “Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego”, was given the responsibility of recruiting throughout the entire Western Recruiting Region (WRR). A responsibility that it still holds to this day.
In its hundred-year history, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego has forged millions of Marines. How has the depot accomplished this mission so effectively? It is because of the combined efforts of the WRR recruiters and the legendary Marine Corps Drill Instructor. The responsibility of being a drill instructor is quite possibly the hardest the Marine Corps has to offer. A drill instructor will get little sleep, little rest, and spend long durations away from family and friends. All to accomplish the toughest task in the Marine Corps: making Marines. According to the Recruit Training Regiment Sergeant Major, Paul F. Agan, “being a drill instructor is the most rewarding thing a Marine can do.”
On June 11, 2021, a crowd of active and retired Marines came together to rededicate the Drill Instructor Monument at MCRD San Diego.
“This helps us keep a connection with the lineage of drill instructor’s we have here,” said Agan.
The ceremony involved numerous Marines and Sailors from MCRD San Diego as well as retired Marines, many belonging to the West Coast Drill Instructor Association. Within the group of retired Marines sat Sergeant Major Bill Paxton, a Vietnam War Veteran and one of the Marines responsible for the creation of the Drill Instructor Monument. Without Sgt. Maj. Paxton, this sacred site for all drill instructors of MCRD San Diego would not exist today.
The monument is a “place of gathering for drill instructors and their families for promotion ceremonies, award ceremonies, and reenlistment ceremonies,” said Sgt. Maj. Abel T. Leal, Sergeant Major of MCRD San Diego and the WRR, during the ceremony. “It is also a place where we will pass on our traditions to one another, and it is a place to most of you where you will say your goodbyes as you leave the depot.”
The Marine Corps can never undervalue the need for its drill instructors. The men and women who are responsible for ensuring that each and every new recruit who arrives to the depot will never fall short of upholding the standards and demands of the Marine Corps. The drill instructors are the ones entrusted to this mission, and as long as they wear those distinct campaign covers, they will be working day and night to ensure the future of the United States Marine Corps is secure.
Later this month, Brigadier General Ryan P. Heritage, the Commanding General of MCRD San Diego and the WRR, will be passing on his command to Brigadier General Jason L. Morris. With Brig. Gen. Morris in command, MCRD San Diego will be in good hands as we continue our mission of making the Marines who will fight and win our nation’s future battles.
| Date Taken: | 06.11.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2021 21:15 |
| Story ID: | 398813 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 292 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, MCRDSD DI Monument Rededication, by Sgt Zachary Beatty, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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