Photo By Lance Cpl. Parker Peichel | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the...... read more read more
Subscribe
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER, Calif. – Veterans from throughout Southern California met with Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, on May 8, 2026, to discuss how veterans can assist active-duty service members as they begin their transition to civilian life.
Ruiz conducted a multi-day visit to MCAGCC focused on strengthening force readiness and overall well-being. By engaging directly with Marines and their families, he gained firsthand insight into the quality-of-life challenges presented by serving at a remote installation like the Combat Center. The trip culminated with a series of town halls and the Marine Corps Community Services ‘We Salute You’ concert where he celebrated with the Combat Center family.
During the meeting with Ruiz, local veterans asked questions on how they can help and prepare active-duty Marines for life after service. Discussions included how the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other resources may help service members become civilians again. Ruiz echoed these sentiments.
“I want them to look at their uniform 15 years from today, 40 years from today and say this was all worth it,” Ruiz said. “The Lance Cpl., 18, 19-year-olds today, need you now more than ever.”
Sgt. Maj. Roberto C. Lopez, Sergeant Major of Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, MCAGCC, also participated in the engagement to support what the veterans are trying to do for Marines.
“That gives me hope. That gives me hope that when I transition, I will still be a part of a family,” Lopez said. “I think that it is so important for veterans to continue to foster a relationship, because they have so much to offer.”
U.S. Army veteran Sgt. Andrea Kline attended the conference as well. Kline served from 1986 to 1994 as a nurse during Desert Storm. Kline was open about her struggles with transitioning from active-duty to being a civilian again and her goal is to prevent other service members from facing the same challenges.
“Connect with the veteran community,” Kline said. “Had I connected [with veterans] earlier, I wouldn’t have suffered from PTSD as long.”
Cpl. Enge You, a combat photographer with Headquarters Battalion, MAGTFTC, MCAGCC, is an active-duty Marine who is currently starting her transition to becoming a civilian again. She believes mentorship between veterans and service members is important.
“You’re essentially entering a whole new world,” You said. “Talking to a veteran and having the opportunity to have them as a mentor will give me insight to what tools and resources I might need.”
Service members are required to attend a weeklong seminar to assist with their transition into the civilian life. This process starts at the unit level, where Marines are required to begin the Transition Assistance Program at least 365 days prior to their end of active service. To get started, Marines should contact their Unit Transition Counselor, visit the MCAGCC Career Resource Office at Building 1526, or call 760-830-4052.
Ruiz could not stress enough how important the Marines are to him and to the Corps. That being said a major goal of his is to give back to the Marines that give so much to the Corps and help them land on their feet once they reach EAS.
“Marines will give you everything, they will bring success off the sacrifice of their families, their wallet and their bank account. They will figure out a way for the Marine Corps to succeed,” Ruiz said. “They are so good at what they’re doing, and they are going to win wherever it is we send them to. It is eye-watering talent that they have.”
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2026 17:11 |
| Story ID: | 566420 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Headline: Veterans of today helping veterans of tomorrow, by LCpl Parker Peichel, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
