CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - It’s been 32 years since he first shouldered responsibility for the nation’s defense, but his long road of service through the Marine Corps has finally come to a close.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Jacques A. Revoir II bid farewell to his fellow Marines in a retirement ceremony held by Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group here, March 21.
While most of today’s service members were just embarking on their high school studies, Revoir was returning to Iraq for a second time.
He entered the Marine Corps in 1982 as a motor transportation operator. Revoir hit the ground running and was meritoriously promoted to private first class while at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, where he would return as a drill instructor nearly eight years later.
“[He] is of a generation of Marines that is not getting any bigger,” said Col. Dwayne Whiteside, the commanding officer of CLR-2. “It’s a sad day … seeing that generation going by after so many decades.”
Whiteside commended Revoir, not only for his many personal achievements, but also his dedication to preserving the same spirit of service that brought esteem to his own generation of Marines. The man recognized on numerous occasions for meritorious service to his country, having attained the highest rank in his enlisted field, still valued his place among newer Marines.
“He had to be where the Marines were,” said Whiteside, who remembered Revoir working hand in hand with younger Marines in Afghanistan. “He was ensuring that when he was no longer going to be here, when this day came, there was a new Marine standing out there who knew how to carry on.”
Revoir thanked the regiment’s leadership and expressed his personal gratitude for their emphasis on the basics and traditions of the Marine Corps. In turn, the senior leaders of the Marine Corps offered their own thanks in letters to Revoir.
“Many have aspired to be a master gunnery sergeant, but those who achieve it are few,” said Gen. James Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, in a letter addressed to Revoir. “You have made a mark on the Corps that will remain long after you have left our active ranks.”
From Iraq and Afghanistan to the Mediterranean Sea, Japan, the Philippines and Okinawa, the clarion’s call has pulled Revoir from his family and home on many occasions. Revoir’s personal awards during his many years of service include the Meritorious Service Medal (second award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (third award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (third award), and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (ninth award).
In a final gesture of thanks, the regiment’s Marines passed on the American flag to Revoir as a testament to the many places where he served as its steward and emissary.