U.S. Marines and Sailors from 2nd Marine Division (2DMARDIV) bid farewell to Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Woods, the outgoing 2DMARDIV sergeant major, and welcomed Sgt. Maj. Alex M. Dobson, the unit’s in-coming sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 11, 2018.
“Sgt. Maj. Woods has by far exceeded anybody’s expectations on what a division sergeant major should be,” said Maj. Gen. John K. Love, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division. “We make [our Marines] better because of leaders like Sgt. Maj. Woods.”
Woods assumed the post as the sergeant major of 2DMARDIV on Oct. 14, 2016. He is scheduled to be appointed as sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa.
“Truth is I know who you are and I know what you are going to do for [our Marines],” said Woods to Dobson. “And I’m not going to stand in your way… I’m excited for you.”
Dobson is looking forward to the challenge and opportunity of being the 2dMARDIV sergeant major.
“When I first became a Marine… I always had my eye on the ball, and I was always thinking maybe one day I’ll be afforded the opportunity to be the senior enlisted Marine of the ‘Follow Me’ division,” said Dobson. “Here’s that day, and it’s absolutely awesome.”