Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. LeRoy Barton, a pilot who served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, speaks during an interview in New Bern, North Carolina May 29, 2025. As the Marine Corps commemorates 250 years of unwavering dedication to the nation and looks to the future, we honor heroes like Barton who has paved the way for our legacy through selfless commitment to the Marine Corps and our country. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Naimah Green)
Service members and civilians attend the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point change of command ceremony at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, August 15, 2025. The ceremony, a time-honored tradition, represents the formal transfer of authority from Col. Brendan Burks to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Timothy Drieslein, and highlights the enduring importance of leadership, trust,, and commitment to the Marines they lead. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Emma Powell.)
“He would do it again if he could,” said Pam Turnage, daughter of retired U.S.
Marine Corps Col. LeRoy Barton. At 102 years old, Barton is one of the few
Marines who has served in three wars and is still living today.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Barton’s strong sense
of patriotism drove him to serve his country. Four months after the attack, Barton
took the Oath of Office and joined the Marines as a pilot in World War II. During
his service, he discovered a strong sense of pride and camaraderie after multiple
near death experiences with his fellow Marines.
During the parades celebrating the end of World War II, Barton left the Marine
Corps and returned to his old job as a railroad worker.
However,...
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point established the first Warrior Athlete Readiness and Resilience kitchen in the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 barracks, featuring a fully remodeled kitchen setup including a new stove, fridge, pots, pans and other kitchenware to encourage better nutrition and healthy meal preparation. Marine Corps Community Services and Headquarters Marine Corps partnered up to provide Marines with specialized...
The Devil Dog Gym is one of the many facilities offered at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point to help keep Marines and Sailors in peak physical condition. Maintaining well-rounded fitness is essential to mission readiness, ensuring that every service member is prepared to answer the nation’s call at a moment’s notice.
