Why I Love My Marines - June 30, 2014

Why I Love My Marines Greetings!

As I travel through our great Nation, I have had the opportunity to encounter literally thousands of Marines, Sailors, Family, and supporters of our great Force. Each individual I encounter has a compelling story to tell that demonstrates their special love of Country and Corps. Each individual I meet has one common unified bond with me - we love Marines! Their story needs to be told. You need to hear and see that we have magnificent Marines out there who are truly making a difference.

We have Marines who demonstrate the unique ability to adaptively balance their responsibilities as Marines and whatever other endeavors they deal with (from jobs, to school, their families and community/civic obligations). Each individual I encounter truly remains, "ready, relevant, and responsive" and are an integral part of the "Total Force." Lt. Gen. Mills and I sleep well at night knowing that we have a Force that is prepared, organized and eminently trained at a moment's notice to execute a deployment - from engaging our Nations foes to assisting in peacekeeping operations, or aiding Americans in need. Simply, you make our Corps the world's premier fighting force by being most ready when our Nation needs us. Lt. Gen. Mills and I thank you for your service and sacrifice. Hence, I present to you..., "Why I Love My Marines." _______________ To all those that love Marines, greetings from Dakar, Senegal. My travels this week found me in Senegal and a chance to observe the Marines from Company I, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines (Little Rock, Ark.) and a Military Police Detachment (Law Enforcement Bn.) from Lexington, Ky.) I was in the Command Operations Center, and had the honor and unique opportunity to meet two incredible and motivating Marines: Lance Cpl. Austin Jones (21) from Vilonia, Ark., and Lance Cpl. Dylan Hamby (who just turned 21) from Little Rock, Ark. Both Jones and Hamby are very proud 0311's (Infantrymen) who both have been members of Company I for the past 3 years. Jones is currently employed as an insurance broker with Infinite Benefits Solutions. Hamby currently is employed as a private security guard, but on today, he interviews for a position with the North Little Rock Police Dept. Wish him luck, but after our meeting, I sure hope that the North Little Rock Police Department hires this outstanding young Man - they will gain a disciplined and smart policeman.

So why did I chose these two hard chargers and motivators (out of the 130+ Marines and sailors

participating in Western Accord)? It was easy! Both Marines were standing watch in the COC. I asked Jones how the exercise was going. Without hesitation he exclaimed, "I love being a Marine and I love being here!" so I asked him why? He instantly responded, "It’s the brotherhood that keeps me in." Hamby added to this statement by saying, "I love being the best of the best!"

I was stunned - they told me every reason why I stay Marine (I love Marines and I love the camaraderie). Both Marines plan on reenlisting and remaining with their company. And most importantly, they wanted me to know that they are ready to deploy with their company wherever and whenever to every clime and place.

So to all the readers out there, sleep well at night that we have Marines out there like Lance Cpl. Jones and Lance Cpl. Hamby who are ready, relevant, responsive, and above all, they love being Marines (and I love them).

Yours aye, Sgt.Maj. Spadaro Anthony A. Spadaro Sergeant Major United States Marine Corps Forces Reserve United States Marine Corps Forces North