Jet Stream The
Friday, June 01, 2018 Vol. 53, No. 21 Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
Kilo Company Graduates
8
“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”
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Beaufort holds Memorial Day ceremony, honors fallen troops
Photo by Cpl. Cameron Darrough
Attendees sing the National Anthem at the Beaufort Memorial Day Ceremony at Battery Creek High School May 28. The ceremony was held to recognize the sacrifices made by service members throughout U.S. history. Air Force Maj. Gen. (ret.) Harold Mitchell, was the keynote speaker and delivered the Memorial Day address for the ceremony. Leadership from the tri-command as well as active duty and retired veterans were all in attendance for the ceremony. Story by Lance Cpl. Terry Haynes
Service members, veterans, family members, and the local community attended a Memorial Day Ceremony in Beaufort, S.C. May 28. Due to inclement weather, the annual Memorial Day parade at the Beaufort National Cemetery was cancelled and the ceremony was moved to Battery Creek High School. Air Force Maj. Gen. (ret.) Harold Mitchell, a Beaufort native, was the keynote speaker and delivered the Memorial Day Address for the ceremony. Col. Timothy Miller, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and other leaders in the Tri-Command also attended and spoke in the ceremony. “Ceremonies like this one are occurring all over this great nation today,” said Miller. “The United States is a bastion of freedom admired by nations around the world. These freedoms exist because of the un-
selfish contributions of those who died while defending it.” Memorial Day, which originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868, holds a sacred spot on the U.S. calendar. Every year on the last Monday of May, Americans pause to remember and reflect on the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Memorial Day is a day to commemorate their sacrifice. “This day has been designated a federal holiday for the express purpose of remembering and honoring those who died in service while defending our country,” said Mitchell. “Originally as Decoration Day, it was commemorated as a day to decorate the graves of those who have fallen. This day has evolved into a day of great reverence where we must reflect inward on the freedoms we may take advantage of while see
MEMORIAL, page 5
Photo by Cpl. Cameron Darrough
A Navy Vietnam War veteran stands during the playing of the National Anthem at the Beaufort Memorial Day Ceremony at Battery Creek High School May 28. The ceremony was held to recognize the sacrifices made by service members throughout U.S. history.
Thunderbolts welcome new commander Story by Lance Cpl. Terry Haynes
Lt. Col. Allen E. Szczepek Jr. relinquished command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 to Lt. Col. Roy J. Nicka during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, May 24. The commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Maj. Gen. Matthew Glavy, attended the ceremony along with the commanders of MCAS Beaufort and Marine Aircraft Group 31. “Lt. Col. Szczepek is a visionary leader who has constantly delivered every time,” said Col. Frank Latt, the commanding officer of MAG-31. “Under his tutelage, the squadron has thrived and exceeded expectations. I know wherever he goes he will bring that same spirit with him.
As hard as it is to say goodbye to Lt. Col Szczepek, I can say that I am excited to see what Lt. Col. Nicka will bring to this squadron.” In November 2017, Nicka briefly served as the Marine Aviation Training Support Site Beaufort officer in charge before being assigned to the billet of the MAG-31 operations officer. Nicka has served with other squadrons aboard MCAS Beaufort such as VMFA-122 as well as VMFA-115. “I am proud and humbled to be a part of the great legacy of this squadron as we enter the next chapter,” said Nicka. “I am a firm believer that steel sharpens steel. I look forward to the future as we incorporate more weapons into our arsenal, continue to support see
251, page 5
Photo by Lance Cpl. Terry Haynes
Lt. Col. Roy J. Nicka addresses the crowd during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort May 24. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Allen E. Szczepek Jr. relinquished command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 to Nicka. Prior to taking command, Nicka served as the operations officer for Marine Aircraft Group 31.