GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Swarms of high and tights, crisp lines and glowing gold buttons illuminated as the phrase “happy birthday” echoed throughout the walls of the Milestone Event Center.
Commemorating 242 years of tradition and Esprit de Corps, more than 200 Marine Corps reservists of Detachment 1, Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group attended the U.S. Marine Corps 242nd birthday ball in Bunker Hill, Indiana, Nov. 17.
While the tradition of holding the ball in conjunction with the Marine birthday didn’t start until 1925, the Marine’s birthday dates back to November 10, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress established two battalions of American Marines, commanded by Capt. Samuel Nicholas.
“On November 10, 1775, a Corps of marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress,” said 1st Lt. Tyler Gum, Det. 1 radio transmissions platoon commander, acting as adjutant, reading the 1921 U.S. Marine Corps birthday message from General John A. Lejeune. “Since that date many thousand men have borne the name Marine. In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history."
The ball began with a social hour and was followed by the traditional ceremonial events including the adjutant message, color guard, sword detail and cake cutting. Symbolizing the passing of history and traditions from one generation to the next, the oldest Marine present, Sgt. Bill Gaunt, born 1944, presented a piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, Lance Cpl. Marco Lopez.
Guest of honor Marine Corps (ret.) Maj. Anthony Gensic was the key speaker at the event. Gensic, who first enlisted in the Air Force as an intelligence specialist before commissioning as an officer in the Marine Corps in 1978, emphasized the importance of leadership across all ranks.
“The Marine Corps as an entire force is populated by leaders,” he said. “I’m not limiting that reference to officers and staff NCOs. The leadership begins with the desire to become a Marine in the first place. It begins with the motivation to take on a challenge and the motivation to serve. It’s a trait within even the lowest ranks. I was first introduced to a leader who cared about his subordinates when I was enlisted in the Air Force. I would have followed that commander anywhere because he cared about me and I never forgot that. When I was put in charge I tried to remember that a leader is actually a servant of his subordinates.”
Concluding the ceremony were comments from Capt. Reynaldo Hinojosa, Det. 1 Communications Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45, 4th Marine Logistics Group commander, who lauded the Marines for their efforts in the last year.
“For all the Marines that are here – it’s been a true honor to be your commanding officer this past year,” Hinojosa said. “I’ve been blessed to have a good staff, blessed to have great leaders – not only at the staff level but at the NCO and junior Marines. I know what you’ve been able to do. I’ve seen it first-hand. It’s a testament to your commitment to this unit. The only reason I know you’re committed to this unit is because you have great support back home, you have leaders that give a damn about what you do and I know with that team mindset we’ll be able to continue to succeed in the future.
“Our team is getting stronger because of the relationships that we’re building,” he added. “We’ve been a team for 242 years and I can see our team getting stronger and more efficient. Thank you – to every single Marine for what you do.”
The United States Marine Corps Reserve Center at Grissom was officially opened in September 2003. It includes a vehicle maintenance facility, communications electronics maintenance facility, communications equipment storage facility, motor transport lot, supply warehouse, administrative offices and training areas.
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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