Steeped in tradition, the Marine Corps prides itself on maintaining high standards and upholding its core values of “Honor, Courage and Commitment.”
This esprit de corps was displayed on St. Patrick’s Day when Marines here joined in formation at the Special Operations Memorial to march in an enlisted parade honoring the retirement of two senior officers.
The parade, led by Master Gunnery Sgt. Jose L. Garcia, MARCENT’s senior enlisted advisor, was coordinated to pay tribute to Col. Kevin L. Kelley, MARCENT’s outgoing chief of staff, and Col. Scott M. Anderson who served as the assistant chief of staff for the logistics section.
The parade included two platoons of Marines, the MARCENT Color Guard, and a boxed staff of senior staff NCOs. It also featured a noteworthy performance by the Albany Marine Band from Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga. This marked the first time the Marine band had performed at MacDill AFB.
As commander of troops, Master Gunnery Sgt. Garcia formed the Marines and later conducted a pass in review at the conclusion of the ceremony. The enlisted parade provided a “special touch of class,” as MARCENT bid farewell to two of its finest officers who have combined for more than 60 years of honorable service.
“Parades are part of our customs and traditions,” explained Master Gunnery Sgt. Garcia, as he referenced the Marines serving here in Tampa. “Because we are so far from the typical Marine Corps unit down here, it is important to expose our troops to Marine Corps traditions and what those traditions stand for.”
A component command to U.S. Central Command, MARCENT is headquartered here in Tampa, Fla, and commanded by Lieutenant Gen. Samuel T. Helland who presided over the ceremony.
While the ceremony was coordinated to specifically honor the retiring officers, Master Gunnery Sgt. Garcia said hosting the parade also provided an opportunity for his staff NCOs and NCOs to learn how to plan and conduct such a parade.
“Staff NCOs are the keepers of tradition,” he said. “I hope they can take this as a learning experience and do the same later in their careers.”
While preparing to embark on yet another adventure -- life after the Marine Corps, the colonels took a moment to reflect on their service and contributions to MARCENT and the Marine Corps.
“My tour at MARCENT was fast paced and challenging,” Col. Kelley said. “My tour here in the plans and chief of staff billets was very busy for the one Marine Forces headquarters on the globe conducting active operations in two theaters. The staff is small, but very effective as a result of the dedicated and talented Marines, sailors and civilians serving in the headquarters.”
When asked about his plans following his retirement, the colonel said his family plans to stay in the local area and continue the many friendships developed here. He added that he would like to continue contributing to the War on Terror as a retired Marine.
“Serving as the chief of staff gave me the opportunity to observe and interact in every functional area the staff is involved with overseeing. The work the staff does often goes unnoticed by those reaping the benefits of its hard work, but if not for the MARCENT staff the Marine units in our area of responsibility could not accomplish their various missions,” Col. Kelley said. “So, it was an honor to serve as the chief of this highly professional and important headquarters.”
As for Col. Anderson, he said he is happy to have served at MARCENT, and is pleased with his accomplishments and those of his staff.
“The Marine Corps has long considered itself as doing the most with the least and MARCENT is no exception,” Col. Anderson said. “Nowhere will you find such a dynamic work environment. We have a staff of just over 100 Marines. I am often asked how we can survive with such a small staff. My typical response is that we can do it because we have a lot of heart and we are determined to succeed. I think that pretty well sums up every Marine. Give a Marine a mission and get out of the way.”
After spending the past five years providing logistical support in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Col. Anderson said he simply looks forward to taking some time to decompress.