WOODBRIDGE, Va.- -- Six Marines from Marine Corps Base Quantico attended Salute to the Armed Services, presented by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, at the Harbour View, Woodbridge on Jan. 16.
MCB Quantico earned special recognition and two Marines were honored; Sgt. Andrew Pontious, the Noncommissioned Office of the Quarter, and Lance Cpl. Richard Hakes, Marine of the Quarter and Marine of the Year for MCB Quantico.
Col. David Maxwell spoke on behalf of the base about his Marines and what’s going on behind the walls of Quantico.
“We have a lot of activities aboard MCB Quantico and those activities are supported by about 25,000 people,” said Maxwell. “That’s uniformed, contractors, family members and civilian personnel.”
Maxwell spoke on some of the major commands and events that happen daily aboard Quantico, such as the base’s focus since 1917 on manning, training and equipping the Marine Corps.
“We are able to accomplish our mission thanks to the strong support from Prince William Country and the surrounding communities,” said Maxwell. “A large majority of our personnel are residents in these surrounding counties so it’s really a partnership.”
Maxwell and the Marines from Quantico weren’t the only service members who were recognized and honored. Fort Belvior also had soldiers who were recognized and the keynote speaker was Army Col. Greg D. Gadson, commander, Fort Belvoir.
Gadson spoke on behalf of his installation, but he had a larger focus than his installation.
“We are more than just an installation,” said Gadson. “What affects us and the other installations in the region affects the nation’s security. We are all joint in spirit and serve one nation.
“Together we will face the turns and challenges ahead,” said Gadson. “Yes, our military is a great part of it, but not the only part. We are all part of a community and all of our missions are to preserve our way of life.”
Correspondent: tabitha.bartley@usmc.mil