MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- Sgt. Maj. Gerald Saunders replaced Sgt. Maj. Michael Moore as the Headquarters and Service Battalion’s sergeant major during a relief and appointment ceremony at Little Hall on Feb. 19, 2014.
With a Marine Corps career of more than 27 years, Saunders took the post after completing a term of more than two years at a recruiting station in Albany, N.Y.
“I know I have big shoes to fill from Sgt. Maj. Moore,” said Saunders. “But, I’m going to fill those shoes and take the battalion to the next level.”
During his remarks at the event, Saunders told of his eagerness to begin his time with the largest battalion in the Marine Corps and offered some words of advice for those in his command.
“My expectations for the Marines are to do their best every day and stay motivated,” said Saunders. “I’m looking forward to coming and integrating myself into the battalion and infusing some good ideas.”
The new sergeant major is replacing Moore, who has been with the battalion since May 2011.
Col. Robin Gallant, H&S Bn. commanding officer, commented on the impact Moore has had on the battalion and called two corporals, who were mentored by Moore, onto the stage as an illustration of the impact the almost 29-year veteran has made.
“His focus has always been on the Marines and on supporting more Marines,” said Gallant. “That’s the legacy that he is leaving behind.”
During a speech Moore, husband and father of three, gave credit to many he worked with and shared his feelings about the Marines he’s influenced.
“This is probably the saddest I’m going to be, because at my retirement on the 28th of March, I’m still going to be a Marine, but today I’m going to be giving up folks,” said Moore. “I’m no longer going to have those Marines under my charge and that’s probably the saddest time within my 28 plus years in the Marine Corps.”
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil