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Cpl. Kemerly Espinoza, Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent (retired) and Sgt. Da'Ron Jones meet at the Salute to Armed Forces Jan. 28.

Photo by Valerie O’Berry

Community honors Marines at Salute to Armed Forces

4 Feb 2016 | Valerie O’Berry Marine Corps Base Quantico

Civilians and service members from the National Captial Region gathered at Harbour View in Woodbridge, Virginia, for a Salute to the Armed Forces Jan. 28 organized by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.

Corporal Kemerly Espinoza, a Marine stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, was honored with the Navy Achievement Medal for her outstanding service and volunteer work with the Toys for Tots program. Col. Joseph Murray, base commander, presented Espinosa with the award, while Sgt. Maj. Gerald Saunders read the award citation.

Espinosa graduated from Parris Island Recruit Training in March 2014 and went to Financial Management School in the Marine Corps. Stationed at Quantico for her first assignment, she has accomplished many things in her brief time aboard the Base, including earning her black belt and becoming president of the Single Marine Program. She hopes to get her bachelor’s degree in psychology within two years, then become an officer in the Marine Corps.

Murray spoke to the packed room about what lies ahead for Marine Corps Base Quantico. Specifically, he mentioned that the Base will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2017. “There is a lot of history at Quantico,” Murray said. The Base will hold special events and further commemorate the anniversary by educating the public on the rich history of Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Sergeant Major Carlton Kent, a retired Marine, was the guest speaker for the event. Kent spent 36 years in the Marine Corps and retired in 2011 after a tour serving as the 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

“In my 36 years in the Marine Corps I have seen lots of sacrifices (by Marines),” he said. “And, they never ask for anything in return.”

He went on to cite a startling statistic: That less than one percent of the nation’s population actually puts on a uniform in service to their country. “This military is the greatest military in the world. We will never let this country down,” said Kent. “We need to let the public know that sacrifice is more than a bumper sticker. It needs to be felt in your heart.”

He cited several outstanding Marines who served in the country’s wars in the Middle East.

The first, Sergeant Veralto, serving in Fallujah, Iraq, was with a group of Marines and troops from other services clearing houses, which actually had bunkers inside of them. Kent said they still went in there, not caring if they died. They showed no fear. When Veralto entered the house, he was immediately hit by enemy fire. Then, the enemy tossed a live grenade and he scooped it up and tucked it under his body to protect the rest of the service members.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice,” Kent said. “We have a moral obligation to take care of these men and women and their families.”

The second Marine with a story of sacrifice cited by Kent was Sgt. Jerimiah Workman. He, too, was in Fallujah and tasked with helping clear houses of the enemy. Just like Veralto, when he entered a house, he was immediately hit with enemy fire. Despite being injured, he moved his squad forward and pulled injured Marines to safety while the enemy was still engaging. Twenty one enemy soldiers were killed during the gun fight and Workman was awarded the Navy Cross. He accepted the award saying, “This is for my men that didn’t make it back.”

“We have great men and women who love their country,” said Kent. “We need to take care of them (when they get back). “

“Semper Fidelis means always faithful. We need to use this when veterans come home,” Kent said at the conclusion of his speech.

Marine Corps Base Quantico