CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan -- Col. Jeffrey L. Hammond, Commanding Officer, and Sgt.Maj. Brian R. Drechsler, Sergeant Major of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, hosted a breakfast meal in the Camp Foster Chow Hall with the Marines around the battalion. The Commanding Officer and Sergeant Major emphasized the importance of leadership amongst the young leaders every Tuesday for the last six months.
This event has allowed junior Marines and Non-Commissioned Officers to come together to gain knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a leader.
“I got a lot of insight. It’s really nice being able to talk to someone who’s been brought up in a different Marine Corps”, said Cpl. Angelina Powell, a financial technician with CLR-37, 3D Marine Logistics Group.
Not often does a Marine get the opportunity to engage with the senior leadership and speak on matters they feel are important to the unit’s cause.
“This gives us a chance to see the CO and Sgt.Maj. and kind of give us a personal one on one with them and gives them a little more human qualities and gives a chance to understand that our goals are aligned and we want the same thing being good order and discipline and the best for the Marines”, said Cpl. Justin A. Kirscher, a radio technician with G-6 Embarkation, H&S Bn, MCIPAC.
This event not only allowed Marines to have breakfast with one another, but allowed them a chance to lead guided discussions and ask any questions they may have on a plethora of topics in regards to improving the quality and livelihood of the Marines in the battalion.
“I think that this morning was definitely a morale boost for all the Marines, it was for me as the Sgt.Maj., I think what they took away from it is that we are here to listen to what they have to say and help push the message they want as non-commissioned officers. They add value to the battalion”, said Sgt.Maj. Drechsler. “I’m just extremely proud of the Marines, Sailors, and civilians in the Battalion and all non-commissioned officers leading the way and I’m proud to serve and stand side by side with them”.