Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Devin Nichols | Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta (left), the commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - After 25 years of honorable service in the Marine Corps, the former chief of staff for 2nd Marine Logistics Group stood before friends, family and fellow Marines for the final time at a retirement ceremony here, June 7.
“When I see the spectacular capabilities of the Marines around, after 25 years of service, I certainly know the Marine Corps is in good hands,” said Col. Jeffrey M. Reagan, former chief of staff for 2nd MLG.
Reagan’s retirement ceremony was held in 2nd Maintenance Battalion’s maintenance bay due to inclement weather. But, the maintenance bay is not an unusual scene for the decorated Marine.
“This worked out perfect to me,” said Reagan. “We were going to do an outside ceremony in [service Charlie’s] but that is not how I spent my Marine Corps. I spent my Marine Corps in combat utility uniforms and in maintenance bays. This represents what the 2nd MLG does, and that’s what I have enjoyed for the past 25 years.”
During the ceremony, Reagan was presented the Legion of Merit award. It is a military award given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. Extraordinary personnel such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, Army Maj. Audie L. Murphy and Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller also received the Legion of Merit award.
“It’s not surprising seeing [Reagan] retire as a colonel,” said Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta, the commanding general of 2nd MLG. “When you leave the Marine Corps, you really don’t leave it. [Reagan] will have the friendships [he] has forged over the last 25 years and they will continue to be with [him].”
After honors were made and awards were presented, Reagan requested to “go ashore” for the last time.
“Piping Ashore” is a historical and traditional naval ceremony that began in the 1700s. Visiting officers were brought aboard ships in baskets from a small boat. “Sideboys” were assigned to assist in the hoisting and to swing the basket aboard.
These days, piping ashore is reserved for both naval officers and enlisted service members who have completed a career serving the Marine Corps or Navy in the highest traditions of the naval service. The “Bos’n Mate” pipes the boatswain's call signifying the end of their military service.
Reagan walked past the “sideboys” with his family, as the “Bos’n Mate” piped him ashore ending his 25-year military career.
| Date Taken: | 06.10.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.10.2013 13:07 |
| Story ID: | 108404 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 702 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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