Photo By Sgt. Tayler Schwamb | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Sgt. Maj. Peter Siaw salutes during his the Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – Sgt. Maj. Siaw was relived of duties as sergeant major of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler and Marine Corps Installations Pacific at a relief and appointment ceremony March 27 aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan.
Siaw was relieved from his two-year post by Sgt. Maj. Vincent Young.
Brig. Gen. Paul Rock Jr., the commanding general of MCB Camp Butler and MCIPAC, spoke about Siaw and the influence he had on Okinawa and the Marines he interacted with.
“There is no other rank like the sergeant major,” said Rock. “They are caretakers of our traditions, our standards and our values. In the last 25 months, MCIPAC has had an icon among icons. Sgt. Maj. Siaw looks like he eats, sleeps, and spits guidons, but when he talks you realize that he doesn’t just look the part, he redefines it. He is one of the most carefully thoughtful, intellectually curious and engaged leaders I have ever met. From mentoring the most junior Marines to counseling the most senior. He is greatly effective at making everyone around him better. He is level headed, dedicated and fearless.”
After Rock set the stage, Siaw reflected on his time as the sergeant major of MCIPAC-MCBB as a learning experience. He said that MCIPAC-MCBB was a place where young Marines listen to and observe their command in depth, reflecting on what they hear and see.
“Gen. Rock sir, I wish I had more time here,” said Siaw. “I’ve learned so much from you. You’re very thoughtful with how you say things, when you say things. You’re very methodical, very systematic, and very deliberate in everything you do and that is rubbing off on the entire staff.”
Siaw continued from there to speak of the Marines he had not only been charged to lead, but cared for, mentored, and worked alongside.
“Take care of each other,” Siaw said. “Listen to each other. We have an obligation to the Marines who come here. The experiences they have here will determine whether the families and the Marines decide to make the Marine Corps a career or not. A lot of the time, that decision is made right here in Okinawa.”
Siaw spoke of all the men and women who helped him learn through his time as the sergeant major of MCIPAC-MCBB, and he also spoke of what drives him to continue doing his duty to his full capability. He did if for the Marines he is appointed over.
“Because of what you do every day, I put my uniform on, look myself in the mirror and make sure I look good and have the energy to support you the very best I can,” Siaw said. “The second thing I do is read my promotion warrant and remember what I'm charged with.”
Siaw’s new duty assignment is with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.28.2018 21:48 |
| Story ID: | 271023 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 660 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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