Colonel dedicates 29 years to the Corps

Photo By Sgt. Dwight Henderson | Col. Robert G. Sokoloski, staff judge advocate for II Marine Expeditionary Force, addresses the audience during his retirement ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 31. Sokoloski, whose career spanned 29 years, first served as an infantry officer before making the transition to staff judge advocate.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

08.07.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Dwight Henderson 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Family, friends and colleagues gathered under red and gold canopies outside II Marine Expeditionary Force's headquarters building aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., to reflect on the career and achievements of Col. Robert G. Sokoloski during his retirement ceremony, July 31.

Sokoloski's 29-year career began in December 1980 when he was commissioned a second lieutenant and subsequently trained as an infantry officer. He remained in the infantry for the next four years, serving as a platoon commander and company executive and commanding officer. After completing the Excess Leave Law Education Program and graduating the Naval Justice School, Sokoloski became a staff judge advocate for the Marine Corps.

Subsequent SJA and command assignments included tours with Marine Corps Development and Education Command, 2nd Force Service Support Group, the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary, Headquarters Marine Corps and the Department of Defense. Upon his promotion to colonel in March 2003, Sokoloski served as the SJA for 2nd Marine Division, and later, the unit's chief of staff before assuming his final Marine Corps billet as the SJA for II MEF, during which time he deployed to Iraq as the chief of staff for II MEF (Forward).

In addressing the audience attending his early morning retirement ceremony, Sokoloski thanked his family and friends for their support through his years of service.

"Thank you for being there," said Sokoloski. Turning to Maj. Gen. Mastin M. Robeson, commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, who was present to officiate the ceremony, Sokoloski commented, "You were always a great role model."

"On behalf of a very grateful Marine Corps, thank you for your time in service, good luck as you go into the retired community," said Robeson. "God bless you and Semper Fi my friend."

For more information on the II Marine Expeditionary Force, visit the unit's web site at www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil.

• Date Taken: 08.07.2009
• Date Posted: 08.07.2009 10:37
• Story ID: 37251
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US