Photo By Lance Cpl. Joaquin Carlos Dela Torre | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Collin D. Barry, outgoing sergeant major, Marine Corps...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANITCO, Va. – Sgt. Maj. Collin D. Barry, outgoing sergeant major for the base, retired after 24 years of service as he was relieved by Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Brown, the oncoming sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at The Clubs at Quantico here, Dec. 8.
“My fondest memory of serving in the Marine Corps was having the distinct, humble, and honorable privilege to lead Marines in every clime and place,” Barry reflected.
Barry, who grew up in Tucumcari, New Mexico, enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1999. He credits his successful career to his family, friends and colleagues, but emphasized that if not led by the “tough, intelligent, selfless, and mission-oriented members of the Marine reconnaissance community,” he wouldn’t have accomplished as much as he did.
Brown and Barry, who never served together, ironically joined the Corps in the same month, September 1999 and were even deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II at the same time.
“24 years and never crossed paths; crazy!” Brown said.
Barry explained they’re both disappointed that was the case, but both claimed that they’re “long-lost brothers.”
While they had some commonality, the sergeants major’s careers weren’t completely parallel; Brown went on to be a drill instructor after his deployment, only to deploy again in support OIF between 2007 and 2008. The next year, he deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan until 2010. Barry, at the time, became an instructor for the University of New Mexico’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps until 2009. He later became a Basic Reconnaissance Course platoon sergeant for the School of Infantry-West from 2010 to 2013.
It took Brown to be selected as the next sergeant major of MCINCR-MCB Quantico for their paths to finally cross.
“In my three short weeks here, I can already feel Sgt. Maj. Barry’s impact aboard this base,” Brown said. “His retirement is not only a loss to this installation, but a loss to our entire Corps.”
Brown explained that the Marine Corps is a people business; when a leader takes care of the people, “everything else will take care of itself.”
“Our personalities and leadership philosophies are extremely similar, and there is no doubt that he will always place the tenant commands’ Marines, Sailors, civilians, and families above himself,” Barry said. “He is the perfect sergeant major to take this position to the next level – well beyond what I could achieve.”
As Barry moves on to new challenges and the next chapter of his life, he leaves Brown this thought.
“Marine Corps Base Quantico leaders only exist to serve the 27 tenant commands of ‘The Crossroads of the Marines Corps,’” he began. “The key to serving the commands in an effective and efficient manner is building mutually beneficial relationships, educating them on money, priorities, and processes, and most significantly, actively listening to their concerns to develop the best solutions for mission accomplishment.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Brown responded. “I take that as gospel.”
The ceremony concluded with a presentation of flowers to Barry’s family members, playing of Anchors Aweigh, singing of the Marines’ Hymn, passing of the flag, and a reception.
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| Date Taken: | 12.08.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2023 15:53 |
| Story ID: | 459524 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | TUCUMCARI, NEW MEXICO, US |
| Web Views: | 342 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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