Photo By Cpl. Jessica Mazzamuto | U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jon Peterson, left, commanding officer, 2nd Distribution...... read more read more
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Camp Lejeune, North Carolina— “To Lieutenant Colonel Bethany S. Peterson, effective 0830, 27 June 2024, you stand relieved of all of your duties as the Commanding Officer of 2nd Distribution Support Battalion…”
Those were the bittersweet words U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson, outgoing commanding officer of 2nd Distribution Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, heard before relinquishing command on June 27, 2024.
Although changes of command are standard after a commanding officer completes two years of honorable service, this ceremony was unique in that the Marine on the receiving end of the unit’s colors was her husband, Lt. Col. Jon Peterson.
Married for 14 years, Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson and Lt. Col. Jon Peterson are a dual-military success story.
Ever since they were children, the Petersons had their hearts fixated on the Marine Corps. Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson explained that her dream to become a Marine started when she was 12 years old and was reinforced when she attended the United States Naval Academy.
“I was involved in the Academy’s Marine Corps Club and Summer training programs, and whatever Marine Corps opportunity presented itself I never hesitated to go after it,” said Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson.
While Lt. Col. Jon Peterson originally came from a family of two Army veterans, he still felt drawn to Marine Corps service. He said that it was the challenge the Marine Corps provided, and the camaraderie that it had built in its ranks that brought him to the branch.
The Petersons met for the first time in Yuma, Arizona, and crossed paths again while serving as series commanders at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. They married two years later in 2010, and started a family in 2013.
After several deployments and the birth of their first child, Bethany and Jon Peterson decided to end their active-duty service to focus on raising their growing family.
Despite having successful careers and family life outside of the Marine Corps, both felt that they were missing fulfillment in their civilian careers and returned to active duty six years later.
“We couldn’t find professional job satisfaction in anything other than the Marine Corps,” said Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson, “returning to active duty let us invest in our future and once again be part of something meaningful.”
Now as they move forward in their careers, the Petersons have reached the unique circumstance of passing off the role of 2nd DSB commanding officer to one another.
“As soon as the board came out, I was so excited,” said Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson, “because I know what his background is and where his capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses lie. I couldn’t think of someone with more experience in operational logistics, which is what II Marine Expeditionary Force is all about. He will be able to push this unit forward.”
Lt. Col. Jon Peterson shared the same sentiment and stated that 2nd Distribution Support Battalion was his first choice due to his background in operational logistics. He also voiced an appreciation for the work ethic and accomplishments of the outgoing commanding officer.
“I understand who I’m inheriting this battalion from,” said Lt. Col. Jon Peterson “her commitment to this unit was unparalleled and it's easy to tell that her Marines would follow her anywhere.”
After passing off the battalion’s colors, Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson will be attending the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
“I am going to be really, really sad leaving the unit, and it is tough to let go,” said Lt. Col. Bethany Peterson, “The Marines in this battalion do the impossible and it was because of Marines working together, building those tight-knit teams, and having resiliency that we were able to accomplish so much.”
Going forward, Lt. Col. Jon Peterson plans to drive home the battalion's mission requirements, help Marines develop habits of action, focus on equipment sustainment, independent resiliency, and the basic warfighting functions.
He closed out with, “This change of command is a lot less about a husband taking command from the wife, it’s about Marine taking it from Marine. It's not about us, it's about the Marines of the command, and what they will be able to do in the future.”
| Date Taken: | 06.27.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.29.2024 15:30 |
| Story ID: | 475151 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 454 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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