Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Michele Hunt | Corpsmen with I Marine Expeditionary Force escort a birthday cake for the traditional...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Marines and sailors gathered together to celebrate 113 years of history in the Hospital Corps at the 22 Area parade deck, June 15. Service members from I Marine Expeditionary Force took part in the ceremony to praise the hard work of corpsmen throughout the nation.
Though the ceremony marked the official birthday, corpsmen have been a foundation of naval medicine for 235 years.
Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, commanding general of 1st Marine Logistics Group, spoke to the corpsmen on behalf of the Marine Corps, thanking them for all the work they do to take care of Marines.
“You have been taking care of Marines on ships, on the battlefield and in garrison since the birth of the Navy and Marine Corps,” said Hudson. “As one who wears the eagle, globe and anchor, I am very appreciative of everything you do.”
Hudson went on to give examples of times when corpsmen have gone above and beyond to fulfill their role as caretakers of Marines.
“Docs have stepped up time and again, and given their lives to help take care of Marines and sailors in combat,” said Hudson. “It is an honor and a privilege to serve with you.”
The guest speaker of the ceremony was Command Master Chief of Fleet Marine Force, Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher R. Angstead. Angstead congratulated the corpsmen for all of their accomplishments over the years.
“The Navy and Marine Corps share a very long history, and the respect for corpsmen is evident throughout the sea services,” said Angstead.
Angstead spoke of the roles that corpsmen play in the nation’s current conflict by describing the versatility of corpsmen, who are present everywhere Marine boots hit the ground. From engaging the enemy, to providing water to local towns and setting up schools for children, corpsmen play a significant role in helping Marines accomplish their mission.
“To stick it out says a great deal about heart,” said Angstead. “Their moral clarity won’t allow them to sit back and let someone else answer the call to serve.”
In a letter written by the Force Master Chief and Director of the Hospital Corps, Master Chief Petty Officer Laura Martinez, corpsmen were commended for the day to day differences they make in the lives of others.
“Our success is not in the number of Medals of Honor, Navy Crosses, Silver Stars or Purple Hearts we received, nor is it the ships named in our honor, but in the gratification of the patients whose lives we touch each day,” the letter stated. “Our duties carry us into numerous operational settings, in foreign countries of every climate, on the high seas and under it, and in medical treatment facilities all over the world.”
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.22.2011 19:49 |
| Story ID: | 72567 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Happy birthday doc: Hospital Corps celebrates 113 years, by GySgt Michele Hunt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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