Photo By Cpl. Khoa Pelczar | Master Gunnery Sgt. Luis A. Adrianzen, operations chief, 7th Engineer Support...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – After 28 years of faithful service, he said it was time for him to hang up those combat boots and dog tags to step forth into the civilian world and focus on his family.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Luis A. Adrianzen, operations chief, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, retired from the Marine Corps here, June 29.
Adrianzen said he was honored and humbled to see so many guests in attendance and wanted to dedicate his ceremony to everyone present.
“Many years ago, I wanted to have the biggest parade ever for my retirement. But as time goes along, I just want my certificate and to walk out the door,” Adrianzen said jokingly. “But with all seriousness, I want to celebrate you – my mentors, my teachers and my family. So this parade is for you. It’s my way of saying thank you.”
Adrianzen recalled an event that happened 38 years ago which got him to where he is today. As a very young boy, Adrianzen asked his parents for permission to leave his home in Peru to come to the United States. Until this date, he said he could vividly remember that heart-wrenching day where he left his parents and the security of his home to chase after a dream of a better future for himself and his family in a foreign place. He said he was grateful of his parents for giving him the opportunity to do what he wanted to do.
“I was seven years old when I left… I didn’t see my parents for nine years,” Adrianzen said. “Mom and dad, thank you for letting me go. I am what I am because of you.”
Adrianzen said because of the influences he had while growing up in America, he entered Marine Corps recruit training September 16, 1984.
Having to work his way up from the bottom of the food chain, he knows what his Marines are going through. Adrianzen said he was proud to serve with the Marines of 7th ESB. During the ceremony, Adrianzen took time to address his Marines.
“Marines, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being out here to be part of this ceremony,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to go out – with a group of professional Marines from a battle-hardened battalion that I went to war with.”
During his service, Adrianzen deployed to various locations around the globe in support of numerous military operations. His experiences and leadership style have influenced many and will continue to influence more Devil Dogs. President Barrack Obama, commander in chief, expressed his thoughts in a letter of appreciation to Adrianzen.
“I extend to you my personal thanks in this sincere appreciation of a grateful nation for your contribution of honorable service to our country,” Obama wrote. “You have helped maintain security of the nation during a critical time in its history with a devotion to duty and a spirit of sacrifice in keeping with a proud tradition of military service. Your commitment and dedication have been an inspiration to those who will follow in your footsteps. All Americans will join me today in saluting you for a job extremely well done.”
Adrianzen said he was pleased with the way his military career ended. As he hangs up his Dress Blues, Adrianzen’s son, Tony, will step on to those yellow footprints and follow his father’s footsteps to become a Marine July 9.
| Date Taken: | 06.29.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2012 17:12 |
| Story ID: | 91214 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,622 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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