thedrifter
01-16-09, 09:55 AM
Last academy graduation of '08 memorable
Lance Cpl. Michael A. Bianco
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (January 16, 2009) -- On the same day she passed on her duties as the director of the staff noncommissioned officer academy on Okinawa to Sgt. Maj. Gonzalo A. Vasquez, Sgt. Maj. Ramona D. Cook watched as three academy courses graduated simultaneously at the base theater here in the last academy graduation ceremony of 2008.
"It was bitter sweet," said Cook. "It's hard to walk away from something you dedicated so much time to."
Class 1-09 graduated 119 Marines from the Advanced, Career and Sergeant's courses Dec. 14.
The students, who ranged in rank from corporal to gunnery sergeant, were tested both physically and mentally during the seven-week courses.
The graduation ceremony was unique in that academy classes typically graduate in separate ceremonies.
"This gives the older Marines a chance to support the younger ones," Cook said. "It's outstanding to see how much the senior Marines care about the younger generations."
Class members were educated on topics ranging from martial arts to financial management.
As graduation crept closer, students endured combat training. The Marines spent a day in Combat Town where they simulated live combat using special effect small arms marking system or SESMS.
Whether a Marine is a corporal or they are a gunnery sergeant, they are trained to think like the commanding officer because there might come a time when they can only give orders not take them, Cook said.
"We must all be able to make decisions on our own. We might not always have the opportunity to get suggestions from other Marines," the 26-year veteran said.
Cook's philosophy on leadership was a good fit in her position as the director of the staff academy. Enlisted Academies, Corps-wide, do not employ commissioned officers, leaving the director to fulfill the commanding officer role.
Upon graduating the class, Cook left the Academy for Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The post and relief ceremony took place directly after the graduation ceremony at The Palms on Camp Hansen.
Vasquez says he is excited to take over and that he has a strong team to help him succeed.
"I am elated at this outstanding opportunity to influence Marines in a direct fashion and watch them become great leaders," said Vasquez. "Sgt. Maj. Cook did so much for the academy and I hope I can continue her legacy."
Vasquez comes to the academy after serving as the Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18 sergeant major at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma since September 2007.
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Michael A. Bianco
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (January 16, 2009) -- On the same day she passed on her duties as the director of the staff noncommissioned officer academy on Okinawa to Sgt. Maj. Gonzalo A. Vasquez, Sgt. Maj. Ramona D. Cook watched as three academy courses graduated simultaneously at the base theater here in the last academy graduation ceremony of 2008.
"It was bitter sweet," said Cook. "It's hard to walk away from something you dedicated so much time to."
Class 1-09 graduated 119 Marines from the Advanced, Career and Sergeant's courses Dec. 14.
The students, who ranged in rank from corporal to gunnery sergeant, were tested both physically and mentally during the seven-week courses.
The graduation ceremony was unique in that academy classes typically graduate in separate ceremonies.
"This gives the older Marines a chance to support the younger ones," Cook said. "It's outstanding to see how much the senior Marines care about the younger generations."
Class members were educated on topics ranging from martial arts to financial management.
As graduation crept closer, students endured combat training. The Marines spent a day in Combat Town where they simulated live combat using special effect small arms marking system or SESMS.
Whether a Marine is a corporal or they are a gunnery sergeant, they are trained to think like the commanding officer because there might come a time when they can only give orders not take them, Cook said.
"We must all be able to make decisions on our own. We might not always have the opportunity to get suggestions from other Marines," the 26-year veteran said.
Cook's philosophy on leadership was a good fit in her position as the director of the staff academy. Enlisted Academies, Corps-wide, do not employ commissioned officers, leaving the director to fulfill the commanding officer role.
Upon graduating the class, Cook left the Academy for Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The post and relief ceremony took place directly after the graduation ceremony at The Palms on Camp Hansen.
Vasquez says he is excited to take over and that he has a strong team to help him succeed.
"I am elated at this outstanding opportunity to influence Marines in a direct fashion and watch them become great leaders," said Vasquez. "Sgt. Maj. Cook did so much for the academy and I hope I can continue her legacy."
Vasquez comes to the academy after serving as the Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 18 sergeant major at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma since September 2007.
Ellie