thedrifter
04-08-09, 08:07 AM
Assistant commandant of the Marine Corps visits to honor veterans, encourage students
By By MICHAEL TREPHAN - Marine Corps League
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Lt. Gen. Ronald Coleman, deputy commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, spoke to students last week during a promotion ceremony at New Beginnings, a program that is part of Collier County Public Schools.
His talk with the students was part of a two-day visit to Naples at the invitation of the E.T. Brisson Detachment of the Marine Corps League. The visit coincided with the 64th anniversary of the invasion of Okinawa, the Marine Corps’ D-Day in World War II.
Coleman, who as deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs is responsible for deployment and recruitment, told the New Beginning students of his own difficult childhood. New Beginnings is an alternative school for students in fourth- through eighth-grade who are dealing with behavior issues disruptive to the education of themselves and others.
He told the students that as one of eight children in a South Philadelphia family, he sought out athletics as a way to avoid trouble. He emphasized the on-going quest for knowledge.
“With knowledge you can achieve anything in life and pursue any endeavor,” said the general, who also had a special salute for the parents in attendance. Mindful of his own youth when his parents never attended school events, he urged parents to keep being involved and continue to provide love and support through tough times.
Later in the day the general addressed more than 70 Marine veterans at Bianchi’s Restaurant where Marine Corps League members gather every Wednesday to talk of times spent in the “Corps.” Among those in attendance was former Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Charles Krulak, who spoke in of his recently deceased father, Gen. Victor H. “Brute” Krulak, who rose to command all Marine Corps forces in the Pacific and championed the “Higgins” boat landing craft that was involved in just about every World War II amphibious assault.
Gen. Krulak introduced Gen. Coleman as one of the finest Marines he had ever known with the toughest job in the Marine Corps that includes the deployment of Marines and equipment around the world.
In his remarks General Coleman said the level of quality in the Marine Corps has never been higher. Re-enlistments are running at 40 percent with many from Marines who are married with families.
He further stated that one area where the armed forces are trailing is in dealing with mental health. Despite vigorous training the demands of modern day warfare take an enormous toll and veterans require psychological care. There is simply not enough trained medical staff, the general said.
He concluded his talk by praising the veterans and voicing his pride in just being a Marine. Like Gen. Krulak he said he never forgets that at the end of the day, everything he does is in support of the Marines.
This was the first time a active duty Marine lieutenant general had visited the Marine Corps League Detachment in Naples
Ellie
By By MICHAEL TREPHAN - Marine Corps League
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Lt. Gen. Ronald Coleman, deputy commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, spoke to students last week during a promotion ceremony at New Beginnings, a program that is part of Collier County Public Schools.
His talk with the students was part of a two-day visit to Naples at the invitation of the E.T. Brisson Detachment of the Marine Corps League. The visit coincided with the 64th anniversary of the invasion of Okinawa, the Marine Corps’ D-Day in World War II.
Coleman, who as deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs is responsible for deployment and recruitment, told the New Beginning students of his own difficult childhood. New Beginnings is an alternative school for students in fourth- through eighth-grade who are dealing with behavior issues disruptive to the education of themselves and others.
He told the students that as one of eight children in a South Philadelphia family, he sought out athletics as a way to avoid trouble. He emphasized the on-going quest for knowledge.
“With knowledge you can achieve anything in life and pursue any endeavor,” said the general, who also had a special salute for the parents in attendance. Mindful of his own youth when his parents never attended school events, he urged parents to keep being involved and continue to provide love and support through tough times.
Later in the day the general addressed more than 70 Marine veterans at Bianchi’s Restaurant where Marine Corps League members gather every Wednesday to talk of times spent in the “Corps.” Among those in attendance was former Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Charles Krulak, who spoke in of his recently deceased father, Gen. Victor H. “Brute” Krulak, who rose to command all Marine Corps forces in the Pacific and championed the “Higgins” boat landing craft that was involved in just about every World War II amphibious assault.
Gen. Krulak introduced Gen. Coleman as one of the finest Marines he had ever known with the toughest job in the Marine Corps that includes the deployment of Marines and equipment around the world.
In his remarks General Coleman said the level of quality in the Marine Corps has never been higher. Re-enlistments are running at 40 percent with many from Marines who are married with families.
He further stated that one area where the armed forces are trailing is in dealing with mental health. Despite vigorous training the demands of modern day warfare take an enormous toll and veterans require psychological care. There is simply not enough trained medical staff, the general said.
He concluded his talk by praising the veterans and voicing his pride in just being a Marine. Like Gen. Krulak he said he never forgets that at the end of the day, everything he does is in support of the Marines.
This was the first time a active duty Marine lieutenant general had visited the Marine Corps League Detachment in Naples
Ellie