thedrifter
04-22-09, 07:23 AM
Thomas Bennet commissioned Marine Officer
By SGT. JOHN MINTON - Special to the Daily News
Red Bluff Daily News
Updated:04/21/2009 10:18:55 AM PDT
On Saturday, March 21, Thomas Bennett of Red Bluff was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.
The ceremony was held at Sunrise Bible Fellowship at the corner of Cedar and Jackson streets. PFC Matthew Collins and 2nd Lt. Bennett are close friends and members of the same church. Collins had orders to report back to Camp Pendleton a few days before and he missed the ceremony.
Collins completed three months of boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and Bennett attended his graduation on Feb. 21, along with their minister, Pat Hurton.
Thomas' parents, Jon and Toni, pinned the new gold bars on his shoulders and said a few words about how their son grew up to want to be a Marine Officer.
It was obvious to all how proud they are of him.
Bennett had to undergo 12 weeks of Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Va., which is considered to be the toughest of all the military Officer Candidate Schools.
It's not only more physically challenging than the other services it's also academically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually more challenging.
The swearing in officer, Capt. Booth, explained to those in attendance that it is traditional for the new officer to hand the first enlisted person, normally a Non-Commissioned Officer, a silver dollar after the NCO renders the first salute. This represents the officer paying for the training and the remainder of his career he must earn every dollar. It's a dollar I will remember always with respect and honor.
The core values of the Marine Corps are honor, courage and commitment. Marines learn that serving means to serve God, family, country and corps - in that order.
Ellie
By SGT. JOHN MINTON - Special to the Daily News
Red Bluff Daily News
Updated:04/21/2009 10:18:55 AM PDT
On Saturday, March 21, Thomas Bennett of Red Bluff was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.
The ceremony was held at Sunrise Bible Fellowship at the corner of Cedar and Jackson streets. PFC Matthew Collins and 2nd Lt. Bennett are close friends and members of the same church. Collins had orders to report back to Camp Pendleton a few days before and he missed the ceremony.
Collins completed three months of boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego and Bennett attended his graduation on Feb. 21, along with their minister, Pat Hurton.
Thomas' parents, Jon and Toni, pinned the new gold bars on his shoulders and said a few words about how their son grew up to want to be a Marine Officer.
It was obvious to all how proud they are of him.
Bennett had to undergo 12 weeks of Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Va., which is considered to be the toughest of all the military Officer Candidate Schools.
It's not only more physically challenging than the other services it's also academically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually more challenging.
The swearing in officer, Capt. Booth, explained to those in attendance that it is traditional for the new officer to hand the first enlisted person, normally a Non-Commissioned Officer, a silver dollar after the NCO renders the first salute. This represents the officer paying for the training and the remainder of his career he must earn every dollar. It's a dollar I will remember always with respect and honor.
The core values of the Marine Corps are honor, courage and commitment. Marines learn that serving means to serve God, family, country and corps - in that order.
Ellie