Mustangs continue traditions at Basic School
Submitted by: MCB Quantico
Story Identification #: 2004521155725
Story by Cpl. Shawn Vincent



MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.(May 20, 2004) -- The Marine Corps has recognized and honored former-enlisted officers for as long the select few that are called mustangs have been around.

On Nov. 10, 1985, the Marine Corps Mustang Association was founded in Philadelphia. The association is a full member of and participant on the National Marine Corps Council.

A "Mustang," referred to the wild or half wild horse of the American plains, especially of Mexico and California, and was a distortion of the Spanish term "Mestengo." Mestengo is the name of the MCMA Newsletter.

"Commissioned or appointed Marine officers selected from the enlisted ranks are eligible for membership in the Marine Corps Mustang Association," said retired Maj. Joe Featherston, Quantico representative of the association to the national Marine Corps Council.

One event the MCMA regularly conducts is the Col. Mitchell Paige Mustang Spirit Award. The award is presented to a graduate from each class of The Basic School, to include warrant officer classes, in recognition of Mustang qualities such as attitude, leadership and esprit de corps. It began as an award to graduates of regular and reserve warrant officer classes about 10 years ago. It was renamed in honor of retired Col. Mitchell Paige in July, 2003, when it was also expanded to include graduates of all TBS classes.

The Marine Corps Mustang Association presented a statue of a mustang to TBS, commemorating the growing professional relationship between the association and the command, at a special ceremony April 23. Gen. Alfred M. Gray, 29th commandant of the Marine Corps, accepted the gift on behalf of the command.

Retired Maj. Gen. David F. Bice presented the award to Gray, after a speech he gave about the importance of good leaders, and the appreciation the Marine Corps has of its formerly enlisted officers.

"The MCMA presented a statue to TBS not as an award, but as a gift," said 2nd Lt. Adam L. Jannereth special events officer, TBS said. "We received it because TBS is the common denominator for all officers, including mustangs."

The gift was a bronze statue of a mustang, signifying the namesake of the organization. The statue now rests on the quarterdeck in Heywood Hall at TBS.

All companies of TBS were at the ceremony to see the retired Marine receive the award.

Gray, who enlisted in 1950, reached the rank of sergeant before being commissioned a second lieutenant April 9, 1952. Gray became the 29th commandant of the Marine Corps in 1987.

Gray retired in 1991 after 41 years of service including three tours in Vietnam, and finished his career as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in addition to being the commandant.

Still showing his esprit de corps, Gray wore a camouflaged blazer to the award ceremony.

"His dedication to country and the Corps will always serve as an example for every Marine to follow," Jannereth said.

For more information on the MCMA, call (800) 321-USMC or visit www.marinecorpsmustang.org.



The Marine Corps Mustang Association has been honoring retired officers that were prior enlisted since Nov. 10, 1985. Retired Gen. Alfred M. Gray, left, 29th commandant of the Marine Corps, accepts a mustang statue on behalf of The Basic School, from Retired Maj. Gen. David F. Bice of the Marine Corps Mustang Association, April 23.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. James L. Yarboro

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...4?opendocument


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