Camp Fuji command mascot Jiggs II retires, passes leash to Jiggs III

[thedrifter]

Camp Fuji command mascot Jiggs II retires, passes leash to Jiggs III
1st Lt. George Mittnacht

CAMP FUJI, Japan (December 12, 2008) -- Sgt. Dan Daly Jiggs II, Camp Fuji official mascot passed the leash to Pfc. John Basilone Jiggs III during a change of command ceremony held at the Marine Corps Ball here Nov. 7.

Sgt. D. D. Jiggs II, who is retiring, was given a standing ovation after being formally relieved by Col. Robert G. Golden III, commanding officer of the Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji.

"Sgt. Jiggs has served honorably during his Marine Corps career and will be sorely missed here at Camp Fuji," Golden said. "His ability to motivate the Marines, sailors and all that visited Camp Fuji was unparalleled. Now that he is entering the world of retirement, I offer that he be very cautious out in the civilian sector because it is a dog eat dog world and we all want him to enjoy his well deserved retirement."

Having served eight years as Camp Fuji's mascot, Sgt. D. D. Jiggs II continuously provided morale and support to the Marines and sailors of his command.

Going above and beyond his duties, he provided the same motivation and inspiration to units deployed to Fuji and to the local Japanese community who knows him well.

For that reason, his fame extends far beyond the gates of Camp Fuji. Many who have visited Camp Fuji leaves with a story that begins with Jiggs.

He is succeeded by Pfc. J. B. Jiggs III. The Camp Fuji tradition maintains that the first name of the mascot pays tribute to a Medal of Honor recipient and his last name, Jiggs, is the honorary name bestowed on him by his predecessor along with a Roman numeral to indicate lineage.

"Pfc. Jiggs came to Camp Fuji straight from boot camp and is extremely eager to take charge of his post and accomplish his mission to motivate all he comes in contact with at Camp Fuji," Golden said.

For a period of three months Jiggs III has undergone basic Marine Corps recruit training and turn over to learn what is expected of him.

He now walks his post, promoting the high esprit de corps found amongst the Marines of Camp Fuji.

"It is so obvious that he loves his fellow Fuji devil dogs and how much they all love him," Golden said. "When he was officially posted at the ceremony on Nov. 7, I was glad to see that every dog has its day."

Ellie