thedrifter
07-08-06, 08:11 AM
Thacker takes over command at New River
July 08,2006
ROSELEE PAPANDREA
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Six different Marine Corps aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey, stood as the backdrop Friday evening as the command of the New River Air Station changed hands for another three years.
Col. Stephen L. Forand, who has held the post since June 2003, handed the Marine Corps flag to Morehead City native Col. Darrell Thacker Jr. as part of the ceremonial change of command held on the air station’s oldest flight line.
The cool breeze that kept the more than 500 people in attendance comfortable reminded Forand, 51, of the June evening when he took command of the air station. The weather didn’t treat him quite as well.
“It’s a beautiful Carolina evening,” Forand said after he shouted good evening into the microphone. “Three years ago, it was a tad moist out here. We had an inch of standing water within 10 minutes, but we persevered.”
Forand thanked many people and described his time at New River Air Station as “fantastic.”
“Boy, this has been a terrific three years,” he said. “It’s been a terrific time because of all the people involved.”
He spent several minutes thanking several people, including his staff, his family, the community, the civilian work force and the Marines assigned to the air station.
“I told the Marines here that we’re not the pointy end of the spear,” Forand said. “We’re the handle or the shaft. But a spear without a handle or shaft is a pocket knife.”
Forand, who is from Fall River, Mass., and has been in the Marine Corps for 29 years, will begin his job as chief of staff for Marine Corps Installations East on Monday at Camp Lejeune. Thacker, 45, said it’s good for him that Forand is remaining close.
“You’ve left a lot of big shoes to fill,” Thacker said. “… The good news is you are not going far, so if I find anything in that bottom drawer on Monday, you’ll be getting a phone call.”
Thacker, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1979 after graduating from high school in Wilmington, was commissioned in May 1983. He comes to New River Air Station after serving in Iraq with 2nd Marine Air Wing (Forward).
The last person to speak at the ceremony, Thacker told the crowd he’d keep his remarks short.
“Our mission has not changed,” he said. “We must continue to march forward. … I look forward to serving with you and sorting out any challenges that may arise in the years ahead.”
Forand, Thacker and the other former air station commanders in attendance ended the ceremony standing at attention in the reviewing area as the troops, the parade staff and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band marched by.
Contact staff writer Roselee Papandrea at rpapandrea@freedomenc.com or at 353-1171, ext. 238.
Ellie
July 08,2006
ROSELEE PAPANDREA
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Six different Marine Corps aircraft, including the MV-22 Osprey, stood as the backdrop Friday evening as the command of the New River Air Station changed hands for another three years.
Col. Stephen L. Forand, who has held the post since June 2003, handed the Marine Corps flag to Morehead City native Col. Darrell Thacker Jr. as part of the ceremonial change of command held on the air station’s oldest flight line.
The cool breeze that kept the more than 500 people in attendance comfortable reminded Forand, 51, of the June evening when he took command of the air station. The weather didn’t treat him quite as well.
“It’s a beautiful Carolina evening,” Forand said after he shouted good evening into the microphone. “Three years ago, it was a tad moist out here. We had an inch of standing water within 10 minutes, but we persevered.”
Forand thanked many people and described his time at New River Air Station as “fantastic.”
“Boy, this has been a terrific three years,” he said. “It’s been a terrific time because of all the people involved.”
He spent several minutes thanking several people, including his staff, his family, the community, the civilian work force and the Marines assigned to the air station.
“I told the Marines here that we’re not the pointy end of the spear,” Forand said. “We’re the handle or the shaft. But a spear without a handle or shaft is a pocket knife.”
Forand, who is from Fall River, Mass., and has been in the Marine Corps for 29 years, will begin his job as chief of staff for Marine Corps Installations East on Monday at Camp Lejeune. Thacker, 45, said it’s good for him that Forand is remaining close.
“You’ve left a lot of big shoes to fill,” Thacker said. “… The good news is you are not going far, so if I find anything in that bottom drawer on Monday, you’ll be getting a phone call.”
Thacker, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1979 after graduating from high school in Wilmington, was commissioned in May 1983. He comes to New River Air Station after serving in Iraq with 2nd Marine Air Wing (Forward).
The last person to speak at the ceremony, Thacker told the crowd he’d keep his remarks short.
“Our mission has not changed,” he said. “We must continue to march forward. … I look forward to serving with you and sorting out any challenges that may arise in the years ahead.”
Forand, Thacker and the other former air station commanders in attendance ended the ceremony standing at attention in the reviewing area as the troops, the parade staff and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band marched by.
Contact staff writer Roselee Papandrea at rpapandrea@freedomenc.com or at 353-1171, ext. 238.
Ellie