DOCSLIB.ORG

Congressional Record—House H9816

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Congressional Record—House H9816 H9816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 12, 2017 our veterans and honor the sacrifices In the words of President John F. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support they have made for this Nation. Kennedy, when he said, ‘‘A nation re- of H.R. 2815, introduced by the gen- Mr. Speaker, I, too, urge the passage veals itself not only by the men it pro- tleman from New Jersey (Mr. LANCE). of H.R. 1208, and I reserve the balance duces, but also by the men it honors The bill names the United States Post of my time. and the men it remembers’’—and I Office at 30 East Somerset Street in Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add, and women also— Raritan, New Jersey, after Sergeant would like to make the gentlewoman correct President John F. Kennedy. John Basilone. from Florida aware that I have no fur- This bill allows us to show our appre- Sergeant Basilone was among the ther speakers, and I am prepared to ciation for the veterans, the men and first wave of marines to storm the close. women of Converse, Texas, and across shores of Iwo Jima on February 19, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the Nation, and make sure that their 1945. I thank Representative LANCE for my time. service and sacrifice to our country is introducing this bill to pay tribute to Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield not forgotten. the life and sacrifice of Sergeant such time as he may consume to the Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I have Basilone. gentleman from Texas (Mr. CUELLAR). no further speakers, and I yield back Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the balance of my time. may consume to the gentleman from the gentlewoman from Florida for Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I New Jersey (Mr. LANCE) to explain his yielding and for her leadership on this urge adoption of the bill, and I yield bill. issue dealing with veterans. back the balance of my time. Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise I also want to thank my friend from The SPEAKER pro tempore. The today to honor an American hero and a Montana for his leadership in support question is on the motion offered by proud son of New Jersey, Gunnery Ser- of veterans across the Nation. the gentleman from Montana (Mr. geant John Basilone, and I offer this Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to present GIANFORTE) that the House suspend the bill to name the post office in Raritan, H.R. 1208, which will rename the post rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1208. New Jersey, in his honor. The question was taken; and (two- office facility in my district as the Gunnery Sergeant Basilone is an ex- thirds being in the affirmative) the Converse Veterans Post Office Build- emplar of brave service in our Armed rules were suspended and the bill was ing. Forces, and a member of the Greatest Across my district, I have fine men passed. A motion to reconsider was laid on Generation, whose collective bravery and women of all walks of life that the table. and selflessness won World War II and have honorably served our country. It liberated millions from oppression. is critical that we honor their service f In Congress, there are many actions and their dedication to our Nation. SERGEANT JOHN BASILONE POST we take to honor and remember those Converse alone is home to over 3,000 OFFICE who serve our Nation. These com- veterans, according to the U.S. Census Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I mendations matter. Younger genera- Bureau. Dedicating this post office to move to suspend the rules and pass the tions ask whose name is inscribed on our veterans will serve as an enduring bill (H.R. 2815) to designate the facility monuments and flag posts or on Fed- reminder of the sacrifices that our of the United States Postal Service lo- eral properties; and in retelling these friends, our neighbors, our families cated at 30 East Somerset Street in stories, we inspire young Americans to have made while serving their country. Raritan, New Jersey, as the ‘‘Sergeant appreciate the generations that came These individuals put country ahead of John Basilone Post Office’’. before in public service. self, and I am proud to recognize them The Clerk read the title of the bill. Sergeant Basilone, indeed, has a tre- with the dedicating of this post office The text of the bill is as follows: mendous story. Born on November 4, facility. H.R. 2815 1916, in Buffalo, New York, he was 1 of Today, I want to acknowledge one Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- 10 siblings born to Salvatore and Dora sacrifice from one individual; that is an resentatives of the United States of America in Basilone. His father, an immigrant individual from Converse, Texas, a vet- Congress assembled, from Italy, and his mother, a native of eran by the name of Quintin E. Cain. SECTION 1. SERGEANT JOHN BASILONE POST OF- Manville, New Jersey, decided to raise Mr. Cain served 23 years in the Army FICE. their family in the Somerset County, (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the as a medic, where he would receive nu- United States Postal Service located at 30 New Jersey, Borough of Raritan. merous medals and recognitions. East Somerset Street in Raritan, New Jer- At just barely 18 years of age, a After being honorably discharged, he sey, shall be known and designated as the young Basilone decided to enlist in the continued to serve the country, his ‘‘Sergeant John Basilone Post Office’’. United States Army in the 1930s. He country, by using the medical training (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, would begin his military career with a that he had to train combat medic stu- map, regulation, document, paper, or other tour of the Philippines. dents as a civilian. We owe our freedom record of the United States to the facility re- In the Army, he was popular, ex- ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to to veterans such as Mr. Cain, which is be a reference to the ‘‘Sergeant John tremely well-liked. He boxed and con- why I am recognizing him and, of Basilone Post Office’’. tributed to a sense of camaraderie that course, the other veterans, by dedi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- put the young men who were a world cating this post office. He is just one ant to the rule, the gentleman from away from home at ease. He would example of many veterans who have Montana (Mr. GIANFORTE) and the gen- later be honorably discharged from the made countless sacrifices for their tlewoman from Florida (Mrs. DEMINGS) Army and return home. country in the face of danger. each will control 20 minutes. But in 1940, the trumpet summoned The bravery and the commitment of The Chair recognizes the gentleman him again, and he re-enlisted, this time our veterans to our Nation dem- from Montana. in the Marines. He would be dispatched onstrates what it really means to be an GENERAL LEAVE to the height of battle in the Pacific American, the essence of being an Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask theater. American. unanimous consent that all Members Sergeant Basilone and many fellow I would also like to take a moment may have 5 legislative days in which to marines were part of Operation Watch- to thank the veterans organizations revise and extend their remarks and in- tower to regain territory in Guadal- throughout my district for their tire- clude extraneous material on the bill canal, the site of a Japanese airfield. less work in providing care to our vet- under consideration. On August 7, 1942, the group took the erans when they need it. There are The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there airfield and defended it bravely from good men and women who work hard objection to the request of the gen- Japanese attempts to reconquer the and provide that care to our veterans. tleman from Montana? territory. Let us remember and express gratitude There was no objection. In October of 1942, the Japanese to these courageous people, the vet- Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I began another land attack to regain erans, their families, as well as their yield myself such time as I may con- control of Guadalcanal. Sergeant care providers. sume. Basilone fought bravely for 2 days and VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:05 Dec 13, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12DE7.053 H12DEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE December 12, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9817 ultimately contributed to the annihila- In the generations that have fol- It is a great honor to salute Sergeant tion of a considerable portion of the lowed, Sergeant Basilone has rightfully Basilone’s family, a native of New Jer- Japanese regiment. taken his place as an American hero of sey, and a hero of our Italian-American In a moment of selfless service to his the Second World War. Raritan has community. fellow marines, Sergeant Basilone en- held a parade in his honor every Sep- He started serving his country, as dured brutal enemy fire during the as- tember. His statue stands in the heart you already heard, very early in the sault to assist nearby machine gunners of the borough. His legacy of love and U.S. Army; and then 3 years later, he in trouble. service to the country has been main- enlisted in the U.S.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • THE GRUNT the Lakeland Grunt, PO Box 0008, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 April 2014 March 2015 Mike Mcnulty –Editor 732-213-5264
    Lakeland Detachment #744 THE GRUNT The Lakeland Grunt, PO Box 0008, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 April 2014 March 2015 Mike McNulty –Editor 732-213-5264 Your Officers for 2015 Commandants Corner Charles Huha-Commandant 973-835-2315 [email protected] Michael McNulty—Sr. Vice 732-213-5264 Marine Corps League [email protected] Lakeland Detachment—744 Kevin O’Leary -Jr. Vice 201-644-8078 March 2015 [email protected] On February 18, 2015, Detachment member Dave Peter Alvarez—Paymaster/Adj 973-839-5693 Elshout and I had the distinct pleasure of having din- [email protected] ner with a Marine giant, Zigmund “Ziggy” Gasiewicz. We joined Ziggy, his son Peter, Nephew, Louis, both Paul Thompson Service Officer 201-651-1822 Marines, and other family members and Marines for [email protected] a wonderful night of sharing and being with a legend, Ray Sears– Judge Advocate 973-694-8457 up close and personal. Ziggy will be 94 in July. He [email protected] joined the Marine Corps in 1940 while still a teenag- er. After Parris Island, he served at Guantanamo Theresa Muttel– Secretary 973-764-9565 Bay and did practice assaults in the islands off of [email protected] Puerto Rico. After Pearl Harbor, he was sent to Cali- fornia for training, then to New Zealand and the Fiji Bill De Lorenzo—Legal Officer 201-337-6677 Islands for more training. His ultimate destination [email protected] was Guadalcanal. Dennis Kievit—Chaplain 201-825-0183 Ziggy hit Guadalcanal as a 75 mil pack Howitzer ar- [email protected] tillery man.
    [Show full text]
  • CAMP PENDLETON HISTORY Early History Spanish Explorer Don
    CAMP PENDLETON HISTORY Early History Spanish explorer Don Gasper de Portola first scouted the area where Camp Pendleton is located in 1769. He named the Santa Margarita Valley in honor of St. Margaret of Antioch, after sighting it July 20, St. Margaret's Day. The Spanish land grants, the Rancho Santa Margarita Y Las Flores Y San Onofre came in existence. Custody of these lands was originally held by the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, located southeast of Pendleton, and eventually came into the private ownership of Pio Pico and his brother Andre, in 1841. Pio Pico was a lavish entertainer and a politician who later became the last governor of Alto California. By contrast, his brother Andre, took the business of taming the new land more seriously and protecting it from the aggressive forces, namely the "Americanos." While Andre was fighting the Americans, Pio was busily engaged in entertaining guests, political maneuvering and gambling. His continual extravagances soon forced him to borrow funds from loan sharks. A dashing businesslike Englishman, John Forster, who has recently arrived in the sleepy little town of Los Angeles, entered the picture, wooing and winning the hand of Ysidora Pico, the sister of the rancho brothers. Just as the land-grubbers were about to foreclose on the ranch, young Forster stepped forward and offered to pick up the tab from Pio. He assumed the title Don Juan Forster and, as such, turned the rancho into a profitable business. When Forster died in 1882, James Flood of San Francisco purchased the rancho for $450,000.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 a Stamp for Gunny Minila John Basilone USMC the Gysgt John
    1 A Stamp for Gunny Minila John Basilone USMC The GySgt John Basilone Award for Courage and Commitment was first presented on Basilone Day 19 February 2004, at the Freedom Museum in Manassas, Virginia to Sergeant Major C.A. “Mack” McKinney [USMC ret]. Brooks Corely, at the time National Executive Director for the Marine Corps League was asked to choose to whom the award would be presented. The award was presented by the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Estrada. As a tribute to Sergeant Major Estrada it was decided that hence forth the awardees would always be chosen by the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps. The Basilone Award is only given to Non Commissioned Officers [NCOs]. The list of recipients is requested by the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps from his Senior NCOs. The Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps then picks a recipient from the list of nominees. The Sergeant Major’s office then notifies the Basilone Award Committee and the award is designed and arrangements are made to send the award to the Marine recipient. The purpose of the GySgt John Basilone Award for Courage and Commitment is to honor the memory of GySgt John Basilone as well as to recognize the actions of today’s Marines who uphold the ultimate attributes of what it means to be a United States Marine. When the GySgt John Basilone Award for Courage and Commitment is given it is done so in the honor of all those Marines who did not get to come home. What you are about to read is an American story.
    [Show full text]
  • Flags of Our Fathers
    D-DAY: 19 FEBRUARY 1945 0. D-DAY: 19 FEBRUARY 1945 - Story Preface 1. A PACIFIC EMPIRE 2. DANGEROUS OPPONENTS 3. DEATH IN CHINA 4. ATROCITIES IN CHINA 5. ABOUT IWO JIMA 6. THE ARMADA ARRIVES 7. JAPAN'S IWO JIMA DEFENSES 8. LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA 9. JUST A MOP-UP? 10. D-DAY: 19 FEBRUARY 1945 11. THE UNBROKEN CODE 12. INCHING TOWARD SURIBACHI 13. A FLAG-RAISING ON SURIBACHI 14. THE REPLACEMENT FLAG RAISERS 15. THE FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPH 16. FLAG RAISERS DIE IN BATTLE 17. KURIBAYASHI'S LAST LETTERS 18. SECURING IWO JIMA 19. IWO JIMA MEDALS OF HONOR 20. SURVIVORS RAISE CASH via WAR BONDS 21. WHY IWO JIMA WAS CAPTURED 22. FIRE BOMBS OVER TOKYO 23. RESULTS of WAR 24. THE REST OF THEIR LIVES 25. EPILOGUE - EARTHQUAKE in JAPAN 26. Awesome Guide to 21st Century Research This view of Iwo Jima, from the top of Mt. Suribachi, provides a view of the invasion beach. The photographer, Looper5920, has released the photo into the public domain. Although the Marines who attacked Iwo Jima had practiced and practiced - for nearly a year at Camp Pendleton, then in Hawaii - this, for many, was their first real battle. Experienced veterans, barely in their mid-twenties, remembered other difficult invasions and battles to liberate Japanese-occupied islands. Tarawa, Bougainville and Saipan had been brutal stepping stones to Sulphur Island. Light Japanese tank dug-in near Airfield Number 2. USMC photo. As the Japanese defenders, from their excellent vantage points, rained down armament on the approaching assault teams, boys who had not yet reached adulthood dropped dead on the black sand.
    [Show full text]
  • Congressional Record—Senate S13334
    S13334 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 18, 2005 By providing this desperately needed TRIBUTE TO MR. BEN this Nation. Nearly 2,100 Americans help, we save lies, strengthen alliances, WORTHINGTON have died in Iraq, and more than 15,000 and promote peace and stability. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I others have been injured. It is impor- I have often talked about humani- rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated tant that we honor their sacrifices and tarian aid as a currency for peace. The steward of our national forests, Mr. the sacrifices of those who came before Foreign Operations appropriations bill Ben Worthington. Last month, Ben re- them. I would like to take a few mo- wisely sets aside targeted funding for tired from the National Forest Service ments to talk about the four legendary global health programs to advance that after 32 years of service. For the last 10 marines commemorated on the new cause. of these years, my home State of Ken- stamps. A1ong with tackling the Global HIV/ tucky was fortunate to have him serve LTG John A. Lejeune is probably the Aids crisis, the Foreign Operations ap- as forest supervisor of the Daniel best known of this fabled four. Re- propriations bill supports the Child Boone National Forest. garded as ‘‘the greatest of all leather- Survival and Health Programs Fund. Ben began his forestry career at necks,’’ Lieutenant General Lejeune These funds help reduce child mor- Washington State University, where he made history in World War I as the tality and morbidity, and combat earned a degree in forest management.
    [Show full text]
  • NPRC) VIP List, 2009
    Description of document: National Archives National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) VIP list, 2009 Requested date: December 2007 Released date: March 2008 Posted date: 04-January-2010 Source of document: National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records 9700 Page Avenue St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 Note: NPRC staff has compiled a list of prominent persons whose military records files they hold. They call this their VIP Listing. You can ask for a copy of any of these files simply by submitting a Freedom of Information Act request to the address above. The governmentattic.org web site (“the site”) is noncommercial and free to the public. The site and materials made available on the site, such as this file, are for reference only. The governmentattic.org web site and its principals have made every effort to make this information as complete and as accurate as possible, however, there may be mistakes and omissions, both typographical and in content. The governmentattic.org web site and its principals shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information provided on the governmentattic.org web site or in this file. The public records published on the site were obtained from government agencies using proper legal channels. Each document is identified as to the source. Any concerns about the contents of the site should be directed to the agency originating the document in question. GovernmentAttic.org is not responsible for the contents of documents published on the website.
    [Show full text]
  • John Basilone's Sacrifice
    John Basilone’s Sacrifice Full Lesson Plan COMPELLING QUESTION How can John Basilone’s commitment to his purpose inspire you to be selfless in pursuit of your own purpose? VIRTUE Self-Sacrifice DEFINITION Self-sacrifice is purposeful action exchanging personal loss for the good of others. LESSON OVERVIEW In this lesson, students will learn about the actions of John Basilone during World War II. They will explore how his actions helped advanced the allied cause. They will also understand his motivations for returning to combat. Through his example, they will learn how they can act selflessly in their own lives. OBJECTIVES • Students will analyze John Basilone’s actions during World War II. • Students will understand how acting selflessly can benefit others. • Students will understand how they can act more selflessly in their own lives. BACKGROUND On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and brought the United States into the Second World War. The war was divided into two fronts. In Europe, the United States and its allies fought against Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime. In the Pacific, the United States engaged in a brutal island-hopping campaign, inching ever closer to the Japanese mainland. One of the first major conflicts in this latter theater was on Guadalcanal. The United States Marine Corps led the brunt of the fighting for this small island in the Solomon Island chain. After six months of intense combat, the United States finally prevailed, but not until after suffering over 7,000 casualties. One Marine who set himself apart in this horrific fight was John Basilone.
    [Show full text]
  • LE II Student Textbook.Pdf
    144279_LE_II_Student_Textbook_Cover.indd Letter V 8/6/19 5:30 AM LE-II TABLE OF CONTENTS Leadership Leadership Primary and Secondary Objectives ............................................................................................ 1 The 11 Leadership Principals ........................................................................................................................ 5 Authority, Responsibility, and Accountability ........................................................................................... 11 The Role of the NCO .................................................................................................................................. 15 The Role of an Officer ................................................................................................................................ 29 Motivational Principles and Techniques ..................................................................................................... 33 Maintaining High Morale ........................................................................................................................... 39 Marine Discipline ........................................................................................................................................ 43 Individual and Team Training..................................................................................................................... 47 Proficiency Defined ...................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • S. Con. Res. 154
    III 107TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION S. CON. RES. 154 Expressing the sense of the Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued honoring Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, a great American hero. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES OCTOBER 17, 2002 Mr. CORZINE (for himself, Mrs. CLINTON, and Mr. TORRICELLI) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Congress that a commemorative postage stamp should be issued honoring Gunnery Ser- geant John Basilone, a great American hero. Whereas Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was born in 1916 in Buffalo, New York, son of Salvatore and Dora Basilone, one of 10 children; Whereas John Basilone was raised and educated in Raritan, New Jersey; Whereas, at the age of 18, John Basilone enlisted in the United States Army, principally seeing garrison service in the Philippines; 2 Whereas, after his honorable discharge in 1937, Sergeant Basilone, known by his comrades as ‘‘Manila John’’, re- turned to Raritan; Whereas, seeing the storm clouds of war hovering over the Nation, and believing that his place was with this coun- try’s fighting forces, Sergeant Basilone enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July 1940; Whereas, on October 24 and 25, 1942, on Guadalcanal, Sol- omon Islands, Sergeant Basilone was a member of ‘‘C’’ Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Regiment, 1st Marine Divi- sion, and was in charge of 2 sections of heavy machine guns defending a narrow pass that led to Henderson Air- field;
    [Show full text]
  • Selected Biographies of Notable Marines
    Selected Biographies of Notable Marines ___________________________________________________________________ Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, Boxer Rebellion, Banana Wars, World War I Smedley D. Butler - Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, Boxer Rebellion, Banana Wars, World War I • American Renegade: The Life and Times of Smedley Butler, USMC by Nate Braden • Smedley D. Butler, USMC: A Biography by Mark Strecker • Old Gimlet Eye, by Lowell Thomas Dan Daly – Boxer Rebellion, Banana Wars, World War I • Sergeant Major Dan Daly: The Most Outstanding Marine of All Time by Stephen W. Scott Hiram Bearss – Philippine Insurrection, World War I • Hiram Iddings Bearss, U.S. Marine Corps: Biography of a World War I Hero by George B. Clark John A. Lejeune – Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, Banana Wars, World War I • Lejeune: A Marine's Life, 1867-1942 by Merrill L. Bartlett • The Reminiscences of a Marine, by Maj Gen John A. Lejeune ___________________________________________________________________ Banana Wars, World War I, World War II H.M. Smith • From Whaleboats to Amphibious Warfare: Lt. Gen. Howling Mad Smith and the U.S. Marine Corps by Anne Cipriano Venzon • A Fighting General, by Dr. Norman V. Cooper John W. Thomason • The World of Col John W. Thomason USMC, by Martha Anne Turner Pedro A. del Valle • Semper Fidelis, by LtGen Pedro A. del Valle, USMC ___________________________________________________________________ MCRD Command Museum 1600 Henderson Ave., Ste. 212, San Diego, CA 92140 www.usmchistory.org (619) 524-6719 Selected Biographies of Notable Marines ___________________________________________________________________ World War I, China Duty, World War II, Korea MajGen Gerald C. Thomas • In Many a Strife, by Allan R. Millett ___________________________________________________________________ Banana Wars, China Duty, World War II Alexander A.
    [Show full text]
  • John Basilone
    John Basilone One-Man Army The success of the Allied assault on Guadalcanal hinged on the skills of the machine gunner, and there was none better than Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone. During the defense of the Marine airstrip in late October of 1942, Basilone was everywhere at once: manning a machine gun; repairing a weapon in the YEAR BORN/DIED dark while under fire; racing barefoot to the supply 1916-1945 dump to grab 132 pounds of ammunition and returning to distribute it to his comrades so they could fend WAR off the murderous assault; ordering the repositioning World War II of a machine gun and directing its fire; and roving back and forth to trouble spots, all the while shouting RANK/ORGANIZATION words of encouragement and inspiring his men with Gunnery Sergeant his courage and stamina. U.S. Marine Corps PLACE/DATE OF HEROIC ACT Within days after the battle, Basilone received the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Congressional Medal of Honor. After a hero’s welcome Solomon Islands home and a short stint as a spokesman for war bonds, October 24-26, 1942 Basilone returned to the front, remarking, “I’m staying with my boys.” He perished during the assault on Iwo COMPANY/DIVISION Jima, earning him the Navy Cross. 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division Basilone is the only enlisted man in World War II to receive the nation’s two highest awards for valor. And WHEN/WHERE INDUCTED With a postage stamp released in his honor in 2005 July 11, 1940 and a 2010 HBO miniseries on the war in the Pacific Baltimore, Maryland featuring him prominently, it is clear his bravery CITY OF BIRTH resonates even today.
    [Show full text]
  • NROTC Rutgers/Princeton Fall 2020 Newsletter
    NROTC Rutgers/Princeton Fall 2020 Newsletter Key Events: • 3 Marines Graduate from OCS • Winter Commissioning • Navigating NROTC during COVID-19 • Alumni Reflections Commanding Officer Andrew Smith A Message from the Commanding Officer: Happy 2021! I hope this finds you all healthy and motivated to start off the New Year! Despite the challenges of 2020, we had a very successful fall semester and are very much looking forward to what the new semester, and year, will bring. Despite the remote learn- ing we were forced into, we were able to bring in numerous guest speakers to enhance our exposure to all aspects of the Navy/Marine Corps team. Additionally, we instituted a Wargame Exercise, which introduced the battalion to the intricacies of the attention to detail required in planning military operations. I congratulate each and every one of you on persevering and rising up to the challenges the pandemic has brought before us. BZ! I also want to recognize the outgoing Fall Semester Battalion Command Triad of MIDN Peterson, MIDN Boettge, and MIDN Chiasson. I very much appreciate your collective leadership in improving our battalion and overcoming the challenges of instilling es- prit de corps in a remote setting. Your positive attitude, motivation and dedication were readily apparent and much respected by all. I look forward to the Spring Semester Battal- ion Command Triad of MIDN Craige, MIDN Olsen, and MIDN Bellaran to build upon our achievements and continue to make our battalion the best in the NROTC Enter- prise! Congratulations to MIDN Ken Dimondo, who will commission on 23 January 2021 – what a great way to start the year! MIDN Dimondo has been slated to the USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7) in Mayport, Florida and will join the ship following attending the Basic Division Officers Course.
    [Show full text]