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# Family service, loss themes of 2018 Marine Corps birthday celebration at DSCC

By Kristin MolinaroDLA Land and Maritime Public Affairs

                COLUMBUS, Ohio  –              
The Marine Corps celebrated 243 years of service to the nation during a birthday celebration at the Defense Supply Center Columbus Nov. 7. 

“The U.S. Marine Corps has a long, proud history of service defending America’s liberties and ideals dating back to the foundation of our country,” said Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Steve Alsup opening the program. “Through multiple conflicts, the valor and courage of the Corps has been battle-tested and proven.”

                Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Steve Alsup, Marine Lance Cpl. John Jenkins and former Whitehall mayor John Wolfe stand for the presentation of the colors by Columbus, Ohio-based Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment during the Marine Corps birthday celebration Nov. 7 at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.                            Marine Corps birthday celebration                            Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Steve Alsup, Marine Lance Cpl. John Jenkins and former Whitehall mayor John Wolfe stand for the presentation of the colors by Columbus, Ohio-based Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment during the Marine Corps birthday celebration Nov. 7 at the Defense Supply Center Columbus.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 181107-D-LC637-0015The event began with the presentation of the colors by the Columbus-based Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division – a unit devastated by loss 13 years ago when it suffered a rash of deaths in Iraq in separate incidents. 

The deaths of nearly two dozen Marines in the unit had a great impact on the Columbus area, as many were reservists living locally prior to being called to active duty and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

The day’s keynote speaker, retired Marine Lt. Col. Todd Jenkins, director of DLA Land and Maritime’s Executive Programs Office, used the Corps’ annual anniversary to call attention to the Marines and families who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice. He noted that these families may find the festivities surrounding annual military anniversaries especially difficult, and encouraged veterans in the audience to reach out to Marine families and thank them for their service. 

“Today is a time for remembering not just the Corps’ traditions but also a time to honor those who are no longer with us,” Jenkins said.

                Three generations of service were represented during Defense Supply Center Columbus’ annual celebration of the Marine Corps birthday. Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Steve Alsup joined Marine Lance Cpl. John Jenkins, his grandfather John Wolfe and father retired Marine Lt. Col. Todd Jenkins at the event Nov. 7. Wolfe served in the Marines in the 1950s before going on to a career in public service and serving as the mayor of Whitehall.                            DLA Land and Maritime Marine Corps Birthday Celebration                            Three generations of service were represented during Defense Supply Center Columbus’ annual celebration of the Marine Corps birthday. Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Deputy Commander Steve Alsup joined Marine Lance Cpl. John Jenkins, his grandfather John Wolfe and father retired Marine Lt. Col. Todd Jenkins at the event Nov. 7. Wolfe served in the Marines in the 1950s before going on to a career in public service and serving as the mayor of Whitehall.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 181107-D-LC637-0039The day’s program also highlighted the legacy of military service. Jenkins was joined onstage by his father-in-law, former Whitehall mayor John Wolfe, and his son, Marine Lance Cpl. John Jenkins. Each represented three separate generations of Marine Corps service – past, present and future. Wolfe served a tour in the Marine Corps from 1954-1958. John Jenkins, a Gahanna Lincoln High School Graduate, enlisted in 2017 and is currently assigned to an engineer battalion in West Virginia. 

The presentation ended on a bright note, with Jenkins recognizing Marines and veterans in the audience for their efforts. He spoke of the contributions of his father-in-law, who launched into public service after he completed his military tour. Wolfe has been a longtime supporter of DSCC’s mission and was inducted into DLA Land and Maritime’s Hall of Fame. 

Mistress of Ceremony and Marine veteran Nicole Banks was honored for her work assisting a homeless Marine veteran over the summer and fall. 

“Our days of serving in the Corps may have passed, however the title of Marine has no time limit once you’ve served,” Jenkins concluded. 

                Marine Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner cuts the ceremonial cake Nov. 7 during the Defense Supply Center Columbus celebration of the Marine Corps’ 243rd birthday. Greiner currently serves as a division chief with Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s Land Customer Operations.                            Marine Corps Birthday Cake Cutting                            Marine Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner cuts the ceremonial cake Nov. 7 during the Defense Supply Center Columbus celebration of the Marine Corps’ 243rd birthday. Greiner currently serves as a division chief with Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s Land Customer Operations.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 181107-D-LC637-0047Earlier in the program, Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s Lisa Griffin sang the National Anthem and Nicole Brown delivered the Marines’ Prayer, followed by a birthday video featuring Marine Corps Commandant General Robert Neller. 

The traditional cake-cutting commenced following Jenkins remarks, with DLA Land and Maritime’s senior Marine Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner doing the honors and bestowing pieces to the three generations of Marines represented by the Jenkins family.

The program concluded with the playing of Anchors Aweigh and the Marines’ Hymn.

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