 2022. He is named after Major General Bruno Hochmuth by the time of his death was the officer killed during the Vietnam War. Major General Hochmuth was also the commanding general of the depot from November of 1963 to February of 1967. General Hochmuth was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with Combat V for Valor. The Navy Accommodation Medal with Gold Star in lieu of Third Award and the F***ing Star in lieu of Third Award. Las Bruno continues the tradition of a long line of Marine Corps Bulldog mascots dating back to 1921, when Brigadier General Smedley Butler appointed Sergeant Major Jigs as the first Bulldog mascot for Marine Corps Barracks Quantico. Private First Las Bruno is being escalated by the Office of Communication Strategy and Operations. Corporal Joshua M. Dreyer. Spiritual Development plays an important part in the making of the United States Marine. Lieutenant Elysio Morales, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Let us pray. Mighty One, we thank you for your presence here today. We thank you for the young men and women of my company who came in as recruits and are leaving as Marines. Through hard work and perseverance, they now join the ranks of the finest fighting force on Earth. Within each and every one of them runs a war fighting spirit of a Marine that never gives up, no matter the odds. May they take pride in the great accomplishment. We thank you for the friends and family who provided support through thoughts, prayers, and letters of encouragement. May they rejoice in this great celebration. We thank you for these children's charters, for they have made of Marines. Through hard work and perseverance, leadership and discipline, they have made of Marines. They have instilled within each and every one of them the honor, courage, and commitment that has woven into the very fabric of this Corps. It is because of these children's charters that these new Marines cannot live out the great honor traditions to always be faithful, first to fight, and most of all, with the nation ready. May they take pride in the great work and enjoy their well-earned rest. Mighty One, we thank you for your presence once again, and as always, we ask that you continue to bless this Corps and country, now and always. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Thank you. Please be seated. The commanding general, Marine Corps Recruiter Depot San Diego welcomes you to what is a historical department at San Diego First Service with the name to Recruits Enlisted West of the Mississippi, which represents approximately 50 of all applicants in the Marine Corps each year. The depot is also home to recruiter school and drill instructor school. All of our efforts here are geared toward one end, producing America's finest fighting force, the United States Marine Corps. This morning, Company M, Third Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, will form and march in the parade. Following us in review, the graduating Marines will return front and center of the reviewing stand for final dismissal. The staff for today's parade is comprised of Marines from the Recruit Training Regiment. The commander troops is Captain Megan E. Sakura, Company Commander, Company M, Third Recruit Training Battalion. The parade adjutant is Captain Thomas C. McCarthy, Company Executive Officer, Company M, Third Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. The marching units are now being called to attention at the adjutant's command. Sound, adjutant's call will begin today's parade. Marching in today's parade are 500 and 56 of the graduating Marines from Company M. Among the 556 Marines are two Marines who displayed outstanding performances in two individually graded events. Private Emo Jean Nez from Platoon, 367 is the Company High Shooter, scoring a 336 out of 350. At first last, Kyle L. Sullivan from Platoon, 3261 is the most physically fit Marine, scoring a 300 out of 300 on the physical fitness test, and a 300 out of 300 on the combat fitness test. They will be receiving awards from Marine Corps Association and Foundation. Present today is the Company Honor Graduates Recruiter, Staff Sergeant Jacob D. Bustamante. Also present today is the Rammary Marines have been instructed with the Platoon High Shooting Average. Recruit training is comprised of subjects required to produce basic Marines who function effectively in garrison, are trained in rudimentary individual field and combat skills, and practice the personal and professional traits which distinguishes them as Marines. Example of these traits are Discipline, the achievement of self-control and self-awareness which assures respectful authority, instant and willing obedience to orders, and the self-reliance to maintain or improve those traits which exemplify a Marine. Military bearing consistently demonstrating military presence and personal awareness as well as the proper wearing and maintenance of uniforms. A spray decor acquiring the common spirit of the Marine Corps that inspires enthusiasm, devotion, pride, initiative, teamwork, aggressiveness, determination, moral courage, integrity, camaraderie, and the burning desire to work with and for others towards excellence in common goals. For 247 years Marines have fought and won whenever and wherever the nation calls. The harshest conditions over the most brutal terrain and against the most formidable enemies, Marines defend the ideals of freedom with grit and capacity. Although battlefields change and capabilities evolve, history proves that true victory comes from the individual Marine with steel resolve. The drive to overcome any obstacle and the warrior spirit to fight on against all odds. It takes that steadfast faithfulness, Semper Fidelis, to core, country, and each other that abounds throughout our story legacy. Marines today remain in combat for deploy throughout the world confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty, and faithfulness. They are resolved to be the most ready when the nation is least ready to defend freedom anytime and anywhere, to stand ready to aid those devastated by natural disasters, to pay tribute to those who have forged our proud legacy and to honor the families and loved ones who faithfully stand beside us. For the Marines of Company M, today marks the end of the 13-week recruit training cycle. They have marks countless miles at Camp Pendleton as well as on this parade deck and have been trained as are all Marines as basic riflemen. In addition, due to an intense of physical training program, their strength and endurance have doubled since their arrival aboard the recruit depot. They are Marines, qualified to take their places in the ranks of the world's finest fighting organization. The platoons are now being aligned from left to right in order to get them into their exact positions for the parade. The next portion of the ceremony will be our national anthem. We welcome veterans and members of the armed forces to join us in rendering appropriate honors with a military salute. For guests who have not served in the military, it is proper etiquette during the national anthem to place their right hands over their hearts and for those in the audience wearing headgear to remove it. Will the guests please rise for the presentation of the colors? Ladies and gentlemen, our national anthem. Thank you. Please be seated. At the command, post the colors. The color guard moves into position within the parade. This signifies that the entirety of the parade has been formed and is ready to be presented to the command. Following the command, parade rest. The parade agitant will give the command sound off, which signals the band to parade forward on the assembled Marines while playing military marching music. The parade agitant now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. At the command, officers center march. All unit commanders and guide-on-bearers march to the front center of the formation. Historically, it was at this point that commanding officers would issue orders and instructions to the unit commanders. Following this, the unit leaders would face about, return to their units and pass the information along to their Marines. For our nation's history, millions of men and women have earned the title United States Marine. Many who have helped shape our history join us here today. In keeping with the tradition of once a Marine, always a Marine, we would like to recognize them. At this time, those in the audience who have served as Marines, please rise. Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for their dedicated service to poor and country. Thank you. Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for Third Recruit Training Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel M. Matthew Phelps. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, distinguished guests. On behalf of the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in the western recruiting region, Brigadier General James A. Ryan and the commanding officer of the Recruit Training Regiment, Colonel Peter M. Rummler, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the graduation ceremony for Company M. It is also my distinct pleasure to welcome today's parade reviewing official, Colonel Ken Laidman, director of inspection for the general of the Marine Corps, who's impressive biography you'll hear shortly, sir, we are honored to be with us this morning. Before I talk about the amazing young people that you came to see graduate, I'd like to first acknowledge a few groups of people without whom their success would not have been possible. First, let me recognize those impressive Marines you see wearing the distinctive green campaign covers. They are, of course, the legendary Marine Corps drill instructors. Drill instructors are the critical element in the transformation of civilians into Marines. From the moment a recruit arrives here at the Recruit Depot, a drill instructor is with them, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, everywhere that they go. It takes a special Marine to be a drill instructor, and these Marines are extraordinary. Their impact on the Marines is permanent. Let's face it, of the thousands of people we meet in our lives, few of them will leave a lasting impression, but no Marine will ever forget the name, the face, or that gentle loving voice of their drill instructor. Seated next to the reviewing stands is another special group of people. They are the families of the officers and drill instructors of Mike Company. These families know firsthand the time, dedication, and sacrifice that it takes to make Marines. They assume additional roles and responsibilities at home so that their Marines can be here focused on the mission. We couldn't do this without their love and support, so please join me in a round of applause for the families of Mike Company. Now, every one of these Marines began with one of the hard-working Marine Corps recruiters who canvases this nation on their mission to enlist the next generation of Marines. Today, Marine Corps Recruiting Command is presented by Staff Sergeant Jacob Bustamante of Recruiting Substation Denton, Texas. It was Staff Sergeant Bustamante who recruited our company honor graduate, Lance Corporal Nash Deeter. Staff Sergeant Bustamante first recognized Lance Corporal Deeter's potential and offered him the opportunity to become a United States Marine. Congratulations, Staff Sergeant. Now let me talk about these incredible young people behind me. They are truly some of the best this nation has to offer. When they arrived here, they were young and fit, 19 years old on average, and already in better shape than most people their age. 97% of them were high school graduates and seven had already earned college degrees. Beyond that, they demonstrated a courage and a commitment that few of their peers could muster when they raised their right hand and swore a solemn oath to support and defend the United States. They come from every corner of the globe, in this case four different countries, Kenya, Mexico, China and Korea, and some came from across the street here in San Diego. But wherever they came from, it was a common goal that brought them together, the goal of becoming United States Marines. Three months ago, these young people embarked on the world's most demanding entry level training. When they got off the buses and stepped onto our historic yellow footprint. Since then, they've been rigorously tested. They've been trained and evaluated in the attributes that make Marines unique in the world. They've learned battlefield tested war fighting skills so that when this nation calls, these Marines will be ready for the fight. Those essential skills were imparted on them by the talented instructors up at Weapons Field Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton and included marksmanship training, teaching them to deliver precision rifle fire and targets at staggering distances, 500 yards out. Today, Weapons Field Training Battalion is represented by Sergeant Littiker who is the primary marksmanship instructor for our highest shooting platoon or platoon with the highest shooting average, 3263. Sergeant, congratulations. Thanks for being here. In addition to training them with those critical skills, we've hardened them by developing their physical and mental toughness so that they'll never give up no matter the odds. We've indoctrinated them in our core values of our courage and commitment so that they will be Marines of exemplary character in peace or at war. And we've instilled in them a bias for intelligent action so that small unit leaders will be able to decide, act and communicate on battlefields of the future. You notice a few changes. They should stand a little taller, look a little leaner. They'll look you in the eyes and they'll use strange phrases like yes sir and yes ma'am. You won't have to tell them to clean up after themselves or finish a meal and I promise you they know how to make their beds. And those changes is what I'm most proud of. More than just learning about our core values of honor, courage and commitment, they've embraced those values as their own. Through their courage coming here, through blood, sweat and tears, through physical, mental, emotional and character transformation, they've fully committed themselves to serving our core and I am honored to serve alongside them. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you 555 young people who can now and forever claim the title United States Marine. Excuse me for just a moment while I address the formation behind me one last time. Good morning Marines. Pride in themselves and pride in the title that they've earned. Now my company, I know when you arrived here a few months ago, the furthest thing from your mind was standing here. More likely what was going through your mind was what in the world have I gotten myself into and how do I get them to stop yelling at me? But here you stand today having accomplished something that most people would never dare attempt. When you get home this weekend on your well-deserved leave, people will be proud of you as they should be. They'll look up to you. They'll be impressed and amazed at your transformation. Your friends will ask you how you did it. And when they ask you, I want you to take them for a walk right on down to your recruiter's office. Because I promise you, your drill instructors and I would love to meet your friends. Remember that with your new title comes new responsibility. The strength of the Marine Corps does not come from any weapon system or piece of equipment. It comes from the war-fighting spirit of individual Marines working together as a team. At its very essence, war is a violent conflict of will, of spirit. And so it is your spirit, your character that matters most in combat. The world is a dangerous and chaotic place and that is why we now have you. Our Corps' legacy of being first to fight and never giving up now rests with you for safekeeping. The eagle globe and anchor that we handed you atop the Reaper as you finished the crucible represents that legacy. And for as long as you wear it, you represent the entire history of our Corps and every Marine who came before you. Be proud of what you've accomplished and be proud of what you now represent. As you go forward in your lives and careers, be worthy of the title that you've earned. Marines, on behalf of the officer and drill instructors and all the support personnel here at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, let me be the first to issue fair wins and following seas. Semper Fidelis Marines and welcome to our Corps. Now to take a condition in the reviewing area as today's Parade Reviewing Official, Colonel Kenneth Laidman, Director of Inspections, Office of the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. He is accompanied by Colonel Peter M. Rummler, Commanding Officer, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. Originally from Houston, Texas, Colonel Laidman attended the University of Memphis on an academic excellence scholarship. Upon graduation, he served initially as a combat medic in the United States Army before earning a commission as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1998 where he was designated an 0802 artillery officer. Colonel Laidman has served in a variety of challenging billets in numerous commands to include for observer, fire directions officer, and battery executive officer for our 1st Allian 12th Marines. Commander of Task Unit 151, TAC-4 for counter piracy operations in the Horn of Africa region. Commanding Officer of Recruiting Station, Portsmouth, New here. Division Chief of Strategic Analysis and Policy for United States Special Operations Command Pacific. Colonel Laidman is currently serving as the Director of Inspections for the Inspector General of the Marine Corps. His personal decorations include the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star in lieu of 2nd Award, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Gold Stars in lieu of 3rd Award, the Navy and Marine Corps Commission Medal with 3 Gold Stars and Combat Distinguishing Device in lieu of 4th Award, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Colonel Kenneth Laidman. There are units allowing the unit commander to formally inspect the unit under their charge. More than a million Marines have been trained here in the past 100 years and have departed San Diego for combat in conflicts around the world, including places whose names are immediately associated with Marine Courage and Dedication. Names such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Pusan, Inchon, Chosen Reservoir, Kaza, Way City, Lebanon, Granada, Panama, Kuwait, Somalia, Fallujah, Ramadi, Marjah, Sange, and our most current operations worldwide. This parade deck is rich in history and tradition, and no Marine trained here ever forgets its sights and sounds. Ladies and gentlemen, as the national flag passes directly in front of you, please rise. Once it passes, you may be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, Commander of Trucks, Captain Megan Isakura, and the Regimental Staff, and San Diego, Marine Corps Recruiter Depot, San Diego, California. 3,361. Series Commander, Captain James R. Shuler, and Plateau, 3,261. Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Nicholas M. Diego. Honor Plateau, 3,262. Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Thomas M. Wallstrom. Plateau, 3,263. Senior Drill Instructor, Sergeant Jesse J. Guerrero. Regimental Color Guard is led on the march by the Regimental Color Sergeant, Drill Instructor, Sergeant Rodolfo Navarrete. Series 3,265. Series Commander, Captain Annalise J. Slogar. Plateau, 3,265. Senior Drill Instructor, Staff Sergeant Twan S. Wallace-Sip. Then 266. Senior Drill Instructor, Sergeant Gerardo A. Escalero. Plateau, 3,267. Senior Drill Instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Joshua E. Hall. Ladies and gentlemen, if you turn to page 21 of your graduation pamphlets, you will find the Marine Tim. The Marine Tim has a history dating back to 1859 and has a longstanding tradition for Marines to play a section of the music and stand at attention when it is heard. It is now directed that all Marines present and who have served honorably, and ladies and gentlemen, you're all encouraged to join. Sing the words to the first verse as Marine Tim and performs anchors away, followed by the Marine's hymn. Will the guests please rise? Please be seated. For duking this and strength as an elite fighting force is directly a triple to the magnificent efforts of the drill instructors and company officers who trained and supervised the recruits. The distinct qualities of spirit and discipline, the heart and soul of every Marine, have been developed, nurtured and ingrained in recruits through the servants and relationship with their drill instructors and officers. Recruit training is the very foundation of the Corps. Each year recruit training provides thousands of America's finest young men and women with a basic knowledge and skills to function in a profession characterized by its own set of high values and tough standards. The most important thing we do in the Marine Corps is make Marines. The individual Marine is the Corps. That is what we do here. For the Marines graduating today, the long arduous journey of the last 13 weeks is but a small step into the future of the Marine Corps. As they prepare to fill the ranks of our Corps, they do so with unquestionable support for the high ideals and standards of the United States of America and the United States Marine Corps. Although Company M prepares for the final dismissal to camp, their initial training is not over. Soon after graduation, a report to the School of Infantry Camp Pendleton, California where they would continue to be trained to serve as an effective member of a Marine Rifle Squad. The intense initial training that every Marine undergoes is designed to instill the fundamental premise that every Marine is a rifleman. Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we would like to introduce to you the Marines responsible for ensuring the success of the difficult transition required to become a Marine. The Company Commander is Captain Megan E. Sakura. The Company First Sergeant is Gunnery Sergeant Grace S. Gomez. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the Company Staff. The next portion of the ceremony will be the traditional functions hiring the Guidance. The guns have been carried by the platoons for training and are being retired to symbolize the disbanding of platoons. All similar units in the Marine Corps carry such Guidance which identify the unit and are a source of pride to each individual member. No honor of carrying these Guidance is bestowed upon those Marines who displayed outstanding leadership qualities, motivation and character and were selected as the Platoon Honor Graduates. The Platoon Honor Graduates compete for the titles of series and Company Honor Graduates. They are considered the top graduates graduating today and have demonstrated the highest potential for future leadership and responsibility in the Marine Corps. Now we return to the graduates when I'll be presented a plaque by the Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel M. Matthew Phelps and the Battalion Sergeant Major, Sergeant Major Gerardo E. Diño. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause until all Honor Graduates have been recognized. The Honor Graduates for Platoon is 3261 and the Company Honor Graduate is Lance Corporal Nash M. Dieter from Lindsey, Texas. Lance Corporal Dieter is also the recipient of the Chesty Puller Award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 3262 is Private First Class Jack B. Gentry from Central Oregon. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 3263 is Private First Class Dominique X. Rusk from Dallas, Texas. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 3265 is Private First Class Daniana I. Vasquez from Houston, Texas. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 3266 and the Series Honor Graduate is Private First Class Ethan M. Schmidt from Bellwood, Nebraska. And the Honor Graduate for Platoon 3267 is Private First Class Brandon D. Page from Avondale, Arizona. Ladies and gentlemen, the Honor Graduate of Company M. The Company First Sergeant will now give the command to the senior drill instructors to dismiss their platoons. Needless to say, this will be the most welcome command they have received throughout recruit training. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's ceremony.