 Spiritual development plays an important part in the making of United States Marine. Lieutenant Amy Roof-Brian, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy will deliver the graduation prayer. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Let us pray. Holy one, on this day of great celebration, we give you thanks for these young men of Company A who have earned the title Marine. We give you thanks for the gifts and abilities you have given to each one of them, which they now bring to strengthen our Marine Corps. We give you thanks for the drill instructors, company officers, and battalion leadership who have shaped and molded these young men into Marines. We are grateful this day for the families who have supported them every step of their journey, for their mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends we give you thanks. We ask, O Holy One, that you be with these new Marines as they continue in their training. Keep them safe and bless them. Remind them to be always faithful to their country, to their core, to each other, and to themselves, just as you, O Holy One, are always faithful. Bless our nation. Bless these new Marines. And God, bless the United States Marine Corps. Amen. Thank you. Please be seated. The Commanding General, Marine Corps Cardiff San Diego, welcomes you to what is a historic event in the life of a Marine. Their graduation from boot camp, approximately 40 weeks each year for the past 100 years, new Marines have departed San Diego for service with units of the Marine Corps around the globe. The primary mission of the Recruit Depot is to provide basic training to recruits enlisted west of the Mississippi, which represents approximately 51% of all applicants in the Marine Corps each year. The Depot is also home to recruiter school and drill instructor school. All our inferture are geared toward one end, producing America's finest fighting force, the United States Marines. This morning, Company A, First Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, will form in March in the parade. Following the passing 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 of troops is First Sergeant Bridget E. Bellman, Company First Sergeant, Company A, First Recruit Training Battalion. The parade agenda is Sergeant Tramon K. Stewart, Drill Instructor, Company A, First Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment. The marching units are now being called to attention, and the Agendants' Command, Sound Agendants' Call, will begin today's parade. These are two Marines who display outstanding performances in two individually-graded events. Private First Class Emilio Limas Gutierrez from Baton, 1114, is the Company High Shooter, scoring a 339 out of 300. Lance Corporal William J. Blanco from Baton, 1114, is the most physically fit Marine, scoring a 298 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 the Marine Corps Association and Foundation. President Today is the Company Honor Graduates Recruiter, Gunnery Sergeant Anthony J. Millaham. Also President Today is the primary marksmanship instructor with the Baton Hut Shooting Average of 219 out of 250. Corporal Tune, 1114, Corporal Salt A. Rodriguez. He's comprised of subjects required to produce basic Marines who function effectively in garrison, combat skills, and practice the personal and professional traits which distinguish them as Marines. Examples of these traits are Discipline, the achievement of a state of discipline which assures respect for 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 wearer and maintenance of uniforms. Esprit de corps, Acquire the common spirit of the Marine Corps that inspires enthusiasm, devotion, initiative, teamwork, aggressiveness, determination, moral courage, integrity, and the burning desire to work with and for others toward neck and ears, Marines have fought and won nation calls. In the harshest conditions, over the most brutal terrain, and against the most formidable enemies, Marines defend the ideals of freedom with grit and tenacity. Though 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, separate others, to corps, country, and each other that abounds throughout our storied legacy. Marines today remain in combat for deployed throughout the world, confronting every challenge with courage, loyalty, and faithfulness. Their resolve to be 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 A, today marks the end of the 13-week recruit training cycle. They have marched countless miles in Camp Hilton, and on this parade deck, and have been trained, as are all Marines, as basic riflemen. In addition, due to an intensive physical training program, their strength and endurance have doubled since their arrival for 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 the military salute. For guests who have not served in the military, it is proper etiquette during the national anthem to place their right hand 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. Please be seated. Following the command, parade rest, the parade action will give the command sound off, which signals the band to parade forward at the assembled Marines while playing military marching music. Now presents the assembled command to the commander of troops. Center march, all unit commanders and gunman-bearers march to the front and center of the formation. Historically, it was at this point that command 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. Out our nation's history, millions of men and women have earned the title United States Marine. Men 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 corps and country. Thank you. Please be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, the battalion commander for First Crew Training Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Gregory A. Grayson. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of our commanding general, Brigadier General Morris and the regimental commander, Colonel Jones, welcome to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the graduation ceremony for Alpha Company! I'd also like to extend a very special welcome to today's parade reviewing official, Sergeant Major Reyes, who currently serves as a Sergeant Major for First Recruit Training Battalion. Sergeant Major, it's a pleasure to have you and welcome. Ladies and gentlemen, the purpose of today's ceremony is to recognize these new Marines and everything they've accomplished. Their journey began 13 long weeks ago when they stepped on the Yellow Footprints and committed to becoming Marines. They arrived as individuals, perhaps a little unsure of their decision, but stand before you as a confident team of smartly disciplined Marines. During the past three months, we developed our physical mental toughness, they learned essential war fighting skills, and they proved themselves to be leaders of character. But most of all, they came to embrace our core values of honor, courage and commitment, with a clear understanding that being a Marine carries a special trust and confidence and the highest expectations of the American people. Now, as you might imagine, this awesome and very magical transformation didn't happen by itself, and I'd like to thank those who were involved. First, we recognized each Marine's journey started long before they got here. The foundation of their character started with you, in your homes, in your schools, in your communities. I want to thank all the parents, families, friends, as well as teachers and coaches for everything you've done. I assure you that your love and your support was vital to their success. So thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, for your love and support. Now I'd like to turn your attention to the Marines wearing the distinctive campaign covers. Our drill instructors. It's impossible for me to put into words their passion or gethic and commitment. From the moment a recruiter arrives, there's a drill instructor with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have spent every waking hour teaching, training, mentoring and leading these young men. Ladies and gentlemen, these drill instructors have made a tremendous and lasting impact on your loved one. And I'd be remiss if I didn't also recognize their spouses and their families who sacrificed equally for the benefit of your new Marine. So please join me in a well-deserved round of applause for the drill instructors and families of Alpha Company. Finally, I'd like to recognize our highly skilled marchmanship, martial arts, water survival and academics instructors. Our incredible chaplain, corpsman and entire medical team who do an amazing job in ensuring our physical, mental and spiritual readiness. And of course, the dedicated recruiter who saw potential in your Marine. In fact, Corporal Rodriguez is joining us from Weaponsfield Training Battalion where he coached and trained the platoon with the highest rifle range score. And sitting next to him is Gunnery Sergeant Mileham who's joining us from just up the road in Escondido where he recruited today's honor men. Job well done gentlemen, keep up the great work. Finally, ladies and gentlemen, if you'll please excuse me, I'd like to address the new Marines one last time as their battalion commander. Good morning Marines! Hey Alpha Company, I know it seems like a lifetime ago when you were offered the challenge of becoming a Marine. When you arrived on your buses and stepped on the yellow footprints, graduation was a lasting on your mind. You're probably thinking, what have I gotten myself into and how do I get these guys to stop yelling at me? Well, you had a lot to learn and some very steep hills to climb, but you did it. You have rightfully earned the title Marine. Be proud of your accomplishment and the uniform you now wear. And finally, as I remarked on your first day of training, whether you serve for four years or 24 years, remember, it's not about you. It's about all the Marines who have gone before you, whose legacy you are now a part of. It's about that Marine standing to your left and to your right. It's about all these people in the stands and this great nation which you swore to defend. So, serve with honor, serve with courage, serve with commitment and you'll do well. Congratulations again Marines on your tremendous achievement. Please, take care of one another and remain Semper Fidelis. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, America's newest United States Marines. Your position in the reviewing area is today's great reviewing official Sergeant Major Michael R. Reyes, Sergeant Major First Recruit Training Battalion. He is accompanied by Sergeant Major Paul F. Egan, Sergeant Major Recruit Training Regiment. Sergeant Major Michael R. Reyes, Sergeant Major First Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Crew Depot San Diego, California. Sergeant Major Reyes was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and reported to recruit training at Marine Corps Crew Depot San Diego in October 1998. After attending Marine combat training, he received follow-on training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, where he received the Military Occupational Specialty of 6323 Avionics Technician. Sergeant Major Reyes has served in a variety of challenging billets in numerous commands to include Avionics Technician at Marine Heavy Helicopter 466 Miramar Air Station, California. Staffed on commission officer in charge for Avionics Division HMH 461 New River, North Carolina. Drill Instructor and Drill Master at Marine Corps Crew Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Quality Assurance Chief at HMH 466 Miramar Air Station, California. First Sergeant at Company B, First Combat Engineer Battalion. And First Sergeant at Second Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment. Sergeant Major Reyes currently serves as the Sergeant Major for First Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Crew Depot San Diego, California. Sergeant Major Reyes' personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Combination Medal with two gold stars in Louis III Award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars in Louis IV Award. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Sergeant Major Michael R. Reyes, trained here in the past 100 years, and have departed San Diego for combat and conflicts around the world, including places whose names are immediately associated with marine courage and dedication. Names such as Guadalcanal, Terror, Iwo Jima, Busan, Incheon, Chosun Reservoir, Queson, Huay City, Lebanon, Granada, Kuwait, Marjah, Sangang, 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, ensuring the success of the difficult transition required to become a Marine. The Company Commander is Captain Manuel A. Ramirez. The Company First Sergeant is First Sergeant Bridget E. Bellman. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the Company Staff of Company A, the traditional function of retiring, the Guidance, and the Delta Company First Sergeant, First Sergeant Puentes. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold your applause until all honor graduates have been recognized. 1009 is Private First Class Louis R. Ward from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 1010 is Private First Class Jacob A. Harshbarker from Hillsboro, Indiana. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 1011 and the series Honor Graduate is Private First Class Keanu Joseph Q. Agun from Las Vegas, Nevada. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 1013 is Private First Class Jose J. Garza Jr. from Houston, Texas. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 1014 is Lance Corporal William J. Blanco from Poway, California. Lance Corporal Blanco is also the recipient of the Chesty Puller Award for his outstanding meritorious performance while in recruit training. The Honor Graduate for Platoon 1015 is Private First Class Raymond Corjón III from Fort Worth, Texas. Ladies and gentlemen, the Honor graduates of Company A. 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.