 Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of our commanding general, Brigadier General Morris, I'd like to welcome you virtually to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Family Day message for Alpha Company. My name is Lieutenant Colonel Greg Grayson. I'm the commanding officer of First Battalion. I'm assisted in my duties by my senior enlisted advisor, First Sergeant Mike Reyes. Together, he and I have had the distinct pleasure of observing your new Marines throughout their training and we couldn't be more proud of what they've accomplished in such a short period of time. Ladies and gentlemen, the training here is intense. It must be, for your Marine is being specifically and deliberately trained to answer the nation's call if necessary. During the past three months, we developed their physical and mental toughness. They learned essential war fighting skills and they proved themselves to be leaders of character. But most important, 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 all of you. Now, as you might imagine, this awesome transformation didn't happen by itself. We'd like to thank those who were involved. First, great Marines come from great families and your Marine is no different. We recognize the foundation of their character started with you in your homes and throughout your communities. We want to thank all of the parents, families and friends as well as teachers and coaches for everything you have done. We assure you that your love and support was vital to their success, so thank you. We'd also like to recognize our drill instructors. Had it not been for their passion and dedication, the transformation from civilian to recruit and recruit to Marine would not have been possible. There has been a drill instructor with your new Marine every moment of every day since they step on our legendary yellow footprints. That sort of dedication, ladies and gentlemen, doesn't come without great sacrifice. These drill instructors have endured long periods of time away from their families who have sacrificed equally for the benefit of your new Marine. I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the drill instructors and their families for a job well done. We simply could not have accomplished our mission without them. We just completed the motivational run and these new Marines are healthy, happy and looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. Tomorrow, following graduation, they'll leave us and head north to Camp Pendleton where they'll continue their training at the School of Infantry. Then from there on to their follow on schools and eventually to the Fleet Marine Force where their NCOs and officers eagerly await their arrival. And finally, ladies and gentlemen, whether your Marine serves honorably for four or 24 years, I promise they'll always have a tremendous amount of pride for having earned the title Marine. So again, on behalf of the commanding general, welcome to the Marine Corps family and Semper Fidelis.