Bestowing Honor To Those Who Gave To The Marine Corps
(January 11, 2011) |
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ARLINGTON, Va. (MCN - 1/7/2011) — Since the Honorary Marine
Program's inception in 1992, the Marine Corps has awarded
the title, Honorary Marine, to individuals in the civilian
community who have made extraordinary contributions to the
Corps.
“The title of Honorary Marine is different
from actual Marine,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Shelato,
community relations chief for public affairs, Headquarters
Marine Corps. “They're not receiving a paycheck or housing
allowance but a title of respect for doing amazing things
for Marines.”
The Marine Corps has awarded the title
to 71 individuals ranging from the flag raising on Iwo Jima
photographer, Joe Rosenthal, to philanthropist and famous
actor, Chuck Norris.
“Everyone knows how difficult it
is to become a Marine, so to be called an Honorary Marine is
even greater,” said Shelato.
According to Marine
Corps Order 5060.19B, only commanding generals, commanding
officers, officers-in-charge and retired general officers
are authorized to nominate individuals deemed deserving of
the title Honorary Marine.
A decision is normally
made within 45 days after submission of a nomination
package.
“The only approving authority for the
program is the commandant of the Marine Corps,” said Shelato.
“He has eyes on every single package and makes sure that
it's a good thing for the Marine Corps and the community.”
The order also states the qualifying criteria for
nomination.
A terminally ill child who has a unique
link to the military or the Corps, an individual who has
given extraordinary support to the Corps or deceased
individuals whose actions on behalf of the Corps would have
merited consideration.
The most recent Honorary
Marine, Ike Skelton, former United States Representative for
Missouri's 4th congressional district and former chairman of
the Armed Services Committee, was awarded the title Dec. 1,
2010.
Skelton is the first U.S. congressman to be
awarded the Honorary Marine title.
“It was a thrill
of a lifetime receiving this award,” said Skelton. “Knowing
Marines and the type of people they are, it's as special as
it comes.”
Skelton's appreciation for the military
was made apparent throughout his time in congress.
“He has made a life-time commitment to the armed services,
the people who serve and their families,” according to a
recommendation letter from the commandant of the Marine
Corps. “Skelton is, in many ways, the father of the modern
Professional Military Education system.”
The
Professional Military Education system prepares military
officers for leadership. It includes various basic level
courses for junior officers, command and staff colleges for
mid-level officers, and war colleges for senior officers.
Skelton helped improve and evolve and the system, including
emphasizing education in modern day strategy and joint
matters.
For individuals who have supported the
Marine Corps through extraordinary service as Skelton has,
the Honorary Marine Program is the Corps' way of thanking
them.
“It makes the recipient extremely proud to be
associated with America's Marines,” said Skelton. “It's
difficult to describe it adequately because it is such an
honor and it comes to very few people.” |
Article and photo by USMC Sgt. Jimmy D. Shea
Headquarters Marine Corps
Copyright 2011 |
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Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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