|
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA – “Every day that you're
allowed to serve is literally a gift; treasure that gift that you
get every day.”
|
Sgt. Maj. Anthony A. Spadaro, the off-going 3rd Marine Aircraft
Wing sergeant major, gives parting remarks during his relief
ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA on July 12,
2013. Early in the ceremony, he relinquished his sword of office,
symbolizing the end of his tour at 3rd MAW. Spadaro's next
assignment is as the sergeant major of Marine Forces Reserve and
Marine Forces North out of New Orleans. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by
Cpl. Melissa Wenger)
|
The face of Sergeant Major Anthony A. Spadaro, the
off-going 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Sergeant Major,
absolutely lights up when he recounts his stint as the
Wing's go-to guy.
Spadaro's tour came to an end
during a relief ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station
Miramar, Calif., on July 12.
He began his tour as
right-hand man to the commanding general of 3rd MAW on
August 11, 2011. During his time, Spadaro has gained a
new perspective on trusting and empowering his Marines.
“From the CG, I learned to think big, because the
Marines will make it happen everywhere,” he said.
Perhaps his most significant legacy is his work with the
committed and engaged leadership initiative. Created by Maj.
Gen. Steven Busby, 3rd MAW commanding general, the
initiative empowers noncommissioned officers to think
outside of the box when it comes to leading Marines.
Spadaro is very proud of the committed and engaged
leadership campaign and his noncommissioned officers, but he
is most excited about the future of the Wing.
“That's
the most important thing right now; what we're doing for our
future, and what committed and engaged leadership does is it
ensures a future for our Corps,” said Spadaro. “I'm entirely
proud of it. This is General Busby's vision and we're seeing
it. I think the Marines are seeing it and it's inspiring.”
The oncoming 3rd MAW sergeant major has not yet been
named. While he did not physically pass the sword of office
on, Spadaro has high expectations of his replacement.
“Yes, I'm leaving them a full plate, but it's a full
plate that they are going to relish and they're going to
dive right in,” he said. “General Busby said it best -
there's no such thing as a challenge; only opportunities.
You've got to take the opportunities and make the
opportunity work.”
Marine Forces Reserve and Marine
Forces North will welcome Spadaro as their newest sergeant
major.
“I leave happy and ecstatic over my next
billet, but it's also bittersweet,” he said. “Leaving the
3rd MAW family ... is a little disconcerting.”
By USMC Cpl. Melissa Wenger
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
Comment on this article |
