Marines

Berry retires, Grade posts as MCB sergeant major

9 Jun 2016 | Cpl. Mark Watola Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Sgt. Maj. Paul Berry was relieved and Sgt. Maj. Scott Grade posted as Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune sergeant major during a relief and appointment ceremony at W.P.T Hill Field on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune June 9.

From March 2014 to March 2016, Berry worked alongside Brig. Gen. Thomas Weidley, MCI-East and Camp Lejeune commanding general, as the senior enlisted advisor for MCI-East in command of six installations in five states supporting more than 160,000 personnel.

"It’s about selfless service," said Berry. "Everyday bring your ‘A’ game or don’t show up; that’s what I tried to do for 30 years. But I owe it to these dog tags I’m holding in my hand and their families."

Prior to his appointment as installations and base sergeant major, Berry was the II Marine Expeditionary Force Forward sergeant major where he worked closely with Maj. Gen. W. Lee Miller.

"It’s been my honor to serve with him, it’s been the Marine Corps’ honor to have him on board," said Miller. "I’m proud of (Berry). I’m honored to say (Berry is) my brother and friend. I want to say Semper Fi and do great things my friend.

As for the future of MCI-East and Camp Lejeune, Grade, who last served as Marine Air Control Group 28 sergeant major, plans to carry on the brightly lit torch left by Berry.

"Gen. Weidley, we sat down and went over your principles," said Grade. "I completely understand them; to the best of my ability I will enable the warfighters of MCI-East and Camp Lejeune."