MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. William L. Nyland, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C., visited the Paradise Point Officer’s Club to share good food and conversation with Marine Corps Association representatives July 27.
Nyland attended the luncheon to talk with active duty service members, retired Marines, dependents and MCA representatives about the past, present and future of the Marine Corps.
Wherever Nyland goes, he is constantly running into prior Marines who compliment on the current success of the Corps.
“I always run into retired Marines who ask me if the Marines today are as good as they were,” said Nyland. “I smile and quickly say, they’re better than you were, and they’re better than I was.”
The Marine Corps needs all the supporters it can get, according to Nyland. Support is part of what makes the Corps so successful. Without support from the American people, morale would fall, and so would everything else soon after.
“When you look at the Marine Corps, we’re a total force,” Nyland said. “We’ve all got to work together to complete the mission, and if we don’t, we’re never going to. Luckily, the Marine Corps is notorious for working as a team.”
The Marine Corps is known for always being in tough situations and getting the job done, according to Nyland. Nothing has changed in that respect over the years. The only difference is the names of the Marines and the venue.
“Marines and sailors are always right there in the middle making a huge difference while ensuring our freedom,” Nyland said. “We will continue the efforts as long as they’re needed to ensure those freedoms.”
Overall, Nyland expressed his thanks to all the attendees for their service and support over the years, especially over the last two. He assured them the Marine Corps is doing what’s in the best interest of everyone involved.
“I would like to thank the Marine Corps Association for their great support,” said Nyland. “Whether you’re in or out of uniform, we’re all one big team, and I have to say the team doesn’t get any better than right here at the Carolina [Marine Air Ground Task Force].”