MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE -- Lt. Col. Charles Winchester relinquished his duties as commanding officer of Personnel Administration School to Lt. Col. Paul Fillmore during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Johnson, April 17.
Winchester leaves PA School to report to 9th Marine Corps District, where he will serve as the executive officer.
“I’m going to miss this great staff and group of instructors,” said Winchester. “They’re one of the best group of Marines I’ve ever worked with throughout my career. I hope they can maintain the transformation of these young students, and I hope the students will keep learning every day to become better Marines.”
While at the school, Winchester graduated 75 entry-level classes, consisting of more than 2,000 students and 36 career-level courses, consisting of 650 students. He accomplished this with a permanent instructor staff of just 45 administration instructors.
Upon assuming command of PA School in June 2012, Winchester lobbied to increase the number of instructors to better perform for the students. He also ensured the students received the most updated and relevant training possible through evolving administration regulations.
Fillmore arrives at PA School after relinquishing his command as the deputy of manpower for 2nd Marine Division.
“I’m very thankful to be able to come to this school and lead these young Marines,” said Fillmore. “I want them to leave being proud they went through Personnel Administration School.”
During the course, students should be challenged on an intellectual level as well as a professional level, said Fillmore. They will be molded here to become better Americans and Marines all while learning to become administration clerks at the basic level, he added.
“I hope I can bring these Marines to deepen their Marine Corps values before transitioning to the operational forces,” said Fillmore. “It’s going to be fun working with these instructors, they are true professionals.”
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