[Steppes] OT - Lance Corporal

[ciard49 at aol.com]

I can't help but be proud of my nephew!    Please keep him and all our military your prayers.

HL Ciard O'Seachnasaigh
aka Betty Herrington


Letter from the Battalion Commander




This is a letter I received today - I am a very proud Marine Corp Mom.

June 2, 2007

Mrs. Herrington,

As the Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your son's meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal.

Lance Corporal Tompkins' meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal is a testament to his hard work, dedication and loyalty to this Battalion and United States Marine Corps. Marines such as Lance Corporal Tompkins, embody all that is good in the Marine Corps and uphold our core values of honor, courage and commitment. The professionalism, unselfishness, and steadfast devotion Lance Corporal Tompkins approaches his duty with are exemplary and are emulated by all who observe him.

Lance Corporal Tompkins' meritorious promotion was not an easy task I assure you. Lance Corporal Tompkins displayed unparalleled expertise in the profession of arms throughout a rigorous two day evaluation in which he competed against his peers in the following events: three uniform inspections, close order drill with a Noncomissioned Officer's Sword, a physical fitness test, a wall locker inspection and an oral interview which tested his knowledge of various military subjects. At the conclusion of this rigorous selection process one nominee was chosen from over 700 Marines to be meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal ahead of his peers; this promotion has been bestowed on your son.

The choice of who becomes meritoriously promoted is an object of the greatest importance: the order and discipline of this Battalion depends so much on their behavior that too much care cannot be taken in their selection. Honesty, sobriety and a remarkable attention to every point of duty, with neatness in their dress are indispensable requisites; a spirit of command respect and obedianceefrom the Marines, expertness in performing every part of training, and an ability to teach, are absolutely necessary in order to obtain this honored position. Your son embodies the before mentioned definition; in recognition of his achievement I am proud to address him as a Lance Corporal of the Marines.

You should be very proud of your son's great accomplishment. I am honored to be Lance Corporal Tompkins' Battalion Commander and I thank you for the support you provide him as he continues his Marine Corps career. I am proud to have your son in our ranks and share with him the title of United States Marine.

M. Saleh

Chad is currently training in the desert in California - he will be done with his training in July - he will be home around August 23 for about 10 day prior to his deployment to Iraq on September 4th. Please let's all keep him in our prayers.





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