Commandant of the , Gen. Robert B. Neller, visited the Combat Center to speak to Marines at the base theater July 19, 2017. Neller addressed noncommissioned officers, staff noncommissioned officers, and commissioned officers about the importance of treating all Marines with the same respect, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.
“The Marines are the ones who tackle robbers trying to steal from stores, help old ladies cross the street; Marines are the ones called to work with kids,” Neller said. “We have to always hold ourselves to that high standard of excellence and look out for one another.”
In addition to visiting the Combat Center, Neller stopped at Air Station Miramar, Air Station Yuma, and Recruit Depot San Diego as part of an initiative to address Marines aboard various installations throughout the Corps about social media misconduct and treating each other with respect and dignity in every capacity.
“I don’t care if you are straight or homosexual,” Neller continued. “I don’t care if your black, Asian, Muslim, Christian, male or female, All I care about is the fact that you all are Marines.”
Additionally, Mrs. D’arcy Neller, the commandant’s wife, visited the Village Center and the Education Center and met with the spouses of NCOs, SNCOs, and junior officers. The luncheons encouraged spouses to network and socialize with each other to discuss the morale and welfare of families on base.
Ultimately, the commandants’ visit reiterated his faith in the future of the and the unwavering belief that if one wears the uniform, they will always be treated with the utmost respect.
Story by Lance Cpl. Natalia Cuevas
