Marine Detachment Fort Leonard Wood welcomes new commander

By Mr. Stephen Standifird (Leonard Wood)August 18, 2016

Marine Detachment Fort Leonard Wood welcomes new commander
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Marine Detachment Fort Leonard Wood welcomes new commander
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Marine Detachment Fort Leonard Wood welcomes new commander
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Leadership of the Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood changed hands Friday when Marine Col. George Markert assumed command during a ceremony held on Gammon Field.

Markert replaced Marine Col. Daniel Longwell, who has served as the detachment's commanding officer since July 2014.

In his farewell remarks, Longwell thanked Fort Leonard Wood leadership for all the support provided to the Marines in the detachment.

"It has been an honor being on your team of teams," the Wichita, Kansas, native said. "I truly appreciate all of your support and what you do for the Marine Detachment here at Fort Leonard Wood."

Longwell was presented a Legion of Merit for his service to the detachment during the ceremony.

Marine Brig. Gen. Jason Bohm, commanding general of the Marine Corps Training Command, offered his appreciation to Longwell for his years of service to the Marines at Fort Leonard Wood.

"Thank you for all that you have done and your Family has done. Your legacy will be felt here for many years to come," Bohm said.

Longwell is slated to retire from the Marine Corps in October.

Markert's previous assignment was serving on the staff at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island.

Bohm said he is confident that Markert would continue the legacy Longwell established at the detachment.

"I cannot think of a better person than George Markert to turn these Marines over to," he said. "He is the right man for the job; his Family is the right Family for this post."

In his remarks, Markert, a Virginia Beach, Virginia native, expressed his appreciation for being back among Marines and thanked Longwell for setting the detachment up for success.

He concluded by assuring the Marines and Fort Leonard Wood leadership that he would continue the legacy of success during his time as commander.

The Marine Corps Detachment Fort Leonard Wood operates as one of the largest military occupational specialty schools in the Marine Corps.

One of every seven new Marines who join the Marine Corps trains in motor transport, engineer equipment, military police and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense at the detachment here.

The detachment has a permanent core of 330 Marines, three Sailors and 23 civilian employees and an annual student load of nearly 7,000 Marines.

Related Links:

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood Facebook

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON Newspaper

Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood