ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Marine Corps Maj. Michael G. Marchand may now peel away one rank as he dons another. With the support of his wife and three sons, with his oldest son and wife placing on his new rank, Maj. Michael G. Marchand is now Lt. Col. Marchand.
The deed became official April 3, following a standing room promotion ceremony full of Joint Munitions Command senior leadership, directors, fellow Marines and well wishers, conducted by Brig. Gen. (promotable) Gustave F. Perna, commander of JMC.
Lt. Col. Marchand serves as the Marine Corps Liaison to JMC at its headquarters in Rock Island, Ill. Marine Corps Liaison since July 1, 2010, his promotion comes on the heels of his 24th year as a Marine--23 years and 9 months to be exact.
He began his career with enlistment in Texarkana, Texas accomplishing much and as Perna noted 'this is not a normal career path'.
For Marchand, his career path has included enlisted ranks of private to staff sergeant; warrant officer through chief warrant officer three. Then, limited duty officer captain and now lieutenant colonel.
Earlier in his career, Marchand was a drill sergeant to which Perna noted as, "the best of the best to train the rest."
He also completed warrant officer training. Perna described Marchand's selection and completion as 'beyond reproach' and a rank that is 'a great moniker to have.'
He also noted Marchand's career sequence as a "remarkable career pattern."
And now, Marchand's continued progression as a commissioned officer.
Following his pinning by Mrs. Marchand and Michael Jr., and oath, Marchand pulled out his card to be sure to remember all of his 'thank you's'.
"I want to really emphasize my wife's commitment to me. 'Thanks' is not enough--I won't even do that," he said of Vonda, his wife.
To his sons (Michael Jr., Jaeden and Tristan), he expressed his thanks for stepping up 'when he was gone'.
And to the JMC leadership and organization, Marchand said, "It is an honor to be spoken of with such high regard--I'm truly humble(d). I have not worked with better professionals than here at Joint Munitions Command."
He finished his thanks with "I feel blessed for everything and I want to thank God for everything."
As the Marine Corps Liaison, Marchand described the best parts of the job.
"The relationships. The people you meet and interact with and the professionalism. You see day in and day out what people do and it comes down to the support.
"I don't think they (the workforce) realize the impact (of their jobs) on an operator. The level of effort really does make a big impact," said Marchand.
In his role as liaison, Marchand works to oversee and assist in any way relative to the ammunition needs of the Marine Corps. He may serve as an advisor to Perna and senior leaders. (Marchand also insists the Marine Corps liaison office has a great staff deserving of the credit for the working relationship between JMC and the Marines.)
Ultimately, for Marchand, Perna's role in the ceremony was remarkable.
"He's the first Army officer to promote me and this promotion marks 11 times I've been promoted. It was unique and it made me proud. I was very humbled by his remarks. For that, I'm proud. I'm glad it didn't happen any other way," said Marchand.
The next stop for Lt. Col. Marchand is Marine Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.
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