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The USMC Tradition Continues
June 8, 2016 Grunt.com Admin

The USMC Tradition Continues

Lieutenant Col. Jason L. Nickerl, Deputy Director of Recruiting, Western Recruiting Region, was honored at his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, May 20. His retirement was bittersweet because as he leaves the Corps, he watched his son graduate recruit training and fill his footsteps.

Periodically, a few of us “old Marines” from the Los Angeles area will drive down to MCRD, San Diego to witness a Friday graduation. We have been doing this 2 or 3 times a year for a while. Our main goal has been to witness our graduating Marines and watch the last time their Drill Instructors dismiss their platoons… their families will rush to hug, kiss and greet their young Marine. We try and find the Marines whose families could not make the trip out to be part of the graduation ceremonies and will go out and congratulate them… we try and make their day just as special. A few weeks ago, on our journey, we were part of a very special day for the family of Lt. Col Nickeri… This gave me goosebumps!

Howard Hada
Sea Going
1989XXX

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Comments

Richard E Jenkins - July 7, 2020

I was with Howard Hada on that Friday, like he said about the goose bumps I felt it too. We both enjoy our day at MCRDSD brings back great memories of our youth. LCpl Richard E Jenkins July 1959 – June 1965 1878xxx

David Charbonneau - July 7, 2020

Congratulations to USMC PFC Nickerl and a hearty snap salute to you Lt Col. Nickerl for your service & retirement. Wonderful you had the opportunity to enjoy those”goosebumps”. Shaking the hand of my SDI at MCRD Parris Island after our Plt 353 graduation in 1967 and a recent visit in 2015 for the ceremony gave me those same “proud goosebumps”. Semper Fi Marines, from a SGT of Marines.

v - July 7, 2020

Congratulations Marines! I salute you both. Semper Fi.. Platoon 132, MCRD S.D. 1959.

Gary Ray - July 7, 2020

I would be remiss if I missed this opportunity to salute the new graduates and to those who came before… Semper Fi from an old Marine, Platoon 382, MCRD San Diego 1958.

Sgt. Donald Drum 1968 – 1972 - July 7, 2020

Congratulations to both Father and Son. Semper Fidelis.

Rusty Hubbarth 1973-1977 - July 7, 2020

This story proves once again that Darwin didn’t Lie! Semper Fi, Father and son.

S/Sgt C.G Hughes -1966-1974 - July 7, 2020

Congratulation the torch has been pass on to the next generation of Devil Dogs “OooRah!!!!”

Cpl Arthur Cruz, Platoon 2127, 1969 MCRD - July 7, 2020

Congratulations to your son on his graduation & loud “OooRah!!!” And on your retirement, Lt Col Nickeri , I am sure you will be missed by your Marines at MCRD.

Sgt Roger P Barton 1953-1957 - July 7, 2020

Congratulations to Lt Colonel and PFC Nickeri Semper Fi

JOHN DESTEFANO - July 7, 2020

PFC NICKERL, Welcome to our fraternity. It wasn’t an easy “pledge”. 13 weeks of boot camp,4-6 weeks ITR,”The Crucible”, and the will a determination to never give up. When you felt like you couldn’t take another step, you dug down and kept going. All us Marines know the drill. We’ve all been there. Congratulations to you Col Nickerl to what I am sure was an adventurous and rewarding career, and good luck to you (not that you will need luck) on your future ventures.

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