Corpsman ball 106 years of bravery

[USMC5831]

God Bless the corpsman some of the few Navy who serve directly with the Marines in any situation or place.



Corpsman Ball: Marines help corpsmen celebate 106 years of bravery
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification #:2004618155150
Story by Sgt. Joseph A. Lee



WAIKIKI, Hawaii(June 12, 2004) -- WAIKIKI, Hawaii -- Hospital corpsmen from all around Oahu celebrated the birthday of their corps at the Hyatt Regency here, June 12 during the 106th Annual Hospital Corpsman Ball.

Honored as the guest speaker during the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Wallace C. Gregson, commander of Marine Forces Pacific, spoke to the audience about the relationship between Marines and corpsmen of the past and present. As well, he told of a hospital corpsman who recently gave the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, while attempting to save the life of a Marine.

After speaking, Gregson re-enlisted Petty Officer 1st Class Shirley Hovlid in front of the well-dressed audience and joined in the traditions of the cake cutting ceremony, passing a piece of cake from the oldest Sailor present to the youngest. The custom symbolizes the passing of naval traditions from one generation to the next.

A color guard of Marines and Sailors marched on and retired the colors, and a candle was lit at a lonely table to honor corpsmen lost in the line of duty.

"The whole ceremony went over very well," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Tavis N. Jones, hospital corpsman with Headquarters Company, 3rd Marine Regiment. "Lieutenant General Gregson's heartfelt speech really hit home with everything that is going on in Iraq. I really thought that everyone present could really relate.

"The moment of silence for a recently fallen corpsman really put things into perspective," Jones added.

After the ceremony, Sailors, Marines and guests said they enjoyed the splendid meal provided by the Hyatt Regency. Then a Marine DJ inspired guests to get out of their seats and "cut a rug" on the dance floor.

"Being a corpsman, you are sort of a jack of all trades, as you are not working on a ship all of the time, and you are not working with Marines all of the time," Jones explained. "We sort of meet in the middle somewhere, and the camaraderie between us was, and always has been, outstanding," he said. "The esprit de corps between the green and blue sides was fantastic."

-30-