DISA and JFHQ-DODIN celebrate 242nd Marine Corps birthday

DISA and Joint Force Headquarters DOD-Information Networks (JFHQ-DODIN) workforce celebrated the 242nd birthday of the Marine Corps on Nov. 8. The official date of the Marine Corps birthday is Nov. 10.

DISA Director and JFHQ-DODIN Commander Army LTG Alan R. Lynn hosted the celebration, which opened with the Quantico Marine Corps band playing the National Anthem, followed by a pre-recorded birthday message, and a reading of the 1921 birthday message from the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps General John A. Lejeune. 

Lynn began his remarks by describing his first experience working with Marines during a deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom II.

“I was incredibly impressed by the professionalism, warrior [ethos], and make-it-happen-spirit [exhibited by Marines],” said Lynn. “At the end of the day, when it comes to the war fight, we’re all war-fighting together and we’ll all have to work together as a team.”

The event’s guest speaker, U.S. Cyber Command Deputy Commander Marine Lt. Gen. Vincent R. Stewart, began his remarks by emphasizing the importance of the Marine Corps.

Stewart explained that Gen. Charles Krulak, the 31st Marine Corps Commandant, proposed a fighting force with a diverse skill set that is ready to fight and turn young men and women into proud, capable citizens.

“As long as the nation believes we can do those things, we will always have a Marine Corps,” said Stewart.

Stewart suggested Marines are driven by the history of those who have sacrificed for our nation and that failure is not an option.

“That animates us, drives us, and so we celebrate. We celebrate the fact that we still are the worthy successors of a long line of history of men and women who are called soldiers of the sea,” he said. “And we have carried with us those great stories, those successes on the battlefield that says: we must win –we cannot fail as Marines.”

Following Stewart’s remarks, Lynn presented him with a pin box and DISA and JFHQ-DODIN Coins of Excellence.

The celebration concluded with a cake cutting ceremony featuring DISA and JFHQ-DODIN’s youngest and oldest Marines and singing of the Marine Corps Hymn.

“For 37 years I have walked the path with you all, and I cannot tell you how proud I am of everything that you’ve done,” said Stewart. “I thank you for honoring our history, I thank you for being part of the incredible culture [of the Marine Corps], and I thank you from the deepest part of my heart. God bless you all, happy birthday, and Semper Fidelis.”