DISA, JFHQ-DODIN celebrate US Marine Corps birthday

by Walter T. Ham IV
DISA Strategic Communication and Public Affairs

The Defense Information Systems Agency and Joint Force Headquarters-Department of Defense Information Network celebrated the U.S. Marine Corps’ 245th birthday during a ceremony broadcasted via DISA’s social media sites Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Marine Corps Capt. Eugene Yang from DISA’s Cyber Development Directorate served as the master of ceremonies and Marine Corps Maj. Evan Taylor from JFHQ-DODIN J5 acknowledged fallen comrades. Jeremy Stewart from DISA Protocol sang the national anthem and Army Col. Robert Nay, DISA and JFHQ-DODIN chaplain, gave the invocation.

The guest speaker was Maj. Gen. Matthew G. Glavy, the commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command on Fort Meade, Maryland.

“I can’t thank you enough for service to this great nation and specifically for your service over at the Defense Information Systems Agency,” said Glavy in a video from in front of his headquarters. “You also have a great legacy over there – 60 years of doing what you do for this great nation is impressive.”

Glavy told the story of his headquarters’ namesake. Alva "Red" Lasswell was the Marine linguist and cryptanalyst who helped to identify that Midway Atoll was a Japanese target. The Battle of Midway helped to turn the tide of the war in the Pacific.

Navy Vice Adm. Nancy A. Norton, DISA director and JFHQ-DODIN commander, also spoke at the virtual ceremony. She mentioned how proud her stepfather was of his career in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“Molded by the crucible of combat, U.S. Marines are some of the smartest, boldest and bravest warriors to ever set foot on the battlefield,” said Norton. “For 245 years, the Marine Corps has forged its warrior ethos by defeating our enemies on beachheads and battlefields around the world. In places like Guadalcanal, Incheon and Fallujah, the Marine Corps has earned its reputation as the premier expeditionary fighting force in the world.

“Serving on U.S. Navy ships, forwarding operating bases and at embassies around the globe, Marines give our nation the ability to respond quickly and fight decisively against any foe,” said Norton. “They also serve with great distinction at DISA and Joint Force Headquarters-DODIN in a wide variety of roles. From our headquarters to our field commands, Marines prove their mettle on the digital and physical frontlines every day.”

Posted November 19, 2020