Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Collin D. Barry, a native of Tucumcari, of Marine Corps Base Quantico receives a meritorious service award from Col. Michael L. Brooks during his relief and appointment ceremony Friday. Barry retired and transferred his duties onto Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Brown.
A Tucumcari native retired from 24 years in the Marines during a relief and appointment ceremony Friday at Marines Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.
Sgt. Maj. Collin D. Barry was relieved by Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Brown during a relief and appointment ceremony at The Clubs at Quantico.
"My fondest memory of serving in the Marine Corps was having the distinct, humble and honorable privilege to lead Marines in every clime and place," Barry said.
The ceremony concluded with a presentation of flowers to Barry's family members, playing of "Anchors Aweigh," singing of "The Marines' Hymn," passing of the flag and a reception.
Barry, who grew up in Tucumcari, enlisted in the Marines in September 1999.
He said he credited his career to his family, friends and colleagues, but emphasized if not led by the "tough, intelligent, selfless, and mission-oriented members of the Marine reconnaissance community," he wouldn't have accomplished as much as he had.
Brown and Barry joined the Marines in the same month and were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II at the same time, but they never served together.
"Twenty-four years and never crossed paths ... crazy!" Brown said.
Barry said they're disappointed that was the case, but both claimed they're "long-lost brothers."
Barry at the time became an instructor for the University of New Mexico's Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps until 2009. He later became a Basic Reconnaissance Course platoon sergeant for the School of Infantry-West from 2010 to 2013.
It took Brown to be selected as the next sergeant major at Quantico for their paths to finally cross.
"In my three short weeks here, I can already feel Sgt. Maj. Barry's impact aboard this base," Brown said. "His retirement is not only a loss to this installation, but a loss to our entire Corps."
"Our personalities and leadership philosophies are extremely similar, and there is no doubt that he will always place the tenant commands' Marines, sailors, civilians and families above himself," Barry said. "He is the perfect sergeant major to take this position to the next level - well beyond what I could achieve."
