MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Morning Colors is a military tradition that servicemembers stateside and deployed pay respect to everyday.
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing hosted a formal, quarterly Morning Colors Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Aug. 26 to pay respect to the nation’s flag as well as recognize individuals who have excelled above their peers.
“Colors is an important tradition in the United States Marine Corps,” said Maj. Gen. Samuel T. Helland, commanding general, 3rd MAW. “It is special that we can also announce those Marines and Sailors who have excelled in their leadership.”
According to Cpl. Jonathan J. Soto, aviation supply specialist, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd MAW, the ceremony was a unique experience.
“It is not something everyone gets to do on a day-to-day basis, and actually getting to partake in that experience was an honor,” said the Bronx, N.Y., native. “For as long as the Marine Corps has existed, we’ve tried to maintain certain traditions like colors ceremonies that breathe life and honor back into our Marine Corps.”
The Marine Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, Junior Sailor of the Quarter and Blue Jacket of the Quarter were also recognized during the ceremony.
“I was really honored,” said Navy Seaman Ismael Soto, religious programming specialist, Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3rd MAW, who was named Blue Jacket of the Quarter for 3rd MAW. “I was honored to be one of the few to be recognized in front and by the general for doing my job. I was really surprised.
“When I got to 3rd MAW, I was shown how to do things the right way,” said the El Paso, Texas, native. “I had to be involved with everything, not only at work but in the community as well. That was how I was told I’d stand out.”
Although the ceremony highlighted those Marines and Sailors who received special recognition, it also provided inspiration for those who witnessed the ceremony.
“I like that we started doing (the ceremony),” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Fernanda S. Velazquez, hospital corpsman, MWSS-373, who was named Junior Sailor of the Quarter for 3rd MAW during the ceremony. “It’s great. It really inspires other Marines and Sailors when they see you up there.
“A lot of the new Marines and Sailors need guidance,” said the Kingsport, Tenn., native. “When they see the ceremony, they will know that they will be recognized for taking that extra step.
It makes others want to be better. It gives them more motivation to excel.”
According to Helland, it is vital to recognize those who excel.
“It is important that we recognize their talents, their dedication and professionalism, as they excel in what they do,” Helland concluded. “They will be the future leaders in the Marine Corps.”