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The 5^th and final day of the USMC Educator’s Workshop began with a colors ceremony just outside the General's Office. It was the first time we were able to see General Salinas who is the commanding officer of the depot. General Salinas is a female. She seems to have a great sense of humor as she addressed the crowd. There were many parents in attendance who were awaiting the graduation of their Marine later in the day.

After the ceremony we went to breakfast where General Salinas met with us and had a question and answer session. She was the most laid back and relaxed of all the Marines I had met that week. I guess when you are in charge you do not have to be as rigid and proper as all the others were. She was very open and candid with our group.  She said that her wish is to get the best and brightest to enlist in the Marines. She wants our valedictorians and football captains who want to go to college and also do great things for our nation. She told us that her job out of boot camp was a court stenographer. That is quite a progression from court stenographer to General.

One fact she said that I found interesting is that 75% of Marines leave after their 4-year duty and become community leaders.  She also said that it does not matter where you come from, you can be anything as long as you follow the passion of your heart and the USMC can aid you in your journey. This is what she wants us as educators to pass on to our students and colleagues. She was a very interesting woman and I enjoyed listening to her.

We then had a photo session with our groups before heading to the parade deck to watch graduation. I have included some of these pictures.

The graduation ceremony was very organized and meticulous. I would have expected nothing less after all I had seen the past week. The Marine Corps band played and the young men of Echo Company marched neatly for all their friends and family to cheer them on. It was a fitting finish to our week with the Marines and I left there with a new respect for all those who serve our country. It made me even more proud to be an American.