Marine Week in Phoenix

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcy Copeland
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona. --  Marine Week came to a close on September 13, 2015 with the Ceremonial Retirement of the Colors at the Civic Space Park near downtown Phoenix, Arizona.

With hundreds of troops flooding the valley, the community was treated to performances by the Marine Corps Band, equipment and aircraft showcases featuring the MV-22 Osprey and the AH-1Z Super Cobra. With the purpose of engaging the community, all attendees were invited to see what their Leathernecks are all about.

"We came to Phoenix to engage the community," said Sgt. George Castellares, Bulk Fuel Company "C" administration non-commissioned officer in charge. "We want the community to know, yes we are here. We have a presence in the community and to be on the look-out for us, because we are here for them."

Events gave visitors a chance to work out with the Marines, listen to the Marine Band perform, or watch the Marine Corps Military Working Dogs demonstrate their skills at taking down assailants or sniffing out explosive material. The Marine Corps also held wreath laying ceremonies at Bolin Park and performed the Morning and Evening Colors every day.

Performances at the Arizona Cardinals football game included pre-game festivities, MWD demonstration, Marine Corps martial arts demo, Marine Air Ground Task Force demonstrations followed by a concert from the Marine Corps San Diego Rock Band. A Halftime show from the Silent Drill Platoon gave crowds the opportunity to see the smooth and amazing talent that the Marine Corps works hard to enhance.

A September 11 memorial event was held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona where Marines from the Bulk Fuel Company "C" stationed at Luke Air Force Base presented the Colors and Lt. Gen. David Berger, I Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general and Dr. Michael M. Crow, Arizona State University president gave tribute to the memory and the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

"It was an honor," said Sgt. Zach Roberts, Bulk Fuel Company "C" training NCO. "I've done multiple color guards and the 9/11 memorial was the most nerve racking, because I knew how it meant so much not only to myself but to so many other people out there. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of that ceremony, and I am very blessed and appreciated the chance to be out there representing the Corps."