News from the 1/1
Family and Friends of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment,
It is truly an honor to serve as the Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. I am humbled by the privilege of leading a unit with such a proud lineage and storied history, and I could not have asked for a finer group of Marines to serve alongside.
I know that you are very proud of your Marine for the courage, dedication, and self-sacrifice he displays every day by serving his country in such challenging times. I am very proud of him as well. He is one of a select few that have earned the title “Marine”, a name that is synonymous with honor, professionalism, and military excellence. He has joined an organization that has helped lead the fight against terror, tyranny, and aggression in every climb and place around the world for over 234 years. He is part of America’s premier force in readiness that has historically been first to the fight whenever conflict arises. He serves in a battalion that has forged a legacy of valor and fought with great distinction from the islands of the South Pacific and hills of Korea, to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq. He is one of America’s finest, and I am honored to have him in our ranks.
Our battalion motto “Ready to Fight”, reflects not only our ability to respond to any crisis on short notice, but also our eagerness to support and defend those rights and freedoms we cherish as Americans. We have the honor of being “First of Line, Right of Foot” in all military formations because we are the First Battalion, of the First Marine Regiment, of the First Marine Division. We take great pride in this unique distinction, and strive at all times to achieve the highest standards one expects from a unit with the number one so prominently and repeatedly displayed in its title.
We consider every family member a critical part of the 1/1 team. We are dedicated to keeping all family members informed as to the actions and accomplishments of their loved ones, and with helping families prepare for when their Marine or sailor deploys overseas. Our chain of command knows it is responsible not only for taking care of every Marine and sailor in the battalion, but also for ensuring that the needs and concerns of families are addressed as well. I would encourage family members of 1/1 to contact our Family Readiness Officer at any time if they have questions or need assistance in any way. The Sergeant Major and I are also available to speak with family members should they wish to contact us directly.
Please visit this website periodically and use it as a resource to stay abreast of upcoming events and the latest news from the battalion. We will ensure that it is updated regularly and the most recent information is posted on it. Throughout the coming year we to hold at least one unit function every quarter for all family and friends of the battalion. I highly encourage all of you to attend these events and spend some time getting to know many of the other Marines and their families.
Once again, it is a privilege to have you all as part of the 1/1 team and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you in the near future. On behalf of all the Marines and sailors of the battalion, thank you for your support, and Semper Fidelis!
Craig R. Wonson
LtCol, USMC