MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – -- Friends, family members and fellow Marines and sailors joined Sgt. Maj. Steven J. Lara, former sergeant major of 1st Marine Logistics Group, to honor and celebrate his retirement after 30 years of faithful service to the Marine Corps and United States during a ceremony here, May 21.
Brig. Gen. Robert R. Ruark, former 1st MLG commanding general, oversaw the ceremony for Lara, 48, from Coolidge, Ariz. During the retirement celebration, Ruark spoke of his previous deployment and fond memories shared with Lara in garrison and in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"It was an honor to serve with (Lara) in Iraq and here at Camp Pendleton with 1st MLG," said Ruark. "I'ts because of that i owe (Lara) a debt of thanks."
Lara conducted numerous combet deployments during his career, with his last one as the group sergeant major with 1st MLG Forward Headquarters element at Al Taqaddum, Iraq in 2008 and 2009.
"To the Marines of 1st Marine Logistics Group, your work and efforts this week have been very much appreciated," said Lara. "I want you to know that the ceremony you executed today will be cherished by me and my family for many years to come."
After three decades in the Marine Corps, Lara will depart the Marine Corps leaving a positive impact that will continue to inspire Marines ans sailors for years to follow. Â