December 2017 Parris Island Trip

On the weekend of December 1st Detachment Judge Advocate Howard Schaeffer and I took a trip to Parris Island. This was a special trip for Howard as it was his 30th anniversary of graduating from the island. There was even a passing of the torch moment as Howard's guide from bootcamp, Master Gunnery Sergeant Larry Freetage, was serving his last day on active duty on the same day as another family friend, PFC Gary Goodhile, was graduating. As if this wasn't enough to make this a special occasion Howard suprised MGySgt Freetage by having their Senior Drill Instructor, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant James "Red" Bastien, show up. It was quite the experience to sit back and watch these marines talk. It was like watch two sons catch up with their father after not seeing each other in a while. All in all it was a great trip and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share it with them. - Commandant Jason M. Smith