An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .mil

A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.

Secure .mil websites use HTTPS

A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Marines

Photos

Imagery taken by MARFORRES COMMSTRAT

Filter

CLEAR ALL 29 results found

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, dances with Mrs. Claus during the Krewe of Zulu Toys for Tots toys distribution event at the New Orleans city hall, Dec. 16,2017. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The program’s goal for the 2017 Christmas season is to provide toys to seven million less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro)

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, dances with Mrs. Claus during the Krewe of Zulu Toys for Tots toys distribution event at the New Orleans city hall, Dec. 16,2017. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The program’s goal for the 2017 Christmas season is to provide toys to seven million less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro)

Photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, poses for a photo with U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, commander of Eight Coast Guard District, during the Krewe of Zulu Toys for Tots toys distribution event at the New Orleans city hall, Dec. 16,2017. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The program’s goal for the 2017 Christmas season is to provide toys to seven million less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro)

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, poses for a photo with U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, commander of Eight Coast Guard District, during the Krewe of Zulu Toys for Tots toys distribution event at the New Orleans city hall, Dec. 16,2017. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The program’s goal for the 2017 Christmas season is to provide toys to seven million less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro)

Photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, poses for a photo with volunteers with Krewe of Zulu during their Toys for Tots toys distribution event at the New Orleans city hall, Dec. 16,2017. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The program’s goal for the 2017 Christmas season is to provide toys to seven million less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro)

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, poses for a photo with volunteers with Krewe of Zulu during their Toys for Tots toys distribution event at the New Orleans city hall, Dec. 16,2017. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The program’s goal for the 2017 Christmas season is to provide toys to seven million less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro)

Photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces, North observes volunteers with the Krewe of Zulu give out toys during their Toys for Tots toys distribution event at the New Orleans city hall, Dec. 16,2017. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The program’s goal for the 2017 Christmas season is to provide toys to seven million less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro)

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces, North observes volunteers with the Krewe of Zulu give out toys during their Toys for Tots toys distribution event at the New Orleans city hall, Dec. 16,2017. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children. The program’s goal for the 2017 Christmas season is to provide toys to seven million less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro)

Photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro

Beverly Boyd (right), the Marine Forces Reserve protocol officer, assists Greg Habel (left), the MARFORRES executive director, with his name tag at an annual Christmas party hosted by Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Dec. 16, 2017. Distinguished military officials and civilians attended the dinner to celebrate the holiday season and donate toys to Toys for Tots. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei / Released).

Beverly Boyd (right), the Marine Forces Reserve protocol officer, assists Greg Habel (left), the MARFORRES executive director, with his name tag at an annual Christmas party hosted by Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Dec. 16, 2017. Distinguished military officials and civilians attended the dinner to celebrate the holiday season and donate toys to Toys for Tots. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei / Released).

Photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei

Staff Sgt. Anthony Maietta, an enlisted aide to Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, poses with his homemade gingerbread house, created for an annual Christmas party hosted by McMillian, Dec. 16, 2017. The event, hosted in the general’s quarters, allowed distinguished military guests, civilians and their families to enjoy a night of food and beverage to celebrate the holiday season. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei / Released).

Staff Sgt. Anthony Maietta, an enlisted aide to Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, poses with his homemade gingerbread house, created for an annual Christmas party hosted by McMillian, Dec. 16, 2017. The event, hosted in the general’s quarters, allowed distinguished military guests, civilians and their families to enjoy a night of food and beverage to celebrate the holiday season. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei / Released).

Photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei

(From left to right) Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Becky McMillian, Kathy Callahan and retired Rear Adm. Dave Callahan pose for a picture at McMillian’s annual Christmas party, Dec. 16, 2017. Distinguished military officials and civilians attended the dinner to celebrate the holiday season and donate toys to Toys for Tots. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei / Released)

(From left to right) Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Becky McMillian, Kathy Callahan and retired Rear Adm. Dave Callahan pose for a picture at McMillian’s annual Christmas party, Dec. 16, 2017. Distinguished military officials and civilians attended the dinner to celebrate the holiday season and donate toys to Toys for Tots. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei / Released)

Photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei

Cpl. David Linnenkamp (left), trombone instrumentalist, Cpl. Michael Choi (right), trumpet instrumentalist, and Lance Cpl. Dallin Taylor (center), electric bass instrumentalist, all with Marine Corps Band New Orleans Jazz Combo, perform holiday songs for incoming guests at an annual Christmas party hosted by Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian’s, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Dec. 16, 2017. The event, hosted in the general’s quarters, allowed distinguished military guests, civilians and their families to enjoy a night of food and beverage to celebrate the holiday season. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei / Released).

Cpl. David Linnenkamp (left), trombone instrumentalist, Cpl. Michael Choi (right), trumpet instrumentalist, and Lance Cpl. Dallin Taylor (center), electric bass instrumentalist, all with Marine Corps Band New Orleans Jazz Combo, perform holiday songs for incoming guests at an annual Christmas party hosted by Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian’s, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Dec. 16, 2017. The event, hosted in the general’s quarters, allowed distinguished military guests, civilians and their families to enjoy a night of food and beverage to celebrate the holiday season. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei / Released).

Photo by Sgt. Nicole Pompei

Sgt. Major Patrick L. Kimble (left), Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North Sergeant Major, Steve Pincus (center-left), Dewitt Stern Group Inc. Senior Manager Partner, Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (center), commander of MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH, Jolyon F. Stern (center-right), President of Dewitt Stern Group Inc. and Marines with 6th Communication Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, pose for a photo during the Dewitt Stern Group Toys for Tots drive and holiday party at the Vanderbilt Suites in New York, Dec. 8, 2017. This is the first year the Dewitt Stern Group hosted a toys drive in support of Marine Forces Reserve Toys for Tots program. The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during Oct., Nov. and Dec. each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro/published)

Sgt. Major Patrick L. Kimble (left), Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North Sergeant Major, Steve Pincus (center-left), Dewitt Stern Group Inc. Senior Manager Partner, Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (center), commander of MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH, Jolyon F. Stern (center-right), President of Dewitt Stern Group Inc. and Marines with 6th Communication Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, pose for a photo during the Dewitt Stern Group Toys for Tots drive and holiday party at the Vanderbilt Suites in New York, Dec. 8, 2017. This is the first year the Dewitt Stern Group hosted a toys drive in support of Marine Forces Reserve Toys for Tots program. The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during Oct., Nov. and Dec. each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro/published)

Photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro

Sgt. Major Patrick L. Kimble (left), Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North Sergeant Major, Steve Pincus (center-left), Dewitt Stern Group Inc. Senior Manager Partner, Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (center), commander of MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH, Jolyon F. Stern (center-right), President of Dewitt Stern Group Inc. and Marines with 6th Communication Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, pose for a photo during the Dewitt Stern Group Toys for Tots drive and holiday party at the Vanderbilt Suites in New York, Dec. 8, 2017. This is the first year the Dewitt Stern Group hosted a toys drive in support of Marine Forces Reserve Toys for Tots program. The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during Oct., Nov. and Dec. each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro/published)

Sgt. Major Patrick L. Kimble (left), Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North Sergeant Major, Steve Pincus (center-left), Dewitt Stern Group Inc. Senior Manager Partner, Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (center), commander of MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH, Jolyon F. Stern (center-right), President of Dewitt Stern Group Inc. and Marines with 6th Communication Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, pose for a photo during the Dewitt Stern Group Toys for Tots drive and holiday party at the Vanderbilt Suites in New York, Dec. 8, 2017. This is the first year the Dewitt Stern Group hosted a toys drive in support of Marine Forces Reserve Toys for Tots program. The mission of the program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during Oct., Nov. and Dec. each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less-fortunate children. This is the 70th anniversary season of Toys for Tots. Since its inception in 1947, the nationwide Marine Corps Reserve sponsored program has collected and distributed more than 570 million toys. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro/published)

Photo by Sgt. Ian Ferro

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. (far left), the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (far right), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, along with Ellyn Dunford and Rebecca McMillian pose for a photo at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Nov. 3, 2017. Dunford was the guest of honor at the 242nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball hosted by Marine Forces Reserve. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/released)

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. (far left), the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (far right), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, along with Ellyn Dunford and Rebecca McMillian pose for a photo at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Nov. 3, 2017. Dunford was the guest of honor at the 242nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball hosted by Marine Forces Reserve. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/released)

Photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. (middle), the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks to Master Chief Matthew Downing (right), command Master Chief of 4th Marine Division and Master Chief Ryan Strack (right), the command Master Chief of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, at the 242nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball hosted by Marine Forces Reserve, at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, in New Orleans, Nov. 3, 2017. Dunford, the guest of honor, spoke to attendees following a traditional ball ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/Released)

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. (middle), the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks to Master Chief Matthew Downing (right), command Master Chief of 4th Marine Division and Master Chief Ryan Strack (right), the command Master Chief of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, at the 242nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball hosted by Marine Forces Reserve, at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, in New Orleans, Nov. 3, 2017. Dunford, the guest of honor, spoke to attendees following a traditional ball ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez

Pfc. Alec J. Page, the youngest Marine present at the Marine Forces Reserve birthday ball, and Gunnery Sgt. (retired) Robert L. Allen, oldest Marine present, pose for a photo at the 242nd Marine Corps birthday ball hosted by Marine Forces on Nov. 3, 2017. It is a tradition for the first piece of cake to be given to the oldest Marine present and the passed to the youngest Marine present at every Marine Corps ball, symbolizing the passing of experience and knowledge to the new generation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/released)

Pfc. Alec J. Page, the youngest Marine present at the Marine Forces Reserve birthday ball, and Gunnery Sgt. (retired) Robert L. Allen, oldest Marine present, pose for a photo at the 242nd Marine Corps birthday ball hosted by Marine Forces on Nov. 3, 2017. It is a tradition for the first piece of cake to be given to the oldest Marine present and the passed to the youngest Marine present at every Marine Corps ball, symbolizing the passing of experience and knowledge to the new generation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/released)

Photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. (left), the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (right), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North render honors to the colors during the Marine Forces Reserve birthday ball ceremony, Nov. 3, 2017. Dunford was the guest speaker at the 242nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball hosted by Marine Forces Reserve and spoke to attendees following a traditional ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/released)

Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. (left), the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff and Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (right), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North render honors to the colors during the Marine Forces Reserve birthday ball ceremony, Nov. 3, 2017. Dunford was the guest speaker at the 242nd Marine Corps Birthday Ball hosted by Marine Forces Reserve and spoke to attendees following a traditional ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/released)

Photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (center), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North presents Gen. Joseph F. Dunford (far right), the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, a bell to symbolize the Reserve Force answering the call to mobilize at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, in New Orleans, Nov. 3, 2017. Dunford was the guest of honor at the 242nd Marine Corps birthday ball hosted by Marine Forces Reserve and spoke to attendees following a traditional ball ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/released)

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (center), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North presents Gen. Joseph F. Dunford (far right), the chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, a bell to symbolize the Reserve Force answering the call to mobilize at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, in New Orleans, Nov. 3, 2017. Dunford was the guest of honor at the 242nd Marine Corps birthday ball hosted by Marine Forces Reserve and spoke to attendees following a traditional ball ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez/released)

Photo by Cpl. Issac Velasquez

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (left), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, presents Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan (right), commander of United States Army North (Fifth Army) and senior commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, with a small Ka-bar knife from his 241st Marine Corps Ball at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Jan. 24, 2017. Buchanan stopped by the facility on his way to Joint Readiness Center at Fort Polk, La., to meet with McMillian and to attend a MARFORNORTH command brief.

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (left), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, presents Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan (right), commander of United States Army North (Fifth Army) and senior commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, with a small Ka-bar knife from his 241st Marine Corps Ball at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Jan. 24, 2017. Buchanan stopped by the facility on his way to Joint Readiness Center at Fort Polk, La., to meet with McMillian and to attend a MARFORNORTH command brief.

Photo by Cpl. Gabrielle Quire

Sgt. Maj. Patrick L. Kimble (left), sergeant major of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (second from-left), commander of MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH, pose for a photo with Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan (second from-right), commander of United States Army North (Fifth Army) and senior commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald E. Orosz, command sergeant major U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and senior enlisted leader, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Jan. 24, 2017. Buchanan stopped by the facility on his way to Joint Readiness Center aboard Fort Polk, La., to meet with McMillian and to attend a MARFORNORTH command brief.

Sgt. Maj. Patrick L. Kimble (left), sergeant major of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (second from-left), commander of MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH, pose for a photo with Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan (second from-right), commander of United States Army North (Fifth Army) and senior commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald E. Orosz, command sergeant major U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) and senior enlisted leader, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Jan. 24, 2017. Buchanan stopped by the facility on his way to Joint Readiness Center aboard Fort Polk, La., to meet with McMillian and to attend a MARFORNORTH command brief.

Photo by Cpl. Gabrielle Quire

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (left), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, pose for a photo with Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan (right), commander of United States Army North (Fifth Army) and senior commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Jan. 24, 2017. Buchanan stopped by the facility on his way to Joint Readiness Center aboard Fort Polk, La., to meet with McMillian and to attend a MARFORNORTH command brief.

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (left), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, pose for a photo with Lt. Gen. Jeffrey S. Buchanan (right), commander of United States Army North (Fifth Army) and senior commander, Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Jan. 24, 2017. Buchanan stopped by the facility on his way to Joint Readiness Center aboard Fort Polk, La., to meet with McMillian and to attend a MARFORNORTH command brief.

Photo by Cpl. Gabrielle Quire

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (center left), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North and Lt. Col. Garth P. Massey (center right), commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, stand at attention before the entry of the birthday cake during 2/23’s 241st Marine Corps Birthday Ball held Nov. 12, 2016, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. The Marine Corps Ball has been a Marine Corps tradition since 1951 and continues to be a time every year when Marines set aside an evening to honor fallen comrades and toast to the future success of the Corps.

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian (center left), commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North and Lt. Col. Garth P. Massey (center right), commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, stand at attention before the entry of the birthday cake during 2/23’s 241st Marine Corps Birthday Ball held Nov. 12, 2016, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. The Marine Corps Ball has been a Marine Corps tradition since 1951 and continues to be a time every year when Marines set aside an evening to honor fallen comrades and toast to the future success of the Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Gabrielle Quire

Lt. Col. Garth P. Massey (center), commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, cuts the first slice of birthday cake during 2/23’s 241st Marine Corps Birthday Ball held Nov. 12, 2016, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. The Marine Corps Ball has been a Marine Corps tradition since 1951 and includes a sword detail, the reading of the Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller’s birthday message and an official cake cutting for the oldest and youngest Marines present as well as the guest of honor who receives the first piece before giving a speech to those present.

Lt. Col. Garth P. Massey (center), commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, cuts the first slice of birthday cake during 2/23’s 241st Marine Corps Birthday Ball held Nov. 12, 2016, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. The Marine Corps Ball has been a Marine Corps tradition since 1951 and includes a sword detail, the reading of the Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller’s birthday message and an official cake cutting for the oldest and youngest Marines present as well as the guest of honor who receives the first piece before giving a speech to those present.

Photo by Cpl. Gabrielle Quire