Readiness

William J. Brashear (right), a Montford Point Marine, stands beside his wife, Adele G. Brashear, during the Pledge of Allegiance at the Mount Era Baptist Church in Morgan City, La., Nov. 15, 2014. Brashear was presented the Congressional Gold Medal, which is the nation’s highest honor given to civilians and is presented to all Montford Point Marines to recognize their contribution to the Marine Corps and the United States of America. Montford Point Marines were the first African-Americans allowed to enlist in the Marine Corps.