NEW ORLEANS -- The clouds that plagued the sky earlier in the ceremony parted, and sun rays illuminated the newly retired sergeant major’s face as he stood, microphone in hand, and collected his thoughts for his final words.
"We always talk about the sacrifices we make as Marines, but they’re nothing compared to the sacrifices that our families make…I look forward to moving on to the next chapter of my life with my family, and this is one of the main reasons why I’m moving on,” he said. “I want to thank you all for coming out; Semper Fidelis.”
Marines, sailors and guests gathered at the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans for a dual-hatted ceremony in which Sgt. Maj. Eric J. Kuhns relinquished his post as the MARCORSPTFAC and Marine Forces Reserve Headquarters battalion sergeant major and retired from the Marine Corps, July 22. Kuhns was relieved by Sgt. Maj. Rene Salinas, a native of Chicago and former sergeant major of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463.
“The feeling is surreal. I can’t put it into words,” said Kuhns. “Twenty-two years…I don’t think it has hit me yet.”
Over the past 22 years, Kuhns has served in many capacities with experiences spanning nearly every corner of the Marine Corps.
Within his first four years, Kuhns was meritoriously promoted several times between private first class to sergeant and had been deployed twice overseas with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In his second enlistment, 22-year-old Sgt. Kuhns became a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. While serving, he faced many challenges due to his age, but he said he persevered, kept striving for excellence and learned some valuable lessons.
“If you set the example for people to emulate, others will follow,” said Kuhns.
He went on to be meritoriously promoted again, this time to the rank of staff sergeant and received accolades for his performance on the field including drill Instructor of the year.
After his time on the drill field, Kuhns spent the next 14 years serving in a more expeditionary facet. He attached to multiple units including U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command and 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.
From 1997 to 2011 Kuhns deployed six more times overseas for a total of eight career deployments. His tours include Fallujah, Iraq and Kabul and the Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Kuhns assumed his duties as the SPTFAC MARFORRES HQ Bn sergeant major, in October 2011.
In all his experiences and achievements, Kuhns said he has gained many great insights, but none are more pertinent than the importance of self-improvement and a strong support system. He accredits who he is today to his support: his family.
“Don’t sell yourself short. Set the bar high and never stop trying to improve yourself and helping improve others,” he said. “And, you have to have a strong support network to endure what the Marine Corps expects you to endure,” he said.
Kuhns said he has enjoyed his life with his Marine Corps family, but now he and his leadership skills are needed in a new billet as a spouse and father.
“My future is to be with my family. After so many years of being deployed, I am making it my top priority to be with them,” he said.
With his tenure coming to an end, Kuhns said he feels very confident in passing the torch to his successor Sgt. Maj. Rene Salinas.
“I wish him the best of luck. This is a very unique unit with very unique qualities…he has a tough job, but I think he is the perfect man for the job,” Kuhns said. “I only hope I have laid a solid enough foundation for him to build on.”
Salinas said he is eager to take on this new assignment and wishes Kuhns the best.
"I am very excited about being here, and I send my congratulations to Sgt. Maj. Kuhns,” said Salinas.
With Kuhns’ 22-year Marine Corps journey coming to an end, he said many thoughts came to mind that he would want to pass to the Marines of the future. But, one ideal in particular sticks out to him.
“Be true to yourself first, then be true to your Marines… never forget where you come from,” he said.
Applause and a few cheers from the audience resounded through the warm Louisiana air, as Kuhns passed off the microphone and planted a kiss on each one of his family members. After one more gift presentation, the ceremony was completed and another chapter in Marine Corps history was closed.