U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Phillip Smith, assigned to the Marine Innovation Unit, reads Gen. John A. Lejeune’s birthday message during the unit’s 250th Marine Corps Birthday Ball in White Plains, New York, Nov. 21, 2025. The birthday ball took place at the conclusion of MIU’s annual week-long training period, establishing objectives and plans for the coming year. Established in 2022, the Marine Innovation Unit leverages the talent of the Marine Corps Reserve to accelerate the adoption of advanced capabilities, transform Naval Service capacity for technology employment, and retain and invest in Total Force human capital. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kanoa Thomas)