MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga -- College graduates, to include Marines, spouses and civilian workers, were recognized for their achievements June 4, during the 4th Annual Graduate Recognition Ceremony held at the Base Theatre.
As the 15 graduates walked proudly across the stage to receive their certificates, Donald Feazell, education services officer, briefly described where they graduated from and what degree they'd earned.
"These graduates are full time working adults who are trying to achieve a balance of lifelong education and the goals they set for themselves," Feazell said. "All these people have successfully balanced the various elements of their lives."
Each person honored at the event graduated through the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges program, which is offered at the Lifelong Learning Center.
Frank L. Boyd Jr., SOCMAR project director, Washington, D.C., was the special guest speaker for this event.
"The best part about the SOCMAR program is seeing young servicemembers discover they can do college work, and seeing the number of Marines that go through college and better themselves with education," Boyd said.
Boyd went on to say that last year 1,000 Marines graduated college using the programs that are offered through SOCMAR.
"Seeing the number of Marines and servicemembers do their job outstandingly and still find time to go to school to pursue their goals makes my job worth doing everyday," he added.
"On every base there is a Lifelong Education Office that offers the necessary tools, advice and guidance to servicemembers, their families, retirees and civilian workers to get them started on their educational journey.
"When asked about lifelong education, the ancient proverb "The journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step' comes to mind," Boyd said.
"All it takes is the first step of seeing a counselor to start down the road of education. They have the tools and know-how to get you started," he continued.
According to Feazell, the lifelong learning program is designed to enhance both personal and professional growth of Marines and the greater Marine community.
"We give them options, advice and tools to fulfill their needs," he continued. "All you need is an interest and the desire to improve."
The purpose of the ceremony was to showcase the hard work, determination and sacrifices that each one of the 15 graduates had to overcome to make it to where they did.
"I would like to say that I am very proud of all the graduates standing before me today, for they have proved that they can overcome any obstacle in front of them," Feazell said. "I would also like to thank the families of these graduates as well for their support."