MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- Well-wishers from around the base gathered at the base Chapel May 19 to see a well-known sailor on base receive his retirement after 22 years of honorable service.
Lt. Cmdr. Marc Rouleau, public works officer and resident officer in charge of construction, cheerfully said his goodbyes in a ceremony that recounted his many years serving in the Navy and with Marines.
In a fitting ceremony in front of friends and colleagues, Rouleau received the Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Terry V. Williams, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, for his work not only here serving with MCLB Albany but for his effort throughout his 22-year career.
Rouleau’s career began in 1982 when he enlisted in the Navy as a submarine sonar technician.
After six years of active and one year of Navy Reserve duty, he graduated with a Bachelor in Science Degree in electrical engineering and was commissioned as an ensign in 1996.
He served in many capacities before earning his Masters of Engineering degree in civil engineering before reporting for duty here in 2007.
During the ceremony, Fred R. Broome, director, Installation and Environment Division, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, said that Rouleau’s legacy will be left after his retirement with the lessons that he has taught while he was here.
“He served not out of obligation but out of love for his country,” Broome said. “Today marks the close of one chapter of your life. On behalf of the thousands of Marines, Seabees, chiefs and officers, I would like to say thank you for your many sacrifices. I wish you fair winds and following seas.”
Rouleau is Seabee combat warfare qualified, a member of the Acquisitions Professional Community, a licensed professional engineer in the state of Florida, Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Contracting Level III and Facilities Engineering Level II certified, and Enlisted Submarines Warfare qualified.
In 2004, he was the recipient of the Navy League’s Stephen Decatur Award for Operational Competence.
His other awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat “V” and gold star, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star and various unit and campaign awards.
“I pondered and struggled with what to say today. But in the end, the only thing that seemed appropriate to me was to show my gratitude,” Rouleau said. “To the United States Navy, I wish I could serve you for another 22 years. I’m lucky to have had the honor to serve you. I will miss you dearly. It is time however for me to follow a new course in life. A course I look forward to with the same happiness and enthusiasm I served you every day as I navigate this new course.”
Rouleau will be beginning his retirement in Naples, Fla., with his wife Lupita and daughter Rachael.