April 6, 2015 -- After almost two decades of service with tours of duty around the world, including Okinawa and Sendai, Japan; South Korea and several stateside assignments, a Marine is now planning to do “a whole lot of nothing,” for a little while.
Gunnery Sgt. Charles Kinsey, base adjutant chief, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, retired from the Marine Corps, April 3, with more than 18 years of honorable service under his belt.
“I am on cloud nine right now,” Kinsey said of his retirement. “I feel great about this.”
Kinsey’s family echoed that sentiment.
“I am so happy to have him home more,” Brandi Kinsey said of her husband. “I know the kids feel the same way.”
Kinsey credited many people with his success in the Marine Corps, from individuals aboard the base, to previous leaders and friends. He offered thanks for the outpouring of support. Kinsey showered his father and mother in-law with gratitude and repeatedly told the audience, “I love my in-laws,” he said.
Kinsey joked and said most people do not like the in-laws, but advised he truly loves his. He gave tribute to his wife, thanked his children and his brothers. As he spoke of his mother, Kinsey struggled to hold back emotion.
Fighting tears, he asked the audience to oblige him by standing and giving his mother a round of applause to show appreciation for her prayers, support and love throughout his career and his life.
Kinsey then offered a little advice for junior enlisted Marines concerning their careers.
“Ask for help,” he said.
Kinsey told the Marines this base has a wealth of people with good information and sound advice as it relates to their career paths. He stressed success is obtainable and help is available on this installation.
Kinsey’s success garnered him several ribbons and awards. They include a Joint Commendation medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, a Navy Unit Citation, six Meritorious Unit Citations, six Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, an Armed Forces Service Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, a recruiting ribbon and a NATO Medal.
“Right now, my plan is to do a whole lot of nothing,” Kinsey smiled and added, “for about a month, and then I will be working on something else.”