Meek Meets with Top Enlisted Marine Corps Officers

 

Washington, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, welcomed the current and future Sergeants Major of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to Capitol Hill for a meeting to discuss policy issues affecting the Marine Corps.

"The enlisted men and women serving in United States Marine Corps are fortunate to be led by such exemplary leaders who bring the highest honor and dignity to their service branch. They serve as the backbone of the Marine Corps, and we are fortunate that extraordinary individuals like Sergeants Major Estrada and Kent are defending our country and national interests," Congressman Meek said.

Sergeant Major of the USMC John L. Estrada assumed his current post as the 15th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps on June 26, 2003 and will retire in June 2007.

In January 2006, General James Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, selected Sergeant Major Carlton W. Kent to serve as the next Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.

The Sergeant Major rank is conferred upon the senior enlisted member of the United States Marine Corps.

Prior to assuming his current position, Sergeant Major Estrada of the USMC served as the Sergeant Major, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing where he was forward deployed and participated in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sergeant Major Carlton W. Kent presently serves as the Sergeant Major of the I Marine Expeditionary Force based in Camp Pendleton, California.

Congressman Kendrick B. Meek serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Ways and Means. He represents the 17th Congressional District which includes Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

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