By Cpl. Fenton Reese | U. S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve | June 18, 2013
Sgt. Maj. James E. Booker, former Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North sergeant major, addresses an audience of family, friends, peers and young Marines, after relinquishing his post during his relief and farewell ceremony at the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, MARFORRES headquarters, June 14. Booker will be taking the position of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan senior enlisted advisor for Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, commander of the NATO ISAF and USFORAF. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Fenton Reese) (Photo by Cpl. Fenton Reese)
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Sgt. Maj. James E. Booker, former Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Force North sergeant major, (left) has a few final words with his replacement, incoming sergeant major, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Anthony A. Spadaro, after the conclusion of Booker’s relief and farewell ceremony, in which he relinquished his post and bid farewell to the unit prior to departing to his next command. Booker will be taking the position of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan senior enlisted advisor for Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, commander of the NATO ISAF and USFORAF. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Fenton Reese) (Photo by Cpl. Fenton Reese)
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Sgt. Maj. James E. Booker, former Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Force North sergeant major, (right) speaks with a peer, after the conclusion of his relief and farewell ceremony, in which he relinquished his post and bid farewell to the unit prior to departing to his next command. Booker will be taking the position of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan senior enlisted advisor for Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, commander of the NATO ISAF and USFORAF. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Fenton Reese) (Photo by Cpl. Fenton Reese)
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Sgt. Maj. James E. Booker, former Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North sergeant major, addresses an audience of family, friends, peers and young Marines, after relinquishing his post during his relief and farewell ceremony at the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, MARFORRES headquarters, June 14. Booker will be taking the position of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan senior enlisted advisor for Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, commander of the NATO ISAF and USFORAF. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Fenton Reese) (Photo by Cpl. Fenton Reese)
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NEW ORLEANS --
Marines, sailors and guests gathered to witness Sgt. Maj. James E. Booker, former Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North sergeant major, relinquish his post and bid farewell prior to departing to his next command, at the Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, June 14.
Booker had served as the MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH sergeant major since September 2011, and said his journey has been fulfilling.
“This has been an honor working here. You learn much more than ‘Marine Corps stuff,’” said Booker.
He said this tour greatly prepared him for his next assignment as North Atlantic Treaty Organization International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan senior enlisted advisor for Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, commander of the NATO ISAF and USFORAF.
“I have learned how to operate on a level that most Marines have no idea about. Only seven sergeants major get the opportunity to work for a three star or better,” Booker said. “It’s an honor to even be considered to be a part of these select few Marines, let alone actually experience it.”
Booker said he is excited to pass the torch to current 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Anthony A. Spadaro, and has every bit of confidence that he will be able to “hit the ground running” and take the command to the next level.
“Our turnover has been great. I have known him for years, and I’m just ready to get out of his way,” Booker said. “I’m looking forward to letting him drive this thing. His attention to detail is incredible. He will see things in a different light and catch things that could use improvement and build upon them. He is very smart, and he will definitely push things like leadership and professional military education. Needless to say, he has a wide range of experience that will be very beneficial to this command.”
Spadaro has 28 years in the Marine Corps and has served in nearly every corner of the organization. His service includes Marine Security Guard and drill instructor duty and multiple combat operations in support of Operation Desert Shield and Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spadaro is currently serving as the 3rd MAW sergeant major, and he said he is ready for his new position and to step into the shoes of his respected friend.
“I’m ecstatic. Yes, I am first of all humbled and honored, but mostly ecstatic,” said Spadaro. “To follow Booker and what he has established is absolutely amazing.”
Spadaro said he has big plans for his new command and, just as Booker said, much of it involves PME.
“PME! PME! PME! I don’t mean just Marine Corps Institute and resident courses. I want to make Marines lifelong learners,” he said. “To me, the most important leadership trait we have is knowledge; and knowledge is power.”
There are seven words of Booker’s that stick out in Spadaro’s mind.
“He has never minced words. He is the straightest shooter I’ve known. So, when he came to me with seriousness in his eyes and said ‘I am so proud of this unit,’ our transition was completed. That was all I needed to hear,” said Spadaro.
Both Marines are anxious to sit in their new positions; however, there is still much to be done prior to their official post and relief, said Booker.
In addition to the ongoing turn over with Booker, Spadaro must still attend to his duties at his current command; as he is still the 3rd MAW sergeant major and is preparing for a turnover of his own.
“There is plenty to do as a sergeant major. You can’t just walk out,” said Booker. “When you are looking at your replacement face-to-face, you want to make sure they are fully prepared and the transition is as smooth as possible. You don’t want to screw anybody.”
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