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Photo Information

Sergeant Maj. Thomas A. Hall Jr., (left), former sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, (MARSOC), Sgt. Maj. John W. Scott (middle), sergeant major of MARSOC, and Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark (right), commander of MARSOC, salute the national ensign during a relief, appointment and retirement ceremony at Stone Bay, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27.

Photo by Cpl. Donovan Lee

Hall passes legacy to Scott as MARSOC sergeant major

27 Jun 2014 | Cpl. Donovan Lee Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command bid farewell to one sergeant major and welcomed another during a relief, appointment and retirement ceremony at Stone Bay aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 27.

Sergeant Maj. Thomas F. Hall Jr., relinquished his duties as sergeant major of MARSOC to Sgt. Maj. John W. Scott after 30 years of active duty service.

“(Hall) built a team network of understanding what MARSOC was, and wasn’t; and that understanding was turned into support which helped ensure the survival and continued success of the Marine Corps (Special Operations Forces) component,” said Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, commander, MARSOC, during the ceremony.

Scott, who joins MARSOC after leaving his post as the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit sergeant major, said he is excited to be part of the MARSOC community and has arrived ready to work.

“I am humbled and honored to be counted amongst the ranks of MARSOC, and I look forward to joining you and adding to its rich legacy,” said Scott.

Scott said he is proud to follow in the footsteps of a great leader such as Hall, and that he hopes to continue what Hall has accomplished during his time at MARSOC and throughout his 30-year career.

Hall said he has built his life and career around serving five things. “Today, I understand better than ever how right my drill instructors were 30 years ago when they taught us the significance of God, country, Corps, our family and friends,” said Hall.

During his career, Hall participated in operations throughout America, Asia, and the Middle East. He deployed in support of operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He also deployed with the 13th, 15th and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Units.

Hall said his favorite memories include the day he became a Marine, the day he married his wife, having the opportunity to lead Marines and meeting many friends along the way.

Hall left Scott with encouraging words as he passed on his duties.
 
“May God continue to bless this great nation, the U.S. Marines, and our families and friends, Semper Fidelis Sgt. Maj. Scott,” concluded Hall.