Like a Shot to the Gut

To all who shall see these presents, greetings:

Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of David C. Wright, I do appoint this Marine a Sergeant in the Reserve of the United States Marine Corps to the rank as such from the first day of October, two thousand four.

"Effective with this appointment, you are charged to carefully and diligently execute the duties and responsibilities of a Sergeant of Marines, and I do strictly direct and require all personnel of lesser grade to render obedience to appropriate orders. As a Sergeant of Marines you must set the example for others to emulate. Your conduct and professionalism both on and off duty shall be above reproach. You are responsible for the accomplishment of your assigned mission and for the safety, professional development and well-being of the Marines in your charge. You will be the embodiment of our institutional core values of honor, courage and commitment. You will lead your Marines with firmness, fairness and dignity while observing and following the orders and directions of your senior leaders and enforcing all regulations and articles governing the discipline of the Armed Forces of the United States of America."

Given under my hand at Marine Corps Mobilization Command, Kansas City, MO this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand four.

Signed

E. G. Payne

General, USMCR

Commanding

I am now a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. This is some crazy shit.