Photo Information

Hummer, Parris Island's mascot, stands at attention at the foot of the Depot's Iwo Jima Monument, March 5.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Russell Midori

With special trust and confidence Hummer becomes a meritorious NCO

13 Mar 2009 | Lance Cpl. Katherine Keleher Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Barking orders at Marines might be a legendary hallmark of a Marine noncommissioned officer, but in the case of the Depot’s newest NCO, it is the absolute truth.

This morning, the Depot mascot, Hummer, was given special trust and confidence to dedicate himself to training new mascots and influencing the old, when he was promoted to corporal by Col. Gregory Douquet, the commanding officer for Headquarters and Service Battalion.

“Promoting Hummer was a great idea,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Swanberg, the Headquarters & Service Battalion sergeant major.  “The mascot has performed admirably and has done much in the way of building morale and public relations between the Marine Corps and the public.”

“I’m proud of Hummer for what he does for this base,” said Cpl. Alex Long, Hummer’s handler.  “I think with what he does as a dog, he definitely deserved this promotion.”

Hummer waited patiently for months to pick up the rank.  He was told that he could not get promoted until he fulfilled his Marine Corps Martial Arts gray belt course.  Unfortunately, he had a rough time finding a MCMAP instructor who would train a dog.

“Picking up corporal is definitely the first step in a Marine Corps career and it feels great,” said Long, from Port Royal, Va.  “I’m sure Hummer feels great about picking it up too.  He was promoted to lance corporal in May 2007, and I don’t think any lance corporal likes to wait two years to pick up corporal.  So, I think it was the right time for his promotion.”

Feeling sympathetic for the poor English bulldog, Long decided enough was enough and he

decided to fill out the mascot’s meritorious promotion package.  “I think it was really great of Cpl. Long to put
in the package for Hummer’s promotion,” said Lance Cpl. Stacey Chambers, a correspondence clerk with Headquarters & Service Battalion legal administration office.  “He did a nice job on looking out for his Marine.”

Eager to start the process, Long anxiously handed in the package.

Though it took over a week to put Hummer’s paper work together, the time was well spent.  Long was not alone in the process though.  His officer-in-charge, CWO 2 David Hostuttler painstakingly worked hand-in-hand with Long.

The two spent an extended amount of time researching Hummer’s career.  They dug through his service record book and called his past contacts to find out details about his history.

They had to call Hummer’s old contacts because when asked a question, he simply responded with a growl.

“When I opened the package to look at it, there was a lot of information,” said Chambers, from New Market, Ind.  “It talked about his time in service, long work hours, how closely he works with visiting families on the Depot, how he’s not aggressive, is well behaved and his leadership skills have skyrocketed.”

The promotion package traveled far up the ladder to the commanding general’s desk.  After a fierce review of his package, Brig. Gen. James B. Laster, commanding general of the Eastern Recruiting Region/Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, decided it was time for the puppy to become a dog responsible of the duties of an NCO. 

Hummer has no plans to retire anytime soon, and Marines can expect to hear him barking orders to belligerent junior Marines.

He will still spend his Thursday mornings in the Douglas Visitors Center with the families of graduating Marines.  He plans to continue lifting the spirits of those who visit the Depot, while inspiring fellow devil dogs to the highest standards possible.

“Of all the Marine Corps mascots that I have ever known, he is by far the most proficient and professional that I have ever had the privilege to serve with,” said Swanberg, of New Haven, Conn.  “I think we did a great thing promoting Hummer.”

 


Marine Corps Training and Education Command