MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Sgt. Maj. Brian K. Jackson relieved Sgt. Maj. Bobby B. Woods of his duties as sergeant major, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region in a relief and appointment ceremony here March 13.
Woods, the 30th depot sergeant major, had held that post since February 2006. He retired at 49 years old and said he hopes to join a local Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
“Serving aboard the depot has been a wonderful, challenging and rewarding ride,” said Woods.
“Besides my wife and kids, the Marine Corps is the strongest thing in my heart, and I’m privileged that you are all here to share this ceremony with me. I love Marines,” said Woods.
Woods told Jackson, “You have a great team and they will all do the great things they’ve done for me for you. I’m glad I retired here.”
“You are my friend and confidant,” said Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas to Woods.
Jackson served as the sergeant major for Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Air Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., since 2006. He has been in the Marine Corps for 28 years – all in the aviation field except for when he was a drill instructor at MCRD San Diego from 1984 to 1986.
Jackson participated in Operations Desert Shield; Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom; Enduring Freedom; and Operations Anaconda and Harpoon in Bagram, Afghanistan. He also participated in Exercise Edge Mallet in Kenya.
“I have observed the Marines for the past few days and I’m impressed,” said Jackson. “I’m looking forward to being your sergeant major and I won’t let you down. To the Marines, your actions don’t go unnoticed.”
Jackson’s personal decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Woods served in the Marine Corps for 30 years. He was a drill instructor on the depot from 1985 to 1987.
“I am fortunate to have trained, or been involved with training, Marines through three decades here on the Depot,” said Woods. “I never thought I would be the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and Western Recruiting Region sergeant major. I've come to understand and believe this position is one of the most important jobs the Corps has to offer. I could not have asked for a better way to leave the active ranks, knowing I was involved with replacing our Corps strength with Marines.”
In 1994, Woods served as a series gunnery sergeant and first sergeant on MCRD San Diego. In 1995, he was assigned to Drill Instructor School serving as the senior/leadership instructor until June 1996.
“My advice to all Marines is to believe in the Corps leadership. Be a good follower; and if you do that, you are destined to become a good leader,” said Woods. “Keep our honor clean, our traditions meaningful, and always practice honor, courage, and commitment. Finally, always keep our Corps in front of the rest.”