RCT-5 Commander Combat Meritoriously Promotes Two Marines

by Cpl. Ray Lewis

It's always a good day when Marines get promoted.

Gunnery Sgt. Matthew A. Moore shakes Col. Larry D. Nicholson's hand after his promotion ceremony at K Company's combat outpost near the Habbaniyah, Iraq, area Dec. 14. He was combat meritoriously promoted to his current rank by Nicholson, commander for Regimental Combat Team 5, during a ceremony here. Moore is a 28-year-old infantry staff noncommissioned officer from Marlinton, W.V. All the Marines are currently serving a seven-month deployment in the Habbaniyah, Iraq, area under Regimental Combat Team 5. (photo by Cpl. Ray Lewis)

It's even a better one when it's a combat meritorious promotion.

Col. Larry D. Nicholson, commander for Regimental Combat Team 5, combat meritoriously promoted two infantry Marines from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment to the staff noncommissioned officer ranks at I and K Company combat outposts here Dec. 14.

Nicholson said it was his pleasure to promote the Marines for the first time in his combat tour.

The Marines weren't promoted for what they have done but for the great things they will do in their new ranks, Nicholson said.

Nicholson first combat meritoriously promoted Sgt. Rajendra T. Singh to the rank of staff sergeant at I Company's combat outpost.

"I feel excited," said Singh, a platoon sergeant assigned to I Company. "It's a big honor to get promoted."

The 29-year-old infantry unit leader from Long Island, N.Y., said if his wife Marilyn were there, he would have given her a kiss.

"No, I'm not kissing any of you," said Singh jokingly to the crowd of hairy, sweaty men.

The Marines laughed. Everyone was happy Singh was promoted, especially one of his long time friends.

"I think it's awesome," said Gunnery Sgt. James M. Knuckles, an infantry staff NCO with K Company. "It's a privilege to be able to promote Staff Sgt. Singh."

The 36 year old from Englewood, Fla., said Singh is a phenomenal Marine, very knowledgeable in being a man and a leader.

"It's a privilege to witness and to pin him on," Knuckles said.

Singh also gave words of advice and encouragement after he was promoted.

"A word for the younger Marines," Singh said. "In order to have a successful career make wise, sound decisions, pay attention to the leaders as far as guidance. It will benefit you in the long run. For the guys who are married, have a strong relationship with your wife and you can accomplish any task that is assigned by your unit."

Singh's next goal is to train junior Marines at the School of Infantry when he completes this tour.

"My obligation is to get Marines ready for any deployment they might go on," Singh said. "I want to train Marines to their potential as far as operation capabilities and set an example for the younger Marines so they can emulate you when you move on."

Nicholson also traveled to K Company's combat outpost, where he combat meritoriously promoted Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Moore to the rank of gunnery sergeant.

"First off, I want to thank my family; my wife and daughter," said Moore, an infantry unit leader with K Company. "Without them being in my life, I would've gotten out at four years. But it's funny; here I am away from them, deploying all the time."

The 28 year old from Marlinton, W.V., who also was meritoriously promoted to staff sergeant, said he never thought he'd win the board, and now that it's here, it's going to take a little bit to settle in.

Moore wasn't the only one stunned by the honor.

"It was an honor to be selected to pin him on," said 1st Lt. Marc L. Bullock, the executive officer for K Company. "It only happens once in a career."

The 27-year-old infantry officer from Troy, Mich., and Moore date back to when they were in the same company last year.

"He helped in my development as an officer; we worked off each other," Bullock said. "I owe a lot to my foundation and leadership from what I took from him last deployment."

After the ceremonies, both newly promoted Marines received the coveted, RCT-5 coin from Nicholson.

"You can only get this in combat," Nicholson said.

After promotion, Moore and Knuckles grilled steaks for all the Marines who were still there.

"What's a promotion without steaks?" asked Moore as he and Knuckles served Marines seasoned, juicy, tender slabs of steak.

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