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4th MAW sergeant major bids farewell

  • Published
  • By Lance Cpl. Fenton Reese
  • 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Public Affairs
JONIT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Marines are known as "the few and the proud," however, within this elite circle there are individuals that take that statement as more than a slogan and make it a way of life. Many Marines have come and gone throughout the years, but amongst these Marines, there are a select few that devote the time and effort to climb to the top.

After 33 years of service, Staten Island, N.Y., native Sergeant Maj. Paul K. Anderson, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing sergeant major, bids farewell to the Marine Corps, here, Sept. 10.

There are many reasons why men and women join the Marine Corps, but for Anderson the answer was simple.

"I wanted a challenge," he said.

Anderson took on that challenge 33 years ago, and now he is ready to pass the torch to the next "Anderson" in line to take his place, he said.

"I've had many moments in my life that one could consider 'defining,' but, my most memorable and defining was the day I graduated boot camp," he said. "I still think about it every day, 33 years later."

From that day forth, every day in the Corps is a re-dedication, he said.

"Every day you earn it," said Anderson, as he described what has driven him throughout his career.

Anderson grew up in Pleasant Plains on the South Shore of Staten Island and graduated from Tottenville High School in 1978.

Anderson graduated from recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., in 1978. He completed Aviation Ordnance School at Naval Activity Support, Millington, Tenn., in May 1979. Anderson would then report to his first unit, Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 269, MAG-29, 2nd MAW, Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C.

This was a dream realized for Anderson, seeing as aviation is all that he ever wanted to do, he said.

"I really enjoyed aviation as a kid, especially, with the space program kicking-off around the same time," said Anderson. "So, when I joined the Marine Corps, I took a shot at it, and I got it."

He has been "flying" ever since.

After some time, he was reassigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162, deploying twice, once with the 34th Marine Amphibious Unit and one NATO cruise.

He was released from active-duty in 1982 and became part of the Marine Corps Reserve out of Willow Grove, Pa.

In January 1986, Anderson returned to active-duty and was transferred to MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. He completed another deployment and participated in Operation Desert Shield.

Anderson, at this point a staff sergeant, was then trained as a Marine Security Guard. During this duty he completed tours at the American Embassy Brussels, Belgium; the American Consulate General Casablanca, Morocco; and the American Embassy Nassau, Bahamas.

Upon returning from security duty, Anderson reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 451, MAG-31, MCAS Beaufort, S.C. During that tour, he completed yet another western pacific deployment.

In July 1997, he reported to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. While assigned there, 1st Sgt. Anderson completed one deployment to Okinawa, Japan.

In August 1999, he reported for duty with the Inspector-Instructor Staff, Marine Wing Support Squadron 474, MWSG-47, 4th MAW in Johnstown, Pa.

In October 2001, he was promoted to his present rank and transferred to Birmingham, Ala., for duty.

From 2001 till now, Anderson has been assigned to a plethora of different units, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and landing at his final destination as 4th MAW sergeant major, in New Orleans.

Throughout his 33 years, Anderson has seen and learned many things. He has been from "wing to wing" of the Marine Corps, and he is proud to look back on his career and release a sigh of relief and satisfaction, he said.

He feels very comfortable leaving the Corps to this new day and age, he said.

"Time has passed, uniforms have changed but the basic Marine is still the basic Marine," said Anderson.

"Always remember, Marines always give their very best, always believe in themselves and always believe in their God, country, and Corps," said Anderson, giving words of wisdom to future Marines, and speaking a bit of self assurance and confidence in the Corps that he has come to live and love.