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First Sgt. John R. Smock and Master Sgt. Allison L. Smock salute during the presentation of the Colors at their joint retirement ceremony here, April 12. The Smocks have completed more than 42 years of combined service to the Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Miguel A. Carrasco Jr.

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Senior enlisted couple retire together

12 Apr 2006 | Cpl. Miguel A. Carrasco Jr. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Two Marines made vows to serve their country more than 20 years ago, and fate crossed their path. They made vows to each other that have lasted almost 12 years.

First Sgt. John R. Smock and Master Sgt. Allison L. Smock retired together after more than 42 years of combined dedicated service to the Marine Corps.

Close friends and family watched the retirement ceremony here at the School of Infantry parade deck April 12.

“Today the Marine Corps is losing two fine leaders in one day,” said Lt. Col. David A. Higgins, commanding officer with Headquarters and Support Battalion, School of Infantry. “I see nothing but success in the future of these two.”

Both Marines thanked those who attended and those who have helped them during their careers.

While their achievements were listed, they both chose to thank each other for their success.

“She has been there for me more than I could have ever asked,” said 1st Sgt. Smock, who ended his career as the company first sergeant for Engineer Maintenance Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group. “I think her being a Marine really helped. She was able to understand what I was going through at times.”

“(John) is my hero and best friend, and one outstanding leader,” said Master Sgt. Smock, who ended her career as the personnel chief for the Permanent Personnel Administration Center for SOI. “I was very proud to have him by my side.”

The Smocks agree that their next duty station will be their best.

“It will feel great to be able to come home knowing my husband will be there as well,” said Master Sgt. Smock, who was born in Lebanon, Pa.

“It is going to feel good to be able to spend time with the family,” said 1st Sgt. Smock, a Peoria, Ill. native.

First Sgt. Smock started his career on the West Coast when he attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego in December 1984. On the East Coast, Master Sgt. Smock attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., in July 1985.

As their careers progressed and their accomplishments mounted, they would both find themselves deployed many times before and after meeting.

Before they met, 1st Sgt. Smock was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company and MCRD Parris Island. Allison was assigned to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, Cherry Point, N.C., Brigade Service Support Group 1, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and drill instructor duty, MCRD Parris Island.

“These Marines spent most of their careers making Marines, training Marines and leading Marines,” said Higgins.

During their careers, their combined deployments would include South America, Panama, Liberia, Korea and both in Saudi Arabia.

Following their deployments to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, John and Allison met at MCRD Parris Island, and married May 6, 1994.

The Smocks have three children – Heather, Michelle, and John, and one grandchild, Christopher. On hand to see the retirement was their son and John’s mother, Delores Smock.

First Sgt. John R. Smock and Master Sgt. Allison L. Smock salute during the presentation of the Colors at their joint retirement ceremony here, April 12. The Smocks have completed more than 42 years of combined service to the Marine Corps.

Photo by Cpl. Miguel A. Carrasco Jr.

Download

Details

Senior enlisted couple retire together

12 Apr 2006 | Cpl. Miguel A. Carrasco Jr. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

PRINT

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Two Marines made vows to serve their country more than 20 years ago, and fate crossed their path. They made vows to each other that have lasted almost 12 years.

First Sgt. John R. Smock and Master Sgt. Allison L. Smock retired together after more than 42 years of combined dedicated service to the Marine Corps.

Close friends and family watched the retirement ceremony here at the School of Infantry parade deck April 12.

“Today the Marine Corps is losing two fine leaders in one day,” said Lt. Col. David A. Higgins, commanding officer with Headquarters and Support Battalion, School of Infantry. “I see nothing but success in the future of these two.”

Both Marines thanked those who attended and those who have helped them during their careers.

While their achievements were listed, they both chose to thank each other for their success.

“She has been there for me more than I could have ever asked,” said 1st Sgt. Smock, who ended his career as the company first sergeant for Engineer Maintenance Company, 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group. “I think her being a Marine really helped. She was able to understand what I was going through at times.”

“(John) is my hero and best friend, and one outstanding leader,” said Master Sgt. Smock, who ended her career as the personnel chief for the Permanent Personnel Administration Center for SOI. “I was very proud to have him by my side.”

The Smocks agree that their next duty station will be their best.

“It will feel great to be able to come home knowing my husband will be there as well,” said Master Sgt. Smock, who was born in Lebanon, Pa.

“It is going to feel good to be able to spend time with the family,” said 1st Sgt. Smock, a Peoria, Ill. native.

First Sgt. Smock started his career on the West Coast when he attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego in December 1984. On the East Coast, Master Sgt. Smock attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C., in July 1985.

As their careers progressed and their accomplishments mounted, they would both find themselves deployed many times before and after meeting.

Before they met, 1st Sgt. Smock was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment; 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company and MCRD Parris Island. Allison was assigned to Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, Cherry Point, N.C., Brigade Service Support Group 1, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and drill instructor duty, MCRD Parris Island.

“These Marines spent most of their careers making Marines, training Marines and leading Marines,” said Higgins.

During their careers, their combined deployments would include South America, Panama, Liberia, Korea and both in Saudi Arabia.

Following their deployments to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War, John and Allison met at MCRD Parris Island, and married May 6, 1994.

The Smocks have three children – Heather, Michelle, and John, and one grandchild, Christopher. On hand to see the retirement was their son and John’s mother, Delores Smock.