U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Poldoski, left, a first sergeant with Combat Logistics Battalion 23, 4th Marine Logistics Group; Col. Govea, middle, the chief of staff for Marine Corps Installations West; and Sgt. Wright, retired, a World War II and Iwo Jima veteran, render a salute during a promotion ceremony (honorary) in Stockton, California, Aug. 31, 2025. Wright enlisted on Jan. 21, 1942, at just 16 years old by using his older brother’s birthdate. He joined the 4th Marine Raiders and later fought in the battles of New Georgia, Guam, and Iwo Jima, where he was wounded and subsequently medically evacuated. After the war, he served as a drill instructor before being honorably discharged in January 1946. Wright went on to earn a business degree and built a career as a business consultant. His recent honorary promotion to sergeant recognizes his service and sacrifice during World War II as well as decades of community contributions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Fourmet Gustavsen)