Cold day in hell...
To all who shall see these presents, greetings:
Know Ye, that reposing special trust and comfidence int the fidelity and abilites of
Jason M Knighten,
I do appoint thisMarine a Corporal in the United State Marine Corps
to rank as such from the first day of January,two thousand and eight.
"This appointee will therefore carefully and diligently execute the duties and responsiblities of a Corporal of Marines and I do strictly direct and require all personnel of lesser grade to render obedience to appropriate
orders. As a Corporal of Marines you must set the example for others to emulate. Your conduct and
professionalism both on and off duty shall be above reproach.You are responible for the accomplishment of
your assigned mision and for the safety, professional development and well-being of the Marines under your charge. You will be the embodiment of our institutional core values of honor, courage, and commitment. You
will lead your Marines with firmness, fairness and dignity while observing and following the orders and
directionsof your senior leaders and enforcing all regulations and articles governing the discipline of the
Armed Forces of the United States of America."
I am the backbone of the United States Marine Corps, I am a Marine Non-Commissioned Officer.
I serve as part of the vital link between my commander (and all officers) and enlisted Marines.
I will never forget who I am or what I represent.
I will challenge myself to the limit and be ever attentive to duty. I am now, more than ever, committed to
excellence in all that I do, so that I can set the proper example for other Marines. I will demand of myself all the energy, knowledge and skills I possess, so that I can instill confidence in those I teach. I will constantly strive to perfect my own skills and to become a good leader.
Above all I will be truthful in all I say or do. My integrity shall be impeccable as my appearance.
I will be honest with myself, with those under my charge and with my superiors.
I pledge to do my best to incorporate all the leadership traits into my character. For such is the heritage I have received from that long, illustrious line of professionals who have worn the bloodstripe so proudly before me.
I must give the very best I have for my Marines, my Corps and my Country for though today I instruct
and supervise in peace, tomorrow, I may lead in war.
Well It finally happened. After wating just shy of 3 years, I am a Corporal. So after many "congratulation pats" to the collar and reminding me of where the blood stripe goes, I realize it is truly an honor to being doing what i am doing. And no matter what happens, I'll know in my heart I made something of myself.