MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Sgt. Maj. Sergio MartinezRuiz relinquished responsibilities as Marine Aircraft Group 12 sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Miguel A. Ortega during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 5, 2016.
MartinezRuiz served in various billets from drill instructor and corporal’s course director to sergeant major for 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. He assumed his position as MAG-12 sergeant major in January 2013 and will now continue his longstanding career at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.
“This is bittersweet for me,” said MartinezRuiz. “At first, I didn’t want to come out here, and now, I don’t want to leave. I had a really great time. Something great happened while I was here. The (Marines) changed me. I gained a different appreciation for what they do.”
Ortega expressed his appreciation to MartinezRuiz for his dedication to duties as the MAG-12 sergeant major.
“I know it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m ready to face that challenge,” said Ortega. “In the short time that I’ve been here, I have noticed that the Marines stay true to their word of who they are and have impressed me.”
Ortega previously assumed the role of sergeant major at Headquarters and Service Battalion, MCB Camp Pendleton, from June 2014 to January 2016. Now, as the MAG-12 sergeant major, he said he has many goals but his main priority is his Marines.
“I just want to be able to take care of Marines,” said Ortega. “I am not looking for anything other than being there for the Marines and assisting them and their spouses with their needs. That’s where my satisfaction comes from, as well as MAG-12 allowing me to be their sergeant major.”