MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Sgt. Maj. Alfred R. Broadus, Recruiting Station sergeant major, RS Orlando, Fla., a Macon, Ga. Native, reenlisted for the final time at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 22, 2017.
The reenlistment will bring Broadus to 30 years in the Marine Corps.
Col. Roberta Shea, commanding officer, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, was the reenlisting officer for the reenlistment ceremony and spoke about her first memories with Sgt. Maj. Broadus.
“Cpl. Broadus was in my very first company that I ever commanded,” said Shea. “We did his first reenlistment in 1995, his very first reconfirmation to the Marine Corps. He decided to reenlist with the knowledge of the sacrifice Marines have to make on behalf of their country.”
Twenty-two years ago, Shea was the reenlisting officer for Broadus. Shea “held the honor” of reenlisting him for the last time March 22, 2017.
Broadus’s journey began after he enlisted in the Marine Corps July 23, 1991, and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
“I was thinking of getting out of the Marine Corps at that time,” Broadus said. “But it was because of leaders like Col. Shea and other Marine Corps leaders I had in my units that make me want to stay in the Marine Corps a lot longer.”
After completing recruit training, Broadus attended the Field Radio Operator Course at Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif.
He has been stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Iwakuni, Japan; and Twentynine Palms, Calif., and served in various cities for recruiting duty.
Broadus was also involved in operations including: Operation Enduring Freedom, two deployments with Operations Iraqi Freedom, and a tour with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
During his time serving with Shea, he was also a part of Operation Provide Promise, Operation Deny Flight, Operation Sharp Guard and Operation Sea Signal.
Ever since Broadus was a young NCO, he has shown a passion for our Corps, according to Shea.
“I’m not staying in the Marine Corps because I have to,” said Broadus. “I’m staying in because I want to. Because I enjoy being a Marine, and more importantly, I enjoy being around Marines. I love Marines.”
Broadus will transition to complete his 30 year journey at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Calif., as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Headquarters Squadron sergeant major.