In keeping with Marine Corps tradition, the birthday cake was cut with a sword by the senior Marine present, Retired Colonel Mike Fallon.

On Thursday, November 6, 2014, General Dynamics C4 Systems employees in Scottsdale, AZ gathered to celebrate the 239th Marine Corps Birthday. Led by Col. Mike Fallon (USMC Ret.), General Dynamics C4 Systems Director of Marine Corps Programs, the event was a tribute to honor the men and women of the United States Marine Corps.

Traditionally – regardless of location – Marines pause to observe their birthday by sharing a cake and usually a holiday meal. A Marine Corps sword is used to cut the cake as a reminder, they are a band of warriors, committed to carrying the sword, so our nation may live in peace.

In keeping with Marine Corps tradition, the birthday cake was cut by the senior Marine present, Retired Colonel Mike Fallon. The first piece of cake was presented to the oldest Marine present, signifying the honor and respect accorded to experience and seniority.

The eldest Marine present passed a piece of cake to the youngest Marine present, to symbolize how experienced Marines have nurtured and led young Marines for 239 years. Sergeant Bruce Mazur, the eldest Marine present, enlisted on March 11, 1966; the youngest Marine present, Cpl Rascon enlisted on July 26, 2010.

Lt. Col Norton, USMC Receives Bronze Star Medal

During the ceremony, Col. Mike Fallon (USMC Ret.) awarded Lieutenant Colonel Kevin A. Norton the Bronze Star for exemplary actions during his service as a United States Marine.

During the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Norton, U.S. Marine Corps, who is currently assigned to C4 Systems as part of the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows Program, was presented with a Bronze Star Medal (Gold Star in lieu of third award), on behalf of the President of the United States.

Established by the Secretary of Defense in 1994 to become a long-term investment in transforming U.S. forces and capabilities, the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows Program (SDCFP) selects two or more officers with highly successful operational command and staff backgrounds from each Service to receive their military senior service college credit by training with sponsoring companies, like General Dynamics.

In this program, fellows like Lt. Col. Norton are exposed to businesses reshaping organizational structures and methods of operations to provide innovative and competitive advantages. From these experiences, they’re able to glean the best of change, innovation, and leading edge business practices that could be implemented to transform the DoD.

Proud to Support the U.S. Marine Corps

General Dynamics C4 Systems has proudly supported Marines in combat for the past 13 years. Please join us in congratulating Lt. Col. Norton on his significant accomplishments and in wishing all Marines around the world a very happy 239th birthday!