MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Sgt. Maj. Maximino Torres III relieved Sgt. Maj. Robert Lee Caldwell as the sergeant major of 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, during a post and relief ceremony at the Combat Center’s Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field Feb. 5.
Torres, a Cleveland native, who was promoted to his current rank while serving as the first sergeant of Company K, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, took the reigns of the battalion with the intentions of picking up exactly where Caldwell left off and continue to set the standard for Marines underneath him, he said.
“I love to take care of all my Marines,” Torres said. “I will continue to lead by example the same way that Sgt. Maj. Caldwell did.
“I’m happy to be with the king of battle,” he said. “Artillery was my original [military occupational specialty] when I first came in.”
Caldwell took his time to give thanks to his friends and family, as well as the Marines he led in battle over the past four years.
“It has been a pleasure,” said the Spartanburg, S.C., native. “I just want to give my thanks and best wishes to all the Marines of 3/11, the commanding officer and their families.”
Lt. Col. Eduardo Abisellan, the commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 11th Marines, served with Caldwell for only a short time, but still recognized the impact he had on the unit.
“Sgt. Maj. Caldwell’s genuine love for our Corps, and our Marines and sailors has made a difference, and has endeared him to all,” the Miami native said. “I have been fortunate throughout my career to have [staff noncommissioned officers] who did not allow me to fail, and have taught me what I needed to know how to be a successful leader.”
Abisellan said while Caldwell will be missed within the unit, he has no doubt in his mind the new sergeant major will do an exceptional job.
“Sgt. Maj. Caldwell’s presence will be missed, but never forgotten,” he said. “Today also signifies the continuation of the office of the sergeant major, as Sgt. Maj. Torres takes over for Sgt. Maj. Caldwell.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that Sgt. Maj. Torres will step in exactly where Sgt. Maj. Caldwell left off,” he continued. “To the Caldwells, I wish continued success, and to Sgt. Maj. Torres and his family, welcome to the 3/11 family.”
Now that Torres has officially become part of the battalion, he will lead his Marines into the future, making great strides both in combat and in garrison.
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