MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – -- The Combat Center’s former assistant chief of staff of Installations and Logistics bid farewell to the Marine Corps after 26 years of dedicated service during a retirement ceremony at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field April 6.

During the ceremony, Col. Wes Weston received letters of appreciation from former Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

He also received a letter from President Barack Obama, thanking him for his service and dedication to his country during a critical time in America’s history.

“Your commitment and dedication have been an inspiration for those who will follow in your footsteps,” read the letter from the commander and chief.

Weston was also presented the Legion of Merit by Brig. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy III, the Combat Center’s commanding general, for his conduct and performance during his three years aboard the installation.

“Throughout his time with me, he has shown himself as a warrior, a professional and a true Marine,” Clardy said. “He has unparalleled traits. He is passionate – being a Marine and doing his job. He is tenacious – if he doesn’t know something he goes and finds out about it until he is an expert. He is competent – he will always get a job done.”

During the last three years of his career aboard the Combat Center, Weston, a Bellingham, Wash., native, oversaw the construction of many quality of life and installation improvement projects, including the construction of Heritage Park, the children’s splash park and jungle gyms, the painting of the water tower and building new barracks.

He was also instrumental in the energy conservation movement aboard the Combat Center. His work toward conserving energy helped the installation save money and reduced light pollution throughout the city.

“Being here and being able to raise the base up a notch has been wonderful,” Weston said. “If we take care of the simple stuff, it will make this base much nicer. I am hopeful the folks on this base will continue what I started to make it a better place.”

Weston joined the Marine Corps in 1984, and his first duty station was aboard the Combat Center as a platoon commander in Company D, 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion. He also served as the executive officer for Co. B., 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

Weston supported Operation Peacekeeper in Los Angeles and deployed to Somalia for Operations Restore Hope and United Shield, Kosovo during Operation Dynamic Response and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, a Joint Service Achievement Medal and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars. 

Weston said he plans to move to Ferndale, Wash., and spend time with his family.