‘Cutting Edge’ welcomes new commander

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- The men of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment formed up at Lance Cpl. Torrey L. Gray Field, March 25, 2011, 2011, to welcome their new commander, Lt. Col. Seth Folsom, to the unit and say goodbye to their outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Clay Tipton during the battalion’s change of command ceremony.

Folsom, from Monterey, Calif. comes to the battalion from the International Affairs Officer Program, Strategy and Plans Division, Plans, Policies and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps.

He said he felt honored and humbled to be selected as the battalion’s commanding officer.

“I owe a debt of gratitude [to Tipton] for passing these battle hardened men on to me,” Folsom said.

Folsom also acknowledged the challenge of following Tipton’s example. Tipton, from Orville, Ohio, thanked the Marines for their dedication to their mission and sustained focus.

“I have father-like feelings for you,” Tipton said. “Put the past away, and look to the future.”

“You led by example, in front of these men every step of the way,” said Renforth.

Renforth expressed his trust and confidence in Folsom.

“You will continue the legacy of this great battalion,” Renforth said.

Folsom turned to the troop formations lined up behind him, and outlined to his Marines his very simple plan to meet Renforth’s expectations.

“I will continue to demand excellence from you,” he said. “I expect you to demand the same from me.”