JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency commemorated the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday with a cake-cutting ceremony at the Daniel K. Inouye DPAA Center of Excellence, Nov. 4.
The event served not only as a celebration but also a reaffirmation of the Corps' enduring legacy, particularly its unwavering commitment to those missing in action.
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. George Rowell, director of strategic planning and policy, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command also known as USINDOPACOM, underscored this vital connection as the guest speaker, emphasizing the critical role Marines play within DPAA's mission.
Rowell highlighted that DPAA’s work is essential to the Department of War, ensuring no U.S. personnel are left behind from past conflicts. The agency dedicates itself to researching, recovering, and identifying the remains of American service members missing from past conflicts, an effort driven by the core Marine values of honor, courage, and an unyielding commitment to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The traditional cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the passing of knowledge between generations of Marines, was a central part of the event. U.S. Marine Corps Col. Anthony Lyons, assistant chief of staff, Aviation Logistics Division, MARFORPAC, the oldest Marine present, passed a slice of cake to U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Stephen J. Holland II, combat videographer, DPAA, the youngest Marine in attendance. This symbolic act represented the continuity of the Corps and its values.
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Shannon Ashley, who attended the ceremony, offered insights into DPAA’s work from his personal experience. “For me, the DPAA mission in Vietnam highlights how impactful our joint team members are on an international stage,” Ashley said.
He recalled his initial apprehension prior to being assigned to the Hanoi Team, unsure how he would be received as a former adversary. However, he found “the reception from the Vietnamese people was overwhelmingly positive in all of Vietnam. The entire country embraced our teams, American culture, and the local populace provided enormous amounts of assistance with all the missions conducted."
He further added, “I was honored and humbled to be able to be part of the forward deployed DPAA team. The joint force exclusively worked in small unit led teams… On numerous occasions I thought we were asked to do the impossible… But time and time again, the tenacity and resilience of our joint force, Vietnamese partners, and American scientists found a way to reunite long separated families. It was one of the most enjoyable assignments that I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to participate in.”
The ceremony underscored the importance of honoring those who have served and inspiring future generations to uphold the commitment to service, loyalty, and remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom remain etched in the hearts and minds of all Americans. The event reinforced the message that the DPAA's mission is a vital part of honoring that commitment, bringing closure to families and fulfilling a sacred promise to those who gave their all.