DETROIT-- U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Recruiting Command arrived in Detroit beginning a series of outreach events, starting what will become an enduring City Partnership Sept. 4, 2017.
MCRC City Partnerships seek to align the Marine Corps with cities that share the essence of Marines - an irreducible fighting spirit.
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Paul Kennedy, commanding general of MCRC, said the purpose of the partnership and the events in Detroit are a means to reconnect with America and highlight cities that exemplify Marine Corps values.
"We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of support from Detroit," said Kennedy. "Detroit represents to me the qualities of what it truly means to be an American. It represents that if you try and apply yourself, you get ahead. And that’s exactly what we offer in the United States Marine Corps… Our purpose of these events this week is to reconnect with America."
Scheduled events include high school visits supported by the Silent Drill Platoon, a community leaders’ reception, a photography competition showcasing Detroit's fighting spirit, youth basketball and wrestling clinics, a three on three basketball tournament, a cooking competition featuring an expeditionary field kitchen, and more.
U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Andrew Terrell, commanding officer of Recruiting Station Detroit, 4th Marine Corps District, said he looks forward to the continued support from the citizens of Detroit as well as to finding the next generation of leaders among them.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining Marine Week alongside all of you,” said Terrell. “I’m thankful that the city and community have been so supportive of our Marines. Detroit is a great city that has shown the great strength and determination that also sets our Marine Corps apart. My Marines and I look forward to finding the next generation of community, Marine Corps and national leaders.”
MCRC leveraged existing partnerships with USA Wrestling, Women's Basketball Coaches Association and local contacts in the city to create events in celebration of the emerging partnership.
The Marine Corps plans to host more of these events in the future with other City Partnerships in development such as Baltimore, New Orleans, Chicago, Dallas, and Oakland, California.