Photo Information

Major Kris M. Pirttinen (right), facilities officer for Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Capt. Marcos Azua, MarForPac comptroller, discuss their day May 20 at the Sunset Lanai, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii, during MarForPac's Right Hand Man Night. Battalion officials organized the event to thank the Marines around the battalion whom their supervisors recognized as the "go-to guy" in their section.

Photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso

Supervisors recognize office “go-to” Marines

13 May 2010 | Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

In every section of Marines there is one who stands out from the crowd; one Marine who goes above and beyond their superior’s expectations. As is Marine Corps tradition, every once and a while, that Marine is recognized not with medals or a certificate, but with a night of relaxation and free food.

Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, gathered May 20 for Right Hand Man Night at the Sunset Lanai, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.

“We put this event together to show our appreciation for the Marines who work next to us and ensure the job gets done everyday,” said Gunnery Sgt. Mark O’Hare, company gunnery sergeant for Headquarters Company, HQSVC Bn. “These events also give us an opportunity to build camaraderie with the Marines in our sections and the leadership around the battalion.”

During the event, supervisors invited the Marines they entrust to accomplish their missions with the least amount of supervision. Free food and drinks were provided.

Events such as these are in keeping with HQSVC Bn. Commander Col. Alan L. Thoma’s promise to provide more opportunities for his Marines to spend time together outside of the work environment and encourage camaraderie.

Over the past year, HQSVC Bn. officials have organized numerous events to foster unit cohesion, such as an increase in battalion runs, family days and noncommissioned officer training sessions.


U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific