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Marines with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing retire the evening's colors for a special spousal appreciation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 6. The evening's special guest was Maggie Coleman, widow of Jerry Coleman, a World War II and Korean War veteran.

Photo by Sgt. Lillian Stephens

Third MAW Honors Military Spouses

11 May 2015 | Sgt. Lillian Stephens Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Marines and Sailors with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing held an evening colors ceremony to honor military spouses and special guest, Maggie Coleman, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, May 6.

Maggie Coleman is the widow of Jerry Coleman, a World War II and Korean War veteran inducted into the Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame. Maj. Gen. Michael Rocco, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Col. John P. Farnam, commanding officer of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, attended the ceremony recognizing the contribution military spouses make to 3rd MAW.

“We wanted to do a ceremony just for the spouses, to relay our appreciation for all the sacrifices that they've [made],” said Rocco.

Coleman explained that her father was in the Marine Corps during her childhood and empathizes with military families.

"I think the spouse just holds down the homefront." she said. "They're asked to do so much and assume so many roles."

The ceremony featured musical numbers by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band before retiring the colors for the evening and presenting Coleman with a gift.

“If my spouse wasn't supportive of everything we do here in the Marine Corps than I wouldn't be here today. ” said Rocco. “If we don't have support from our families and our spouses we can't do what we do as Marines.”


Marine Corps Air Station Miramar