MCAS BEAUFORT S.C. -- A new sergeant major for the Air Station posted during a Station Sergeant Major Post and Relief Ceremony at the Station Chapel aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Aug. 23.
Sgt. Maj. William Burton passed the torch to Sgt. Maj. KeCia Jordan, the newly appointed sergeant major for MCAS Beaufort.
The ceremonial passing of the sword of office represented the passing of duties and accomplishments from one sergeant major to another.
Burton was born in Harlem, N.Y. He enlisted into the Marine Corps in October 1983, and completed recruit training at MCRD Parris Island. In the years following recruit training Burton was assigned to Parris Island three times serving as a drill instructor, senior drill instructor and company first sergeant. Burton deployed with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 to Iraq in support of OIF in 2005, and to Iwakuni, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program in 2007.
Burton gave his gratitude to everyone who influenced him throughout his time in the Marine Corps and expressed that he couldn’t have surpassed each milestone throughout his career without the support of each Marine above and below him.
“I owe this moment not only to my hard work, but to the hard work of every Marine that helped see me to this point,” Burton said. “I couldn’t have done this without all of your help.”
After the post and relief ceremony, Burton was retired by Col. Brian Murtha, the commanding officer for MCAS Beaufort, after 30 years of honorable service in the Corps. Burton received letters of appreciation from the President of the United States, Commandant of the Marine Corps and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and was awarded the Legion of Merit.
Sgt. Maj. Jordan, a native of Jersey City, N.J., enlisted into the Marine Corps in February 1987, and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. In the years after completing recruit training Jordan held several leadership roles. She also served as a drill instructor and senior drill instructor for 4th Recruit Training Battalion aboard Parris Island. In 2006, Jordan deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I am excited to be a part of everything that goes on here at MCAS Beaufort,” Jordan said. “I’m ready to start working with and for all of the Marines aboard the Air Station, and know that together we will accomplish our mission.”
“I have seen the hard work and dedication Burton gave to the Air Station and Marine Corps,” Murtha said. “Burton definitely made his mark on this Air Station. Jordan definitely has large shoes to fill, but I’m confident in her abilities and her work ethic.”