Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON -- A native of Vancouver, Wash., is preparing to change duty stations from Marine Barracks Washington to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Calif. Lance Cpl. Collin Shears received orders to the West Coast and will depart the oldest post of the Corps Sept. 7.

 “It was a great honor to serve the Marine Corps as a training noncommissioned officer of the Headquarters and Support Company at the Barracks,” said the 23-year-old. “I also enjoyed meeting new people at the parades we conduct, both here and at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington.”

 Shears enlisted in the Marine Corps January 2010 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

 During his time at the Barracks, Shears worked for the provost marshal’s office where he served as the operations clerk.

 Throughout his career, the Hockinson High School graduate has been honored with the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. He is also qualified as an expert with his M-16 A2 service rifle.

 Shears said he is not sure what he will do when he is due for re-enlistment in 2015, but he looks forward to starting the next phase of his life, as the young devil dog plans on getting married Sept. 4.

 “I would like to thank those that took the time to properly lead me on the right path, both back home in Vancouver and in the Marine Corps. I wouldn’t be the Marine I am today without them,” Shears said.