Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
Established in 1801, Marine Barracks Washington, is the "Oldest Post of the Corps" and has been the residence of every commandant of the Marine Corps since 1806. The selection of the site for the Barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who rode through Washington with Lt. Col. William Ward Burrows, the second commandant of the Marine Corps, in search of a suitable location. The site now occupied was approved due to its proximity to the Washington Navy Yard and because it was within easy marching distance of the Capitol.
8th and I
"The Oldest Post of the Corps"

MCI names 2007 Graduate of the Year

29 Nov 2007 | Master Sgt. Timothy D. Greenleaf Marine Barracks

 Sergeant Melvin D. Taylor's drive for academic excellence has paved the road to success, not only to achieve academic goals, but professional as well. Taylor was selected as the 2007 Marine Corps Institute Graduate of the Year based upon his academic accomplishments, 19 MCI course completions and community service.

 Taylor, a personnel administrator, stationed with Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines, 4th Marine Div., in Chattanooga, Tenn. His application of the 19 Marine Corps Institute courses he completed during 2007 helped him adjust and transition into his new position with the battery by making him more knowledgeable on field artillery. Taylor also attributed the MCI courses to aid in learning his new position and training his Marines. With his ability to adapt, Taylor quickly became a valued asset to the battery and the Marines under his leadership.

 "Sergeant Taylor possesses the qualities that we desire in our leaders," said Maj. Wade Nordberg, Inspector & Instructor, Chattanooga, Tenn.

 "His dedication to achieve superior results in all that he does extends beyond his abilities to perform his duties as diary clerk."

 In addition to accomplishing 19 MCI’s, Taylor also received his Master's Degree in Public Administration from Valdosta State University and received his Master’s Certificate in Effective Leadership from the University of Notre Dame. He plans to begin his doctorate in Public Administration during the Fall of 2008.

 "The Marine Corps Institute has given me the discipline to study hard, accomplish my goals and played a large part of my educational accomplishments," Taylor added.

 During a recent inspection from the Marine Corps Administrative Analyst Team, the office where Sgt. Taylor works received an overall score of 98.6. Sgt. Taylor’s diligence and leadership aided his section to achieve this high score, which is a testament of his devotion and dedication to his country and his self-improvement.

 If being a full time Marine and devoting your after work time to further your education was wasn’t enough Taylor is also an active public servant in his community. He has volunteered many hours to Big Brothers & Big Sisters Program, Young Marines, and speaking to schools in four different states about drug prevention.

 Sgt. Taylor’s laborious efforts and commitment to himself, his unit and the Marine Corps, will be recognized by being awarded the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a plaque recognizing his accomplishments.