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"
Photo Information

Sgt. Chesty XII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington, stands at attention as his retirement certificate is read during his retirement ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, July 25. Chesty served for 40 dog years as mascot.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob H. Harrer

Marine Barracks’ mascot, Chesty the XII, retires after more than 40 ‘dog years’ of faithful service

25 Jul 2008 | Lance Cpl. Chris Dobbs Marine Barracks

Sgt. Chesty the XII’s six-year tenure as the official mascot of the Barracks came to an end during a retirement ceremony here Friday.

Approximately 100 guests were on hand for the ceremony, which featured the “President’s Own,” The United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own,” The United States Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Silent Drill Platoon. The six-year-old mascot and his successor, Pfc. Chesty the XIII, sat abreast one another on center walk as they were honored by participating Marines.

Chesty the XII, a fawn and white pedigree English bulldog who enlisted in the Marine Corps on March 30, 2002, will spend his years in retirement at home with his caretakers, Gunnery Sgt. Michael Mergen and his wife, Gunnery Sgt. Kristin Mergen, who are both members of the The President’s Own.

     During his six-year career, which marks the longest tour in Barracks’ mascot history, Chesty XII made an appearance at every Evening Parade and participated in several other events in the national capitol region, most notably the Marine Band’s “Music in the Schools” series. For his devotion to duty, Chesty XII was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

   “After every parade, Chesty XII sat patiently as he was photographed a myriad of times with children and other guests of the Barracks,” said Col. W. Blake Crowe, MBW commanding officer, after presenting the award to Chesty. “We owe him some much deserved compensation time and leave, which he’ll get the chance to burn during the next few months.”

Retirement will mark the first time Chesty XII has taken leave in six years. The break will give him a chance to do some of his favorite things, which include taking naps and playing with small toys and basketballs, according to Gunnery Sgt. Michael Mergen.

“He’s a handful,” Mergen said. “Our daughters love to play with him, and they’re glad he’s retiring, because they’ll have more time to spend with him.”

Now that Chesty the XII has been relieved of his duties as the Barracks’ mascot, he can go back to being an ordinary bulldog. However, if the one-year-old Chesty the XIII cannot live up to the standards expected of a Barracks’mascot, Chesty the XII will be called back to duty until a new mascot is found. But for now, he can kick his legs out, chew on his favorite toy and be proud of his service.

“We’re very proud of him,” Mergen said. “He made an excellent mascot.”

As the Marine Band concluded Friday’s ceremony with the performance of the Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne,” Chesty the XII officially marched off center walk for the last time. While the song goes, “Should old acquaintance be forgot,” rest assured… Chesty the XII’s service to country and Corps will always be remembered.

Good night, Chesty the XII, wherever you are!
Tags