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

Three Sodexo chow hall employees at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., listen to an award citation before Col. Benjamin T. Watson, Commanding Officer, MBW presents them with a Letter of Appreciation, March, 18. In early March, a snowstorm shut down government agencies, roads and buisnesses, but several Sodexo employees made it to the chowhall on time to ensure it was up and running and Marines were fed. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Varney/ Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Varney

Dedication to Duty

20 Mar 2015 | Lance Cpl. Christian Varney Marine Barracks

Stories of Marines wholly devoted to duty are not uncommon. All across the Marine Corps, every single day, Marines go above and beyond what is expected of them. Just like the Marines, the civilian support staff at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., does an exceptional job at taking care of Marines and sailors and supporting the Barracks.

A large winter storm affected Washington, D.C., in early March. That storm closed businesses, government agencies and even the Marine Barracks but the mission of the Sodexo employees in the chow hall still had to be fulfilled.

On the night of March 5, Helder Pedrosa, the general manager for the chow hall, and Jonathan Gilbert, the operations manager, elected to stay overnight and slept on cots.

The managers followed the weather and ensured enough staff could make it to effectively run the chow hall. On the morning of March 6, the chow hall opened on time and properly staffed.

Pedrosa, who has worked for Sodexo for twenty years, believes feeding Marines to be one the proudest times of his career.

“I try and pass on that dedication to the employees; it is an honor to be a part of what the Marines do every day,” said Pedrosa.

During a ceremony on March 18, the Commanding Officer of Marine Barracks Washington, Col. Benjamin T. Watson presented all the employees who showed up during the harsh winter conditions, on time and ready to work, with a Letter of Appreciation.

 “Their actions show the exceptional level of dedication that they have to making sure the Marines get their chow on time,” said Gunnery Sgt. Joshua Amebile, the Technical Representative for the chow hall.