July 8, 2015 -- Capt. John Ed Auer relinquished command of Headquarters and Service Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., to Maj. John C. Morgan inside Crawford Hall, July 8, 2015.
During the course of his time at the Barracks, Auer filled a variety of leadership positions. In 2012 he was assigned as the platoon commander of 2nd platoon, Company B. From there he became the executive officer of B Co. After his time as the XO of B Co., he moved to Company A to be the Silent Drill Platoon Commander. On January 21, 2015, he became the company commander of H&S.
Auer has been afforded many experiences during his time here. As the Silent Drill Platoon Commander, he traveled and enjoyed the idiosyncratic side of the Barracks that a Marine officer in the operating forces would not necessarily experience.
Auer said that he would miss participating in funerals and other ceremonies that the Marines of the Barracks host throughout the year. Having been on both the marching side as well as the hosting side, Auer has had the full Barracks’ experience.
“Only at the Barracks would I be able to pay honors to fallen Marines [by providing funeral support in Arlington National Cemetery],” said Auer. “It is incredible to see Marines out there making families of the fallen proud that their loved ones were Marines.”
As H&S Company Commander, he shifted out of the spotlight to a more covert, behind the scenes role by working intimately with the different sections and the company staff to ensure the success of the company’s mission.
“I didn’t have a true appreciation of H&S until I was able to see them day in and day out as the glue that holds together the Barracks,” said Auer. “I was able to see firsthand the job that the Marines do. They do not get the recognition that the marchers do.”
Along with his daily duties, Auer played music with his good friend Matt Smith, who was also a Barracks officer. The two made up the Smith Auer Band who played with several country music stars and ended up playing for the President of the United States inside the White House.
Auer is now headed to Expeditionary War School in Quantico, Va. and hopes to become the XO for a Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Morgan came from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Central Command, where he served as the deputy operations officer and the liaison to the MEU. A combat engineer by trade, Morgan has high hopes for the Barracks.
“The Barracks is a very prestigious unit,” said Morgan. “It has exceeded my expectations since I have been here.”
Morgan looks forward to being the H&S commanding officer, and in his short time at the Barracks, he has spent a lot of time getting to know his Marines.
“I look forward to working with the unit and continuing their success,” said Morgan.