CUMMING — The public is invited to hear from the 12thsergeant major of the U.S. Marine Corps during an event Saturday at the National Guard Readiness Center in Cumming. Gene Overstreet, who served in that capacity from 1991-95, when he retired, is scheduled to speak at 12:30 p.m. The sergeant major of the Marine Corps, along with sergeant major and master gunnery sergeant is the one of the highest non-commissioned officer positions in the Marines. Overstreet is one of just 17 Marines to hold the position since it was established in 1957. Prior to that position, he served in Vietnam and earned the Meritorious Service, Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement medals, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon. Saturday’s event is being organized by Ingram Funeral Home, which is a member of Veterans Funeral Care, a group of about 150 independent, family-owned funeral homes that focus on veterans.“Sgt. Maj. Overstreet is affiliated with that group,” said Elizabeth Mitchell, a spokeswoman for Ingram. “When [there are] special things for veterans, be it what we’re doing this week or on Veteran’s Day or the Fourth of July, he is available to come and speak.” Mitchell encouraged the community to come by Saturday.“Of course, veterans are going to be fascinated,” Mitchell said. “But even if you are active duty, or if you are in the reserves or, if you are just someone from the public who is interested in the military, he is a fascinating speaker.“If we have enough time after this is over, he will actually be able to do a meet and greet where you’ll be able to have a picture made with him.” The center is on Pilgrim Mill Road, near the Cumming Aquatic Center and the local campus of the University of North Georgia.
CUMMING — The public is invited to hear from the 12thsergeant major of the U.S. Marine Corps during an event Saturday at the National Guard Readiness Center in Cumming. Gene Overstreet, who served in that capacity from 1991-95, when he retired, is scheduled to speak at 12:30 p.m. The sergeant major of the Marine Corps, along with sergeant major and master gunnery sergeant is the one of the highest non-commissioned officer positions in the Marines. Overstreet is one of just 17 Marines to hold the position since it was established in 1957. Prior to that position, he served in Vietnam and earned the Meritorious Service, Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement medals, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon. Saturday’s event is being organized by Ingram Funeral Home, which is a member of Veterans Funeral Care, a group of about 150 independent, family-owned funeral homes that focus on veterans.“Sgt. Maj. Overstreet is affiliated with that group,” said Elizabeth Mitchell, a spokeswoman for Ingram. “When [there are] special things for veterans, be it what we’re doing this week or on Veteran’s Day or the Fourth of July, he is available to come and speak.” Mitchell encouraged the community to come by Saturday.“Of course, veterans are going to be fascinated,” Mitchell said. “But even if you are active duty, or if you are in the reserves or, if you are just someone from the public who is interested in the military, he is a fascinating speaker.“If we have enough time after this is over, he will actually be able to do a meet and greet where you’ll be able to have a picture made with him.” The center is on Pilgrim Mill Road, near the Cumming Aquatic Center and the local campus of the University of North Georgia.