Pendleton leaders honor MLK's legacy with special luncheon

A special luncheon was held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., at Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Jan. 13.

The event was sponsored by the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) with Maj. Gen. Anthony L. Jackson, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations West, as the guest of honor.

As one of the few top African American leaders in the Marine Corps, Jackson spoke to attendees about the importance of providing opportunities to future leaders and the road King has paved for him and other minorities.

“Martin Luther King gave us the courage to fight for injustice,” said Jackson while remembering some hardships from his childhood. “We celebrate Dr. King’s work.”

Jackson concluded his speech with a few remarks concerning leadership in present times acknowledging the NNOA for their many contributions.

The NNOA is a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian organization whose purpose is to support the mission of the sea services of the United States.

The association also provides training for officer career development and retention, while improving and assisting in minority recruitment.

“Martin Luther King Day is a national holiday, and this event allows members of the Camp Pendleton community to celebrate his life’s work,” said Capt. Natasha McEachin, president of the Camp Pendleton National Naval officers Association.

Membership is open to any person holding, or who have held, a regular or reserve commission or warrant officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy or other interested parties.

For more information on the NNOA visit their Web site at http://www.nnoa.org.

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