Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. -- If you take a look at the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, you will see a gunnery sergeant, two or three sergeants and maybe a corporal; however, if you look at the MCG as of late you will see a new and rare addition to their ensemble.
First Sergeant Edward Kretschmer, Headquarters Battalion first sergeant, on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., is the newest edition to the MCG and has done two events as a rider with them.
“Since Kretschmer has been with us, he has broadened our horizons,” said Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Garcia, staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the MCG. “Kretschmer has helped us physically by being our fourth rider and by helping us around the stables, he explained. Mentally, he gives us advice and lets us know our concerns and voices are being heard.”
“First Sergeant takes the time to listen to what we have to say and takes the time to get to know the Marines he works with,” said Sgt. Moises Machuca, stableman with the MCG. “He also answers any questions he can about the Corps.”
Kretschmer has been the fourth rider for two reasons, explained Garcia. Those reasons are love and passion for the Corps. He is putting his best foot forward and is learning everything he needs to become a great stableman.
With his ability to adapt and over-come any situation, he has been able to come to the stables and learn everything we do, said Garcia.
“First sergeant has shown us that it doesn’t matter what rank, billet, or position you are in, in the Marine Corps you can always learn something new and get outside of your comfort zone to complete a mission,” said Garcia. “Which is a good trait to have being in the Marine Corps.”
It’s a great thing to know that someone that high up on the rank structure would work alongside lower ranking people, explained Machuca. He does everything from mucking the stalls to bathing the horses right alongside the other stableman.
“Another trait we learned about him is how humble he is,” said Garcia. “Not that he can’t be (a) hard and stern Marine, but he is willing to learn and become better at something he is still working at.”
Kretschmer explained, he didn’t care about what rank he is or what rank his mentor is as long as he learns from a good teacher is what really mattered.
“If I had a question, and there was a lance cpl. that knew the answer I would listen to that Marine because he knows how to teach me, which will make me a better person and leader,” said Kretschmer.
With all of the time he has dedicated at the stables to reach the point he is at today, he further explained. Other Marines the MCG has asked to come out have given the excuse ‘I don’t have the time for that’. However, he didn’t give the same excuse; he comes at least once a day for about an hour or two.
“Since being on the MCG, I have learned a lot about myself,” said Kretschmer. “I have learned a lot about being a better leader because of the horses. You can’t force a horse to do what you want it to do. You have to guide them into what you want them to do.”
It’s a big honor to be on the MCG because of how big of a scale you represent the Corps, he added. Everywhere the MCG goes they touch the hearts of everybody in the community. Kretschmer is privileged to have the opportunity.