JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --
On the cool morning of Nov. 14, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Shonor Burton assumed the senior enlisted leadership role at Blount Island Command, continuing a legacy of leadership that drives the Marine Corps’ global readiness.
The ceremony at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Florida unfolded on a converted parade deck—formerly a soccer field—where fresh-cut warm-season grasses framed rows of white chairs beneath three sun shelters. Fifty state flags and Marine Corps colors lined the field, billowing in the breeze as service members, civilians, family and distinguished guests gathered for the handover.
Sgt. Maj. Julian M. Lumm, the first sergeant major of Blount Island Command after the position transitioned from a first sergeant role in March 2022, returned the sword of office to Col. David A. Merles, the commanding officer. Merles then passed the sword to Burton, symbolizing the transfer of authority and continuity of leadership at the Marine Corps’ prepositioning hub.
Lumm’s tenure focused on improving troop welfare, morale and quality of life across the facility. Merles credited Lumm with strengthening cohesion between Marines, Sailors and civilian teams, all vital to the success and responsiveness of the prepositioning mission.
“I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside some of the finest men and women this nation has to offer,” Lumm said, reflecting on his 30-year career. “Each one of you taught me something. You made me better, sharper and proud.”
Burton, a native of Columbia, Mississippi, enlisted in 1999 and most recently served as the group sergeant major for the Marine Corps Communications and Electronics School in Twentynine Palms, California. He pledged to honor the command’s momentum and maintain its readiness.
“I promise you I’ll keep everything going as is, and I’ll be the best sergeant major I can be for you all,” Burton said. “We’ll have some fun times.”
During the culminating retirement ceremony, Lumm again faced the iconic row of date palms in front of the headquarters building. After receiving his certificate, he reflected on the scope of his service.
“Thirty years—that’s over 10,000 days of service,” Lumm said. “Countless missions, deployments and challenges. But it’s also 10,000 days of purpose, brotherhood and honor.”
Daniel Kachmar, deputy director of interagency and data services for VA Electronic Health Record Modernization and a retired Marine staff sergeant, served as the retiring official. Kachmar, who served alongside Lumm in Afghanistan and Iraq, described him as a leader who raised the standards of entire units, recalling both the intensity of combat and Lumm’s softer moments.
“I’m honored to know you,” Kachmar said. “I’m excited to see what’s next for you. … It’s going to be interesting to see where the wind takes you, Julian.”
As the ceremony concluded, Blount Island Command’s personnel and regional leadership gathered to congratulate Lumm on his retirement in Jacksonville, then officially welcome Burton, who now assumes responsibility for shaping the next generation of leadership at the Marine Corps facility in Florida.