> 7/3/2008 By Gunnery Sgt. Will Price, Marine Barracks 8th & I
> WASHINGTON -
> After advancing to general in a July 2 ceremony presided by the
> commandant of the Marine Corps, Lt. Gen. James F. Amos assumed duties
> as 31st assistant commandant of the Marine Corps today.
> Among more than 300 guests at the Marine Barracks ceremony in Crawford
> Hall were former commandants and assistant commandants, including
> Amos's predecessor, Gen. Robert Magnus, who attended with his wife
> Rose Magnus.
> "As we bring aboard a new assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, we
> say goodbye to one of our best," said Gen. James T. Conway, 34th
> commandant. "I just want to say Gen. Bob Magnus has done an absolute
> superb job as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps."
> Assisted by Amos' wife Bonnie, daughter Jaymie and son Joshua, Conway
> pinned the four-star rank insignias on Amos' collar.
> "They say that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree," said Conway
> of his new wingman. "Jim's father was a naval aviator for the United
> States Navy, and Jim became a great naval aviator for the United
> States Marine Corps. I trust he will make an even greater assistant
> commandant."
> In his speech, Amos was very thankful to his former high school
> classmates and to the former commandants and assistant commandants of
> the Marine Corps in attendance. Amos was especially moved by the
> presence of his family, most notably his grandchildren.
> Amos recalled his experiences with his predecessor and spoke toward
> the future: "Bob Magnus has spent his entire life serving the United
> States Marine Corps. He is a good friend. You have taken good care of
> me, and over the many, many years, you have been the go-to guy. I look
> forward to serving in this position with the same honor and
> distinction."
> Amos graduated from the University of Idaho in 1970. He was designated
> a Naval Aviator in 1971, and has held a variety of operational and
> staff assignments since 1972.
> In August 2002, he assumed command of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and
> deployed with 3rd MAW to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Amos also
> served as commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force from
> July 2004 to August 2006. In August 2006, Amos assumed command of the
> Marine Corps Combat Development Command.
>