Camp Pendleton, Calif. - Lance Cpl. Esmeralda Velasquez stood tall with her eyes fixed forward on the 39th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, General Eric M. Smith, standing three feet across from her. With both of their right hands raised in the air, the highest-ranking general in the Marine Corps promoted Velasquez on the spot to the rank of corporal. This promotion, marking her transition to the first noncommissioned officer rank, signified a pivotal moment in her career.
![Highest Ranking Marine Promotes Edisto High Alumna]()
