Marine Maj. Patrick Blankenship, Capt. George Custodio,

Marine Maj. Patrick Blankenship, Capt. George Custodio, Sergeant Maj. Joshua Figueredo, Master Sgt. Javier Hidalgo, and Recruiting Station (R.S.) Charlotte, North Carolina, staff cut the ribbon to open the station during United States Marine Corps’ 2018 Marine Week in Charlotte, September 5, 2018. “Charlotte is one of the fastest growing cities in the Southeast. It's attracting professional, hardworking people with a work ethic that aligns closely with our core values of honor, courage and commitment,” said Col. William C. Gray, the 6th Marine Corps District commanding officer. “The creation of R.S. Charlotte means the Marine Corps is placing even more emphasis on helping the residents of greater Charlotte explore the Marine Corps as an opportunity to serve and an avenue to pursue personal and professional growth.” Blankenship is the commanding officer of R.S. Charlotte; Custodio is the executive officer. Figueredo is the sergeant major of the station, and Hidalgo is the recruiter instructor. (Marine photo by Lance Cpl. Naomi Marcom)