Released by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division China Lake, Cailfornia Public Affairs Office
By Susan Read

Under a clear desert sky, with detachment personnel in formation behind him and proud family looking on, Chief Warrant Officer Third Class (CWO-3) Michael D. Levering retired on September 16, 2005 from the United States Marine Corps after twenty years of dedicated service.

Levering received a certificate of retirement, certificate of appreciation from President George W. Bush, a letter of commendation from the Commandant of the Marine Corps General Michael W. Hagee, and a flag flown over the Marine Corps war memorial in June.

Colonel Mark H. Bamberger, Commanding Officer of the Marine Aviation Detachment, China Lake, California pinned the meritorious service medal on Levering. “You supported your Marines and led from the front with innovation and unwavering dedication to duty.”

As the keynote speaker, Bamberger went on to say, “In 1985, when CWO3 Levering enlisted, he was someone who stood up to be counted and make a difference in the world. CWO3 Levering served as the administrative assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, earning trust and confidence as a very young Sergeant. He graduated number one in the Personnel Officer course and arrived at China Lake in that capacity in 2001. CWO3 Levering has been a trusted advisor, often serving as acting Executive Officer, and his trust and judgment has been unparalleled. No matter what the circumstances, CWO3 Levering can be counted on to do the right thing, and he has had a tremendous impact on the lives of many young Marines and their families. He has left his imprint on the future of the United States Marine Corps.”

Levering offered a farewell speech that he described as “nothing but thanks”. He acknowledged his fellow Marines and family members, citing that his mother had traveled 3,000 miles to be present and joking that he tried to find his own replacement when his son recently enlisted.

But he saved special accolades for his wife, Maria, who served in the Marine Corps for eight years and participated in Operation Desert Storm. She handled the home front, including children Michael, Bethany, Jacob, Cynthia and Christopher, with special understanding, having been a military member herself. Colonel Bamberger presented Mrs. Levering with a certificate of commendation “for your selfless, faithful and dedicated service, which reflect great credit on yourself and the highest standards of the Marine Corps.”

In parting, CWO3 Levering told the assembled detachment that time has quickly flown by since that moment twenty years ago when he stood at attention on the yellow footprints painted on the ground in boot camp. “As you go through life,” he advised, “pick up all the leadership traits you can, put them in your backpack and take them wherever you go. Take care of your Marines and never forget to say thanks.” His final word was “Thanks!” The Levering family will remain in Ridgecrest and call it home.

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Colonel Mark H. Bamberger (left) presents a citation to CWO3 Michael D. Levering during Levering's retirement ceremony, as Maria Levering looks on.