MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines and sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit bid fair winds and following seas to Navy Capt. Lawrence Greenslit, II Marine Expeditionary Force chaplain, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 14, 2013.
Greenslit, a Baltimore native, will retire from the United States Navy after more than 27 years of devoted service.
Greenslit was ordained through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Plumville, Pa., where he served as a minister for four years. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in 1986.
Throughout his career, he has served with Marines, sailors and Coast Guardsmen around the world, being stationed in such places as Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.; USS Constellation; Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.; Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.; 7th Coast Guard District in Miami; Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler in Okinawa, Japan; U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa.; and Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.
“The most personally rewarding from a standpoint of helping people, was my time with the Coast Guard in Miami,” said Greenslit. “I got there right before 9/11, and had the opportunity to go to ground zero in New York, where I could support and lend a helping hand to anyone in need.”
What Greenslit enjoyed most about the Navy were the many professional relationships he developed throughout the years.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to help young men and women. I enjoyed meeting their families and helping out in any way that I could,” Greenslit explains. “Being around young people, helping them, talking to them has brought me the greatest joy.”
Though Greenslit is a proud sailor and loves the Navy very much, he holds a special place in his heart for the men and women of the Marine Corps.
“After 27 years, the highlight of my career was my time with the Marine Corps. I was around some of the most sacrificing, dedicated and nicest people this country has to offer.” Greenslit continues with, “I love the Navy and my fellow sailors, but I have found a second home with the Marine Corps and I am proud to serve the last part of my career with the Marine Corps.”
The commanding officer of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit presented Greenslit with a certificate of honorable service and an award for excellence from the Marines and sailors in appreciation of his service in support of the MEU.
In retirement, Greenslit plans on moving to Woodbridge, Va. with his wife. There he plans on enjoying his retirement and whatever else the future may hold.
“I will miss the people. That’s the hardest part about leaving. The Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard have the finest people this country can provide,” said Greenslit. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve beside these men and women and to be a helping hand to those in need.”