444 Days in Iran

A graduation ceremony was held Oct. 2 for the Marine Security Guard School Class 5-09 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where family and friends gathered to celebrate the event and honor their Marine.
“We are so happy and very proud of him,” said Becky Madigan, about her son, Cpl. Andrew E. Madigan, who will be stationed at Baghdad, Iraq. “We are so impressed, Andrew has become a fine young man and this experience has been good for him.”
“This is a great honor for our son,” said Ramon Holguin, father of Staff Sgt. Gabriel R. Holguin. “We traveled here from New Mexico just to see our son graduate.” Holguin will be stationed in Italy.
Guest speaker, retired Marine Maj. Steve Kirtley, chief information officer for Global Linguist Solutions, stressed the importance of the Marine security guard’s role in the nation’s security.
“It’s imperative to do a good job,” Kirtley told the Marines. “It is important in a situation like this to be mindful of your actions. Everybody is going to be looking at you, so put your best foot forward and do a good job.”
Kirtley reinforced what the graduates had learned by emphasizing the Marine security guard’s purpose.
“Our mission is to protect the property and lives of the United States government,” said Kirtley. ‘‘It’s about negotiation; it’s about solving things without violence and you being the first line of defense.”
Kirtley told of his abduction from the United States embassy in Tehran, Iran and how his 444 days of being held hostage has made him into the person he is today. He shared the significance of evaluating circumstances before making rash decisions in a hostage situation.
“With this opportunity, you fall into a lot of responsibilities,” Kirtley said. “You will become more alert, so be prepared, and show diligence.”
Marine security guards are responsible for providing security for more than 120 U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. Those on duty are responsible for embassies’ interior security. The Marines are trained to react to terrorist acts as well as a variety of emergencies such as fires, riots, demonstrations and evacuations.
“I’ve been waiting for this day for a very long time,” said Cpl. Adrian D. Batiste. “And today, well it’s a pretty- pretty good day.” Batiste, who’s been a Marine for five years, says he will spend the next year at his new duty station in India.
Batiste stated the curriculum is broad and intense on every subject. The school is six to eight weeks in length.
“You will work with some of the most interesting people,” Kirtley told the graduates. “It is important to manage contacts and maintain relationships. Remember, make your own opportunities within the restraints of your abilities.”
Kirtley said it is important to be self-sufficient when serving as a Marine security guard.
“If things start to go wrong, don’t give up, have a plan. Learn about your surroundings. Learn about the country and the political goings on. This is not just essential for Marines but for everyone. Knowing this will help you understand what people think. Don’t expect someone to take care of you”