MCB CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- A lifetime of dedication to the Armed Services is no easy task. This takes a tremendous amount of motivation and commitment to the institutions that provide support to America’s mission and the global war on terrorism. Dan Corte-Real, regional project manager for the Consolidated Storage Program, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Logistics Command, on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, is an exemplary model of how dedication meets innovation and influences the improvement of processes designed to support the Armed Forces’ mission to respond to contingency requirements worldwide.
"Dan was always the first person I called for support as I know that he can always be counted on, always was personable,” said Dan Scott, I and III MEF regional project manager for the Consolidated Storage Program. “I will never forget every time he called me, he always started out as ‘hello my friend’.”
Corte-Real has over 50 years of dedicated service between the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and as a DoD civilian employee. He also served in the U.S. Navy as a machinist from 1967-1969. He then enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971 as a Assault Amphibious Vehicle technician and supply administration specialist. Corte-Real retired from the military in 1999 with a combined service time of 30 years.
With that many years of service, most people would feel as if their efforts and time were sufficient to move into their period of rest, and they would transition back into the general population. On the other hand, Corte-Real knew that he still had opportunities to apply his experience and innovation to improve the Marine Corps. After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Corte-Real moved into a contracting position for MKI Systems as a senior logistician in support of the U.S. Marine Corps System Command in Quantico, Virginia from 1999 to 2001.
During this time Corte-Real was given the opportunity to assist in writing the front-end analysis for the Consolidated Storage Program that would lead to the opening of what was formerly called the Consolidated Issue Facility (CIF), and now is called Individual Issue Facility (IIF). In March 2001, Corte-Real started the integration of the Consolidated Storage Program and was given a 6-month timeline by Headquarters Marine Corps to get the program ready to support the II MEF operating forces.
“The last words said to me were 'Dan, you’re a hard worker but if you mess this up you won't have a job. If you are successful, you will have a job for life.'” said Corte-Real. “I am still here today.”
Corte-Real opened the first CIF on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in September 2001 followed by MCB Camp Pendleton, California in January 2002, Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan in April 2002, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina in May 2002, Camp Schwab, Okinawa in September 2002, Hawaii in December 2002, MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina in February 2003, MCAS New River and Camp Geiger, North Carolina in December 2003, School of Infantry East in June 2005 and National Capital Region, Quantico, Virginia in March 2011.
Corte-Real had a direct influence on the Marine Corps’ ability to provide Marines with high quality gear and maintain the serviceability of the gear to sustain the Marine Corps’ mission success during forward deployed operations, training, and readiness.
“When the bombs start falling and the bullets start flying, those Marines are praying that they picked the right helmet that fits properly, the right size Small Arms Protective Insert plates and their IFAC is complete” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Donald Harlow, commanding officer, Marine Force Storage Command, Marine Corps Logistics Command. “We make sure that stuff works the way it is supposed to here, so that those Marines forward deployed are prepared and confident in their gear.”
Corte-Real retired with a total of 54 years of service between active duty and DoD civilian employment. His contribution to the Consolidated Storage Program has directly impacted mission readiness of the U.S. service members and the Marine Expeditionary Forces’ ability to conduct operations in any climb and place.
“His tireless efforts have directly contributed to the readiness of our Marine formations by providing critical supplies and equipment necessary to sustain training and operations.” said retired U.S. Marine Col. Dan Elzie, deputy of Marine Force Storage Command. “His service has left an indelible mark on our organization, and he will be missed.”
"I have truly lived all my life by the saying Semper Fi.” said Corte-Real. “I would tell everyone to always stay faithful to the mission and to the warfighter."