OCTOBER 16, 2025- U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jean Pierre St. Surin, formerly assigned to 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, was selected as the 43rd Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps on Aug. 19, 2025.
As Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps, St. Surin is now charged with leading the United States Marine Corps Color Guard and carrying the national ensign at ceremonial events throughout the National Capital Region and beyond. He will travel across the United States and overseas alongside the Battle Color Detachment, which includes “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.
“When they first told me that I was selected [as the Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps] I couldn’t believe it. I was very excited,” said St. Surin, originally from of Carrefour, Haiti. “Personally, this is a career achievement. To see myself here in my first enlistment this means a lot. I am honored to be here and to represent the Marine Corps.”
St. Surin’s selection represents a key step in his career progression and reflects his prior service with Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune-based units. Before being selected for this highly competitive position, St. Surin served as a warehouse clerk with 2nd Supply Battalion.
“Sgt. St. Surin began serving as the 2nd [Combat Readiness Regiment] Color Sergeant in the fall of 2023. In that time, he demonstrated a high level of work ethic, and the tenacity to achieve perfection, not only in his primary [military occupational specialty], but also in a billet of immense responsibility such as Regimental Color Sergeant,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Enrique Gato, previous sergeant major of 2nd CRR, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. “Ultimately, it was those intangible qualities that led to his nomination for Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps. The Regimental Commander, along with Sgt. St. Surin’s Company leadership, recognized his potential and believed he was a strong candidate for Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps.”
Nominees underwent a rigorous screening process, being evaluated on accomplishments and appearance, bearing and physical stamina before attending personal interviews at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C.
When asked what is looked for when selecting the Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps, Gunnery Sgt. Brandon Parker, assistant drill master with Headquarters and Support Company, Marine Barracks Washington, stated, “First and foremost, confidence and competence. This Marine will, on a regular basis, speak directly with the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.”
Parker went on to say, “The [Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps] needs to be able to communicate with high profile individuals in addition to their normal duties. We also look to ensure that this Marine maintains a high standard of physical fitness and personal appearance as they will represent the Marine Corps in countless high visibility events while serving in this billet.”
“Sgt. St. Surin is the epitome of what it means to be a [noncommissioned officer],” said Gato, who nominated St. Surin. “He holds himself and others accountable to that standard, builds strong teams, and knows how to turn average performers into above average performers. His contagious positive attitude fostered a positive climate in his company and through his actions displayed that hard work will always beat talent.”
When asked how his previous unit, 2nd Supply Battalion , prepared him for this role St. Surin responded that they prepared him in every way.
“Since checking in in 2022, I had great leaders who care about you as an individual and as a Marine,” said St. Surin. “I loved every second of working with them and wouldn’t have traded it for anything. I wouldn’t have picked another unit to train with over this one.”
At 24-years-old, St. Surin’s responsibilities also include representing the Marine Corps at White House events, joint service functions, and other high-visibility events, making him one of the most publicly recognized enlisted Marines in the Corps.
“The Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps is the senior sergeant in the Marine Corps by billet. This Marine must be nothing short of the embodiment of our institutional core values. Being the senior non-commissioned officer in the Marine Corps demands that the Marine in that position serves as a face and focal point for all Marines to strive to emulate,” stated Parker, who will oversee St. Surin in his new billet.
The billet of color sergeant is not only ceremonial—it serves as a leadership development role. As the most senior sergeant in the Marine Corps, St. Surin is now responsible for mentoring and training other Marines, ensuring they are prepared for future service in the operating forces.
St. Surin’s expressed how his upbringing instilled in him the drive and determination to strive for more from life, his parents setting the example as they traveled from Haiti to America.
“I was born in 2001 and then came to the states back in November of 2016,” said St. Surin. “My family back home, like mom and dad, literally did everything, and even gave up their lives in Haiti, to bring us here, in hope for a better life.”
St. Surin went on to say, “I make sure that I bring the greatest honor to them simply because they deserve it all. And now, after joining the Marine Corps, [the Marines] are my second family.”
St. Surin assumed his duties in October 2025 and is now stationed at Marine Barracks Washington.
“He joined the Marine Corps looking to be a part of something bigger than himself. His strong work ethic caught the attention of his chain of command and the previous Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams. So much so that General McWilliams meritoriously promoted Sergeant St. Surin on the stop in January of 2024,” said Gato.
“Col. Gorsuch, 2nd CRR, and I could not be prouder of Sergeant St. Surin. He has unlimited potential, and you can expect for him to excel as the Color Sergeant of the Marine Corps.”
His story serves as a testament to the opportunities available to Marines across the force and a reminder that excellence in every military occupational specialty can open doors to the highest honors the Corps has to offer.
Story by Sgt. Makayla Elizalde
Marine Barracks Washington