The ribbon officially dedicating the new 3rd Transportation Support Battalion headquarters building as Godfrey Hall is cut during a Wednesday morning ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa. (Fred Zimmerman / S&S)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The 3rd Transportation Support Battalion on Wednesday dedicated its new $15 million, 25,000 square-foot headquarters building to the memory of a former commander who died in 2003.
The latest building to open on Camp Foster, Building 5713 officially was named Godfrey Hall during a morning ceremony. Col. Michael J. Godfrey was the commanding officer of 3rd TSB, the “Red Patchers,” from June 21, 2002, until his death from natural causes on Nov. 11, 2003.
Godfrey’s widow, Keiko, and daughter Victoria attended the ceremony.
The current commanding officer, Col. Doarin R. Lewis, said during the ceremony the unit was not just dedicating a building, but was “honoring a true hero.” He added that Godfrey’s “courage, dignity and character” were that of an unsung hero who would always go the extra mile to get the job done.
During Godfrey’s career, which began in 1976, he served in numerous billets, including Marine Barracks, 8th and I Headquarters and Service Company commanding officer and White House social aide. He also served on the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Amphibious Plans Study Group in the early 1990s.
Other highlights include assignments as the 1st Marine Division supply officer and commander of MEU Service Support Group 15. Godfrey also conceptualized, acquired and implemented the Defense Department’s first High Speed Vessel program while assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force from 1999 to 2002.
Brig. Gen. Frank Panter, the commanding general of the 3rd Force Service Support Group, said before any building can be dedicated to honor a fallen Marine, the request must go all the way to the Commandant of the Marine Corps for approval. He said the request met no opposition.
Godfrey took care of his Marines and always accomplished the mission, said Panter.
“All of us are better human beings and Marines for serving with Mike Godfrey,” Panter said.
According to those who spoke at the dedication, the plaque just inside the doors may sum up Godfrey best. It reads: “A Marine’s Marine who was an innovator, a visionary, and a leader. He left the ‘Red Patchers’ all too soon. Gone, but not forgotten.”
