US Marine Corps New Mascot Hummer

U.S. Marine Corps ‘Hummer’
‘Devil Dog’ Steps in as New Depot Mascot
Hummer, the new mascot for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, is undergoing his obedience training. The puppy will follow recruits through several trainings events before earning the title of depot mascot. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Kester)
By Cpl. Brian Kester – Parris Island

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C., April 7, 2006 — He is only 12 inches long, covered with white and brown hair and barks at the wall. Yet, the Marine Corps wants him to be one of the few, the proud.
His name temporarily is Hummer, and soon he will be going through recruit training to earn the title of Marine. He will then stand among a long list, including Lance Cpl. Mac and Cpl. Hashmark who have served as mascots and represented the proud tradition at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

“They are going to try to get him attached to a platoon,” said Cpl. Jenna Bender, logistics clerk, Headquarters and Service Battalion and depot mascot handler. “They want to have him in the spotlight, so he can become a Marine.”

Hummer will accompany recruits at various points during training, simulating his transition into a Marine. At the early age of 11 weeks, Hummer already demonstrates he has a keen mind for absorbing instruction

“He is one of the best puppies I have ever had,” said Bender. “He learned to sit the first week I had him. I think he is going to be a great dog to represent Parris Island.”

To simulate the transformation into a Marine, Hummer will follow recruits through several trainings events before earning the title of depot mascot.
Bender, with the help of Lance Cpl. Steve Crabbe, animal control officer for Parris Island Military Police District, will teach Hummer how to stay, come when called, lie down and roll over.
The pup will also go through obedience training to learn the discipline it takes to perform his duties without barking or acting up in a public scenario.

“Right now he is working on learning who the boss is,” said Bender. “He is being socialized. It helps (him) to have interaction with other dogs.”

Hummer’s responsibilities aboard the depot begin by spending time every week in the depot’s Douglas Visitors’ Center, where he will greet the graduation day visitors.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jenna Bender, logistics clerk, Headquarters and Service Battalion and depot mascot handler, plays with Hummer, the depot’s new mascot, March 24. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brian Kester)

“He will also have to be at the Eagle, Globe and Anchor Ceremony, graduations and morning colors,” said Bender, who has been around dogs her whole life. “Anytime we are told to have him somewhere, he will be there.”
Hummer even has his own “barracks” inside the Douglas Visitors Center where he has room to roam freely.

“It is cool to put something together that everybody on the base will see, it took a lot of work,” said Sgt. David Carlson, Weapons and Field Training Battalion maintenance carpenter.

The pen was constructed with a puppy in mind and contains the mascot’s doghouse.
The Mascot’s ceremonial handling duties will be rotated out to the Headquarters and Service Battalion non-commissioned officer of the quarter.

“Their responsibilities will be to handle and escort the dog during his duties at the Eagle, Globe and Anchor Ceremonies,” said Dixon.

Hummer was born in Valdosta, Ga., to the same individual who breeds the University of Georgia mascots, said Bender.

“One of his cousins is working at the University of Georgia,” added Bender. “(Hummer) could easily have been a show dog.”

That being said, Hummer is a show dog of sorts, and will proudly carry on the duties of depot mascot.

Wild Thing’s comment……
This dog is so cute I just want to ((((hug))) him. He will do a fine job and make everyone proud I am sure.