By MC3 Brian H. Abel

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Todd Lyons speaks to NPS Marine students during an all-hands call in King Auditorium, July 19. Lyons recently took over as the senior Marine Corps representative held by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mitchell McCarthy.

“As a senior representative for an education command, I represent the Marine Corps and the commandant of the Marine Corps here at Naval Postgraduate School,” said Lyons. “My other role while at NPS will be as the associate dean of research, which tries to blend the value of this institution into broader Marine Corps interests.”

Lyons wants to ensure all of his 254 Marines are present, not just in the classroom but also to spend time at home with family. Attending NPS isn’t just about a degree, but it’s about taking in everything that is available here for you and your loved ones.

“It’s the journey before the destination,” said Lyons. “It’s not about just enjoying the journey, but sucking the marrow out of this experience. As a former student I can tell you that this will be the experience that you will refer back to constantly.”

Doing the impossible is something Lyons wants Marines to strive for, even if it means failing, because fighting through adversity will make everyone stronger.

“There’s only one standard for the Marine Corps and that’s excellence. We’re going to either achieve it or die in the attempt,” added Lyons.

Prior to joining the staff at NPS, Lyons was the chief of operations for the Defense Attaché Service from July 2014 to July 2016. Lyons was also a student at NPS in 1999 where he earned a Master of Arts with honors in National Security Affairs with a Middle East Specialty.