In the Nation

WASHINGTON

Iraq War vet now Marines' commander

Marine Gen. Robert Neller, a commander who served in Iraq's western province during one of the most violent periods of the war, has taken over as commandant of the Marine Corps.

Neller replaces Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, who will become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In a ceremony at the Marines' historic Washington barracks, Neller told the dignitaries in the crowd that he understands his mission and responsibilities to recruit, educate and build strong Marine teams that are ready to go out into the world and fight and win. He said it's a beautiful thing to be part of that.

Neller was deputy commander in Anbar province from 2005-2007. He served as Joint Staff director for worldwide military operations and later headed Marine Corps Forces command. - AP
KENTUCKY

Clerk faults governor

Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, sent to jail for defying a series of federal court orders and refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, filed a 40-page court document Thursday, blaming Gov. Steve Beshear for her legal woes. The day the Supreme Court effectively legalized gay marriage in June, Beshear sent a letter to Kentucky's 120 county clerks directing them to issue licenses. Davis on Thursday complained that he thus "commandeered" county clerk's offices and "usurped control of Kentucky marriage law." - AP

HAWAII

WWII remains

The recently identified remains of a Marine killed on a remote atoll in the Pacific during World War II are heading home to Tennessee. A bugler played Taps and a color guard rendered honors Thursday for First Lt. Alexander "Sandy" Bonnyman during a departure ceremony in Honolulu. Bonnyman's family plans to bury him in Knoxville on Sunday. - AP