Awards - Marine Corps Association

Welcome
to the 10th Annual
Marine Corps
Association & Foundation
Awards
The Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel
6 June 2013
Semper Fidelis Sponsor:
Platinum Dinner Sponsor:
General James F. Amos
Commandant of the Marine Corps
On October 22, 2010 General James F. Amos
assumed the duties of Commandant of the
Marine Corps. A graduate of the University
of Idaho, General Amos has held command
at all levels from Lieutenant Colonel to
Lieutenant General.
General Amos’ command tours have
included: Marine Wing Support Squadron
173 from 1985-1986; Marine Fighter Attack
Squadron 312 – attached to Carrier Air Wing 8 onboard USS Theodore
Roosevelt (CVN-71) – from 1991-1993; Marine Aircraft Group 31 from
1996-1998; 3d Marine Aircraft Wing in combat during Operations
IRAQI FREEDOM I and II from 2002-2004; II Marine Expeditionary Force
from 2004-2006; and Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat
Development Command and Deputy Commandant, Combat Development
and Integration from 2006 to 2008. Additional operational tours have
included Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 212, 235, 232, and 122.
General Amos’ staff assignments include tours with Marine Aircraft Groups
15 and 31, the III Marine Amphibious Force, Training Squadron Seven, The
Basic School, and with the MAGTF Staff Training Program. Additionally,
he was assigned to NATO as Deputy Commander, Naval Striking Forces,
Southern Europe, Naples Italy where he commanded NATO’s Kosovo
Verification Center, and later served as Chief of Staff, U.S. Joint Task Force
Noble Anvil during the air campaign over Serbia. Transferred in 2000
to the Pentagon, he was assigned as Assistant Deputy Commandant
for Aviation. Reassigned in December 2001, General Amos served as
the Assistant Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations,
Headquarters, Marine Corps. From 2008-2010 General Amos served as
the 31st Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Agenda
Musical Support Provided by The U.S. Marine Corps Drum
& Bugle Corps
Presentation & Retirement of the Colors by
The Marine Corps Color Guard
Welcoming Comments by MajGen Ed Usher, USMC (Ret)
Invocation by RADM Margaret Kibben, USN,
Chaplain of the Marine Corps
Introduction by LtGen Richard Tryon, USMC
Remarks by General James F. Amos,
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Awards Presentation:
Marines of the Year
1st Marine Division’s Marine of the Year
2nd Marine Division’s Marine of the Year
3rd Marine Division’s Marine of the Year
4th Marine Division’s Marine of the Year
Ground Leadership Awards
Chambers Trophy for Outstanding Leadership
MARSOC NCO Critical Skills Operator of the Year Award
Douglas A. Zembiec Award for Outstanding Leadership in
Special Operations
Hulbert Trophy for Outstanding Leadership
Leftwich Trophy for Outstanding Leadership
Dinner Menu
Rolls and Butter
Caesar Salad
Romaine and red oak, herb and garlic Firehook Bakery focaccia
croutons, parmesan reggiano
NY Strip Steak
Garlic whipped potatoes and baby French beans & roasted peppers
Deep Dish Apple Pie
Coffee Service
Wine Sponsored by
Leupold, MetroStar Systems, MSC Direct
1st Marine Division
Marine of the Year
Presented by Battelle and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Corporal Brandon Wayne
Cpl Wayne was born in Yolo County, CA on March 6,
1989. He attended recruit training aboard Marine Corps
Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, Ca and graduated May
2011; he was also meritoriously promoted to the rank of
Private First Class (PFC).
Corporal Wayne completed Marine Combat Training
(MCT) aboard Camp Pendleton, California in June 2011.
Corporal Wayne then attended his Military
Occupational Specialty (MOS) School in 29 Palms, CA in
order to become a Field Radio Operator (0621). There
he excelled in school by showing his potential as an inspiring Radio Operator by
maintaining a Grade Point Average of 95%. Hence, finishing 3rd amongst his
peers and received a Meritorious Mast.
Corporal Wayne graduated from MOS school in September 2011; he then
received orders to Headquarters Company, 7th Marine Regiment, Shortly
thereafter, he was selected to participate in Weapons and Tactics Instruction
(WTI) in Yuma, Arizona with the Regiment’s Air Officer. There he crafted his skill
becoming a more versatile Radio Operator by working with different sections of
ACE. Moreover, he spent his off time in Yuma training in the Marine Corps Martial
Arts Program (MCMAP) and subsequently received a brown belt.
Corporal Wayne returned to his unit in November 2011 and has since
shown his worth in numerous field operations and is currently pending another
Meritorious Mast for his outstanding performance in his units Mission Rehearsal
Exercise (MRX) for the Regiment’s upcoming deployment.
2d Marine Division
Marine of the Year
Presented by American Systems and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Staff Sergeant Nicholas Collins
Staff Sergeant Nicholas Andrew Collins was born in
Kissimee, Florida on June 12, 1988. He grew up in the
small town of Ocoee, Florida just north of Orlando. Staff
Sergeant Collins enlisted in the Marine Corps on April
8, 2007 and reported to recruit training at MCRD Parris
Island, South Carolina. He proudly felt a tangible sense
of duty that he was obliged to fill.
Upon graduation from recruit training in July of 2007,
Staff Sergeant Collins reported to the School of Infantry
at Camp Geiger, NC. There he learned the basics of
infantry operations and honed his individual skills as an 0331 Machine Gunner. On
September 21, 2007 Staff Sergeant Collins graduated from the Infantry Training
Battalion and received orders to report to 2d Battalion 9th Marines for duty.
After reporting to 2d Battalion 9th Marines, Staff Sergeant Collins was
assigned to Weapons Company and immediately began a rigorous training
regimen in preparation for his first combat deployment. He deployed for the
first time in September of 2008, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to
Ramadi, Iraq. During the deployment he was meritoriously promoted to the
rank of Corporal.
Upon return from his deployment in April of 2009, Staff Sergeant Collins
continued to train with his unit in preparation for its next mission. He completed
the Combat Marksmanship Course as well as attended Advanced Infantry
Machine Gun Leader’s Course. As a Corporal, Staff Sergeant Collins was selected
as the 2d Marine Division Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter. He later
attended and graduated Martial Arts Instructor Course in August of 2009. In
February of 2010, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Shortly after, in July of 2010, Staff Sergeant Collins again deployed as a
Combined Anti-Armor Team Squad Leader to Marjah, Afghanistan. During the
seven month tour, he was assigned a patrol base where he participated in
numerous large scale mounted operations. Staff Sergeant Collins returned from
deployment in February of 2011, and after a short break, attended Sergeant’s
Course on Camp Johnson, North Carolina.
After completing Sergeant’s Course, his battalion was again scheduled
for deployment back to Marjah, Afghanistan in November of 2011. Sergeant
Collins, still assigned to Weapons Company, deployed to Marjah as a Combined
Anti-Armor Team Squad leader. Midway through the deployment, Staff Sergeant
Collins was reassigned to Echo Company where he fulfilled the duties and
responsibilities of an Infantry Platoon Sergeant. He continued to excel in Echo
Company and returned home in July of 2012.
Upon his return to Camp Lejeune, Staff Sergeant Collins was selected as
the 2d Marine Division Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for 2012. In
December of 2012, Staff Sergeant Collins was selected as the Service Member
of the Month by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce for his outstanding
devotion and leadership contribution to his unit. Concurrently, he attended
Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course at the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion,
Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Upon completion of the school, Staff Sergeant
Collins was immediately deployed with Echo Company to Helmand Province,
Afghanistan where he is currently conducting combat operations out of Camp
Leatherneck. He is proud and humbled to be honored by the Marine Corps
Association & Foundation.
3d Marine Division
Marine of the Year
Presented by ITT Exelis and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Sergeant Matthew J. Foglesong
Sergeant Foglesong was born on 28 April 1983 in
San Diego, California. He graduated from Carlsbad
High School in 2001. In 2002, he was hired by San
Marcos Fire Department, where he worked for 6
years as an EMT/Fire Fighter and Paramedic/Fire
Fighter. In 2006, he graduated from University of
California, Los Angeles with a Bachelors of Science
in Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 1, 2008
and attended Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego.
Upon completion of recruit training, he was meritoriously promoted to the
rank of Private First Class. While at the School of Infantry, he completed a
Reconnaissance Indoc Screener, and upon graduation from SOI, he reported
to the Basic Reconnaissance Course. While at BRC, Private First Class
Foglesong was promoted to Lance Corporal. After BRC, Lance Corporal
Foglesong was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.
Upon arrival at 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, Lance Corporal Foglesong
was assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Platoon, and given the billet of RTO.
There, he established himself as the senior RTO for the company, filling is
as Platoon Communications Chief on multiple occasions. In August 2009,
Lance Corporal promoted to the rank of Corporal.
In May 2010, Corporal Foglesong deployed with Bravo Company, 2d
Platoon, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During the deployment,
Corporal Foglesong was assigned the billet of Team 2 Assistant Team
Leader, to be held in addition to his billet of RTO. Corporal Foglesong also
completed a heavy diesel engine mechanics course, while deployment,
serving as Bravo Company MAT-V and MRAP mechanic.
In November 2010, while on a reconnaissance patrol in Helmand
Province, Corporal Foglesong severely injured his back, resulting in
medical evacuation to the United States. While completing his physical
therapy, Corporal Foglesong was assigned to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion,
Headquarters and Service Company, filling the billet of Battalion Armory
Chief. While in the armory, Corporal Foglesong completed on the job training,
cross training in multiple Military Occupational Specialties, namely 2111,
small arms technician, and 2112, precision weapons technician.
In February 2012, Corporal Foglesong was promoted to the rank of
Sergeant. June of 2012, Sergeant Foglesong re-enlisted, and shortly after
received orders to 3d Reconnaissance Battalion. Upon his arrival in August
2012, he was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Platoon, where he currently
serves.
Sergeant Foglesong’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine
Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, Combat
Action Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.
He is currently working on his Post-Graduate Masters degree through
the University of California, Los Angeles.
4th Marine Division
Marine of the Year
Presented by Engility and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Sergeant Joseph V. Dugan
Sergeant Joseph V. Dugan enlisted in the United
States Marine Corps Reserves in May 2007. After
completion of Recruit Training at Marine Corps
Recruit Depot Parris Island, then Private First Class
Dugan received orders to Camp Geiger, North
Carolina to attend the Basic Infantryman’s Course.
Upon graduation from the Basic Infantryman’s
Course in May 2008 he was assigned as an Infantry
Rifleman in Company E, 2d Battalion, 25th Marine
Regiment, Harrisburg, PA. In May 2008, Lance
Corporal Dugan mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and
deployed to Al Anbar Province, Iraq. During pre-deployment training, he
attended the Personal Security Detachment Course at Division Schools in
Camp Pendleton, CA. During the deployment he was assigned as a member
of the Battalion Commanding Officer ‘s Personal Security Detachment.
In September 2009, Lance Corporal Dugan was meritoriously promoted
to Corporal and was assigned as a Team Leader with Company E, 2d
Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. In 2010, Corporal Dugan took part in
Operation Shared Accord, Mozambique, Africa where he planned and
executed bi-lateral training in support of the theater security cooperation
mission.
In November 2010, Corporal Dugan was selected as Company E, 2d
Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the
year. In April 2011, Corporal Dugan was promoted to Sergeant and was
assigned as a Squad Leader within Company E, 2d Battalion, 25th Marine
Regiment. In July 2011, Sergeant Dugan attended the 2d Battalion, 25th
Marine Regiment Scout Sniper Screening and was assigned as a Scout
Sniper in the Headquarters and Service Company, 2d Battalion, 25th
Marine Regiment.
In June 2012 Sergeant Dugan was ordered to Scout Sniper Basic Course
at Quantico, VA where he graduated as the course Honor Graduate, High
Shooter, and High Stalker.
In September 2012 Sergeant Dugan was mobilized in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom and deployed as part of the Special Purpose
Marine Air Ground Task Force 13.2 to conduct theater security operations
in Africa.
Sergeant Dugan was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for
his selection as the U. S. Marine Corps Forces Reserves Marine NonCommissioned Officer of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2012.
Sergeant Dugan was selected as the U. S. Marine Corps Forces Reserves’
Marine of the Year for 2012.
Chambers Award
for Outstanding Leadership
by a Company Grade Officer in
the Marine Reserve Component
Colonel Justice Marion Chambers, USMCR
Colonel Justice Marion “Jumping Joe” Chambers was born in Huntington, West
Virginia, on 2 February 1908. He attended Marshall College, West Virginia, and George
Washington University and received his Juris Doctor from National University.
Following the completion of a 2 year enlistment in the Naval Reserve in 1930, he
joined the Marine Corps Reserve as a private and in 1932 was commissioned a second
lieutenant. He was assigned to the 5th Battalion in Washington, DC. He was a major,
attending annual summer camp in 1940, when his unit was called to active duty. After
rigorous training, he was among the first contingent of Marines to assault the island
of Tulagi, Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. He was awarded the Purple Heart for
wounds received while commanding a company of the 1st Raider Battalion. He received
the Silver Star Medal for evacuating the wounded and directing the night defense of a
battalion aid station on Tulagi, where he was a seriously wounded patient.
He commanded the 3d Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division in the RoiNamur Campaign. On Saipan he suffered a blast concussion, but returned to lead his
command there and on Tinian. He was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”
and a second Purple Heart following the Saipan-Tinian operations.
As a lieutenant colonel, he brought his battalion ashore at Iwo Jima on 19 February
1945. His sector was beneath high ground from which heavy enemy fire raked the
whole landing beach. Capture of the high ground was essential to the success of the
D-Day operation. Lieutenant Colonel Chambers lost more than half his officers and
nearly half his enlisted strength on D-Day. By fearless disregard for his own life and
leading a depleted battalion by example, he won the key heights that anchored the right
flank of the Marines’ position. On day four, directing the Marines’ first rocket barrage
and exposed to the enemy’s main line of resistance, Lieutenant Colonel Chambers fell
under enemy machine gun fire.
Lieutenant Colonel Chambers was assigned to Quantico following his discharge from
Bethesda Naval Hospital.
He entered the Senior Course at Quantico as a student and upon graduation was
assigned as a member of the Marine Corps Reserve Policy Board. He was medically
retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1946 and advanced to the grade of Colonel.
From 1946 to 1964, as a resident of Rockville, Maryland, Colonel Chambers held
various public service positions to include: Assistant Chairman of the Federal Personnel
Council, Staff Adviser to the Senate Armed Services Committee, an employee of the Civil
Defense Administration, and Deputy Director of the Office of Emergency Planning. He
was later President of his own Consulting firm until his retirement in 1973.
Colonel Chambers received the Nation’s highest award, the Medal of Honor, on 1
November 1950. Presentation of the Medal of Honor was made at the White House by
President Harry S. Truman for exceptional gallantry which helped assure the victory at
Iwo Jima during World War II. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Silver Star Medal, and
Legion of Merit with Combat “V”, Colonel Chambers’ decorations and medals include
the Purple Heart with two gold stars, Presidential Unit Citation with three bronze stars,
Organized Marine Corps Reserve Medal with two stars, American Defense Medal with
one silver star (denoting five campaigns), and the World War II Victory Medal.
Colonel Chambers died at Bethesda Naval Hospital on 29 July 1982. He was buried
at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.
Recipient of the 2012
Chambers Award
Presented by Booz Allen Hamilton and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Captain Dustin Hammit
Captain Hammit is currently a member of 5th Battalion,
14th Marines at Seal Beach, California.
A native of Georgetown, Texas, Capt Hammit graduated
from Texas A&M University in December of 2003 with a
Bachelor of Arts in History and was commissioned as a
second lieutenant through the NROTC program. Following
completion of The Basic School in July of 2004, he
graduated from the artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort
Sill, Oklahoma as an honor graduate. In January 2005,
Capt Hammit was assigned to 3d Battalion, 11th Marines
in 29 Palms, California as a forward observer with India Battery. As a forward
observer, he deployed to Okinawa, Japan and was attached to Golf Company, BLT
2/4 on the 31st MEU. Upon redeployment from Okinawa, Capt Hammit returned
to India Battery where he assumed duties as the Fire Direction Officer. In June
2006, Capt Hammit was attached to 3d Battalion, 4th Marines and deployed to Al
Qaim, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the artillery Liaison Officer, Fire
Support Coordinator, and Assistant Operations Officer.
In June 2007, Capt Hammit was assigned to the Marine Detachment, Fort Sill,
Oklahoma as a gunnery instructor for the Army’s Basic Officer Leadership Course
(BOLC) and Captain’s Career Course. During his tenure as a gunnery instructor, Capt
Hammit personally instructed over 250 Army, Marine, and international officers in
artillery gunnery. In August of 2009, he was reassigned as the Deputy Director of
Academics for the Marine Detachment where he was responsible for academic
oversight for all artillery officer programs as well as developing the program of
instruction for the Marine Artillery Officer Basic Course. Upon completion of his tour
at Fort Sill in August of 2010, Captain Hammit left active duty service and accepted
a commission in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Shortly after leaving active duty service, Captain Hammit searched for a
challenging reserve assignment. He found that challenge when he joined Battery N,
5th Battalion, 14th Marines at Pico Rivera, CA in February of 2011. Captain Hammit
served as November Battery’s commander for 10 months. As the only reserve
officer in the battery, he also concurrently fulfilled the duties of the battery executive
officer and fire direction officer. In November 2011, Captain Hammit volunteered
to deploy to Okinawa, Japan with Battery O, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines as the
battery commander. He took command of Oscar Battery in November of 2011 and
led the battery through 4 months of pre-mobilization training, a T&R evaluation,
mobilization, and then deployment to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit
Deployment Program. Captain Hammit relinquished command of Oscar Battery in
April 2013.
Captain Hammit currently resides in Georgetown, Texas with his wife and four
children. He is attending the Austin (Texas) Police Academy and looks forward to a
career as a police officer.
Personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement
Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Captain Hammit also earned a Master of Arts
in Economics from the University of Oklahoma in December of 2011.
MARSOC NCO/Critical
Skills Operator of
the Year
Presented by FLIR and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Master Sergeant John Bailly
MSgt Bailly enlisted in October 1997 and
completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit
Depot, San Diego. He attended the School of Infantry,
Camp Pendleton, and was assigned the 0351 Basic
Infantryman MOS.
Private Bailly reported to 1stBn, 8th Marines and
assigned to Weapons Company, Assault section. Later,
he was assigned to Bravo Company, Weapons Platoon
as a SMAW gunner. During the next year he was
promoted to PFC and completed the Battalion work
up to deploy to Okinawa in December 1998. While on deployment he was
promoted to LCpl and was assigned as a Team Leader.
Returning to CONUS, he volunteered to take Scout Sniper indoctrination and
was then assigned to the Scout Sniper Platoon as an Assistant Team Leader.
He completed a MEU-SOC work up and was promoted Cpl. He deployed as an
Assistant Team Leader with 22d MEU in November 2000. Upon returning to
CONUS, he attended basic Sniper Course and received the 8541 MOS. During
Scout Sniper course he was promoted to Sgt.
Sgt Bailly was assigned as Team Leader and Platoon Chief Scout and was
then attached to 26th MEU and attend the Scout Sniper Advanced Course and
Urban Sniper. He then deployed with the 22d MEU in support of OIF 1 and
Joint Task Force Liberia in February 2003. En-route home he took Force Recon
Screening at Rota, Spain and was then assigned to 2d Force Reconnaissance
Company, II MEF.
He attended Recon Indoctrination Platoon (RIP) and following completion
attended Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC) in Coronado, California and
received the 0321 MOS. He was then assigned as a team member in 5th
Platoon, 2d Force Recon. During the next year, he attended SERE, Airborne,
Combatant Dive, and Dynamic Entry and Dynamic Assault schools. Following
a rigorous work up, he deployed with 26th MEU as an Assistant Team Leader.
While deployed in Iraq, he was promoted to SSgt in January 2006.
Returning to CONUS, he was assigned to 2d Recon Battalion as a Team
Leader and Special Equipment NCO. He attended MFF, MMPS, and static line
Jumpmaster courses and completed the unit work up training and deployed
to Iraq. In Iraq, he was assigned as a Platoon Sergeant and would finish the
deployment holding Platoon Sergeant and Company Gunnery Sergeant Billets.
SSgt Bailly subsequently reported to MARSOC and volunteered to take
assessment and selection. Upon MARSOC Selection he was assigned to Marine
Special Operations School as the SNCOIC of Weapons and Tactics Section and
was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in April 2009.
He was selected to attend Staff Noncommissioned Officers Academy in
June of 2009.
GySgt Bailly was transferred to Camp Pendleton California for duty with 1st
Marine Special Operations Battalion. He served with the training cell there until
Sept 2011. He was then ordered to Charlie Company HQ and, after checking
in was moved to MSOT 8132 as the Operations SNCO where he worked as the
OPS SNCO. In Dec 2011 he was selected as a Master Sergeant. In Jan 2012 he
was moved to the Tm Chief position in MSOT 8131 and deployed on their Tm.
Deployment for training to Ft. Hunter Liggett Ca.
In May 2012 Gunnery Sergeant Bailly deployed with MSOT 8131 in support
of Operation Enduring Freedom. In Afghanistan, his team deployed to the Nar-e
Saraj district in Helmond Province to stand up and maintain the Village Stability
Platform Watan for the next seven months. In Nov of 2012 he was promoted to
MSgt and in Dec re-deployed to Camp Pendleton.
In Jan 2013 he served as Operations Chief Marine Special Operations
Company D, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion.
MSgt Bailly’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal with combat distinguishing device, three Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement medals, two Combat Action ribbons and Humanitarian service
medal.
Tonight’s Ceremony is being live streamed at:
www.ustream.tv/channel/mcaf-events
Awards Being Presented tonight
Marine of the Year Awards
Presented to Division Marines of the Year
and
MARSOC NCO/Critical Skills Operator Award
Presented to MARSOC Marine of the Year
Chambers Award
Presented for Outstanding Leadership by a Company Grade Officer in the
Marine Reserve Component
Hulbert Award
Presented for Outstanding
Leadership by a Marine Gunner
Zembiec Award
Presented for Outstanding
Leadership in the USMC Forces
Special Operations Command
Leftwich Trophy
Presented for Outstanding Leadership
ZEMBIEC Award
for Outstanding leadership in
the usmc forces special
operations command
Major Douglas Alexander Zembiec, USMC
Douglas Zembiec was born in Kealakekua, Hawaii on 14 April 1973. Growing up in New
Jersey, and then New Mexico during his mid and high school years, he graduated from
La Cueva High School, Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1991 and was the School’s first State
Champ, first two-time-State Champ, first undefeated State Champ, first- high school AllAmerican, and La Cueva’s first Division I College All-American. From wrestling he learned
about life, how to work as a team, and how to face challenges and overcome fear. At the
Naval Academy he wrestled all four years and became a collegiate, All-American Wrestler,
winning college tournaments and was an inspiration and mentor to his fellow wrestlers.
Doug led a life of integrity and honor because he learned as a young man a set of
principles from his father. “Live with integrity for without integrity we deceive ourselves, we
live in a house of cards. Fight for what you believe, for without valor we lose our freedom.
Be willing to sacrifice, for anything worthy in life requires sacrifice. Be disciplined, for it is
discipline that builds the foundation of your success. Be a man of principle. Fight for what
you believe in. Keep your word. Live with integrity. Be brave. Believe in something bigger
than yourself. Serve your country. Teach. Mentor. Give something back to society. Lead
from the front. Conquer your fears. Be a good friend. Be humble, but be self-confident.
Appreciate your friends and family. Be a leader not a follower. Be valorous on the field of
battle and take responsibility for your actions.”
Doug graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1995 and was commissioned as a
Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, 31 May 1995.
After finishing Basic School, and Infantry Officer’s course, he served with First Battalion,
6th Marines as a rifle platoon commander. In June 1997, he was transferred to Second
Force Reconnaissance Co., Camp Lejeune, serving as a platoon commander, interim
company commander, and, for a month as operations officer. Doug’s force recon platoon
was among the first forces to enter Kosovo during Operation Joint Guardian in June 1999.
In September 2000 he transferred to Amphibious Recon School (ARS) at Ft. Story,
VA serving as the Assistant Officer-In-Charge for two years. Subsequently, he attended
Expeditionary Warfare School at Quantico.
Following EWS, Doug took command of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines
in July 2003 and led 168 Marines and sailors in the first ground assault into Fallujah,
Iraq during Operation Vigilant Resolve. In Fallujah Doug became known as the “Lion of
Fallujah” for heroism while braving enemy fire to climb onto a tank to direct fire against
insurgents. Turning over command in November 2004, he served as assistant operations
officer at the Marine Corps’ First Special Operations Training Group where he ran the
urban patrolling/Military Operations in Urban Terrain and tank-infantry training packages
for 13th MEU. Doug transferred from 1st SOTG to the Regional Support Element, HQMC
and was promoted to Major on 1 July 2005.
On his fourth Middle East tour when he was killed on 11 May 2007 while commanding
a raid on insurgent forces in Baghdad, he was awarded the Silver Star for saving lives
during the raid. He was 34 years old.
His personal awards include: Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with “V”, Purple
Hearts (2),Combat Action Ribbon (2), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3), Navy and
Marine Corps Comm. Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), NATO
Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal, Global Was on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service
Medal (2),Kosovo Campaign Medal, NCAA Award of Valor, 2007, NM Sports Hall of Fame
Award of Distinction, 2007
He is survived by his wife Pamela and daughter Fallyn Justice Zembiec, parents Donald
and Jo Ann Zembiec, and brother John Zembiec.
“Even though it is the end we journey towards, it is the journey that matters in the end.”
Doug’s journey has been, and will continue to be an inspiration for many. Doug is
buried in Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Recipient of the 2012
ZEMBIEC Award
Presented by Lockheed Martin and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Captain Matthew Manoukian
Captain Matthew Patrick Manoukian was born on
February 22, 1983 to Socrates Peter Manoukian and
Patricia Bamattre-Manoukian. He grew up in Los Altos and
Los Altos Hills with younger brothers Michael and Martin.
He graduated from St. Francis High School in Mountain
View (Class of 2001), and the University of Arizona (Class
of 2005) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and
a minor in Sociology.
Matthew decided to join the Marine Corps when he
was seven years old and attempted to enlist in the Marine
Corps immediately after the events of September 11, 2001, shortly after he began
college. However, spinal cord surgery and a high school football injury to his knee
delayed Matthew’s plans to enlist.
In January, 2006, following graduation from the University of Arizona, Matthew
entered Marine Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia and in March 2006,
he graduated and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He graduated from
The Basic School in October of 2006 and from The Infantry Officers Course in
December, 2006. He began training at Camp Pendleton, California for deployment
to Iraq as a mobile assault platoon commander.
While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Matthew became a voracious student of
history and political science. He also began a long process of studying the history
and cultures of the Middle East and learned to speak Arabic. He learned that the
secret to succeeding in the Middle East was to show respect and trust to the local
population and culture and to treat them as equals. He also understood that close
interaction on a personal level meant exposing himself to greater risk of injury.
In 2007, he deployed for his first tour of duty to the town of Anah, Al-Anbar
Province, Iraq. Matthew believed that the Marines could communicate with the
locals more effectively on foot than in Humvees, so he increased the number of foot
patrols. Over the course of his deployment, the Marines focused on the creation of
a local police force in order to bring security to the area. As security increased and
the rule of law was established, markets and bazaars opened, children went back
to school and local development projects commenced. During this tour, Matthew
was injured by a roadside Improvised Explosive Device and suffered a concussion.
Despite his injury, he was able to put a tourniquet on the bleeding leg of a comrade
and helped save his life. Matthew was evacuated to Al-Asad Air Force Base and
insisted on returning to his men as soon as he was cleared for duty.
In 2008, as a First Lieutenant, Matthew deployed to Al-Anbar Province a second
time. Assigned to a Military Transition Team, Matthew and his team worked with
local Iraqi authorities to secure the western border with Syria, a country in which
his paternal grandfather had lived for 15 years. Matthew was amazed to see the
progress that had been accomplished between his tours. There were police in
most of the villages and there were local representatives who worked in a legal
capacity to settle grievances between families, prosecute criminals and enforce
laws. Matthew was proud to have played a role in that transformation.
Upon his return home in April 2008, Matthew was screened to undergo training
in the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) at Camp Lejeune in North
Carolina. Out of the 100 Marines who entered the program, only 40 graduated in
February of 2009, and Matthew finished among the top Marines.
After completing this training, he joined MARSOC’s 1st Marine Special
Operations Battalion assigned to Camp Pendleton. In 2010, as a Captain, Matthew
deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan charged with working to unify local
tribal leadership with District level governance. When his team arrived in Sangin
District, Afghanistan, Matthew and his team worked with local leaders and the
District Governor to establish a local police force to bring law and justice to the area.
When he returned home in 2011, he said that his work to help establish the rule of
law in Afghanistan made him realize the importance of a fair legal system in order
for society to function. Matthew decided to apply to law school in order to help his
community and to help society.
After returning from his third deployment to Afghanistan, Matthew continued
with MARSOC training and wanted to return to Afghanistan with his team to continue
the work he had been doing in the villages. Matthew was very grateful when the
MARSOC reassigned him to a team to redeploy to Afghanistan in May 2012.
In August, 2012, a newspaper article published in the San Diego Union Tribune
described the work of Matthew’s team and the Military’s Village Stabilization
Operation in Afghanistan in which special operators from all services participate.
The special operations forces arm and train local governments against Taliban
infiltration as well as build infrastructure and establish local police departments
and judicial systems. Matthew’s team made great advancements in stabilizing the
area around Puzeh in the Sangin District of Helmand Province, institutionalizing the
beginnings of law and order and working to unify local tribal leadership with District
level governance.
Captain Matthew Patrick Manoukian was killed in combat in Afghanistan on
10 August 2012. Matthew was a dedicated Marine, outstanding leader, and a
dearly beloved son and brother. Matthew touched the lives of so many in Los Altos,
Los Altos Hills, California, the United States, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Matthew was
dedicated to service of his country and his Marines. Matthew brought every Marine
back from three tours. His personal decorations include two Purple Hearts and two
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.
Matthew planned to begin law school at Golden Gate University in August of
2013. In his personal statement, Matthew indicated that he believed in constant
self-development and improvement and actively sought out new challenges.
Matthew stated that because he had witnessed what a lack of order and chaos
can do to good people, and to their way of life, he wanted to enter the field of law
to help and contribute to the overall development and betterment of the team, the
community and society.
Captain Matthew Patrick Manoukian has been selected by the Judicial Council
of California to receive the Stanley Mosk Defender of Justice Award on behalf of the
armed forces members he represents and for his sacrifice to the cause of justice.
Hulbert Award
for Outstanding Leadership by
a Marine Gunner
Gunner (First Lieutenant) Henry Lewis Hulbert, USMC
A native of Yorkshire, England, Henry Lewis Hulbert enlisted in the U.S. Marine
Corps at the age of 31 on March 28, 1898. Upon graduation from recruit training at
Mare Island, California, he was assigned to the Marine Guard, USS Philadelphia. Within
a year of his assignment to the USS Philadelphia, American and British forces landed
a joint force in Samoa to protect their consulates. During a clash with natives on April
1, 1899, Gunner Hulbert was a member of a small rear guard which held off attackers
while the remainder of the column moved back to the beach. With two Marines killed
and their Colt automatic gun disabled, the other members of the rear guard withdrew.
Despite being wounded in the attack, he continued his mission, conducting a one-man
delaying action that enabled the wounded men and civilians to reach safety. For his
actions he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Following his service aboard the USS Philadelphia in 1902, Gunner Hulbert (then
Sergeant Hulbert) served in a succession of billets ashore and afloat. He was awarded
the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for every enlistment period and never fired less
than Expert Rifleman in his regular service rifle re-qualifications.
By 1917 Gunner Hulbert had attained the grade of Sergeant Major and was serving
on the personal staff of Major General George Barnett, Commandant of the Marine
Corps. It was also in 1917, shortly before America’s entry into World War I, that Hulbert
appeared before an examining board to determine his fitness for appointment to the
newly established grade of Marine Gunner. On March 24, 1917, with the enthusiastic
recommendation of the president of the examining board, Brigadier General John
A. Lejeune, Henry Lewis Hulbert became the first Marine to don the bursting bomb
insignia of a Marine Gunner. As the United States entered World War I, Gunner Hulbert,
then 50 years old, pressed his commanders to be assigned to service in a combat
unit. After continued petitions he finally won the approval of MajGen Barnett and sailed
for France with the 5th Marine Regiment in July 1917.
Not long after his assignment to the 5th Marines, Gunner Hulbert, was assigned as a
platoon leader with the 66th Company (later C Co), 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Wounded in
his regiment’s first major engagement, at Belleau Wood on June 6, 1918, Gunner Hulbert
was twice cited in official dispatches for acts of bravery. On one occasion, armed only
with a rifle, he single-handedly attacked German machine-gun positions where he “left
seven of the enemy dead and put the remainder to flight.” A second dispatch commended
him for continuing to lead his platoon in attacks that routed the defenders of a series of
strong points despite being painfully wounded himself. A third act of heroism led him
to be decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross, one of the first Marines to be so
recognized. In his official report of the month-long fighting in Belleau Wood, Army Major
General Omar L. Bundy, commanding general of the 2d Division in which the 5th Marines
served as part of the famed Marine Brigade, singled out Hulbert, “for his extraordinary
heroism in leading attacks against enemy positions on June 6th.” General Bundy
concluded, “No one could have rendered more valuable service than Gunner Hulbert.”
On July 17, 1918, he was appointed a temporary Second Lieutenant, and on
September 6, 1918 he was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. Less than a
month later during the Battle of Blanc Mont, in the Meuse-Argonne the 2d Division
having seized its initial objectives fought off an onslaught of German counterattacks.
On October 4, 1918, while reorganizing his unit for one such counter-attack, Gunner
Hulbert was killed by fire from an enemy machinegun. For his actions during this
battle, in which he continually exposed himself to enemy fire while leading his men,
he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Palm.
Gunner Hulbert was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his actions at
Belleau Wood. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Gunner Hulbert’s personal awards include the Medal of Honor, Distinguished
Service Cross, Navy Cross, Purple Heart (multiple awards), Good Conduct Medal, fourth
award and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm.
Recipient of the 2012
Hulbert Award
Presented by Nammo and the Marine Corps Association & Foundation
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin S. Gonzalez
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin S. Gonzalez was
born in 1976 in Pensacola, Florida. He enlisted in
the Marine Corps in 1995 and was assigned to 2d
Battalion, 8th Marines where he served as Chief
Scout and Platoon Sergeant. In May of 1999 he was
reassigned to Weapons Training Battalion, Quantico,
Virginia as an instructor at Small Arms Weapons
Instructor School until receiving orders to Recruiting
School, San Diego, California in 2001.
Upon completion of Recruiting School, CWO2
Gonzalez was assigned to Recruiting Station Montgomery, Alabama,
Recruiting Sub-Station Fort Walton Beach, Florida where he served as Staff
Non-Commissioned Officer In charge. After completing a successful tour on
recruiting duty, he was assigned to 3d Battalion, 3d Marines where he served
as Scout Sniper Platoon Sergeant and Mobile Assault Platoon Commander. In
2004, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
He deployed again the following year to Al Anbar Province, Iraq in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In January 2007, he was reassigned to School of Infantry East and served
as Chief Instructor at Infantry Unit Leaders Course. In 2010, CWO2 Gonzalez
reported to 8th Marine Regiment as the Assistant Operations Chief. In 2011
CWO2 Gonzalez was commissioned and assigned to his current billet as the
Battalion Infantry Weapons Officer for 1st Battalion, 8th Marines.
His personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Navy and Marine
Corps Commendation Medals (gold star in lieu of three awards), Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement Medals (silver star in lieu of six awards), the
Combat Action Ribbon (gold star in lieu of two awards). He is married to the
former Frances Carreon and has four daughters, Gabrielle, Angelina, Isabella,
and Ava.
Leftwich Trophy
for Outstanding Leadership
Lieutenant Colonel William G. Leftwich, Jr., USMC
LtCol William G. Leftwich, Jr., was commissioned a Marine second lieutenant
on 5 June 1953, upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy. As
Brigade Captain during his senior year at the Naval Academy, he was commended
at graduation for exemplary officer-like qualities, which contributed... “to the
development of naval spirit and loyalty within the Brigade.”
LtCol Leftwich completed The Basic School in January 1954, and later served
as a rifle platoon commander with the 2d Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North
Carolina. During 1955-56 he served with the 3d Marine Division in Okinawa. On his
return to the United States, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, where he
was promoted to captain in July 1957. He began a 3-year assignment at the Naval
Academy, serving as a company officer. An excellent athlete, he performed collateral
duties as assistant varsity tennis coach and battalion football coach.
In 1960, he rejoined the 2d Marine Division, serving as a company commander
until 1962, when he was named aide-de-camp to the Commanding General. In June
1963, he was assigned as aide to the Commandant, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico,
Virginia. He reported for duty in Vietnam in January 1965, as Assistant Senior Advisor
to the Vietnamese Marine Brigade.
LtCol Leftwich participated in 27 major operations against the Viet Cong in the
central highlands of Vietnam, and spent more than 300 days in the field. He was
wounded in the battle of Hoai An, 9 March 1965 and, in addition to receiving the
Purple Heart, was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism. According to his
citation, he “…played a major part in all phases of the successful relief of the village
of Hoai An which was under heavy enemy attack by two Viet Cong battalions… By
his own personal example…, he led the attack… Despite injuries by enemy machine
gun bullets in the back, cheek, and nose, he went to the aid of a mortally wounded
comrade… and delayed his own evacuation until he could call for additional air strikes
and brief the task force commander of the situation.”
Upon his return to the United States in January 1966, he served as an instructor at
The Basic School. He completed the Command and Staff College in June 1967, and
was named to the school’s honor list. Assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps,
he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in November 1967, while serving as a systems
analyst with the Manpower Management Information Branch, G-1 Division.
In 1968, LtCol Leftwich was selected by the Under Secretary of the Navy to be
his special assistant and Marine Corps aide. He served in this capacity under the
Honorable Charles F. Baird, and Mr. Baird’s successor as Under Secretary of the Navy,
the Honorable John W. Warner.
In April 1970, he began his second tour of duty in Vietnam, serving initially as an
infantry battalion commander with the 2d Battalion, 1st Marines. On June 30, he
assumed duty as the Commanding Officer, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine
Division (Reinforced).
On 18 November 1970, LtCol Leftwich was, per his practice of accompanying
every emergency extraction called for by his reconnaissance teams, serving as senior
“extract officer” for such a mission on the day of his death. The team had incurred
casualties and requested an emergency extraction from enemy-infested territory,
in an area being enveloped by dense fog. The team was extracted under LtCol
Leftwich’s personal supervision. As the helicopter began its ascent, it crashed into a
mountainside in enemy territory, killing all aboard.
LtCol Leftwich’s medals and awards include: the Navy Cross, the Silver Star
(posthumous), the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” and two gold stars, the Meritorious
Service Medal, the Air Medal with one gold star, the Purple Heart with two gold stars,
and various personal awards from the Republic of Vietnam.
Recipient of the 2012
Leftwich Trophy
Captain Benjamin M. Middendorf
Captain Benjamin M. Middendorf military career
began in the Minnesota Army National Guard following
his enlistment in February of 1996 as an 11 Bravo
(Infantryman). He was assigned to Bravo Co, 2-135
IN (Mechanized) in Rochester, MN. In May of 1998 he
received an appointment from the Minnesota National
Guard to United States Military Academy at West Point,
NY. Prior to graduating with a Bachelors of Science in
Physics, he was approved for a branch transfer to the
United States Marine Corps and was commissioned as
a Second Lieutenant in June of 2002.
Upon completion of The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course in May
of 2003, Second Lieutenant Middendorf reported to 2d Battalion, 3d Marines
and assigned as the 3d Platoon Commander for Company G. In November
he was assigned as the Executive Officer for Company G and deployed to
Okinawa for service as the boat company for the 31st MEU (SOC) where he
participated in Exercises Foal Eagle in Korea and Cobra Gold in Thailand.
In July 2004 First Lieutenant Middendorf was assigned as the Heavy
Machine Gun Platoon commander for Weapon Company, 2/3. In February
2005 he was assigned to as the Heavy Weapons Platoon Commander for
Company F, and from June 2005 to January 2006 he deployed in support of
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 5-06 to Laghman and Kunar Provinces in
Regional Command-East.
In May of 2006 Captain Middendorf reported to The Basic School where he
served as the Primary Instructor for the Decision Making, Human Factors, and
Counterinsurgency packages and as a Staff Platoon Commander in Charlie
Company 3-07, Alpha Company 1-08, and Echo Company 5-08. In May of
2009 he deployed to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as a Collection Team for
the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned (MCCLL) in order to gather best
practices from the current operating environment.
In August of 2009 Captain Middendorf was assigned to the Expeditionary
Warfare School. Following graduation in May of 2010 he was assigned to
2d Battalion, 5th Marines and assumed command of Company G. In January
of 2011 he deployed as the helicopterborne company commander for the
31st MEU, participating in Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand, Cambodian
Maritime Exercise, and Operation TOMODACHI, where the company provided
humanitarian assistance to the people of Japan following the devastating 11
March, 2011 tsunami.
Captain Middendorf again deployed with Company G March of 2012 to the
Musa Qala and Kajaki Districts of Helmand Province Afghanistan in support
of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 12-01. He redeployed in September
2012 and relinquished command of Company G in December of 2012. He is
currently serving as the Headquarters Company Commander for 5th Marine
Regiment.
His personal decorations include the Bronze Star (with combat
distinguishing device), Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in
lieu of second award) and the Combat Action Ribbon.
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