Photo By Sgt. Steven Posy | Sgt. Maj. Donna Dunbar, the sergeant major of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Since the first woman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1918, women Marines have illuminated the ranks with diversity, dignity and reverence. One particular Marine’s larger-than-life personality has facilitated her progress to the highest echelon of the Corps’ enlisted rank structure, and shines brighter than the stars on her own chevrons.
A long walk down a narrow, dimly-lit hallway leads to a small red bench with the words “SGTMAJ’S HOT SEAT” painted in bright yellow letters. For Marines who find themselves sitting there, it may feel somewhat intimidating, but what they should feel is opportunity.
This bench sits outside the office of Sgt.Maj. Donna Dunbar, the sergeant major of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, and a District of Columbia native.
The opportunity to speak to Dunbar reveals the opportunity to learn about her wisdom, lessons of perseverance and dedication. Born in the District of Columbia, Dunbar grew accustomed to the strict regimen of military life as her father served in the United States Army, which contributed to her decision to serve in the armed forces.
“I remember his version of field day on Saturdays when I was growing up,” said Dunbar. “I knew I wanted to join the military early on, but did not know that I would end up in the Marine Corps,” she explained.
Her upbringing prepared her for military life as she later joined the Air Force ROTC program in high school, but it wasn’t until Dunbar visited an armed forces recruiting office that her path to becoming a sergeant major began to take form.
“I was at the Air Force recruiting office, waiting for them to show up, when a Marine Corps recruiter snatched me up,” said Dunbar. “Then low and behold, I found myself at Marine Corps recruit training.”
Dunbar enlisted in 1989, and as a young private first class she described herself as motivated and ambitious, but did not know at the time that she would one day earn the rank of sergeant major.
“I took my career in steps, always looking to advance to the next level,” she explained.
Dunbar meritoriously worked her way up to the rank of sergeant, but considered leaving the Marine Corps. It was at the rank of sergeant she experienced a life-altering incident, which reshaped her career and redefined her understanding of leadership.
A tragic shooting of two lieutenant colonels in 1996 left one of them dead and the other clinging to life in the arms of Dunbar. Lt. Col. Thomas Heffner, Dunbar’s commanding officer at the time, lay shot in the chest by a .45 caliber round, asking her to give his family his last regards. Dunbar refused, and told her commander that he was going to survive.
“I told him – you’re going to be ok, and you will be able to tell them yourself, sir,” said Dunbar.
A few weeks after the shooting, Dunbar was outside at a training field, about to take her yearly physical fitness test with the rest of her unit, when she surprisingly saw Heffner walking toward the unit.
“I was shocked,” she said. “He was supposed to be recovering, but he wasn’t in the hospital or with his family - he was with us, his Marines. I couldn’t believe it. We were so important to him that he felt the need to see us. It opened my eyes to what leadership really is.” She explained.
Following the inspiring visit from her CO, Dunbar decided to remain a Marine, re-enlisted and followed her passion to become a drill instructor.
“My time in the drill field really taught me how to segue leadership into inspiration,” said Dunbar.”
One Marine in particular, who was one of Dunbar’s former recruits, is now a member of her squadron 10 years later and describes how her experience with Dunbar has come full-circle.
“As a senior drill instructor, she was a fireball,” said Staff Sgt. Kimberly McNew, and aviation ordnance technician with HMLAT-303. Working for her 10 years later is awesome, and re-affirms that everything I learned from her at recruit training and all the work she put in, helped me get to where I am today as a staff NCO. She makes me want to re-enlist.”
Dunbar’s time as a drill instructor influenced and inspired many, and she continues to do so as a sergeant major today. For McNew, and many others, Dunbar is more than a more than just a Marine to look up to - she is someone who can be counted on when seeking guidance on any level.
“Sergeant Major Dunbar is someone who can guide you in life,” explained McNew. “She is who to go to, whether for personal reasons or mentorship as a Marine, she makes herself available and gives you more than you can ask for. As a female, and more so as a Marine, she sets the standard that others should follow,” said Mcnew.
In Nov of 2012, Dunbar was promoted to sergeant major and June 14, 2012 assumed the duties of the sergeant major of HMLAT-303.
“Sergeant Major Dunbar is an extremely valuable member of the squadron,” said Lt. Col. Robert Morgan, the commanding officer of HMLAT-303. “She brings tremendous insight to a range of issues and is an impact player on the command team. Her diverse background in the Marine Corps, and impeccable record of performance, makes her an example for all Marines.”
Dunbar’s 24-year has career carried with it great influence, inspiration and exemplifies what it means to be a leader. Her charisma shines brightly when she speaks and her words carry with them many lessons to those who hear them.
For any Marine who finds themselves sitting in the “SGTMAJ’S HOT SEAT,” an opportunity to learn something valuable about life may be sitting there with them.
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 03.26.2013 18:07 |
| Story ID: | 104144 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,583 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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