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CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan – Sgt. Maj. Devon A. Lee has accomplished many things while serving as the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group sergeant major. Amongst those achievements, he was the strong lead with Marines and their professional military education programs.
Lee relinquished his duties as the III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the Camp Hansen sergeant major June 8, 2016, to Sgt. Maj. Mario P. Fields, who will now continue those legacies created by Lee.
Lee’s journey in the Marine Corps began in July of 1993. During his 23 years of service, he assumed multiple billets, including Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, operations chief in Quantico, Virginia, and sergeant major of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, on Okinawa, Japan.
“While being the sergeant major of three commands, my initial goal was to find out what the commander’s intent was and to find the best way possible to help the commander achieve his goals throughout our tour together,” said Lee from Alexandria, Virginia.
During his time with III MHG, Lee was an essential part in building the professional military education programs such as Lance Corporal Seminar, Corporals Course and Sergeants Course.
“The Marine Corps as a whole takes (professional military education) very seriously,” said Lee. “It is important that our commanders and senior enlisted leaders have an investment in the program to help show the young Marines that it is important, valuable and that we only want what is best for them.”
Professional military education, colloquially referred to as PME, is designed to help the development of leadership, warfighting techniques and staff operations of the nation’s military forces through resident and nonresident learning programs.
“Sgt. Maj. Lee was a big advocate, and one of his biggest accomplishments was the (professional military education),” said Maj. Jean P. Exantus, the manpower officer for III MHG. “He made sure that Marines received the best help and support that Camp Hansen could provide.”
Lee spent many hours to ensure the PME courses were only handled by the most qualified instructors to teach the Marines.
“I want the Marines to keep doing what they are doing, and it is an honor to get the chance to serve the women and men that serve our country,” said Lee. “I hope they continue to protect what they have earned and continue to take care of the ones around them. I will not be able to find a stronger community back stateside that's similar to what we have here in Okinawa, and that I will miss.”
Lee will serve as the sergeant major of Marine Helicopter Squadron One, II Marine Aircraft Wing, for his next duty assignment. The squadron is responsible for the transportation of the President of the United States, Vice President and the Cabinet members.
“III MHG will miss Sgt. Maj. Lee,” said Exantus. “We got lucky enough to have another outstanding sergeant major to replace him.”
Sgt. Maj. Mario P. Fields will now take on the responsibility of assisting the commanding officer with supporting the Marines and our allies in the Pacific.
“Sgt. Maj. Fields is a dynamic character, and I believe he is going to bring III MEF and III MHG a level of intensity and motivation, bringing all the commands to a new level,” said Lee. “I wish him the best of luck, and I could not ask for a more qualified Marine to take over the realm of III MHG, III MEB and Camp Hansen.”
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2016 08:06 |
| Story ID: | 200460 |
| Location: | CAMP HANSEN , OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 265 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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