Photo By Sgt. Jennessa Davey | U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Mario DeSalvo, an intelligence officer with 1st Intelligence...... read more read more
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The Marine Corps Association & Foundation recently awarded a Marine from 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information group, as the LtCol Michael D. Kuszewski Marine Corps Intelligence Officer of the Year.
1st Lt. Mario Desalvo, a prior infantry Marine of 12 years, received this award for his pre deployment and deployment actions during 2019.
This award goes to the intelligence officer who is recognized by seniors, contemporaries and subordinates who exemplify outstanding leadership within Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise. This officer must exhibit superior knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the intelligence process.
Desalvo, a native of Broomfield, Colorado, said he grew up in a trailer park and never planned to join the Marine Corps.
“I just wanted to hang out with my trailer park friends and do trailer park things,” said Desalvo. “But after seeing the efforts of Operation Phantom Fury, I no longer wanted to be a bystander to the challenging events going on in the world.”
Desalvo enlisted in 2005 in the infantry and went on four deployments. On these deployments, he witnessed firsthand the importance of intelligence within the Marine Corps.
Desalvo enjoyed his time as an infantryman, but he wanted to further challenge himself. In 2016, he accepted a commission as an intelligence officer. He felt through this role he would be able to make a difference by playing a different role as a Marine Corps Officer.
Desalvo relied on lessons he learned while serving in the infantry to become a successful intelligence officer; one of which was the importance of mission accomplish.
“There’s little difference between being in the infantry and intelligence,” said Desalvo. “We all have a mission.”
Desalvo said although he did not have much experience, he did not let that intimidate him. As a former enlisted Marine, he enjoys learning from his Marines.
“There is no problem with an officer getting help from his or her junior Marines,” said Desalvo. “I believe an officer is only as good as the Marines under him.”
Desalvo’s superiors nominated him for this award because he exemplified many of the same attributes as LtCol. Kuszewski, the intelligence Marine who is the namesake of the award.
“He is an exemplary officer,” said Capt. Jack McAuliffe, Desalvo’s company commander during his deployment. “He has an impressive balance of initiative and mission accomplishment day in and day out.”
Desalvo has already served 15 years in the Marine Corps and plans to continue his career until it is time to retire. He hopes to continue to deploy and make a difference in the Marine Corps.
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2020 17:15 |
| Story ID: | 370779 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 550 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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