Photo By Sgt. Webster Rison | Staff Sgt. Louis A. Bourdony, a small arms repair technical instructor, is the...... read more read more
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Staff Sgt. Louis A. Bourdony, a small arms repair technical instructor assigned to Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Lee, Virginia, was awarded the detachment’s 2020 Instructor of the Year.
The purpose of the award is to recognize instructors, who excel in using the principles and techniques of military instruction in their academic duties.
“Staff Sgt. Bourdony operates on a daily basis as if he’s trying to earn his place in this organization every day, even though he’s one of our longest-serving Marines,” said Lt. Col. Julian M. Tsukano, the commanding officer of the detachment. “The moment he submitted his package, he was a cut above.”
“Being knee cap to knee cap with these Marines and watching them come in as young teenagers and leave here as maintainers, that’s very rewarding,” said Bourdony, a native of Lompoc, California.
Bourdony received orders to the detachment in 2017. He was going to serve as an instructor for the Small Arms Repair Technician Course. He soon became the senior instructor of the detachment and the Commander of Bravo Company, for the Marine Detachment. The Staff Sergeant was responsible for organizing and operating the detachment’s more than 150 Marines.
“He brought a presence with him whenever he walked in the room,” explained Pfc. Leniyus E. Sullivan, a student at the detachment. “He grinds, he works hard, and to see him get instructor of the year, I’m pretty proud.”
His day often starts at 3:45 a.m. as he oversees the detachment’s morning physical training sessions before beginning his day. Bourdony usually doesn’t head home until well after 5 p.m., ensuring Marines in the detachment are prepared to meet the next day’s mission.
“A big challenge that you’ll always have is that work and life balance,” explained Bourdony, a father of four children. “You want to commit to the Marines and give your all and stay late and come in early, but at the same time, you want to balance that family life.”
The award is an embodiment of the total Marine concept. The concept is putting forth 100 percent effort in constantly improving one’s physical, mental, social and spiritual capabilities, and leading others to do the same. In committing to that mindset Bourdony stood out among his peers.
The award highlights a Marine, who can lead students and ensure their care. Award recipients also produce high graduation rates, which results in Marines retaining information and performing well in the fleet.
“In my opinion, teaching at the schoolhouse is the pinnacle of the ordinance community,” Bourdony said. “There’s no greater way to give back to your community than to develop the young Marines and develop the future maintainers to replace us.”
Story by Lance Cpl. Jessica A. Foraker, MCBQ CommStrat
| Date Taken: | 03.10.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2021 08:12 |
| Story ID: | 391078 |
| Location: | FORT LEE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 170 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Marine recognized for dedication to students, by LCpl Jessica Foraker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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