Photo By Cpl. Terry Wong | U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sambo Phoeuk, left, the temporary additional...... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Every calendar year, the Marine Corps Manpower, Personnel and Administration Awards Program recognizes Marines who have provided commendable administrative support to fellow Marines, civilian Marines, other service personnel and their families.
Chief Warrant Officer Sambo Phoeuk, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the temporary additional duty and deployments branch head with the Installation Personnel Administration Center, was recognized as the 2020 Personnel Officer of the Year, and Cpl. Rachel Rael, a native of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and an administrative specialist with the IPAC, as the 2020 Marine of the Year.
“It’s such a humbling experience to be nominated for this award, considering all of the competition with many outstanding officers in the administrative field,” said Phoeuk. “I have my Marines to thank first. They are the backbone of the day-to-day operations at the IPAC and continuously inspire me to be a cut above.”
The program awards Marines, civilian Marines, and a Personnel Administration Center who, within the total force during calendar year 2020, made significant contributions to the administrative community and exemplified superior excellence and dedication to mission readiness.
Phoeuk explained that his daily routine varies, but it typically consists of articulating the TAD and deployment administrative requirements to different units. In addition, he mentors the Marines under his charge with the wisdom and experience he has gained throughout his career.
“My goal is to help illuminate the purpose and value behind the hard work my Marines put in every day,” said Phoeuk. “To me, the most important aspect of leadership is showing Marines that I give it my all every day. I’m here to guide them and answer their questions at any time.”
Phoeuk explained that he also attributes the Personnel Officer of the Year award to the senior leaders he has encountered throughout the ranks that have pushed him to think outside the box and out of his own comfort zone.
Nominees for the program are expected to best symbolize outstanding professionalism and leadership within the administrative community as well as exhibit superior knowledge of manpower and personnel administration for their grade.
“This award helps me see that I’m not only making a difference in the administrative community, but in the Marine Corps as a whole,” said Rael. “Every day I get to work with Marines going on TAD or deployments, and I have the opportunity to help them receive their entitlements quickly and accurately.”
Both Phoeuk and Rael go above and beyond their traditional duties as a Marine. Phoeuk has been a High Intensity Tactical Training Program instructor for three years, and Rael was a student at the Headquarters and Support Battalion sponsored Corporals Course 3-21 on Camp Foster.
“I’m learning fresh leadership concepts that will be extremely effective back in the workplace,” said Rael. “Additionally, I want to show my leadership that the 2020 Marine of the Year award is not where I’m going to stop. I will continue to work harder than ever before and strive for perfection.”
Rael explained that Phoeuk has been an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance for her because of his burning passion and confidence in the work he does.
“He is always looking for state-of-the-art ways to improve not only our section, but the whole administration community in the Marine Corps,” said Rael. “I was not surprised to see he earned the 2020 Personnel Officer of the Year due to the way he carries himself and constantly strives to innovate and improve his craft.”
Phoeuk explained that the advice he has for Marines aspiring to achieve the award is to always endeavor to expand capabilities inside and outside of the workplace. Additionally, be as consistent and available as possible for the many opportunities the Marine Corps presents.
“At the end of the day, you have to be the leader you’d want to follow,” said Phoeuk. “Reinforce your leadership convictions through action and you are guaranteed to flourish in this community.”
| Date Taken: | 02.17.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.19.2021 03:22 |
| Story ID: | 396790 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 373 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, MCIPAC Marines awarded for superior administrative support, by Sgt Alex Fairchild, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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