Photo By Lance Cpl. Kevin Lopez Herrera | U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lance J. Langfeldt, 6th Marine Corps District commanding...... read more read more
PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Since 1942, when the National Secretaries Association was formed, the hard work and responsibilities of administrative professionals have been recognized during the last full week of April, known as Professional Secretaries Week or Administrative Professionals Week. 6th Marine Corps Recruiting District is no exception to the bounties of administrative specialists who keep the recruiting effort operational. Sandra Dee Blackmon is an excellent example of the importance of civilian secretaries within the U.S. Marine Corps.
For 39 years, Blackmon has served as a civilian secretary within the military, providing important services to the command leadership in each unit she served. Prior to joining the 6MCD team, Blackmon was a civilian secretary to the commanding officer of the United States Armed Forces Iceland Defense Force, supporting the efforts of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization to provide defense for Iceland.
Since 2001, Blackmon has worked as the secretary to the commanding officer of 6MCD. She has worked for nine different commanding officers in a constantly changing recruiting environment and has established a relationship with each of them. Through the shifting demands, Blackmon has found she can adapt successfully with the people she works alongside.
“The people I meet are very different and [it’s] challenging,” Blackmon explains about personnel changes every few years. “You never know what you’re going to come up with; everybody has different personalities.”
As a secretary to the commanding officer, Blackmon has used her benevolent disposition to connect with Marines, Sailors, and civilians within 6MCD. She is an advisor to the civilians and service members of all ranks within the headquarters, providing more to the district than her duties demand. The hard work and dedication she provides to the district is beyond what any commander could hope for.
Blackmon says that her job is important; one way she makes the commander’s jobs easier is by handling orders and arranging travel. While the commander is away, Blackmon ensures everything in the office is functioning, and the commander does not have to worry about the job getting done.
In 2020, the world faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Marine Corps continued to uphold its commitment to fighting and winning our Nation’s battles. Recruiting efforts continued and so did Blackmon’s duties to the commander. Although her responsibilities never changed and she was able to adapt to a new work environment, her sociable personality could not thrive working from home.
“I wasn’t used to being home like that,” Blackmon said. “I’m not a stay-at-home person at all. I don’t like sitting in the house, doing absolutely nothing. I have to stay busy.”
Blackmon pushed through her struggles and got the job done, something that secretaries across the nation found difficult. Using the same motivation she found from working at home, she continues to contribute to the District’s success in accomplishing the mission.
"Sandi is an outstanding wife, mother, and a great person to work with," explained Col. Lance J. Langfeldt, 6MCD commanding officer. "Her support and dedication to her duties are extremely valuable to the District's success. Her impeccable planning and coordinating skills are paralleled by the mentorship she provides for our Marines, Sailors and civilians." Langfeldt recognized Sandra Blackmon’s hard work with a special Pacesetter Award to commemorate her diligent efforts in support of 6MCD and recognized her for Administrative Professionals Day as an incredible secretary. “There is not a day that goes by that Marines are not seeking her advice and guidance.”
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2022 13:50 |
| Story ID: | 420551 |
| Location: | PARRIS ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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