Photo By Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. April Rodriguez, an MV-22 Osprey flightline instructor with the...... read more read more
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. April Rodriguez, an MV-22 Osprey flightline instructor assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was chosen as the MCAS New River Go Getter of the month for leading the flightline division, maintaining and qualifying new Navy and Marine Corps instructors, progressing in her master training specialist qualification, and becoming a certified Sexual Assault Response Victim Advocate for her unit.
Rodriguez enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2017 from Hobbs, New Mexico, because she was searching for adventure and meaning in her life.
“I joined the Marines to travel and experience new things and also challenge myself,” said Rodriguez. “I did not have an exact idea of what I wanted to do, but I knew that I wanted a challenge.”
After approximately three months of training on MCAS New River, Rodriguez graduated her military occupation specialty (MOS) school and earned the MOS MV-22 tiltrotor mechanic in October of 2017. She then received orders to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (VMM-265) in Okinawa, Japan for the next four years.
“Once I got to the fleet, I started seeking self-improvement every day,” said Rodriguez. “I was so excited to learn my job and better myself.”
After her time in Okinawa came to an end, Rodriguez reenlisted for another four years and received orders to be an instructor at CNATTU, MCAS New River, where she teaches the next generation of Marines who will specialize as tiltrotor mechanic's.
“I love being able to make a difference to the junior Marines,” said Rodriguez. “I want to be the change the Marine Corps needs and be an example for others to emulate.”
Rodriguez began building a positive reputation for herself because of her optimistic, can-do attitude, which she brings with her to work every day.
“Rodriguez's initiative and dedication speak volumes about her character, because she is always constantly seeking billets and responsibilities to improve the commands and herself” said Gunnery Sgt. Rodneyjero Delaros Jr, MV-22 flightline lead instructor, CNATTU.
Rodriguez plans on reenlisting again to continue her primary MOS as a MV-22 tiltrotor mechanic.
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 08.11.2023 13:55 |
| Story ID: | 451144 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | HOBBS, NEW MEXICO, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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