Photo By Cpl. Antwain Graham | From the left, Gunnery Sgt. Andre Cuthbertson, Staff Sgt. James Jones and Sgt. Kyle...... read more read more
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At the end of every sergeant, career and advanced course offered at the Staff Non-commissioned Officer Academy, three outstanding Marines step before their respective classes as the Gung-Ho award recipients.
These Marines are selected from many other good candidates, but the final judgment of their peers places them on the pedestal. It's what their fellow Marines see in them as leaders throughout the course that places them above the rest, according to various students in the staff academy.
"The Gung Ho Marine is that all-around [person] who is able to motivate and influence all the other Marines," said Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth Carter, a student in the advanced course and a wire chief with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.
On Wednesday, Gunnery Sgt. Andre Cuthbertson, Staff Sgt. James Jones and Sgt. Kyle Fox were honored as the newest Gung-Ho award recipients at the SNCO Academy graduation at the Camp Hansen Theater.
Cuthbertson, the supply chief with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF, was surprised when he found out he was the Gung-Ho Marine of the advanced course. He says the traits and customs he displayed throughout his time in the course were no different than those he would exemplify around his own Marines.
According to numerous students of the advanced course, Cuthbertson was a true leader of the pack who was always ready for a challenge.
"Gunny 'Cuth' was the one who provided order and discipline even within chaos," said Gunnery Sgt. John Dalton, one of Cuthbertson's classmates during the course and the maintenance control division chief for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, from Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C. "He stood out above the rest, took on any task no matter how challenging and kept his Marines motivated."
According to his classmates, Jones, a field artillery cannoneer with 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines, made it a goal to keep spirits up through the month-long course.
"He's that Marine who always finds a way to make a tough situation a little more interesting and would often crack jokes to lighten the mood in class," said Staff Sgt. Wallace Gordon, one of Jones' classmates and a wire chief with 7th Comm. Bn.
Other classmates added that though Jones knew how to give a good punch line, he still kept order and discipline present.
"Even when he was making us laugh, he didn't hesitate to square Marines away, so his ability to balance these characteristics made him a great candidate for the Gung-Ho award," said Staff Sgt. Bajru Deshields, an aviation supply specialist with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st MAW, III MEF.
Fox, a squad leader with 2nd battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I MEF was described by his classmates as dependable — always having a positive attitude and lots of enthusiasm.
"He always puts others before himself and, being a grunt, knows how to operate well with a team," said Sgt. Phillip Walters, a technical controller with 7th Comm. Bn. "He is always willing to give his time and dedication to the Marines that need him."
"The traits and qualities these Marines possess are what defines Gung-Ho," said Dalton.
In the eyes of their classmates, Cuthbertson, Jones and Fox proved they truly define what it means to be "Gung-Ho."
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.22.2010 01:10 |
| Story ID: | 46969 |
| Location: | CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 191 |
| Downloads: | 83 |
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