Photo By Pfc. Gavin Kulczewski | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Steven Akridge (Right Center), from Virginia, a tactical air...... read more read more
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The searing heat of Djibouti beat down around U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Steven Akridge, a Martinsville, Virginia, native and tactical air defense controller with Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). He stared at the inoperable air surveillance system, a critical piece of equipment for 2nd MAW’s tactical air defense control unit. Without it, operations could be delayed, and the unit's mission could have been placed in jeopardy. Replacing or fixing the air surveillance system would take time. Instead of waiting on others, Lance Cpl. Akridge, knowing the unique position he was in, decided to take the initiative to correct the issue himself.
“When the problem arose, I was the one in a position to fix [the air surveillance system] and I was the only one there who could do anything about it,” said Akridge.
The initial assumption was that the system might need to be replaced. This would be a time-consuming process, so instead of accepting the situation at face value, Akridge took it upon himself to go above and beyond what was expected of him and find a solution.
“I realized I had the proper training and good leadership to help me get through, it and it ended up great,” said Akridge.
Using his critical thinking and experience, he figured out the issue and knew he could come up with a solution. In his previous months in Djibouti, Akridge worked as a surveillance operator and a weapons operator. He had familiarized himself with a different air defense system that had many of the same functions as his unit's inoperable air surveillance system. Knowing that a nearby unit had this system available, Akridge found a solution – MACS-2 could use it to fill its gap in air surveillance without having to wait for repairs to its original air surveillance system. With his self-taught knowledge of the nearby unit's air defense system, Akridge kept the tactical air operations center’s air surveillance capabilities working without having to wait on replacement parts. This Marine’s quick thinking resulted in a previously unidentified solution to the problem.
Now as a corporal, Akridge looks back on that moment as and uses it to help his Marines grow and succeed. It changed how he saw his role in the Marine Corps, reinforcing a lesson he can now pass on to his Marines.
“I thought that I was just another little lance corporal,” said Akridge. “But I’m glad my training paid off and I got to make such a large impact. I realized that even though I’m not a high-ranking individual, I still play a vital part in my job, and what I do is important. It really makes me want to continue and do the best I can.”
Akridge’s actions in Djibouti were more than just a solution to a problem for the unit. They were a reminder that initiative and problem solving are key factors to what makes individuals and the Marine Corps grow stronger.
“Anyone can make a difference,” said Akridge. “From private to a general, it just takes a little bit of initiative and a willingness to learn.”
Akridge was chosen for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general’s Cowbell Award for his outstanding performance as a datalink coordinator, MACS-2, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. The Cowbell Award is a recognition program within 2nd MAW that aims to inspire Marines, Sailors and civilians to innovate and improve processes. It encourages members to actively seek out and implement innovations and best practices that enhance overall effectiveness. The award consists of an actual cowbell inscribed with a message from the commanding general of appreciation, symbolizing recognition for contributions made by the recipients. Akridge received his cowbell from Maj. Gen. William H. Swan, commanding general, 2nd MAW, on Mar. 13, 2025.
“Receiving the award and being recognized for my actions by the commanding general encourages me to continue my work and to enhance my skills so that I can continue to be a valuable asset for the Marine Corps and my unit,” said Akridge.
Sometimes all it takes is some innovation and initiative to step up and make a difference.
| Date Taken: | 03.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2025 16:33 |
| Story ID: | 492803 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Impacting at every level: How one Lance Corporal’s innovation earned a Cowbell, by PFC Gavin Kulczewski, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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