Photo By Cpl. Sean Dennison | Sgt. Paulina Alvarado, left, an Installation Personnel Administration Center quality...... read more read more
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YUMA Ariz.- Two station enlisted Marines received awards for their exemplary service to the Marine Corps at the San Diego Convention Center in California, Jan. 25.
Sgt. Paulina Alvarado, an Installation Personnel Administration Center quality assurance clerk and a native of El Paso, Texas, and Cpl. Raymond Thiesen, a military policeman and a native of East Islip, N.Y., stood among approximately 100 other enlisted Marines and sailors recognized as Enlisted Superior Performers for Marine Corps Installations-West.
The ceremony, part of a convention hosted by the U.S. Naval Institute and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, comprised of Marines selected by their commands for attributes ranging from leadership abilities to dedication to the Corps' missions and traditions, Marines like Alvarado and Thiesen.
"I nominated both of these Marines for their unmatched professionalism held in concert with their potential for upward mobility and the immediate impact they have on their Marines, their unit, and the Corps," said Sgt. Maj. William Wiseman, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major.
But where do these two Marines come from?
Alvarado, who joined in 2006, had no idea she would eventually be recognized as a Marine to be emulated, much less the Corps existed back then.
"One of my very good friends had cancer, so he couldn't join," Alvarado said. "That's when I decided to join. Before that, I didn't know what the Marine Corps was."
For Thiesen's part, he joined the Corps later in life after working in construction.
"It's the best," said Thiesen of his decision to join the Corps. "The most elite want to be in the Marine Corps."
"I floundered around for bit," he added. "I didn't want to live with regret."
Both Marines agree their decision has worked out for them, and then some.
"I've loved the people I've worked with," said Alvarado, who is in Yuma as her third duty station. "It's like a family away from family."
"I'm going to stay in as long as I'm enjoying myself," said Thiesen, who was selected for the station non-commissioned officer of the year in 2011. "If I'm in for 25 years and I'm still enjoying myself, so be it."
That the Marines were selected is evident of the command's faith in their abilities to smoothly navigate Corps life for both themselves and their Marines.
"It makes me feel really proud," said Alvarado. "I'm doing something right, and people are noticing. It gives you motivation to keep going and keep doing things right."
"It was nice to be in the company of people who take the Marine Corps very seriously," added Thiesen. "I like to be around Marines who are motivated."
With both Marines aiming their career trajectories toward Drill Instructor School, it is little surprise they both share the same philosophy on what makes a good Marine a good Marine.
"It's leading by example," said Alvarado. "Keep working hard for everything you want. Even if things don't go your way, you've got to keep pressing and go for it."
"Leading by example and being consistent," said Thiesen. "It's impossible to be an effective leader if you're a hypocrite."
On top of the accolades, both Marines are now members of the U.S. Naval Institute and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association for one year. On top of that, both expect great things for themselves and their Marines in the years to come.
| Date Taken: | 02.03.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2012 17:06 |
| Story ID: | 83312 |
| Location: | YUMA, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 230 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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