MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) selected a Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) lance corporal as its Marine of the Year in a Quantico, Va., ceremony Dec. 8. Even though Lance Cpl. Gerald Walker, an administrative clerk in the MCSC Staff Secretary’s Office, has only served in the military for 16 months, his dedication and hard work have been noteworthy. A board of sergeants major chose the MCSC Marine during a “highly competitive” selection process.
“Walker’s diligent and focused efforts significantly contributed to the accomplishment of his command’s mission,” said Lt. Gen. James Amos, MCCDC commanding general. “Walker earned the title of Marine of the Year based on exemplary and highly professional performance of duties, demonstrated knowledge, and superior military bearing.”
“Walker is an outstanding Marine because he takes the time to seek knowledge and guidance,” said Gunnery Sgt. Charlett Aubert, MCSC Staff Secretary Administrative Office staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “He has a lot of responsibilities and gives 110 percent.”
The lance corporal handles correspondence, fitness reports, retirement packages and additional duties for the MCSC Staff Secretary Administrative Office.
“I never thought I would ever do anything like this,” said Walker, who graduated in June 2005 from Walbrook High School in Baltimore.
Besides the honor of becoming Marine of the Year, the lance corporal also earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a $100 gift certificate from the Marine Corps Association; a $100 American Express Gift Card from First Command Financial Services; two $100 Savings Bonds, one from Marine Federal Credit Union and one from Bank of America; a free night’s stay at the Ramada Inn, a small eagle trophy from J.D. Holm Financial Group; and Marine Corps collectors stamps from GEICO.
The Marine of the Year credits his success to his mother and grandmother, and his supervisor echoed those sentiments.
“Walker is successful because his mother and his grandmother taught him good values,” added Aubert. “The Marine Corps just enhanced what he was taught at home.”
Hard work also helps. Walker’s philosophy is “be proficient in everything that you do, and strive to excel further than your peers,” he said. “Continue to set goals.”
If his first 16 months in the Marine Corps are any indication, and he continues to work hard and set his goals high, future success and honors are sure to follow.