MOS 89 non MOS-Specific
Command Sergeant Major
For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Command Sergeant Major, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, Marine Aircraft Group 24, from February 2025 to July 2026. Sergeant Major Mota consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, providing superior mentorship to her Marines and astute counsel to the commanding officer. Deploying as the Aviation Combat Element Sergeant Major for Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 25.3, she managed 275 personnel from multiple commands across widely dispersed operations in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. Her foresight and dedication ensured seamless integration, logistical sustainment, and peak morale through five major exercises and rigorous field operations. When the Squadron was called to respond to a real-world humanitarian crisis in the Philippines, she navigated complex challenges to deploy a third of the unit within 48 hours, while later coordinating complicated multi-echelon redeployments across the Pacific. A consummate professional and tireless advocate for personnel welfare, she personally mentored Marines on career mobility, reenlistment, and ensured the professional military education completion for nearly every sergeant and below, fostering a climate of excellence, discipline, and mission focus. Sergeant Major Mota's pragmatic problem-solving, extraordinary fortitude, and unwavering devotion to duty significantly contributed to the Squadron's success. By her exceptional ability, unfailing initiative, and total dedication to duty, Sergeant Major Mota reflected great credit upon herself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Battalion Sergeant Major
For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Battalion Sergeant Major, 4th Combat Engineer Battalion, 4th Marine Division, from January 2021 to June 2023. During this period, Sergeant Major Hawkins consistently performed her duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Her work ethic, character, and commitment to excellence profoundly improved the battalion's readiness. She delivered sage counsel to the Commander as they effectively guided the battalion through the Coronavirus19 pandemic. Sergeant Major Hawkins leadership fostered a culture of discipline, esprit de corps and personal resilience to thousands of Marines and Sailors in seven companies across five states in the execution of drill periods and annual training events across the United States and abroad. She vastly improved the battalion's Professional Military Education, ensuring higher promotion rates and greater retention. Sergeant Major Hawkins also served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor at Force Fitness Division, sharing her civilian physical therapy expertise, and advocating for reserve integration. As the only female Sergeant Major in Division, she shared her military experiences through the Joint Women's Leadership Symposium with hundreds of service members from across the country. Sergeant Major Hawkins superior performance of duties culminated her 21 years of honorable and dedicated military service. Sergeant Major Hawkins' keen judgment, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit on her and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Battalion Sergeant Major
FOR OUTSTANDING MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT WHILE SERVING AS BATTALION SERGEANT MAJOR, 1ST BATTALION, 6TH MARINE REGIMENT, AND 2D LIGHT ARMORED RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION, FLEET MARINE FORCE FROM DECEMBER 2017 TO JANUARY 2021. AS BATTALION SERGEANT MAJOR, 1ST BATTALION, 6TH MARINE REGIMENT, SERGEANT MAJOR LONG IMMEDIATELY ESTABLISHED A COMMAND CLIMATE OF ACCOUNTABILITY AND MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT AND ENGRAINED A CULTURE OF WINNING, ACHIEVEMENT, AND SUCCESS. UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP, THE BATTALION EXECUTED AN INTENSIVE PRE-DEPLOYMENT TRAINING WHICH LED TO NUMEROUS ACCOLADES AND BEING SELECTED AS THE DIVISION'S BATTALION OF THE YEAR. AS THE SERGEANT MAJOR, HE DEPLOYED OVER 900 MARINES AND SAILORS TO FORWARD DEPLOYED BATTALION-EAST 20-1 ROTATION TO OKINAWA, JAPAN IN SUPPORT OF II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE AND THE INDO-PACIFIC AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY. THE BATTALION EXECUTED 81 SQUAD LIVE-FIRE ATTACKS, FOUR AIR ASSAULTS, TWO TACTICAL CONVOY TRAINING EVENTS, TEN FIRE SUPPORT TRAINING EXERCISES, AND DEPLOYED BRAVO COMPANY FOR ONE MONTH TO COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER FUJI FOR FUJI VIPER. SERGEANT MAJOR LONG'S INITIATIVE, PERSEVERANCE, AND DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT ON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
Sergeant Major, 4th Medical Battalion
For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Sergeant Major, 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group from July 2021 to July 2024. During this period, Sergeant Major Turner's far-reaching leadership greatly increased the morale, welfare, and discipline of over 500 Marines and Sailors disaggregated across 13 different geographical locations. Always focused on the effectiveness of the individual Marine and Sailor, Sergeant Major Turner ensured the command was set up for success by working closely with the Company Commanders to ensure all administrative matters, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions were conducted in accordance with Marine Corps Orders. He oversaw the submittal of meritorious promotion and Marine and Non-Commissioned Officer packages, which resulted in two Non-Commissioned Officers of the Quarter, one Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, one Meritorious Corporal, and one Meritorious Sergeant. Sergeant Major Turner maintained cross-communication with the other companies' Senior Enlisted Marines and Sailors by providing assistance with administration tasks. These included conducting counseling, entering Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System marks, and providing guidance to deal with any deficiencies in the unit. Sergeant Major Turner's superior performance of duties culminated his 26 years of honorable and dedicated military service. Sergeant Major Turner's exceptional professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty reflected great credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
SERGEANT MAJOR, SITE SUPPORT MIRAMAR
FOR OUTSTANDING MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS SERGEANT MAJOR, SITE SUPPORT MIRAMAR, 4TH MARINE AIRCRAFT WING FROM SEPTEMBER 2010 TO JANUARY 2015. DURING THIS PERIOD, SERGEANT MAJOR KRAUS DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF THROUGH UNEQUALED EXPERTISE, SUPERVISION, AND LEADERSHIP. SERGEANT MAJOR KRAUS LED FROM THE FRONT AND WAS INSTRUMENTAL TO THE READINESS AND HIGH STATE OF MORALE AMONG THE MARINES, SAILORS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF THIS COMMAND. SERGEANT MAJOR KRAUS' GUIDANCE AND MENTORSHIP OF MARINES, DRAWN FROM YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, ENRICHED AND INSPIRED ALL MEMBERS IN LEADERSHIP ROLES ACROSS THE COMMAND. HE SPEARHEADED A COMPREHENSIVE PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR ALL ENLISTED RANKS, ALWAYS ENCOURAGING THE PURSUIT OF EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE. SERGEANT MAJOR KRAUS' EFFORTS WERE INSTRUMENTAL TO THE SUCCESS OF SITE SUPPORT MIRAMAR AND THE FIVE ADMINISTRATIVELY CONTROLLED UNITS FOR WHICH THE SITE SUPPORT WAS RESPONSIBLE. SERGEANT MAJOR KRAUS' PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN FUNERAL PREPARATION AND OTHER CEREMONIAL DUTIES ENSURED THAT 4TH MARINE AIRCRAFT WING PERSONNEL WERE ALWAYS PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED FOR THE MANY FACETS OF MARINE CORPS TRADITIONS AND CEREMONIES. HE PERSONALLY OVERSAW ALL ASPECTS OF SEVERAL CHANGES OF COMMAND AS WELL AS NUMEROUS RETIREMENT CEREMONIES AND ENSURED ALL WERE FLAWLESS. HIS SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OF DUTY DURING THIS TOUR IS THE HALLMARK OF A CAREER DEVOTED TO ACCOMPLISHING BROAD AND DIVERSE TASKS, HIGHLIGHTING THE CULMINATION OF 30 YEARS OF HONORABLE AND DEDICATED MARINE CORPS SERVICE. SERGEANT MAJOR KRAUS' EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL ABILITY, INITIATIVE AND TOTAL DEVOTION TO DUTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
Sergeant Major, 3d Force Reconnaissance Company
For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Sergeant Major, 3d Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division from May 2011 to May 2014. During this period, Sergeant Major Schager consistently performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Sergeant Major Schager provided much needed and inspirational leadership during a period of tremendous turnover and transition. He expertly assessed the situation in the unit and immediately initiated several efforts designed to sustain, mentor, and develop Marine leaders. His efforts to coach and teach subordinates in professional development and career progression enhanced the readiness of the unit and insured the health of the noncommissioned and staff noncommissioned officer corps for years to come. Sergeant Major Schager's superior performance of duties as the unit's senior enlisted advisor represents the culmination of more than 27 years of honorable and dedicated service as an exceptional Marine and devoted leader. Sergeant Major Schager's tireless efforts to carry out his duties with unfailing good judgment, effectiveness, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
9999 First Sergeant
For outstanding meritorious service while serving as the Squadron First Sergeant, Aviation Maintenance Squadron 1, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23, Training Command, from July 2022 to June 2024. During this time, First Sergeant Gusevik consistently performed her duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. She enthusiastically led and mentored a permanent personnel staff of over one hundred Marines as they progressed in their professional instruction qualifications and personal development. As the unit's Senior Enlisted Leader, she advised the Commanding Officer on all pertinent matters including policymaking and legal adjudication hearings while simultaneously preserving good order and discipline within the Squadron. In addition, she was an integral part in the modification of squadron orders, ensuring mission accomplishment while harmoniously balancing and advocating for troop welfare. Furthermore, she orchestrated a remarkable 2023 Marine Corps Birthday Ball for over 400 Marines, Sailors, and family members. Overall, First Sergeant Gusevik's superior leadership enabled the squadron to effectively lead, train, and mentor over 2,400 entry-level training and fleet returnee Marine students and ensured the long-term success of Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23, Training Command, and the Fleet Marine Forces. First Sergeant Gusevik's superior performance of duties culminated her 20 years of honorable and dedicated military service. By her exceptional professionalism, initiative, and total dedication to duty, First Sergeant Gusevik reflected great credit upon herself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.
9999 First Sergeant
MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS COMPANY FIRST SERGEANT, WEAPONS COMPANY, 1ST BATTALION, 25TH MARINES, 4TH MARINE DIVISION FROM MAY 2013 TO MAY 2014. OVER THE PAST YEAR, FIRST SERGEANT NARRA HAS BEEN CRITICAL TO THE COMPANY'S SUCCESS. DURING THE BATTALION'S ANNUAL TRAINING AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, HE NOT ONLY EXPERTLY SUPERVISED ALL OF THE COMPANY'S ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS, HE ALSO SERVED AS THE RANGE SAFETY OFFICER IN A FOUR-DAY LIVE-FIRE MORTAR RANGE. DURING THE COURSE OF THIS FOUR-DAY TRAINING PACKAGE, HE LEVERAGED HIS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE TO DEVELOP CHALLENGING AND EFFECTIVE TRAINING. DURING THE EXERCISE, THE MORTAR PLATOON PROGRESSED DRAMATICALLY, DIRECTLY REFLECTING FIRST SERGEANT NARRA'S EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP. UPON RETURNING FROM CAMP LEJEUNE, FIRST SERGEANT NARRA INVOLVED HIMSELF IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMPANY'S OPERATIONS, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY'S 2014 ANNUAL TRAINING PLAN. HIS EXPERIENCE AND KEEN INSIGHT WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE AND CHALLENGING TRAINING PLAN FOR 2014. FIRST SERGEANT NARRA'S INITIATIVE, PERSEVERANCE, AND TOTAL DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIM AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
9999 First Sergeant
MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS COMPANY FIRST SERGEANT, FOOD SERVICE COMPANY, COMBAT LOGISTICS REGIMENT 45, 4TH MARINE LOGISTICS GROUP FROM NOVEMBER 2019 TO MAY 2022. DURING THIS PERIOD, FIRST SERGEANT WHEELER PERFORMED HIS DUTIES IN AN EXEMPLARY AND HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL MANNER. THROUGH HIS TIRELESS EFFORTS, FIRST SERGEANT WHEELER OVERSAW THE WELL-BEING AND ADMINISTRATION OF OVER 32 MARINES, ENSURING THE BETTERMENT OF OPERATIONAL READINESS TO THE INDIVIDUAL MARINE BY MAINTAINING A 90-100% PROFFESIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION COMPLETION RATE AND RAISING THE AVERAGE PHYYSICAL FITNESS SCORES OF THE UNIT BY THIRTY-THREE POINTS. DURING THIS PERIOD THROUGH THREE SEPARATE DEFENSE ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE SURVEYS CONDUCTED DURING THIS TIME PERIOD, SENIOR ENLISTED LEADERSHIP WAS RATED AMONG THE TOP THREE ATTRIBUTES OF THE COMPANY EVERY SINGLE TIME. FIRST SERGEANT WHEELER'S PROFESSIONALISM, PERSEVERANCE, AND COMPLETE DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT ON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.