Deployed Maryland, N.Y., Marine recognized for superior performance

Photo By Sgt. Paul Peterson | Master Sgt. Jonathan Balbuena, a Maryland, N.Y., native and operations and training chief with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), received two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals in recognition to his outstanding performance prior to his current deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan. Balbuena earned the medals for his role in the preparation of Camp Lejeune-based CLR-2 Marines before their current deployment and for his time as operations and training chief with Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, 4th Marine Air Wing, out of Fort Worth, Texas.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

10.16.2013

Story by 1st Lt. John Parry 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - A Maryland, N.Y., native and U.S. Marine was recently recognized for commendatory service in Helmand province here with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, Regional Command (Southwest), in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Master Sgt. Jonathan Balbuena, the operations and training chief for the regiment, received two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals for his role in the preparation of Camp Lejeune-based CLR-2 Marines before their current deployment and for his time as operations and training chief with Marine Wing Support Squadron 473, 4th Marine Air Wing, out of Fort Worth, Texas.

“This is all about the privilege of leading Marines,” said Balbuena, whose service spans more than 17 years. “I joined because I wanted to do something better with my life, and I feel like I did.”

While in Afghanistan, Balbuena coordinates logistical support to forward deployed Marines, U.S. allies and advises the Afghan National Security Forces in developing their own logistical capabilities.

“Seriously, it’s been an honor to work with so many hard working men and women day in and day out,” Balbuena added. “The Marines out here should be proud of their accomplishments.”

According to Sgt. Maj. Roger Griffith, the CLR-2 sergeant major, when the unit needed a training and operations chief, he didn’t have to look far. Before the unit deployed, Griffith observed Balbuena, a combat engineer by trade, outside the unit’s engineer building, directing traffic and organizing Marines and equipment for the deployment. Griffith knew then he had the right Marine for the job.

Balbuena joined the Marine Corps in 1997 and served as an engineer school demolition range instructor and Marine Expeditionary Unit detachment chief in addition to a variety of platoon leadership billets with the combat engineers. The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals he received are the fourth and fifth of his career. One of his previous awards also has a “V” for valor in recognition of his heroism displayed on the battlefield.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2013
• Date Posted: 10.16.2013 00:02
• Story ID: 115189
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF
• Hometown: MARYLAND, NY, US