Warrior of the Week # 7 – Lance Cpl. Bosell

Courtesy Photo | Lance Corporal John Bosell, a Mohrsville, Pa., native and coxswain with Security Cooperation Team 7, from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14, instructs a member of the Gabonese Marine Fusiliers on Coxswain duties aboard Gabonese Marine Nationale Naval Base in Port Gentil, Gabon, Sep. 10, 2014. SCT-7, is a detachment comprised of U.S. Marines, Sailors and U.K. Royal Marines conducting a joint training engagement in Port Gentil, Gabon as part of Africa Partnership Station 14, a maritime-security exercise with international partners along the west coast of Africa. (Courtesy photo by Pfc. Sean O’Connor)  

SIGONELLA, ITALY

09.15.2014

Story by Cpl. Shawn Valosin 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

SIGONELLA, Italy - Lance Cpl. John Bosell is a coxswain with Security Cooperation Team- 7, which is a detachment comprised of U.S. Marines, Sailors and U.K. Royal Marines conducting a joint training engagement in Port Gentil, Gabon as part of Africa Partnership Station 14.

APS-14 seeks to bring partnerships into action through cooperation among multiple nations and organizations, and promotes maritime governance around Africa.

SCT-7 conducted small-craft exercises with zodiac combat reconnaissance rubber craft, led by Sgt. John F.MacDonald of the Royal Marines Assault Squadron. The Royal Marines are specialists in riverine and maritime operations and their small-boat proficiency has been invaluable to SCT-7 training operations.

Though a rifleman and coxswain by military occupational specialty, Bosell, a Mohrsville, Pa., native, has been able to quickly adapt and learn the skills necessary to operate independently from the Royal Marines. Prior to deploying, Lance Cpl. Bosell faced a steep learning curve, learning the duties and responsibilities of a coxswain in addition to normal rifleman requirements. He is one of only two U.S. Marine Corps personnel conducting training of this kind on SCT-7 and he has been a corner stone of the small craft training group.

His remarkable ability to adjust, eagerness to learn, and consistent positive attitude has had tremendous impact on training and is what earned him the title of Warrior of the Week.

“Lance Cpl. Bosell’s can-do mentality and excellent work ethic has been recognized by his superiors, peers, and those he trains,” said 1st Lt. Michael O’Friel, a Boston, Mass., native and officer-in-charge with SP-MAGTF Africa 14. “Due to his willingness to go above and beyond the expectations of his billet, he has been selected as a key instructor for the final exercise alongside the Gabonese Marine Fusiliers.”

Lance Cpl. Bosell has accomplished every task assigned to him regardless of difficulty. His endurance is noteworthy and he pushes himeslf beyond his perceived limits. He is an inspiration to those around him and his attitude and tenacity to succeed have proven that he has unlimited potential.

Warrior of the Week was created to recognize the Marines and Sailors of SP-MAGTF Africa who play a significant role in the day to day operations that lead to mission success. Sometimes these accomplishments go under the radar, thus we try to capture the moments so that everyone else can appreciate their value.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2014
• Date Posted: 09.15.2014 04:46
• Story ID: 142132
• Location: SIGONELLA, IT
• Hometown: BOSTON, MA, US
• Hometown: MOHRSVILLE, PA, US