Two Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 chosen for MAG-39 Marine and noncommissioned officer of the Quarter

Photo By Lance Cpl. Jenna Loofe | Two Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., were recently selected as the Marine Aircraft Group 39 Marine and noncommissioned officer of the Quarter. Corporal Alexandra Gordon, an aviation supply specialist, was selected for Marine of the Quarter.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

09.18.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Jenna Loofe 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Every four months, Marines nominated by their unit stand before a board and compete with one another for the title of Marine and noncommissioned officer of the quarter.

Two Marines, Cpl. Alexandra Gordon and Cpl. Ismael Guillen, with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39 aboard Camp Pendleton, California, were recently selected as the Marine Aircraft Group 39 Marine and NCO of the Quarter.

Marines challenge themselves and each other for Marine and NCO of the quarter by completing professional military education, Marine Corps institute programs, monthly book reports, and taking advantage of opportunities to volunteer during their off-duty time.

Guillen, an aircraft maintenance support equipment electrician, was selected for NCO of the Quarter. Guillen met all of the requirements for the competition and presented the board with his achievements and experience to claim the title.

“You study as much as you can, but they’re not necessarily going to ask the questions you study,” said Guillen. “You need to maintain your bearing and confidence in your answers, even if you’re wrong.”

Marines prepare themselves for the quarterly board by reviewing basic Marine Corps knowledge and history, the eleven general orders, leadership traits, and uniform and grooming standards.

Guillen said Marines should strive to better themselves at all times of the year in order to stand out from other NCOs and junior Marines.

“As an NCO, I like to take care of my Marines by keeping them trained and educated,” said Guillen. “I make sure my Marines know the importance of off-duty education, so if they do choose to get out of the Marine Corps, they are prepared for the future instead of simply getting out and lacking direction."

Guillen also added that off-duty education acts as a foundation for promotions later on if they choose to continue their careers.

Gordon, an aviation supply specialist, was selected for Marine of the Quarter for MAG-39. Gordon said that even though her goals are constantly changing, she wants to make the Marine Corps a career.

“We all have the same number of hours in a day,” said Gordon. “What you choose to do with that time is what sets a person apart from their peers.”

Gordon said she took the advice of her NCOs when she was a private first class and tailored their advice to her own abilities to be the best Marine possible.

“One of my NCOs told me that in order to become better than the average Marine, I needed to complete at least three MCIs a month, volunteer at least once a month and do at least one book report every month,” said Gordon. “I try to do more than what an average Marine would do and I’ve doubled my work load.”

The most valuable leadership trait a Marine of the Quarter can possess is knowing themselves and seeking self-improvement in order to refine their strengths, overcome their weaknesses and gain confidence, Gordon said.

“Find someone who is willing to help you, someone that’s good at what they do and just pick their brain,” said Gordon. “Ask them everything. They’re going to notice that you care and that you’re trying, and that’s what matters.”

• Date Taken: 09.18.2014
• Date Posted: 09.18.2014 14:51
• Story ID: 142573
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US