Photo By Sgt. Shawn Valosin | Lance Corporal Vanessa Tapia, a San Jose, Calif., native and landing support...... read more read more
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SIGONELLA, Italy - If you ever walk into the S-4, or Logistics section of the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa building, you will immediately be given the proper greeting of the day.
Giving the proper greeting of the day is a small tradition and a part of the Marine Corps’ customs and courtesies.
Lance Corporal Vanessa Tapia, a San Jose, Calif., native and landing support specialist with SP-MAGTF Africa is responsible for arranging transportation for personnel and equipment, ensuring that SP-MAGTF Africa missions operate like a well-oiled machine. She also goes above and beyond, maintaining the professionalism and traditions associated with giving the proper greeting of the day to all who enter the S-4.
Her ability to maintain constant professionalism while upholding the standards and values of the Marine Corps, and go above and beyond in her everyday duties is what earned her the title of Warrior of the Week.
“Even though I may not be having the best day, I’m not going to let it affect the people around me, especially if I see someone is having a tough time,” said Tapia. When you’re happy and positive [in the workplace] it makes the people around you happier and creates a better environment to be around.”
SP-MAGTF Africa’s ‘Warrior of the Week’ service members all share a willingness to serve and excel at their jobs, going above and beyond, and not expecting any form of recognition in return. The humbleness and constant drive for improvement of recognized Warriors of the Week is one of the exceptional qualities acknowledged by those who work with each of them.
Lance Corporal Vanessa Tapia has the willingness to serve and a mantra of professionalism. She always looks to do more and take on more responsibility.
“As a leader I tell Marines that I expect perfection or the constant drive toward perfection,” said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Meade, the logistics chief for the S-4 section of SP-MAGTF Africa. “Tapia is a go getter, and is eager to take and complete tasks. [She is] always motivated and hungry for more knowledge and responsibility. I think her hunger for more responsibility will guide her to become a great leader of Marines.”
Tapia joined the Marine Corps when she was 25, after graduating from high school and working civilian jobs.
“My dad and uncle were both in the military,” said Tapia. My dad always wanted me or my sister to join the military. [Since I joined], it’s not something I can put words to, but every time I talk to [my dad] or see him, he looks at me differently, I don’t know what it is. I never want to disappoint him; I’m a daddy’s girl.”
Her leadership style and drive developed before joining the Marine Corps. She states that not only does her motivation come from her father, and not wanting to disappoint him, but she also finds motivation from her sister.
“I also joined to show my sister that you don’t just have to stick to one thing; you can do whatever you want whenever you want … so that keeps me going.”
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: | 09.29.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2014 07:24 |
| Story ID: | 143550 |
| Location: | SIGONELLA, IT |
| Hometown: | SAN JOSE, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 124 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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