Plainfield, Ill., native receives award in Afghanistan

Photo By Sgt. Jeffrey Anderson | Navy Seaman Joseph Hodges, a religious programs specialist for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), was recognized as the Blue Jacket of the Quarter for his command in a ceremony July 1.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

07.01.2010

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Steven Williams 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Navy Seaman Joseph Hodges, a religious programs specialist with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), here, was named the Blue Jacket of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2010 in a ceremony July 1.

Hodges, a 20-year-old Plainfield, Ill., native, was presented the award for excelling in his duties while serving in the chaplain’s office for 3rd MAW (FWD).

Since he arrived at Camp Leatherneck in March, Hodges has provided physical security and administrative support for the chaplains while visiting 11 squadrons, eight hospitals and two memorial services. He has also conducted five dignified transfer ceremonies and more than a dozen warrior transition briefs.

Supporting mothers and fathers separated from their children, Hodges facilitated 21 United Through Reading Program sessions, recording the parents reading to their children, then providing them with a DVD to send home.

In May, Hodges helped build a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program pit for Marines to conduct their mandatory training. Going above and beyond expectations, Hodges also completed training in that very pit and earned a grey belt.

Hodges excelled in several other areas, from supporting the chaplain team’s deployment and embarkation process from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to Camp Leatherneck, to volunteering to help the Combat Camera section establish its Tactical Imagery Production System and assisting the 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward)’s Religious Ministry Team.

Hodges is stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., and is on his first deployment. He is the son of Perry and Judith Hodges of Plainfield.

• Date Taken: 07.01.2010
• Date Posted: 07.11.2010 13:50
• Story ID: 52679
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF