Photo By Sgt. Samuel A. Nasso | Sgt. Avery Washington II calls a Marine, July 28, to notify him about an upcoming...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Each quarter there are meritorious promotion and non-commissioned officer of the quarter selection boards that ultimately acknowledge well-deserving Marines aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Marines work hard to distinguish themselves by winning one of these boards and it is safe to say that the Marine who wins the board feels successful.
Sgt. Avery Washington II is the communications and data non-commissioned officer in charge for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training and has won a few of these boards. However, Washington said it wasn’t the first or second time he received the NCO of the quarter award or the first or second time he was meritoriously promoted that gave him the feeling of accomplishment. It was his most recent award that established this feeling.
Washington was named the recipient of the American Legion Spirit of Service Award in MARADMIN 407/10. The award is presented annually to an enlisted member from each military service for outstanding volunteer service performed off duty in the local community.
“There are Marines that you expect to be mature pillars of society because of their age, their experience or their billet,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael E. Sprague, sergeant major of CNATT. “Then there are unique Marines like Sergeant Washington. He is a young Marine that assumes billets way above his pay grade and does nothing but excel at everything he does.”
From Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, Washington will be in Milwaukee, Wis., attending the 92nd Annual National Convention of the American Legion. He will represent the Marine Corps in a parade Aug. 29 and will receive his award Aug. 31.
The award acknowledges Washington’s endless pursuit of perfection both professionally as a sergeant of Marines and as a citizen, always taking time out of his schedule to help others.
“Being able to make a positive impact on people is the most rewarding aspect of volunteering,” Washington said. “I know how it feels to wish I had help or guidance with something and not have it available. So being able to facilitate Marines by volunteering and helping people who actually need it is great.”
Washington, a 23-year-old native of Bloomfield, Conn., has volunteered for the Special Olympics, Havelock elementary and middle schools, Neuse River Senior Games, Habitat for Humanity, and assists senior citizen organizations to name a few. Washington explained when the opportunity presents itself to help someone he doesn’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to volunteer themself.
Other than his duties as the communications and data NCOIC, Washington is the CNATT Single Marine Program event coordinator and the community events volunteer coordinator. In addition, he is six classes away from earning a bachelor’s degree in science and management from Park University and maintains a score of 300 on his physical fitness test.
“Every minute he is doing something,” Sprague said. “It seems like not a day goes by where I don’t receive an e-mail about him volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics or another volunteer program. He solicits our unit for volunteers and with our environment with so many young students, it works out wonderfully.”
Since joining the Marine Corps in June 2007, Washington has established credibility as a Marine and has set the bar high. He has since been meritoriously promoted twice with the first occasion in March 2009, becoming a corporal, and in May 2010, becoming a sergeant. He has also received NCO of the quarter honors for Cherry Point on two separate occasions and was the service member of the quarter for Carteret County in August 2009.
“You really can’t count the accolades this Marine has achieved,” said Sprague. “He gets as much awards and commendations from civilians as the Marine Corps gives him. He is a rare breed. A multifaceted leader who sets a great example while maintaining humbleness that is admirable.”
By December, Washington plans to have his bachelor’s degree complete. He then plans to further his career in the Marine Corps by going to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command for assessment and selection in February.
“It feels good to be acknowledged for making a difference,” Washington said. “I am lucky to have the opportunities I do. Helping all of these volunteer organizations and being recognized for making a difference really makes it worthwhile.”
| Date Taken: | 07.27.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.05.2010 14:31 |
| Story ID: | 54013 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 214 |
| Downloads: | 76 |
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