Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Michele Hunt | Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, commanding general of 1st Marine Logistics Group,...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Many Marines can say they have someone or something driving them forward to achieve greater things in life, whether it be family, friends or faith. For Sgt. Maj. Derrick Christovale Sr., it is all of the above.
Brig. Gen. Charles L. Hudson, commanding general of 1st Marine Logistics Group, presented Christovale with a Meritorious Service Medal at the 1st MLG Headquarters building on Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 2. Christovale was awarded for his meritorious achievements during his 4-year tour with 1st MLG.
During the first half of 1st MLG’s recent deployment, Hudson said as sergeant major of 1st MLG MAIN, Christovale ensured commander’s intent was met, continuing all operations, training and exercise among the Marines in the rear. As their sergeant major, Christovale then deployed with Headquarters and Service Company in Afghanistan, providing support to the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
“Sergeant Major was there day in and day out providing mental and emotional stability to his Marines,” said Hudson, 52, from Zirconia, N.C. “He is a good man and a solid leader who takes charge of whatever task is at hand and ensures his Marines and sailors are taken care of.”
During the ceremony, Hudson spoke to Christovale’s family and friends who attended the event.
“Marines that are forward shed blood and sweat, but the families who stay behind shed tears,” said Hudson.
After the ceremony, Christovale’s daughter, Devynn, 15, said she felt her father deserved an award for providing protection and shelter, and being such a hard worker, both at work and at home.
“He’s always working at home,” said Devynn, “always fixing things.”
Christovale, a Detroit native, said receiving the award was bittersweet, as it showed a great achievement in his career, but also the end of his time with 1st MLG.
“I’ll cherish the memories,” said Christovale. “This has been my home for almost four years. I have a lot of experiences here.”
Christovale thanked his family for the support they have given him over the years.
“The love you get when you get home, whether it is a long day or a long deployment, keeps you going,” said Christovale. “It helps when they greet you at the door every day with a hug and a kiss.”
Christovale also said his faith is a large contributor to his success.
“All the strength that is found in me comes from God,” said Christovale. “I just have to keep the faith and trust in Him.”
Christovale took the reins from Sgt. Maj. J.H. Dixon as Marine Corps Installations West sergeant major, June 3. Though his time with the Group is over, he said he is glad he will remain at Camp Pendleton.
“I’m taking it one day at a time and seeing what the future holds for me,” said Christovale.
| Date Taken: | 06.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.08.2011 13:30 |
| Story ID: | 71777 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 395 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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