Marines stand out above peers, win MLG quarterly boards

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Michele Hunt | Cpl. Stephanie Zegar, maintenance management clerk, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), won the 1st MLG (Fwd) Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter board while deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. “Winning NCO of the Quarter makes me want to strive to reach an even higher level of achievement,” said Zegar, 22, a native of Sarasota, Fla. “It increases my level of accomplishment to know that the [MLG] recognizes the efforts I have put into my battalion.”  

AFGHANISTAN

04.21.2012

Story by Sgt. Michele Hunt 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – In order to effectively complete its mission, the Marine Corps often demands uniformity from its Marines. However, excellence above one’s peers is always recognized.

For those Marines who go above and beyond their expected duties, they are often given an opportunity to go before a board of senior Marines. Marines compete against their peers for recognition, a chance to compete at higher level boards and occasionally the opportunity for a meritorious promotion. To win a board, a Marine must demonstrate exemplary leadership traits and a strong work ethic that surpasses their peers.

Cpl. Chase Ivey, a motor transport mechanic with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), won the 1st MLG (Fwd) Marine of the Quarter board and Cpl. Stephanie Zegar, a maintenance management clerk with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st MLG (Fwd) won the 1st MLG (Fwd) Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter board. Both Marines accomplished this during their deployments to Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Ivey, who won the board as a lance corporal and recently was promoted to the rank of corporal, said his command had a lot to do with his success.

“This has been a great deployment for me because of my leadership,” said Ivey, 20, a native of Reno, Nev. “They gave me the opportunity [to compete on the board] and pushed me to be better than everyone else.”

As a junior Marine, Ivey was put in charge of all incoming and outgoing parts at the CLB-1 maintenance lot aboard Camp Dwyer.

“I enjoy my job because it allows me to see the broader spectrum of maintenance,” said Ivey. “In my opinion, it’s one of the most important jobs in maintenance. We support the readiness of the trucks from order to issue, and it’s my job to ensure the right parts and the right quantities are brought in.”

Ivey’s unit is wrapping up their deployment and preparing to go home. Ivey said he looks forward to getting back to his wife and 7-month old son who was born just before Ivey left for Afghanistan.

For Zegar, her successful board was motivation to continue her hard work.

“Winning NCO of the Quarter makes me want to strive to reach an even higher level of achievement,” said Zegar, 22, a native of Sarasota, Fla. “It increases my level of accomplishment to know that the [MLG] recognizes the efforts I have put into my battalion.”

Stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Zegar volunteers with the Single Marine Program when not deployed.

“I look forward to getting back to [Okinawa] and keeping Marines involved in the [Japanese] culture and activities through the SMP to raise morale,” said Zegar.

Zegar extended her contract to deploy to Afghanistan a second time with her unit.

“I feel very lucky to be in Afghanistan and to serve my country again,” said Zegar. “I feel like I have more knowledge this deployment, and I am grateful to have a great team with me. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

• Date Taken: 04.21.2012
• Date Posted: 04.21.2012 05:02
• Story ID: 87115
• Location: AF