Photo By Sgt. Joshua Young | Sgt. Evan Mendes, a signals intelligence operator with 1st Radio Battalion, is honored...... read more read more
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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Sgt. Mendes stepped forward with confidence, raised his fist in the air and looked around the Petco Park as thousands of people in attendance cheered for him and his accomplishments.
His uniform was better kept and his confidence was more evident than the other non-commissioned officers highlighted during the game. They each stepped forward and responded to the applause with a wave and stepped back into their ranks.
Evan Mendes, a signals intelligence operator with 1st Radio Battalion, was named non-commissioned officer of the quarter of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, for his hard work and dedication as the non-commissioned officer in charge of 1st Radio Bn., Alpha Company.
The San Diego Padres faced the Philadelphia Phillies while honoring service members and recognizing non-commissioned officers of the quarter in the San Diego area from each of the armed services. Mendes, 26, from Essex Junction, Vt., looked like he could be from a Marine recruiting poster with his perfect uniform and posture as he took the field for the big moment.
The Marine Corps has thousands of NCOs. Sergeants are often referred to as ‘the backbone of the Marine Corps’. Mendes, outshined his peers by following what he believes will bring him closer to God.
“As a Christian I try to glorify God,” said Mendes, whose life revolves around his faith. “When I do a good job or not, I’ve done it for God.”
Mendes, who was raised in a family of eight children, attributes his work ethic to his family. His mom heavily influenced Mendes’ faith and his’ father taught him the values of hard work and honesty by his example.
“My dad is a man of his word,” said Mendes, who is recognized as someone with an incredible amount of integrity by his peers. “When he says he is going to do something he’ll do it. He’s also a very hard worker. I get that from him.”
Verity Mendes, Evans younger sister expressed how he takes care of his family and remains close even when he is thousands of miles away. She also expressed how he acts as kind of another dad. She also describes him as a protector and leader.
“He’s a great brother,” said Verity, who sounded excited to speak about her brother, a Marine of seven years. “He’s my favorite sibling.”
He loves meeting new people, engaging with them and listening to their stories, explained Verity. She describes him as a straightforward and outgoing person who goes for what he wants.
“He’s also a very religious person,” she said. “Even in the Marines where he is a leader, he is with God.”
Mendes tries to help his fellow Marines who are Christians or whom he says might be struggling in their faith. He participates in Bible studies with Faith Warrior Ministry, a religious program for service members, and invites his friends and peers along when the opportunity arises.
“Whenever I tell him yes, he’s very happy I’m there and he’s very welcoming,” said Jacob J. Wiseman, a signals intelligence operator with 1st Radio Battalion.
Wiseman, who served with Mendes in the Radio Reconnaissance Platoon, says that he helped him become a great swimmer. He describes Mendes as someone who isn’t afraid of a challenge and likes to take everything head on.
“He’s not afraid to ask for help, but he definitely tries to do it all himself,” said Wiseman. “He’s pretty dedicated to his work.”
He went on to describe how Mendes, whose exceptionally organized desk is distinguished by his exercise calendar, never has something bad to say about any one. Mendes’s peers have a lot of respect for him, explained Wiseman.
“He’ll go out of his way to help you out if you need something with no questions asked,” said Kevin Alsop, a signals intelligence operator with 1st Radio Battalion.
Mendes’s peers describe him as an example of an outstanding and hardworking Marine who is well deserving of the NCO of the quarter’s recognition. Alsop also expressed how humble he is and how he doesn’t seek the recognition, but just wants to get the job done.
“He’s really driven,” Alsop said. “Once he gets something in his head, he wants to see it all the way through no matter what.”
His hard work and determination awarded him the opportunity to be recognized on the field and meet the San Diego Padres left fielder, Will Venable. He described it as an awesome experience he wasn’t fully prepared for.
Mendes, who is also known for his athletic abilities and as a bit of a fitness freak, is in the running with other unit’s NCO’s for NCO of the quarter of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force this week.
| Date Taken: | 04.22.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2012 12:30 |
| Story ID: | 87467 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Hometown: | ESSEX JUNCTION, VT, US |
| Web Views: | 576 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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