2nd Marine Division officer wins Logistician of the Year award

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Lance Cpl. Scott Whiting

Date: 03.25.2013
Posted: 03.25.2013 16:28
News ID: 104066
2nd Marine Division officer wins Logistician of the Year award

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Once a year, virtually every Marine Corps officer filling logistics a billet gathers together to attend an awards dinner for the logistician of the year, honoring a single hard-working Marine officer over his peers.

1st Lt. George A. Ivascu, the assistant operations officer for the 2nd Marine Division G-4 section (installation and logistics management), received the 1st Lt. Travis Manion Marine Corps Officer Logistician of the Year Award for 2012 in Arlington, Va., March 16, 2013.

“Every logistics officer across the Marine Corps is eligible for the award,” said Ivascu, who is from Frederick, Md. “It includes engineer, supply and other company grade officers in billets like those.”

Manion, for whom the award was named, was killed in action while deployed as part of a military transition team in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was ambushed by a group of insurgents and led a counterattack, being fatally wounded by sniper fire while drawing fire away from his fellow service members. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, along with the Bronze Star with a combat “V” device for his actions.

“(Manion) was a great hero, an awesome Marine and an excellent logistician,” said Ivascu. “There was a fund started in his name, and it turned into the award we have today.”

Marines nominated for the award are chosen based on their leadership skills, exemplary actions and overall conduct. It is a long journey of passing numerous boards to receive the opportunity to receive such an award.

“Part of my nomination was because I deployed with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines as a motor transport officer and led Marines in combat,” Ivascu said. “The Marines did outstanding things. It wouldn’t have been possible for me to execute the mission I was given without them.”

Upon returning from deployment in December 2011, Ivascu transferred to G-4, where he currently fills a captain’s billet. He filled a major’s and a lieutenant colonel’s billet during the summer as well. At times, his work section was understaffed, but he was able to complete the mission with what he had.

Ivascu’s work ethic, effort and positive attitude helped to contribute to winning the award.

“I love my job,” he said. “It is hands-down the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had.”

At Ivasco’s current billet, he coordinates logistical support for battalions and regiments who are training or preparing to deploy. He provides units with the proper equipment to accomplish their tasks.

“We make sure the units have what they need to support themselves, train, fight and return safely,” he said.

Ivascu is slated to transfer to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni as part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 around May of this year.