MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Once a year the Marine Corps League takes the time to recognize enlisted Marines and sailors in the Fleet Marine Force for their outstanding contributions to the Corps, from Marines who help retain and plan careers, improve and train recruits, all the way up to improving combat readiness within a unit.
Staff Sgt. Jon E. Osborn, a Marine with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion received the Sgt. Maj. Wilbur Bestwick award aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. Sept. 25.
Osborn grew up in Montgomery, Texas and enlisted into the Marine Corps at the age of 17.
Nominated by his company executive officer, Capt. Michael N. Gaona, Osborn was surprised to learn that he had won the award named for the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and given to enlisted Marines in ground combat units who have made outstanding contributions to increase combat readiness.
“It was a shock because we were out at a gunnery training, and I didn’t even know I was put up for the award,” Osborn said. “I got an acceptance letter saying that I won and had to report to Quantico in a week.”
Since 2011, Osborn has worked tirelessly to keep his unit combat ready. He has served as a platoon sergeant, acting platoon commander, operations chief, the unit’s master gunner and is currently the acting first sergeant for Delta Co. He has served with 2nd LAR for a total of seven years.
“He is easily the best staff NCO in the battalion,” said Gaona, a native of Rockville, Md.
Osborn doesn’t feel as if earning the award makes him better than any other Marines within his unit.
“I just try to make the Marine Corps better than it was when I first joined by giving the Marines a better training environment,” added Osborn. “Not just going out to the training field to shoot rounds, but actually having the (Marines) enjoy their time out there and enjoy what they do.”