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    Successful with the small stuff

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    Photo By Cpl. Krista James | Lance Cpl. Kristopher Pippin, a light armored vehicle crewman with Black Sea...... read more read more

    MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, ROMANIA

    12.13.2013

    Story by Lance Cpl. Krista James 

    U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

    MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania - It’s easy to forget about the tiny, seemingly trivial details that people contribute to the larger whole. However, it’s these small, tedious efforts that separate good from great, and excellent from outstanding Marines. This week, one Marine with Black Sea Rotational Force 14 is recognized for his direct effect on mission accomplishment and unit efficiency.

    Lance Cpl. Kristopher Pippin, a light armored vehicle crewman with Black Sea Rotational Force 14, and Black, Mo. native, was chosen as Marine of the Week, Dec. 13, 2013.

    Pippin attended Marine Corps recruit training in Sept. 2012.
    “I wanted to help with the fight in Afghanistan,” said Pippin. “None of my family members have ever been in the military, and I really just wanted to see what I could do.”

    Now, barely a year later, Pippin continues to impress his chain-of-command with his obedience and self-discipline.

    Sergeant Steven Scheutzow, a squad leader with BSRF-14, and Berea, Ohio native, said that although Pippin is new to the unit, he can already see he is capable of great things.

    “He’s a young Marine who continues to grow mentally and physically as a Marine and a person. He’s eager and wants to develop and better himself in preparation for the next rank and billet,” said Scheutzow.

    Pippin said that there are numerous things that he enjoys about being in the military, including getting to travel and having a Marine Corps family.

    “I’ve always wanted to travel, and this deployment is the first time I’ve ever been out of the country. The best part about being in Romania is getting to experience the culture,” said Pippin. “The best part about being in the infantry is the brotherhood.”

    Scheutzow believes that Marine of the Weekwill be beneficial for Pippin.

    “I think Marine of the Week will give Pippin a boost of confidence and sense of accomplishment,” said Scheutzow. “The award will show him that he’s on the right track and [he will] continue to grow into the Marine he can be.”

    Scheutzow also said that he trusts that Pippen has a bright and successful future as a Marine, whether he serves four or 20 more years with his brotherhood.

    “He has a great work ethic, is extremely intelligent, and outstanding at physical training. He has a certain drive to him to learn more and more about the Marine Corps, and he’s that Marine that every fire team or squad leader wants,” said Scheutzow.

    Pippen is part of an annual rotation of forces at Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, that aim to promote regional stability and security, strengthening close and solid relationships with their partner nations, and act as the crisis-contingency force in the Eastern European region.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 12.13.2013
    Date Posted: 12.13.2013 09:48
    Story ID: 118182
    Location: MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, RO
    Hometown: BEREA, OH, US
    Hometown: BLACK, MO, US

    Web Views: 551
    Downloads: 1

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