Courtesy Photo | Alexander Messmer, a Young Marine, is promoted to Master Gunnery Sgt. and appointed...... read more read more
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HAVELOCK, N.C. - A starched and pressed service uniform is what he wears, ribbons beginning slightly atop of the seam of his left breast pocket and extending to the brim of his collar, with shoes shining like polished brass, used to tread with confidence.
Motivated, educated, faithful and mature, some of the words used to describe a Young Marine. Specifically, a Division Young Marine of the Year.
Young Marine Sgt. Maj. Alexander Messmer, an 18-year-old junior at Havelock’s Early College East High School, recently earned the 3rd Division Young Marine of the Year Award, with a promotion to unit sergeant major of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point chapter of Young Marines.
“The feeling was unreal at first,” said Alexander. “Then I was really excited and extremely grateful for the opportunity to become the Division Young Marine of the Year.”
Inspired by his brothers Edgar Huff III and Michael Messmer, both Young Marines of the Year, Alexander decided to follow his lead and surpass his brothers’ accomplishments.
“Young Marine Sgt. Maj. Messmer is detail oriented and takes pride in teaching his subordinates the duties and responsibilities they are required to know to reach the next rank,” said Wendy Erdly, the executive officer of the Cherry Point Young Marines.
He is an excellent leader and teaches leadership to all of the Young Marines regardless of age or rank.
While leading his Young Marines, Messmer was unknowingly earning his seat with the other division winners by doing what was expected of him and more, said Erdly.
Young Marines of the Year from across the country possess maturity, poise, confidence, and a sense of service and self-sacrifice, according to Erdly. The Young Marine must prove leadership skills and possess the ability to speak publicly about the Young Marine Program.
Alexander displays all the attributes of a leader in the making and the distinction of Division Young Marine of the Year fits well, according to Erdly.
As the Division Young Marine of the Year, Alexander will travel to Guam and Iwo Jima with the five other Division Young Marines of the Year during the annual Young Marines Reunion of Honor trip. Alexander plans to parlay his 10 years as a Young Marine into a successful college career and, possibly, the Marine Corps.
“I plan on finishing college and obtaining a four year bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina State,” said Messmer.
After college, Messmer hopes to earn a commission as a naval aviator.
“The Young Marines instill the teamwork and leadership and discipline we need to be successful. And when we get out of the program we can use those skills and go off into the world as strong leaders,” said Alexander.
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2014 20:56 |
| Story ID: | 120239 |
| Location: | HAVELOCK, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 164 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Young Marine follows in family’s footsteps, by Cpl Unique B. Roberts, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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