2nd Marine Division Marine Receives Service Member of the Year Award

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

02.11.2019

Courtesy Story

2nd Marine Division

Sgt. Andrew Meltz, a team leader with Force Recon Company, 2nd Recon Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, was named the 2018 Service Member of the Year by the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the Jacksonville-0nslow County Chamber of Commerce, Feb. 11.
The Service Member of the Year Award is given to a Marine in the Camp Lejeune/New River area and is “based on the attributes of exceptional professional performance, particularly valuable or unique service, and/or participation in community projects, services and/or affairs” according to the chamber website.
Meltz was the recipient of the MAC’s Service Member of the Month Award in February of 2018, making him eligible to be the 2018 Service Member of the Year. In the packet recommending Meltz for the award, the Louisiana native was described as “a force multiplier and an invaluable asset to 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and the Marine Corps as a whole. He [Meltz] exhibits a level of initiative and mission-focused foresight far beyond his years. … A strong leader with unquestioned MOS proficiency, Sgt. Meltz sets the standard for other Service Members to emulate. … Furthermore, Sgt. Meltz has dedicated himself to the Marine Corps as an institution and upholds the highest values.”
The MAC hosted an awards ceremony at the Officer’s Club on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to congratulate Meltz, who is currently deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Meltz’s wife, Meghan Meltz, accepted the award on his behalf at the ceremony.
In correspondence, First Sgt. Michael Brown, who is also currently deployed with the 22nd MEU, had nothing but praise for Meltz. He described the sergeant as “perceptive, humble, loyal and hardworking.”
“Sgt. Meltz speaks bluntly, often colorfully, and cares more about his Recon community than anyone I've ever come across,” said Brown.
“Through his willingness to listen to the ideas and opinions of his junior Marines, he fosters an environment of openness and mutual respect that has built seamless cohesion and a strong team spirit in his reconnaissance team. This in turn has allowed them to accomplish even the most difficult of tasks
during their pre-deployment work-up, and continues to serve them well on their deployment with the 22nd MEU,” added Brown.
In an email, Meltz said he was honored to be recognized as the MAC’s Service Member of the Year.
“Being awarded Service Member of the Year is truly an honor and a humbling experience. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity,” said Meltz.
Of course, Meltz realizes that such honors are not bestowed solely from the merit of an individual. He made sure to credit his role models and influencers in the Marine Corps.
“All my success I have to owe to my first team leader, Gunnery Sgt. King Ritchie. He showed me how a true leader should lead — not just leading from the front but also working alongside your Marines to help inspire them,” said Meltz.
Meltz has further been described by his fellow Marines as a humble professional and consummate student of his profession. He leads by example and inspires the Marines under his charge through his bold initiative and common sense decision-making.
As for advice for Marines moving forward, Meltz felt that leading by example was a high priority.
Following his recognition, Meltz has continued to shine as a leader and a Marine. In addition to leading his team through various courses, including urban reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S), he also led his team in a four-day R&S mission in support of a battalion landing team and another four-day mission in support of a battalion landing team amphibious assault.
As for advice he would pass on to his Marines, Meltz made sure to focus on leading by example.
“I would say always make yourself assets to the team and the Marine Corps,” Meltz said. “Get as many schools as you can and become a master at your job. Be the Marine others want to emulate.”
The purpose of the chamber’s Military Affairs Committee “is to maintain and continually improve the relationship between the military and civilian communities,” according to Military Affairs Manager Lisa Murabito.

• Date Taken: 02.11.2019
• Date Posted: 03.01.2019 16:00
• Story ID: 311160
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US