Photo By Cpl. Kanoa Thomas | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Isaiah J. Curtis, color sergeant, Marine Forces Reserve and...... read more read more
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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Isaiah J. Curtis, color sergeant, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, the Mayor of New Orleans Community Service Award at the National WWII Museum, May 17, 2025, for his dedication and outstanding service to the local community.
Curtis was awarded during the National WWII Museum’s Armed Forces Day celebration for having rendered colors for more than 250 organizations in the greater New Orleans area. He was honored alongside five other servicemembers of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.
“I take it with honor,” Curtis said. “There are many outstanding Marines in this city and for me to be chosen is a wondrous experience. It means so much to me to represent the Marine Corps and to carry on its legacy and traditions here in New Orleans.”
Curtis actively participates in volunteer events across New Orleans such as Habitat for Humanity, which assists in the construction of homes in the city’s Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood. He also volunteers with Culture Aid NOLA, which distributes food aid to those in need in the New Orleans community.
“It’s kind of surreal to be recognized by someone (Mayor Cantrell) of such status,” said Curtis. “I’m very happy about it, not because of my own recognition but because I am able to showcase what the Marine Corps is about.”
Having served for more than 10 years in the Marine Corps, Curtis has deployed multiple times with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, as well as assignments at Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, and a tour as a canvassing recruiter in Birmingham, Alabama.
After transitioning to the active Reserve, he reported to Force Headquarters Group here. A year into his time there, the FHG color sergeant billet opened, a role Curtis had long aspired to fill.
“Once I became the color sergeant, my passion for it grew,” Curtis said. “There were things I envisioned improving, and when the Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Force South color sergeant billet became available, I knew I had to step up.”
As color sergeant, Curtis leads practices and coordinates logistics to ensure Marine precision at every event. The color sergeant is a high profile position within the Marine Corps, representing Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South during ceremonies and other events.
“We start preparing about a week out. I learn the layout of the event, where we’re supposed to be and how we’re supposed to march,” he explained. “We practice until everyone is confident. Comfortable isn’t the goal; confidence is. We are carrying the colors and are always in the spotlight.
Under his leadership the Marine Forces Reserve Color Guard took the lead on more than 25 parades in the 2025 Mardi Gras season here.
Additionally, he has ensured the Marine Corps Colors are flown proudly at venues such as the National WWII Museum, New Orleans City Counsel Military Appreciation Day, and New Orleans sporting events.
Sgt. Curtis’s contributions extend beyond ceremonial duties. He has served as lead instructor for five Corporals Courses and three Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminars. Off-duty, he volunteers to speak with the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Tulane University and other institutions, and coaches youth sports in the local community.
“Giving back to the younger generation and helping them navigate challenges in and out of the Marine Corps is a passion of mine,” Curtis said. “I stand on the shoulders of my drill instructors, combat instructors and mentors, and I want to extend that same support to others.”
Looking ahead, Sgt. Curtis aims to continue mentoring Marines by becoming a combat instructor at the School of Infantry-West. His service in and out of uniform exemplifies the Marine Corps’ values of honor, courage and commitment and the bond between service members and the communities they serve.
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Who We Are: The United States Marine Corps Reserve is responsible for providing trained units and qualified individuals for mobilization to active duty in time of war, national emergency, and crisis or contingency operations. On a day-to-day basis, Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) consists of a talented and dedicated pool of nearly 100,000 Marines able to augment the Active Component in a myriad of ways, to include operational deployments, support to training, participation in bi/multi-lateral exercises with partner nations and allies, and service-level experimentation in support of Force Design and refinement of new concepts, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
| Date Taken: | 05.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.20.2025 14:26 |
| Story ID: | 498386 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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