Courtesy Photo | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley, combat photographer, Marine Corps Base Camp...... read more read more
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TUMON, GUAM – U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Afton Smiley, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was recently named the Joint Region Marianas (JRM) Junior Service Member of the Year for 2025. The honor was bestowed during a ceremony on March 6, 2026, for which she was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in recognition of her exemplary performance in the combat camera military occupational specialty and her exceptional contributions to the local community.
"Lance Corporal Smiley’s exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to duty reflect the core values of the Marine Corps and exemplify the level of service we strive to achieve," said Maj. Mark Crum, Communication Strategy and Operations Director, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. "Her leadership and community engagement have set a standard for junior service members throughout the region."
Smiley, who has demonstrated impressive technical proficiency in combat camera operations, has also become a dedicated leader in her community. Her efforts include organizing successful blood drives, representing her unit at the Guam and Saipan Liberation events, and supporting the Toys for Tots campaign. These activities reflect her deep commitment to both her military duties and the people of Guam.
"I’ve always focused on serving both my unit and the local community," Smiley said. "Being able to give back and connect with others is something I take great pride in. I’m just doing my part to contribute to the mission and the community around me."
In addition to receiving the JRM Junior Service Member of the Year award, Smiley was honored with the prestigious Guam Veteran of the Year Award for 2025, presented by the government of Guam. This recognition highlights her outstanding service with the Veterans Cemetery, the National Parks Service, and Guam Animals in Need (GAIN), where she dedicated countless hours supporting local organizations.
"Lance Corporal Smiley exemplifies the true meaning of service above self," said Master Sgt. Joshua Jackson, her staff noncommissioned officer in charge at Camp Blaz. "Her dedication goes far beyond her duties in the Marine Corps; she’s made a lasting impact on the Guam community and set a high standard for what it means to lead with integrity and compassion."
The JRM Junior Service Member of the Year Award highlights the dedication and leadership of junior service members across the region, recognizing those who go above and beyond in both their military duties and contributions to the community. Smiley’s recognition serves as an example for other Marines at Camp Blaz, as the installation continues to advance initiatives that strengthen public trust, promote awareness, and inspire the next generation of leaders through service and example. This commitment to both community and mission is at the heart of what Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz stands for.
As the Marine Corps service component for Joint Region Marianas, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (MCBCB) provides power projection capabilities from which operational forces train, deploy, redeploy, and reconstitute. The base also provides support to tenant organizations, military personnel, and their families. MCBCB operates a training base that promotes the combat readiness of the Fleet Marine Force and supports the missions of other tenant commands. It provides training venues, facilities, services, and support that meet the Marine Corps’ future combat requirements and are responsive to the needs of Marines, Sailors, and their families.
| Date Taken: | 03.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.29.2026 22:29 |
| Story ID: | 560781 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Kenosha Marine Honored as Junior Service Member of the Year in Guam, by Chelsey Suarez-Pierce, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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