Photo By Cpl. Angelina Sara | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Garcia, a California native and a transmission...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Each year, the United Service Organizations honors service members who demonstrate exceptional bravery, leadership, and a commitment to their peers. The 2026 USO Service Member of the Year Award is given to individuals who performed a specific act of heroism or valor, embodying the highest standards of their respective service branch.
During an off-duty beach event, Lance Cpl. Matthew Garcia, a transmission systems operator with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, witnessed a fellow Marine struggling in a dangerous rip current. Drawing upon skills honed as a former lifeguard in Los Angeles and through his military training, Garcia acted without hesitation.
“I saw another Marine in the water struggling through a rip current. Without a second thought, I swam out to help him,” said Garcia.
Garcia’s quick thinking and proficient water rescue techniques proved critical in a life-threatening situation. “I used the lifesaving techniques I learned in the Marine Corps and as a lifeguard in LA to keep him afloat until we made it back to shore,” Garcia added. "I just relied on my training and did what I needed to do in that moment to get him to safety.”
As a transmission systems operator, Garcia plays a vital role in maintaining the operational readiness of his battalion by identifying and repairing critical radio systems. His leadership and peers describe him as a proactive and dedicated Marine.
“Garcia is an exemplary Marine. Everyday he comes into work with the intent to seize the day,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jessematthew Perigo, a satellite transmissions systems operator with 9th Comm Bn., I MIG. “Garcia always directs and starts tasks with his peers without anyone even having to tell him to. He is always finishes every task before he leaves for the day.”
Despite the recognition, Garcia views his actions as a fundamental part of being a Marine. “Honestly, I was a bit confused,” Garcia explained when reflecting on finding about the award. “I didn’t think of it as anything special or heroic. We are taught from day one to look out for each other and that’s all I did.”
This sense of duty and a desire to help others were shaped long before he joined the Marine Corps. “I used to be a lifeguard in LA, and it taught me how important it is to take care of people,” Garcia said. “I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I can protect and help others.”
Lance Cpl. Garcia's selfless courage and unwavering commitment to his fellow Marines embody with the values celebrated by the USO Marine of the Year award and provides powerful example of the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage, and commitment. By placing the safety of his fellow Marine above his own, Garcia demonstrated the unbreakable bond between Marines and courage that defines the Marine Corps and gives true meaning to the creed, "Semper Fidelis." His conduct, both in a moment of crisis and in his daily duties, serves as an inspiration and exemplifies the highest ideals of what it means to be a United States Marine.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 04.17.2026 11:02 |
| Story ID: | 562931 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 9th Communication Battalion Marine awarded 2026 USO Marine of the Year, by LCpl Gregory Hudson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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