Motivated NCO improves self, Marines

Photo By Cpl. Manuel Estrada | Sgt. Donald Edmonston, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 airframe mechanic, has improved himself and the Marines of VMM-263 with his willingness to seek responsibility and help fellow Marines.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, UNITED STATES

05.11.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Manuel Estrada 

Marine Corps Installations East       

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - As a sergeant of Marines, one must set the example for others to emulate, be professional both on and off duty, be responsible for the accomplishments of assigned missions and for the safety, professional development and well-being of the Marines under his charge. A sergeant must embody the Marine Corps institutional core values of honor, courage and commitment while leading his Marines with firmness, fairness and dignity.

These are the words that are read during the promotion of a non-commissioned officer. Sgt. Donald Edmonston, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 airframe mechanic and a Great Falls, Mont., native, strives to live up to these words every day of his career.

Edmonston takes great pride in developing himself as the best mechanic possible. He has trained and qualified to obtain every billet in his job field. He has served as a quality assurance reporter, collateral duty inspector, and a collateral duty quality assurance representative.

A CDQAR is fundamentally responsible for the prevention of defects to the entire aircraft. The concept embraces all events from the start of the maintenance operation to its completion. He possesses a detailed, working knowledge of all aviation maintenance programs.

Edmonston is the last person to look over an aircraft before it takes flight and is responsible for the safety of the crew before flight, said Sgt. Nickolas Tissandier, VMM-263 collateral duty inspector.

While deployed on a Marine Expeditionary Unit to Africa, he was on an MV-22B Osprey that had a seized motor and was unable to continue flying. The aircraft safely landed in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa, said Edmonston.

Because of the extensive training and qualifications Edmonston has earned, the Marine Corps did not have to send more Marines to support the repair effort, said Tissandier.

The crew of the aircraft swapped out the motor in a week and the Osprey flew out of Camp Lemonnier without a problem.
Edmonston then stayed in Djibouti to share his knowledge with the service members there, said Tissandier.

Back at home, Edmonston takes the same efforts to teach the Marines under his charge.

A Marine who reported in for duty at VMM-263 was having trouble keeping his weight in check. The Marine tried to lose weight but could not motivate himself enough to shed the extra pounds. The mechanics do not get a lot of time to perform physical training but Edmonston always finds time, Tissandier said. Edmonston took it upon himself to take that Marine to the gym twice a day until the Marine was fit and meeting standards.

These are just a few examples of what makes Edmonston a good Marine. He has the full confidence of his command, said Tissandier. He was meritoriously promoted to both corporal and sergeant.

Through all this, Edmonston remains humble. He said he only does what is expected of him as a Marine.

• Date Taken: 05.11.2012
• Date Posted: 05.11.2012 08:03
• Story ID: 88289
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, US