MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The Jacksonville-Onslow Military Affairs Committee recognized a 2nd Marine Division Marine as the Service Member of the Year during a ceremony at the Camp Lejeune Officers’ Club recently.
Sergeant Jeremy Butler was selected as the MAC Service Member of the Year for his overall performance and proficiency in his duties for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
“I was surprised because I didn’t think I was going to get it,” said Butler of Jackson, Miss. “I mean I really did this for my Marines. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Butler highly attributed the award to the hard work and dedication put forth by his Marines, and also dedicated the award to 2/6 Battalion.
MAC honors one service member a month that exemplifies what it means to be a Marine or sailor. Service members selected as the Service Member of the Month are eligible for Service Member of the Year.
Butler was also selected as the Service Member of the Month for June in 2012; however, his accomplishments didn’t stop there.
“Sergeant Butler’s service to date has been nothing short of outstanding,” said Jeff Clark, a Chairman with MAC.
Butler, who has served in the Marine Corps for more than five years, was selected as the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter for the 3rd quarter of fiscal year 2010 and as the Division Marine of the Year 2011. He also received the Navy Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device for his superior performance in combat.
“I would just like to thank the battalion because if it wasn’t for them, the last five and a half years wouldn’t have been the best of my life,” concluded Butler, who recently got married to his wife Erika. “At the end of the day I wouldn’t have been able to do everything I have done without them.”
The 24-year-old hopes to pursue his career goals and complete a tour as either a drill instructor or a recruiter, as well as seek acceptance into the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program.