CHERRY POINT, N.C. - The Naval Education and Training Command recognized a Cherry Point Marine for excellence in the Naval Aviation training program recently during the NETC Sailor and Instructor of the Year Competition.
Sgt. Martin Sanchez, Jr., a deceptive electronic countermeasure course supervisor, earned the 2013 Junior Instructor of the Year Dec. 12 for his work at Cherry Point’s Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training.
As an instructor since 2010, Sanchez has led some 28 individual classes consisting of nearly 100 aviation training Marines at CNATT, totaling over 6,300 instruction hours. Sanchez is also slated for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program in 2014.
The Instructor of the Year Program recognizes Marines and Sailors from across NETC who excel in their assigned roles both on and off duty. Sanchez earned the distinction for his professional acumen and character, helping to shape the future of aviation Marines. Each Marine and Sailor selected this year led with pride across NETC, according to Rear Adm. Don Quinn, the commander of NETC.
“The Sailor of the Year and Instructor of the Year honors are earned through hard work and dedication to perfecting their craft; they are preparing the next generation of Sailors and Marines,” said Quinn in a statement to NETC Public Affairs. “They have earned this distinction through the leadership they demonstrate even when no one is looking, and the mentoring of others, both junior and senior alike.”
For Sanchez, the distinction as an Instructor of the Year stands as a testament to Marine Corps’ aviation technical training. His efforts will strengthen future generations of Marine aviation, said Sanchez, who will report for Officer Candidates School this month.
“I chose to become an instructor because I wanted a chance to give back to the Navy and Marine Corps communities that gave me the skills needed for success,” said Sanchez. “As an instructor, I am fortunate to be in a position where I can significantly influence the quality of training provided to future avionics technicians of the Navy and Marine Corps. This is something that I take seriously because the diversity and potential impact each Sailor and Marine brings to the fight.”