SATTAHIP, Thailand -- President John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” This simple quote stated over 200 years ago is still relevant today. According to Marines of Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Gunnery Sgt. Heath Fernald is definitely an inspiring individual who leads his Marines firmly and fairly.
“Gunnery Sgt. Fernald is a ball of fire,” said 1st Lt. Barrett Moorhouse, the amphibious assault vehicle platoon commander for Alpha Co. BLT 1/5, 31st MEU. “He’s one of the most motivated individuals I’ve ever seen and had the pleasure of working with.
Fernald, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, currently serves as the amphibious assault vehicle platoon sergeant for Alpha Co. BLT 1/5, 31st MEU.
Fernald said he comes from a lineage of sailors and Marines, so when the recruiter arrived he had no problem making his decision.
“I was in the shower and heard the doorbell ring and so I hopped out and answered the door. He was standing there in his Dress Blue uniform and asked would I have time to speak to him,” said Fernald, “ So he starts to pull out these little cards he uses to recruit and I said 'don’t worry about all that where do I sign.'”
Since joining, Fernald has deployed to countries all over the world, including places like, Djibouti; Iraq; Afghanistan; Okinawa, Japan; and Thailand.
He served as a drill instructor for three years in Parris Island, South Carolina, directly after leaving a combat zone in Iraq. Before coming to his current platoon, he was also the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the Marine Corps Rifle Team.
Since coming to his latest duty assignment, Fernald has had a great impact on the Marines in his platoon. The Marines feel he not only teaches them to be better Marines but also better men.
“He’s very understanding,” said Lance Cpl. Esai Rodriguezrodriguez, an AAV crewman with Alpha Co. BLT 1/5, 31st MEU. “I had a couple personal problems going on a while back, and he was very understanding and did a lot to help me out with my situation.”
Fernald said there’s no secret to leading, just be honest with your men and they will return the favor.
“As long as you as you are real with them they will be real with you and tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear” said Fernald.
Fernald, now close to his retirement mark, said he doesn’t plan on doing 20 years and retiring. He aims to reach the rank of master gunnery sergeant.
“In our community they are the keepers and innovators of the amtrac tradition. They are what we call the Godfathers of the AAV community and when I think of Gunnery Sgt. Fernald I think he could absolutely hold that place,” said Moorhouse a native of Corpus Christi, Texas. “He’s the perfect blend of calm and crazy.”