Upon the completion of Exercise Saber Strike 16, a total of six U.S. Marines were honored by Brig. Gen. Ainars Ozolins, the Latvian Exercise Director for the Saber Strike 16. He distributed challenge coins to service members in honor of their outstanding work ethic, during the closing ceremony at Adazi Military Base, Latvia, June 21, 2016.
A challenge coin is a small medallion, bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and carried by the organization's members. Traditionally, they are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale.
“The challenge coin represents hard work and a job well done,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian Russell, a Hospital Corpsman with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, and a recipient of the challenge coin. “Working with our NATO Allies’ medical personnel was organized. Everyone did what they were supposed to do.”
Russell received the challenge coin because of his outstanding performance as a Corpsman and his superb leadership skills on deployment. Also, due to his sustained superior performance, Russell was hand-selected by the medical leadership to act as the Senior Medical Department Representative during the retrograde of all equipment to Norway.
“If you work hard at what you are doing and remain dedicated, you will get recognized for it,” said Lance Cpl. Emily Boom, A Motor Transport Operator for Combat Logistics Regiment 2, and a recipient of the challenge coin.
Boom was given the challenge coin because of her superior work ethic. She fulfilled a billet that should be manned by a sergeant as a lance corporal and performed to the same standards.
Boom added that this is the first deployment that she has been on, and has enjoyed the scenery in Latvia while working alongside different partner nations.