Several Marines recognized at CMC Awards Ceremony for dedication to service

Marine Corps Base Quantico
Story by Lance Cpl. Paige Verry

Date: 01.11.2019
Posted: 01.18.2019 16:02
News ID: 307669
Several Marines recognized at CMC Awards Ceremony for dedication to service

U.S. Marines, awardees, and their family members gathered for the 2019 Commandant of the Marine Corps’ (CMC) Combined Awards Ceremony held at the Clubs at Quantico aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on Jan 11.

The ceremony recognized and awarded 12 Marines for their exceptional performance in various military occupational specialties and special duty assignments from around the world.

“Without the steadfast of these Marines, we would not be as successful as we are today,” said Gen. Gary Thomas, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Two finalists from each category were recognized but only one Marine was announced as the winner.

Recognized was Gunnery Sgt. Tyler J. Jennings as the Recruiter of the Year; Gunnery Sgt. Terrell L. Pryor as the Prior-Service Recruiter of the Year; Gunnery Sgt. Erle W. Pettus as the Drill Instructor of the Year; Gunnery Sgt. Christopher I. Simser, Jr. as the Marine Combat Instructor of the Year; Gunnery Sgt. James R. Waddington as the Career Planner of the Year; Staff Sgt. Marshall A. Kulik as the Reserve Career Planner of the Year; Staff Sgt. Jonathan Cabrera-Gonzalez as the Marine Security Guard of the Year. Staff Sgt. Jason T. Pacheco and 1st Lt. Lindsay R. Carrick won the Male and Female Athlete of the Year Award.

Lt. Col. Christopher R. Seigh was awarded for the highest average Physical Fitness Test and Combat fitness test for his entire unit.

“Set high standards and keep them,” he said discussing the key to success; he also credits his success to the support of his wife, Misty.

“We support them so that they can do their job without having to worry about what’s going on at home,” she said.

Gen. Gary Thomas and Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps awarded each finalist the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Each finalist and their family received gifts in acknowledgement of their success and support.

The CMC Combined Awards Program began in 1995 under the direction of Gen. Charles Krulak, 31st commandant of the Marine Corps, in recognition of the Recruiter of the Year. The awards have grown to encompass the current categories of recognition.

The finalists were recognized by their units as top performers and competed on boards against their peers within their commands.

In some cases, Marines are awarded a meritorious promotion to commend their diligent efforts and impactful actions in their job field.