MIAMI - U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Luchmy Luc, a 22-year-old native of Hollywood, Fla., was recently recognized by the Miami Marlins as the “Soldier of the Game,” during a ceremony, June 11.
The Marlins kicked off their three game series with the Boston Red Sox by honoring Luc, who is an administrative clerk with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, for his military service and career accomplishments during a “Military Mondays” pre-game ceremony.
"Soldier of the Game is part of Military Mondays, and it is a way for the Miami Marlins to honor a current armed forces member,” according to the Marlins staff.
During the Marlins’ Military Mondays games, U.S. military service members and their families receive admission to select games. It is during these games when the Marlins present the Soldier of the Game award.
“It really is a pleasure being recognized at home and I am truly blessed to get that opportunity and will never forget what got me there in the first place, which was hard work and determination,” said Luc. “I was deeply honored and wasn't expecting anything like that at all.”
The Marlins also recognized the members of their team and staff who recently visited service members serving in Japan, Guam, and Hawaii during the pre-game ceremony.
“I think it is an awesome thing that the staff and members are involved with the troops everywhere and I know that is really appreciated by us troops,” said Luc. “The stadium was filled with energy and love, and I could sense it throughout the entire ceremony. All of the ‘thank yous’ and knuckle-breaking handshakes really made me feel honored and welcomed.”
Luc serves as an administrative clerk with Marine Forces, South. He was recently selected as the Marine Forces, South noncommissioned officer of the quarter and was also nominated by senior leaders to represent Marine Forces, South for the 2011 U.S. Southern Command’s Junior Enlisted Person of the Year board.
According to his leadership, Cpl. Luc provides invaluable administrative assistance and expertise to all personnel attached to Marine Forces, South.
“Corporal Luc has been … doing an outstanding job since his assignment to the Marine Forces, South administration section,” said Master Sgt. Ferman McLaughlin, the administration section chief and Luc’s direct supervisor. “He ensures that Marines receive a seamless transition when joining and departing the command.”
Luc, a 2008 graduate of South Broward High School, also serves as the commanding general’s driver and as a French Creole interpreter for Marine Forces, South in addition to his daily duties.
McLaughlin said Luc's duties as an interpreter ensured the commanding general of Marine Forces, South, Maj. Gen. John M. Croley, was able to interact with foreign military service members and dignitaries while on temporary duty to Haiti.
Prior to his tour with Marine Forces South, Luc was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., where he attached to and deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Unified Response. Corporal Luc provided humanitarian assistance to Haiti while deployed during this deployment in 2010.