The Marine Corps Association and Foundation recognized six exceptional leaders within Wounded Warrior Regiment during the 10th annual Wounded Warrior Leadership Awards ceremony at the Marston Pavilion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 20, 2020.
Individuals were chosen within WWR for their professionalism, exceptional leadership and achievements during the previous fiscal year. WWR supports the recovery and non-medical care of wounded, ill and injured Marines, Sailors attached to Marine units and their family members.
“There are a staggering breadth and depth of resources and knowledge available to every recovering service member,” said 1st Lt. Karen V. Martin, with Wounded Warrior Battalion-East (WWBN-E) and the Officer Leader of the Year recipient. “Everyone at the WWR will partake in a comprehensive recovery care plan as they prepare for a return to the fleet or transition to civilian life.”
Awards included Recovering Service Member of the Year, Marine Section Leader of the Year, Civilian Staff Member of the Year, Enlisted Leadership Award, Officer Leadership Award and Family Caregiver of the Year Award.
“Receiving this award means a lot to my legacy; it’s about respect and acceptance of a greater responsibility and potentially changes the way we conduct business,” said Staff Sgt. Marquita V. Davis the section leader of the year for WWBN-E. “To see that others recognize my hard work is a blessing and an honor.”
“This award ceremony recognizes outstanding leadership to those who stand a little bit above their peers and I’m honored to be a part of any ceremony that awards those characteristics.” Lt. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault, II Marine Expeditionary Force’s commanding general
According to Staff Sgt. Jose L. Acosta-Garcia, with WWBN-E and Enlisted Leader of the Year recipient, “WWR does a great job supporting its staff members and recovering service members. Being a part of the WWR team is something that is truly enjoyed.”
These awards were established to recognize the professional achievements of the Marines, Sailors and civilians who excel.
“This award ceremony recognizes outstanding leadership to those who stand a little bit above their peers and I’m honored to be a part of any ceremony that awards those characteristics,” said Lt. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force. “This award proves to any Marine, regardless of billet or location, that hard work is welcomed and valued by the Marine Corps.“
The award winners were as follows: Cpl. Joseph Rasdal won the Recovering Service Member of the Year award, Staff Sgt. Marquita Davis won the Section Leader of the Year award, David McIntyre won the Civilian Staff Member of the Year award, Staff Sgt. Jose Acosta-Garcia won the Enlisted Leader of the Year award, 1st Lt. Karen Martin won the Officer Leader of the Year award and Donna Thelen won the Family Caregiver of the Year award.
