Staff Sergeant Dana Ogle

On Sept. 11th, Staff Sergeant Dana Ogle had just finished her shift in the Intelligence section of the Headquarters Marine Corps when the terrorists struck. She was the first enlisted Marine back on duty when it was unknown if more terror attacks would take place. Disregarding her own safety, she ensured the Intelligence Analyst section was up and running in less than 2 hours after the assault on the Pentagon. In response to the attacks, the Intel section expanded from seven to 24 people and it was her duty to get the newly assigned "up to speed" and assimilated into two 24-hour watch teams. Staff Sgt. Ogle then became a watch team NCO. She remained on 24-hour duty for a week straight, and refused to leave until ordered to get some rest. She continued to work for several months without taking any time off, putting in long hours and extra effort. Her calm demeanor, precise analytical skills, and good humor during the tense and developing situation contributed immeasurably to the section's smooth operation. Staff Sgt. Ogle personifies the spirit, leadership and dedication it takes to be a Marine. Semper Fi.

Gunnery Sergeant Scott Pile

Serving with one of the largest companies in the Corps, with 800+ Marines, Gunnery Sergeant Scott Pile's leadership, knowledge and resourcefulness have gained him the respect and admiration of his Marines. "He's a motivator, a teacher, a role model Marine," said one member of his company. "He sets high standards of performance and provides an example to everyone," said another Marine. "A great, great NCO. The best," said a third.

In the immediate wake of the 9/11 attacks, GySgt Pile assembled the reaction force in the middle of the night to provide security for two camps aboard Okinawa. He quickly established liaison with all tenant commands to provide a force at the two camps to ensure security for 15,000+ service members and families. His quick thinking, leadership and keen sense of mission became the driving force that solidified security at a very uncertain time. He served as a unique source of stability and strength for young Marines to follow in those turbulent moments.

GySgt Pile applied for and was recently selected as one of the first Gunnery Sergeants to be accepted into the Command and Staff Distance Education Program, an officer-level program. As director of the Camp Butler Base Corporal's Leadership Course, he takes great interest in mentoring and guiding his Marines to make the most of their personal and professional potential. "He can always be seen in the barracks, talking to Marines about how to get ahead with their careers and make the best of their lives," said one of member of his company. He routinely orchestrates fundraisers on weekends to help Marines pay for books and assist with tuition.

GySgt Pile is actively engaged in his community, a founding member of the Camps Foster and Lester Association, a non-profit organization that serves as a tool to enhance the quality of life of both the military and local community. The board recently donated monies to a local Okinawan school for new playground equipment and scholarships for local military high school graduates. Through another of his initiatives, he developed an 'adopt a school' program involving 2 pre-schools, one on base and one within the local community. He directed the last 'Marine Corps Base Toys-for-Tots' drive garnishing $10,000+ worth of toys for needy children. GySgt Pile is deeply involved in youth sports programs, seeking to impart not just sports instruction but values and skills such as respect, teamwork and integrity. He directed logistics for 15 Marine Corps Birthday Ball ceremonies held at the two camps, as well as the 56th and 57th commemorative ceremonies of the Battle of Iwo Jima, involving veterans of that legendary battle, their families and tourists. A compassionate and caring leader of Marines, he regularly visits Marines admitted to the hospital to encourage them and lend a helping hand. "He has been rock solid in many desperate situations involving Marines and their families that required not only his leadership but also his inspiring voice," said one fellow NCO.

For outstanding leadership, for his exemplary dedication to the Corps, his fellow Marines and his community, GySgt Scott Pile is an outstanding role model for what it means to be a Marine.

Lieutenant Colonel Seth Gahr

Sergeant John Storm

As part of the primary response force in the recovery of remains from the Pentagon tragedy of 9/11, Sergeant John Storm was at the forefront of the relief efforts, coming in off leave and working hand-in-hand with the FBI to locate and remove the remains of victims. He was completely dedicated and committed to this difficult task, working tirelessly for two months to ensure the proper dignity and respect was given to each of the fallen. In the Army for just over three years, Storm distinguished himself by fast tracking to the rank of Sergeant. In true Army NCO tradition, Sgt. Storm constantly strives to put his fellow soldiers' needs first while ensuring that the mission is accomplished. Even among his elite unit assignment, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, the "Old Guard," Sgt. Storm is consistently singled out for his exceptional professional and personal qualities. "He's a model soldier, a real example," says one fellow soldier. "He's a keeper, the kind of NCO the Army needs," said one of his commanding officers. Sgt. Storm is a fine example of the superior quality of men and women serving in today's Army.

Sergeant First Class James Penton

Sergeant First Class James Penton is committed to helping others be "all they can be." He is a strong motivating force within the Warrior Preparation Center, the joint Army/Air Force simulation training center in Europe. He has developed a high-performance team of Army and Air Force personnel who flawlessly support over 20 war gaming events, including training of over 10,000 U.S. military and NATO warriors and five sophisticated Department of Defense simulation models. Sgt. 1st Class Penton reaches across service boundaries, mentoring and counseling both Army and Air Force personnel. "He makes better people, and he makes better soldiers," said a member of his command. A fellow NCO at this command said, "he's the driving force behind this place." An Air Force colleague remarked, "the whole squadron thinks he's golden." Sgt. 1st Class Penton has received superior ratings in the demanding Battle Staff Course, and he graduated from the Advanced NCO Course on the Commandant's List, while receiving the Leadership, Professionalism, and Iron Man awards. Even with his complete dedication to the mission and his troops, Sgt. 1st Class Penton makes time to help in the community, volunteering with the Special Olympics, as well as youth and school programs. By showing extraordinary commitment and leadership, Sgt. 1st Class Penton sets an example to soldiers everywhere.

Sergeant First Class Roy Handy, Jr.

Sergeant First Class Roy Handy, Jr. helps others to be the best that they can be. Born and raised in the lower ninth ward of New Orleans, that city's most depressed and crime-ridden area, he beat the odds and made it out. After a successful career in the Army, SFC Handy then returned, volunteering for a tough recruiting assignment back in his old neighborhood. He has dedicated himself to helping local youth make the most of their potential. Despite having the financial wherewithal to live in a more affluent section of town, SFC Handy opted to reside in ward nine, providing a constant and positive role model and being on hand to guide and counsel the ward's youth. He is highly engaged in community activities, volunteering for a wide range of local youth mentoring and community improvement programs. To make a difference in the development of young children, he visits elementary schools to plant early seeds for success later in life. And he cares about youth beyond simply those he can recruit into the Army. One example of this is the Joint Community Services Group, where SFC Handy takes the extra effort to get local businesses to provide skill training and permanent jobs for those who cannot qualify for the Army. Another example of his involvement is with the Prison Outreach Ministry, where he took off-duty time to help troubled youth. /"His intervention into the life of a child, at an early age, coupled with his positive values, has provided a true role model for others to emulate,/" said one community leader, adding /"he's an inspiration and a great ambassador for the Army./" /"He has an extraordinary concern, compassion and commitment to helping others,/" says another colleague.

The quality of the personnel in today's Army is directly dependent upon having outstanding recruiters like SFC Handy. SFC Handy's activism in the community translates into positive success for the U.S. Army. /"SFC Handy is a superb recruiter, easily surpassing his goals,/" says his commanding officer. In each of the last two years, SFC Handy has exceeded his goal by 125%. And while many recruits veer off course once they've reached the Army, SFC Handy's recruits boast a superior 95% retention rate. That work has helped SFC Handy's New Orleans recruiting station become tops in the state of Lousiana. /"I love what I do,/" says Handy. /"The hardest job is being a recruiter, both for the Army and for being successful in life./"

SFC Roy Handy, Jr. makes a positive difference for both his community and the Army. He embodies the commitment, leadership and the highest standards of personal and professional conduct that is at the core of the United States Army.