Captain Nico Marcolongo

CPL Thomas Ferguson

Cpl Stephen Thomas Ferguson is a special person, in and out of the Corps. The one-time Who’s Who in High School winner in science/mathematics is today an expert marksman presently deployed in Iraq. Cpl Ferguson exhibits leadership characteristics and responsibility unique for a junior Marine. Currently deployed in the Middle East, Cpl Ferguson is repeatedly noted as an outstanding performer by his commanding officer.

Officers from his last duty station state that he is the ultimate role-model, a top performer in the field, and “an example to young Marines everywhere.” Cpl Ferguson has represented his units and the Corps for numerous USO fundraisers and, in the spirit of jointness, opened his own home to troops from other service branches during Thanksgiving. He has for many years worked with at-risk youths, including mentoring and helping to change the lives of many gang-related teens. His kindness, concern and positive example won over these tough, troubled youths. This 21 year old Marine has also taken the responsibility of providing sole support of his mother, who has a serious disease. Cpl Ferguson demonstrated his selflessness on two occasions only weeks apart after arriving at Camp Pendleton and just before deploying. In one instance a car crashed into a flatbed truck that was ferrying Cpl Ferguson’s own vehicle, bursting into flames. He worked tirelessly to try to save the driver in the car. And weeks later, he stopped at the scene of a freeway accident and pulled a paralyzed man from his car, waiting with him until police arrived. “Stephen is very humble, will not brag, and most of the time people never even know of the good things that he does,” said a battalion chaplain. “Cpl Ferguson is truly an inspiration and a fine Marine”.

Gunnery Sergeant Charles Ridgeway, Jr.

GySgt Ridgeway is an example of the unsung performer in a field often overlooked in its importance to mission accomplishment. In an understaffed unit with extremely high OPTEMPO, GySgt Ridgeway is a key performer, filling in for a wide variety of essential roles to ensure his logistics section is at top operating readiness.

Recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom, GySgt Ridgeway is the ‘go-to guy’, a platoon sergeant responsible for a fleet of 64 vehicles that move 5 companies of Marines. In addition to this direct assignment, GySgt Ridgeway has also taken on the responsibility of overseeing the entire battalion’s stock of ammo, food and supplies, serving as the senior logistics NCO. Prior to a quick deployment order during Operation Enduring Freedom, GySgt Ridgeway’s concern for his Marines was evident. He rose to the occasion, often filling a billet normally reserved for officers, and ensured that each Marine and their families were prepared for the challenge ahead. “He goes the extra mile to find ways to make the situation be at ease for each Marine and their families,” said his section officer. “I have not known another Marine who consistently lives by the credo of honor, courage and commitment. He epitomizes the term ‘Leadership by Example’,” said his immediate supervisor.

GySgt Ridgeway is a tireless leader, who sets the highest standards for his Marines, keeps them focused and highly motivated and helps them to be their best. “He is committed to his Marines on a professional and personal basis,” said one NCO. “His personality and leadership style are contagious, and he is sought out by Marines in all matters pertaining to his MOS and Marine Corps leadership,” says his commanding officer. “Not a day goes by that GySgt Ridgeway does not make a difference in the lives of those around him.” To which we say, well done, GySgt Ridgeway, and Semper Fi!

Staff Sergeant Karl Garrison

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Staff Sergeant Karl C. Garrison is the epitome of an “everyday hero” and an honor to the proud traditions and values of the United States Marine Corps.

“He gives his Marines 150%,” says one officer. His commander says, “He does things to positively affect people – whether inside this command or outside – and he does not look for fame and glory when assisting others.”

A recent example of that selfless dedication is particularly noteworthy. When SSgt Garrison learned in August 2002 that he was a compatible bone marrow donor to a patient in Washington, D.C., he immediately made himself available to a series of exams and tests. When the patient required an expedited bone marrow donation, SSgt Garrison put in the extra effort and did a lot of the legwork so that decisions could be made quickly by both his chain of command and the donor society, enabling all requirements to be met in a shortened period of time. The donor services coordinator remembered SSgt Garrison as saying, “If you need me out there I will be there … anything you all need.”

While watching a football game, SSgt Garrison received the call on November 4th. He was on the first plane from California to Washington, D.C, the next day, and the collection was done on November 6th. Being a bone marrow donor is an extremely painful process, and this volunteer effort is one not taken lightly. The patient was unknown to him, and after undergoing the procedure, SSgt Garrison was required to go on light duty and miss physical training for a couple of months – a situation that could have harmed his chances of promotion, according to one colleague. Not only did he do it, he offered to undergo the procedure again if necessary. “This is a completely selfless and courageous act to do for someone you don’t know or will never meet,” said the donor program coordinator.

One fellow Marine recalled him saying;, “If you can do something, why wouldn’t you?” Another junior Marine said, “He gave his own bone marrow to try to save the life of someone he never met, sacrificing his own health and fitness, and putting himself through a lot of pain and challenge. He’s a hero and an inspiration to me.” Although he must remain off the register for a year, SSgt Garrison has stated that as soon as he is eligible, he wants “to be back on the donor list.” SSgt Garrison fills a communications/electronics billet normally reserved for a gunnery sergeant, and sets an example in the professionalism with which he approaches his assignment and in his concern for fellow Marines. He has garnered the respect and trust of all those around him. “His character is strong and confident … he is an outstanding leader of Marines,” said one lance corporal.

“SSgt Garrison has been the supervisor who has supported me and allowed me time and opportunities to better myself educationally and career-wise. He’s a role model to us all,” said another junior Marine. “He shows the honor, courage and commitment of the Marine Corps in everything he does – and he continually strives to instill these qualities in the Marines around him. He is always fair and just with junior Marines and makes himself approachable on all things large and small,” said a fellow NCO. “His daily actions are what impress me, and his consistency stands out from others,” says one Marine. “He’s a master of his job, and he passes on his knowledge and the values of the Corps to younger Marines,” says his section officer.

SSgt Garrison has volunteered countless hours to youth athletic activities, seeking to have an impact on impressionable young minds by teaching them not only athletic skills, but positive skills for life. “He stresses how important it is to honor family, community and those who have served before us,” said a fellow NCO. “That commitment lives on in each moment of his day, doing what he knows to be the right thing, doing for others, and never faltering in what he believes in.”

SSgt Karl C. Garrison embodies the commitment, leadership and highest standards of personal dedication, courage and professional conduct that lay at the heart of what it means to be a Marine.

Command Sergeant SFC Randi Hamden

1LT Paul Newhook

LTC Ann Larsen

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Persinger

SSG Persinger is a strong leader dedicated to using his years of military experience to making reserve soldiers and local policemen better. As an Army reservist and a police officer with the Lewisville, Texas Police Department, SSG Persinger goes out of his way to share and teach others. “He is passionate about being a soldier and excels at everything he does,” says a unit commander. With 13 years of active duty experience and 17 years overall in the military, SSG Persinger is “a role model who inspires others to do their best,” says one member of his unit.

One unit officer noted, “because he leads by example, SSG Persinger is in a unique position to prepare other soldiers for mobilization. He has special concern for his soldiers, both as a trainer and as a counselor.” SSG Persinger is currently deployed in the Middle East, and has served as a military policeman in both Bosnia and Somalia. “He took superb care of his soldiers, returning his unit safe and sound - and while this might seem fairly routine, he succeeded within particularly dangerous and perilous environments,” said a former commander. “Because of his experience, dedication and maturity, he is sought out to handle the most difficult projects and mentor young reservists. He always takes the challenge, the big jobs and responsibility without question.” For his overall efforts, SSG Persinger was named the 90th Regional Support Group NCO of the Year after a rigorous selection process at the company and battalion level. And, at the next higher command level that oversees 16,000+ soldiers from five states, he was the 90th Regional Support Command’s runner-up.

Captain Wheeler Manning

TAEGU, South Korea - Captain Wheeler R. Manning has consistently shown himself to be a dedicated and inspirational leader who makes going above and beyond an everyday part of his job. While serving as commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 194th Maintenance Battalion, in South Korea, CPT Manning’s unit received a no-notice deployment order to recover a crashed 2nd Infantry Division AH-64 helicopter on a dangerous Korean mountainside. He had his unit quickly assess the mission, secure the necessary mountaineering equipment and deploy immediately. Within hours he and his team were at the crash site. CPT Manning’s comrades say his cool-headed leadership was vital to the success of the mission. CPT Manning asked not to be recognized, but to only recognize the outstanding efforts of his recovery team. “Amid the chaos and stress that comes with the unhappy task of recovering lost comrades, CPT Manning lived up to his reputation for being the steady hand on the rudder in rough seas,” said one senior officer. “He motivated his soldiers, stayed attuned to the difficult situation, listened to their recommendations and concerns, and ensured mission success. For a young officer, he shows remarkable selflessness, poise and maturity.”

CPT Manning’s soldiers know him to be a compassionate yet firm leader who always has time to listen and help with their problems. When one soldier experienced financial difficulty, CPT Manning initiated a campaign to raise funds for the soldier’s family. In addition to writing letters of support to collect contributions, he doubled the amount donated with his own personal contribution. “This is love in action, a secret, heroic act. Nobody knew what he did for the family,” said one junior officer. “It is an honor to serve with him.”

Knowing how important it is to help South Koreans understand the U.S. mission in their country, CPT Manning makes community outreach a regular part of his life, both on and off duty. Despite his demanding work schedule, he has championed programs to build bridges between the U.S. military and South Korean communities. For instance, CPT Manning organized language lessons between his unit and soldiers with the Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army. Through the lessons, his soldiers were able to study the local dialect while the Korean Augmentation soldiers were able to learn English.

CPT Manning is admired by his colleagues up and down the command chain for his positive attitude and commitment to those around him. “CPT Manning is an extraordinary officer. He is everything that our country expects in a commissioned officer. He’s bright, articulate, fit and passionate about soldiers. He makes me a better officer just by my being around him every single day,” said one senior commander. “CPT Manning exemplifies the core values of the U.S. Army both on and off duty,” said one NCO.“If I had the authority, I would promote him.” One junior officer who served under him said, “He is an inspiration. I want to work for him again, for a long time.” “It would be an honor to work for CPT Manning again, I have learned so much from him,” said an NCO from his former unit. “He is the type of leader that goes out of his way to make sure his soldier is taken care of. He takes pride in everything he does, even the small things.” One civilian employee says, “The way he cares for all his subordinates, the way he puts their needs above his own, the way he stands by them when they make mistakes and guides them back on course … CPT Wheeler R. Manning is a great soldier and he is also a great human being.”

Sergeant First Class Tommy Carson

Some soldiers are willing to give so much for so little in return. The Fort Lewis community of Tacoma, WA, is truly lucky to have a soldier like SFC Tommy Lee Carson who is willing to contribute so much to its welfare. “SFC Carson is a worthy role model, not only for the uniformed personnel here, but also for the citizens of our community,” said the chairman of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce. “He never asks to be in the limelight, yet is the first to volunteer,” says his senior NCO.

On base, he is the leader behind the annual Fort Lewis Golf Tournament, which raised $10,000 to benefit families in the community during Thanksgiving and Christmas. “His selfless service really stands out,” says his commander. “He leads battalion efforts to get soldiers to volunteer in the community, and leads this task by example.” SFC Carson created his battalions’ community partnership with the local Veterans hospital, providing volunteers to work with the hospital and patients. At both the Washington State Soldiers Home and the Olympia Manor Senior Citizens Home, he volunteers to organize and conduct recreational activities. He also gives his time to the Fort Lewis Hospitality Committee and at the Fort Lewis Thrift Store. He spent over 200 hours helping to clean his local church and provide holiday services to the needy. When the local community high school needed a golf coach, SFC Carson stepped forward.

“SFC Carson is driven to give something back to others,” says his senior NCO. “He makes a difference everyday. His broad involvement in community service reflects how his life evolves around helping other people.” SFC Tommy Lee Carson is a fine example of the high personal quality of those serving in the United States Army.