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thedrifter
04-01-09, 07:45 AM
1st Marine Logistics Group Marine Receives 47th Annual Women of the Year Award

1st Marine Logistic Group Public Affairs

Story by Cpl. Whitney Brackett
Date: 03.31.2009
Posted: 03.31.2009 12:18


SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Winning cash prizes and awards isn’t what distinguishes one from the rest; it’s actions, not awards, that set Marines apart.

Staff Sgt. Sarah E. Turner, training chief, Military Police Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group, received one of the two Enlisted Women of the Year awards during a ceremony held March 24. The Navy League of San Diego has presented the award for 47 consecutive years.

“I am honored to serve with such a well-rounded Marine,” said Capt. John B. Bowe, commanding officer, MP Co. “I trust her and I am honored to serve with her. I could not be more proud than to see her grow tactfully, technically and proficiently.”

Fifty-two enlisted affiliates of the Navy and Marine Corps from Southern California gathered at the Mission Valley Marriott to honor two exemplary female service members. The award is split into two brackets: a junior enlisted division, pay grades E-5 and below; and a senior enlisted division, pay grades E-6 and above.

Individual commands nominate these members based on their accomplishments. A panel from the Navy League narrowed down hundreds of candidates to 52 worthy applicants, but only two went home with the satisfaction of winning the 47th Annual Enlisted Women of the Year awards.

Turner won a cash prize of $250, $1600 toward tuition from National University, a one-night stay for two at a Sheraton Hotel, several prizes from local businesses, a certificate of appreciation and a plaque.

“I was more excited than she was, just shocked,” said Bowe, 35, Lake Placid, N.Y. “From the moment she checked in my unit, I told my Marines to follow her example … she is that good.”

Although Turner came up short after receiving a recommendation the previous year, her leadership never faltered. She continued to mentor her Marines and serve the Corps exceptionally.

“She is an amazing leader. I have the most respect for her as a Marine and a person,” said Cpl. Paul G. Johnston, 23, Boone, N.C., vehicle commander, 5th platoon, MP Co.

Turner’s prior experiences and achievements during her 2008 deployment to Iraq proved her qualifications for this year’s Women of the Year award for the senior enlisted. With 23 service members under her authority, she tackled the responsibility of a security force and convoy commander, a position usually filled by an officer.

“She truly cares about her Marines,” said 1st Lt. Elisa M. Barrios, 25, Mountain View, Calif., executive officer, MP Co. “The first one in and the last one out, she’ll get the job done no matter what it takes.”

After completing 33 logistics patrols and six escort missions in excess of 3,000 miles, she safely returned her team accident free. She also organized the immediate evacuation of a casualty and assumed the duties of training chief, ensuring all of her Marines were mission ready.

One of the missions of the Navy League of San Diego is to improve public understanding and appreciation of those who wear the uniforms of U.S. armed forces. The Annual Enlisted Women of the Year award is one of many ways the Navy League recognizes America’s hard-working service members.

“There are a lot of Marines out there [who] do hard work and don’t get recognized,” said Turner, 25, Austin, Texas. “It was good to see the command support their Marines.”

Ellie