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MCAS IWAKUNI, Japan -- “Have a purpose, find it, and achieve it,” said Sgt. Brooke M. Thompson, a Croswell, Michigan native, who was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, proved to be a vital asset to her unit by earning multiple training qualifications, volunteering for innumerable detachments while leading aircraft maintenance, contributing to the transition of F/A-18D Hornet aircraft to the latest 5th Generation stealth F-35B aircraft, promoting safety standards across MCAS Iwakuni by kick-starting the proper disposal of hazardous materials program for F-35B aircraft, and many other tasks responsible for VMFA-242’s successful operational capabilities.
Thompson was raised in a small farm town with a family entrenched in the U.S. Marine Corps. She was a product of dual military parents, especially with her father serving 28 years and her brother also bearing the title of a U.S. Marine.
“I wanted to build a more sustainable and stable lifestyle,” said Thompson. “I saw my parents be successful doing it, so I wanted it too.”
After attending college for three years, she made the decision to enlist in the Marine Corps in 2017.
Growing up in Croswell, Mi., Thompson credits her athletic background and playing college volleyball at the Grand Valley State University for shaping one of the hallmarks of being a quality Marine.
“Being an athlete helped me develop my small unit leadership,” said Thompson.
She related playing sports with her teammates in high school and college to guiding fellow Marines. In her experience, they both required being a team player, leading by example, and having a good attitude to accomplish an overall goal; whether it was during a match or on the flight line. This small unit leadership is reflected in Thompson’s work ethic, and influence over 60 Marines she was in charge of during her time. Her influence on the Marines around her paved way for her consistent selection for Marine of the Quarter, Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, Marine Aircraft Group 12 NCO of the Year, and placed second in 1st Marine Aircraft Wing NCO of the Year.
