From small-town Louisiana to Bahrain Story by Cpl. Austin Long CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Signing away years of one’s life, for a cause greater than one’s self, can be nerve racking for many. For the one percent of Americans that choose to make that commitment multiple options lay ahead of them. Most Marines get out after one term (approximately four years). Others are uncertain about re-enlisting, but for some they know from day one they want this life as a career. For Master Gunnery Sgt. Willie Morgan Jr., 2nd Marine Regiment’s administrative chief, from Thibodeaux, La., even before leaving for boot camp he knew the rank he is at now is what he wanted to be. Enlisting as an administration clerk 23 years ago, he started as a recruit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and is now headed to Bahrain to continue as an administrative chief. “I signed for six years, which was guaranteed corporal back then. I was one of those guys who knew I wanted this as a career,” said Morgan. “I’m just fortunate enough I was able to make this a career. Before I even went to boot camp, my recruiter explained the difference between being a first sergeant and a master sergeant, I decided then I wanted to be a master gunnery sergeant (the next rank after master sergeant).” Some of the experiences Morgan is fonder of include fighting forest fires in operation Wild Fire conducted in Washington and Montana, deploying to Japan twice with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, as an administrative clerk, and being the equal opportunity representative in Quantico, Va. As the equal opportunity representative Morgan handled cases where Marines felt discriminated against in their job based on gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. “Early on in my career, when I was stationed with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, I was an administrative clerk. While there, we had the opportunity to go fight forest fires in Washington and Montana for operation Wild Fire,” said Morgan. “We were there for 30 days total, which is where I received my second Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for my actions as a, no pun intended, fire-team leader.” For a successful career some Marines find it helpful to have a strong support system. Whether it is family, friends or senior leadership, support is important. For Morgan, he was fortunate enough to have the support of his family from the beginning and the support of strong senior leadership throughout his rise through the ranks. Both were able to keep him motivated and be examples on how to be a great leader. “Family support is very, very important. Without family support I wouldn’t be here right now,” said Morgan. “Even though we’re the ones who are putting on the boots and uniform, they make a sacrifice as well. Especially when we deploy or even going to the field for a week, the family makes a major sacrifice and I know I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family back home in Thibodaux and New York. I’m very blessed and humble, and I do realize you don’t reach the pinnacle by yourself. I’ve had a lot of great mentors over the course of my career that have been more like father figures to me and have sat me down and taught me the lessons of life. When I screwed up they showed me compassion and leadership but they were firm. I do try to model myself after them in the way I lead.” That leadership is what Morgan tries to apply when handling his junior Marines. The way he handles his Marines has evolved from early in his career to now. Morgan gives much of the credit to his leaders over the years, but also to his maturity that has developed with time. But above all he believes in discipline. Being disciplined is doing what is right even when no one is around, said Morgan. With each Marine he meets he tries to instill the importance of it by taking all opportunities to teach them either something about life, their job skill, or how to overcome an obstacle. “What I would like to see the Marines at 2nd Marine Regiment take away from my leadership is the main focus of discipline. To always do what you’re supposed to be doing even in the absence of superiors. Just being that disciplined Marine with everything; finances, family structure and themself,” said Morgan. “In my earlier days I didn’t have great listening ears but as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to listen more and not always be an ‘in your face leader’. I’ve become more understanding that young men and women are going to make mistakes and because of my experience I’m able to sit down and talk with them about it and [teach them] how to correct the problem.” As Morgan reflected back on his parents signing the consent form when he was 17 years old in 1990, he is also reminded of the challenges he faced over the years both personally and professionally. “I’m smart enough to know that this milestone would not be possible if it weren’t for the love and support I get from my dad, Mr. Willie Morgan Sr., my entire family and friends in Louisiana and in New York, and last but not least my fellow Marines,” said Morgan. Read more: dvidshub.net/news/110047/small-town-louisiana-bahrain#.Ud7P6pyOndE#ixzz2YkeioRZ1
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 15:33:39 +0000
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