12/30/2011
By Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – When skimming through the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal citations for Lance Cpls. Caitlin E. Johnson and Markevis J. Seth, it was evident as to why they were standing tall and proud before a general officer, Dec. 30.
For their tireless work-ethic and dedication to duty during the holiday mail season, each Marine was awarded their respective medal by Brig. Gen. Michael G. Dana, the commanding general for the 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward).
Both are attached to the MLG’s Postal Detachment based aboard Camp Leatherneck, which is charged with delivering postmarked pieces of home to more than 22,000 military and Department of Defense personnel scattered across Regional Command Southwest’s area of operation.
This can be a grueling task any day of the week, but add in the additional influx of mail that complements the holiday season and the process of sorting and delivering it becomes even more of a challenge. Marines like Johnson and Seth, however, make it look easy.
Johnson, a native of Creswell, Ore., demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities during the holiday rush. During this time she assisted her contemporaries with processing more than 3 million pounds of mail, while displaying professionalism and morale-building spirit.
In addition to assisting with the handling and processing of mail, Seth took on the added responsibility of ensuring more than 3,000 shipping containers were prepared for transportation to outlaying forward operating bases. The Wilmington, Del., native was instrumental in training 24 individual augments, which were on hand to assist with the holiday load.