Chamber Recognizes Top Marines, Sailors and Spouse [Gallery]

The recognized Camp Pendleton’s top service members at a ceremony Friday at .

“They are but a fraction of the talented Marines that make up Camp Pendleton,” 1st Marine Division Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Kufchak said in a speech.

The in the next decade.  Kufchak told the Marines and sailors being honored that they will lead the changes and challenges that a reduction in troops will bring.

“We are dependent on you to get it done,” he said.

Change also came for the Chamber Friday. For the first time ever, it recognized a Marine spouse. Stephanie Griswold helped other spouses deal with deployment and supported her Marine husband.

Kufchak said such support is crucial to develop a service member’s career.

“It takes special people like you to make special people,” he said.

The following Marines and sailors were recognized:

Cpl. Abdul Bah — Marine of the Quarter

Cpl. Bilma J. Diaz — NCO of the Quarter

Hospital Corpsman Second Class Michael Carfaro — Sailor of the Quarter

Hospital Corpsman Third Class Ashley N. McMurray — Sailor of the Quarter & Sailor of the Year LS Det, CLB-13, CLR-17, 1st MLG

Sgt. Michael Croft — Meritorious Nomination

Hospital Corpsman Second Class Carey E. Lucas — Sailor of the Quarter MP Company, Security BN

Cpl. Angelo Melendez III — NCO of the Quarter 1st Maint BN, CLR-1, 1st MLG

Cpl. Thanhtam Nguyen — Marine of the Year 1st Radio Battalion

Cpl. Courtney M. Reeves —NCO of the Quarter IPAC Outbound, H&S BN, A Co. MCB Camp Pendleton

Lance Cpl. Juan A. Trevino — Marine of the Quarter 9th Communications Battalion

Sgt. Danielle C. Weldon — NCO of the Quarter HMLA-469, MAG-39, 3d MAW

Sgt. Christopher M. Wilson — NCO of the Quarter ACU5

Quartermaster Faith M. Ocaba — Blue Jacket of the Year

Gunner’s Mate Third Class James S. Brantner — Junior Sailor of the Quarter
Wounded Warrior BN West, Detachment 29 Palms

Lance Cpl. Richard S. Stalder — Marine of the Quarter
Wounded Warrior BN West Alpha Co.

Cpl. Anthony A. Arriaga — NCO of the Quarter
4th Platoon, 3D MAW Military Police Company

Lance CPl. Daniel Godina — Marine of the Quarter
3rd Platoon, Company C, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st MarDiv

Cpl. Zachary T. Stangle — NCO of the Quarter 1st Marine Logistics Group/CLR-17 HQ Co

Hospital Corpsman Aimee Granger — Junior Sailor of the Year

Full Disclosure: Camp Pendleton Patch is a member of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and its Military Affairs Committee.

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