Birmingham Native Wins Leadership Award from U.S. Marine Corps

Birmingham native Capt. Daniel Brooks was awarded the Zembiec Award for Outstanding Leadership in the US Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command at the 9th Annual Marine Corps Association & Foundation (MCA&F) ground awards dinner on June 28.

The dinner served as the opportunity to recognize the four Marine Divisions' Marines of the Year, the recipients of the 2011 Leftwich Trophy, Hulbert Trophy, Zembiec Trophy, the Chambers Award, and the MARSOC NCO/Critical Skills Operator of the Year.

“MCA&F is proud to recognize these Marines for their exceptional achievement and duty to the Corps,” said MajGen. Edward G. Usher III, USMC (Ret) and President/CEO of the MCA&F. “That’s why the MCA&F exists. We encourage continued education, first-rate leadership and career advancement. We honor the professional excellence of Marines who serve our county every day.”

The award is sponsored by Lockheed Martin and the Marine Corps Association and Foundation. The Zembiec Trophy is presented annually in memory of Major Douglas A. Zembiec, USMC, killed in action in Iraq in May 2007.

Capt Brooks was born in Birmingham and has been deployed twice to Iraq with India Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, where he directed local security and training in Ramadi, and Haditha.

On a third deployment, Capt Brooks and his team conducted Village Stability Operations in Mirmandab Village, Afghanistan. Capt Brooks was en route to Afghanistan during the presentation ceremony and was unable to receive his award in person.

Major Andy Christianson accepted on his behalf.

“Dan is a true combat leader who does all the right things.” He also had an entire support team present that included his parents and a group of his men. They each had something unique to say about his leadership: he looks out for his men and draws the best qualities out of them; he understands that great leadership also requires active listening. Maj Christianson also added: “He’s got superb communication skills. That’s not only with his men, but with the Afghans that he’s mentoring and providing combat leadership to.”