II Marine Expeditionary Force

Sgt. Stormy Mendez, a graphics chief with Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, poses for a photo at Camp Lejeune, N.C. "My main goal is to train my Marines to be more versatile," says Mendez, the Garland, Texas, native. "It's not about me anymore, I have to make sure my Marines are taken care of and learning constantly." Nominated for significant contributions to operational readiness and productivity while serving as the repro/graphics chief, Mendez's leadership abilities and MOS proficiency have made her a leader that her subordinates want to emulate. Her motivation is a driving force within her section. (Courtesy photo)

Cpl. Edwin Carcamo, an embarkation non-commissioned officer with II Marine Support Battalion, II MEF Information Group, poses for a personality portrait as the unit's Motivator of the Week at Camp Lejeune, N.C. "Keep your head up," said Carcamo, the Culmore, Va., native. According to his leadership, Carcamo has an infectious leadership ability, enthusiastic approach to mission accomplishment, quick decision making skills, and never misses an opportunity to mentor Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Stephen Campbell)

Sgt. Jurmond Cattenhead, a warehouse clerk with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group poses for a photo aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. "To any Marine out there, or anybody out there (in) the military, don't think that you are in a bubble where you can't go out and have opportunities like this," says Cattenhead, a Jackson, Miss., native. "The Marine Corps offers you many things to do, you just have to work hard and believe in who you are as a Marine." Cattenhead was a key player in ensuring that Team USA took home a Silver Medal at the Military World Games in China this past October. With the All-Marine Basketball team, he competed in the Armed Forces Championship, averaging 13 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 7 games. Additionally, he earned Most Valuable Player at the 24th Annual Capital Classic. Cattenhead constantly seeks to inspire other service members and educate civilians about the military experience, while constantly embodying the warrior mindset.. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Jenkins)

Sgt. Justin Heard, an aviation ordnance technician with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N. C. "Leadership is a two-way street, you have to know your subordinates and know your superiors," says Heard, a Houston, Texas, native. Heard was nominated by his chain of command for his ability to accomplish any tasks regardless of the scope. Heard was also the Marine Aircraft Group noncommissioned officer of the quarter for the 3rd quarter and VMAT-203's "Hawk of the Week" for ordnance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cody T. Rowe)

A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, writes notes before conducting land navigation during a jungle survival training event in Akanda, Gabon, Nov. 20, 2019, conducted with Belgian Army soldiers with the Special Operations Regiment. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Andrew Soto)

A Belgian Army AW109 Eurocopter with the 1st Wing Mobile Air Operation Team, prepares to land during a jungle survival training event in Akanda, Gabon, Nov. 20, 2019. U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, are working and training with partner-nation militaries giving U.S. forces the opportunity to refine processes and procedures, increase proficiency, and enhance the ability to respond to contingencies across the region. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Andrew Soto)

U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, run an endurance course along the coast during a jungle survival training event in Akanda, Gabon, Nov. 20, 2019. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Andrew Soto)

A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, prepares to place C-4 on an 81mm mortar round during Exercise Master Blaster in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, Nov. 28, 2019. The purpose of this exercise is for U.S. Marines and Spanish service members to work together through explosive ordnance disposal procedures. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nello Miele)

A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, discusses his plan of disposal for an improvised explosive device with a Spanish service member during Exercise Master Blaster in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, Nov. 27, 2019. The purpose of this exercise is for U.S. Marines and Spanish service members to work together through explosive ordnance disposal procedures. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nello Miele)

Cpl. Trenton Frost, a combat engineer with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, poses for a photo aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. "Lead from the front so that the Marines beneath you know your expectations," said Frost, the Van Velk, Texas, native. Frost successfully coordinated multiple missions while at Integrated Training Exercise 1-20 in Twentynine Palms, California. He led a fire team during breaching operations using Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching Systems to clear paths through wire obstacles and mine fields in support of infantry operations. (Courtesy Photo)

Pfc. John Acosta, an administrative specialist with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing poses for a photo at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. “Be the example. If your peers see you striving to better yourself, then they will follow in your footsteps.” said Acosta, a Houston, Texas, native. He was nominated for becoming a HITT instructor, running a 299 CFT and for showing initiative within his section. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Steven M. Walls)

Cpl. Peter Fillo, a combat graphics specialist with COMMSTRAT Company, 2nd Marine Information Group, poses for a photo aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C. "Marines fight for the Marines who inspire them," said Fillo, the Portland, Ore., native. As a COMMSTRAT Marine, Fillo is recognized throughout his command for his creative and innovative mindset. He willingly shares his wealth of knowledge with his Marines, thus motivating them to enhance their creativity. (USMC illustration by Sgt. David Delgadillo)

Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Navy leaders with 2nd, 6th and 10th Fleet conduct a small group discussion during Large Scale Exercise 2020 Warfighting Seminar at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Nov. 11 2019. During the seminar, leaders discussed naval integration and maximizing capabilities for future exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Nicholas Guevara)