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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Leadership is one of the Marine Corps'
highest-held traits in the individual Marine. As such, every Marine,
as well as every other service member and civilian aboard a military
installation, is charged with being a leader to others and inspiring
them to be the best they can be in their field.
Mary A.
Foreman, a 63-year old military paid technician working with the
disbursing office, has exemplified this trait for the last 35 years.
She was recognized on Dec. 20, 2013 for her dedicated service during her
35 Year Federal Length of Service award ceremony aboard Camp
Pendleton, Calif.
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Colonel John M. Schultz, 1st Marine Logistics Group chief of
staff, presents Mary A. Foreman with a certificate of appreciation
during her 35 Year Federal Length of Service award ceremony aboard
Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 20, 2013. Foreman, a native of
Muskegon, Mich., is a 63-year old military paid technician who has
devoted her personal and professional life to the Marine Corps for
almost half a century. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Laura Gauna)
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Mary was presented with a personal coin from Brig. Gen.
Vincent A. Coglianese, the 1st MLG commanding general, as
well as the 35 Year Federal Length of Service pin that her
husband donned on her.
“I've known Mrs. Foreman
since I was a lance corporal,” said Staff Sgt. Florencio
Gogo, a 29-year old paid deck certifier with Disbursing
Office, Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st
Marine Logistics Group, of San Diego. “She does what she can
and stays motivated even through hard times. Not only is she
a mentor, but she portrays a leader in the office. She is a
leader that I've looked to for many years and has made me
the Marine I am today.”
Forty-four years ago, in
1969, Foreman, a native of Muskegon, Mich., made the journey
to Camp Pendleton with her husband after he graduated boot
camp. Her husband, George Forman Jr., served as a food
service specialist and is a retired Gunnery Sergeant.
She started her disbursing career with the Marine Corps
on Nov. 28, 1978, where she was assigned to the fiscal
section of the base disbursing office.
“When I first
started, I knew nothing about the military life,” she
recalled. “I had to learn a different way of life with the
Marines. I saw a bond with them and at first I couldn't
understand it but now I know it is a bond that can't be
broke. I really liked that they were like a family.”
A lifelong learner, Foreman worked diligently to master
every position she was selected to lead and by 1983 she was
moved to the consolidated disbursing office and was assigned
as the Fiscal Deputy.
In 1987, Mrs. Foreman moved
out of the fiscal section and worked in consolidated
sections that were responsible for processing military pay,
separations, and travel payments. She is currently working
in the military pay section, where she is responsible for
certifying adjustments and special payments for over 70,000
Marines on the west coast.
“It's very busy,” she
said. “The job is all based off of the accuracy of our work.
I've worked in different sections. I've had to learn to be
ready for everything and pay attention to the smallest
details.”
Outside of the disbursing office, Mrs.
Foreman can be described as a dedicated, family oriented
woman who has devoted her life to a career of service.
“You are a valued member of our team and your continued
contributions are vital for the disbursing office to
continue to be successful in meeting their mission,” said
Brig. Gen. Coglianese. “All of our organizational
achievements are made possible because of your individual
efforts and the efforts of your team members. Thank you for
your hard work and dedication.”
As one might
imagine, someone like Foreman would make a number of bonds
when working at the same facility for more than three
decades. The leader she has become in her department is an
aspect of her personality and was spoken highly of during
her departure.
“I've built so many bonds with these
Marines,” said Foreman. “I've seen some retire. I've seen
them come and go. I would like to think I have impacted
their lives. I enjoy helping people and being around these
Marines.”
The countless number of Marines and
civilians she has worked with over the years has been her
favorite memory. She has seen many Marines pass through from
Regional Disbursing Office-West and mentored the career
progression of those Marines who have stayed on active duty.
In addition, she has served as a reference to those Marines
who have now entered the civilian world in high level
positions.
“I really enjoy working with Marines,”
she said. “I enjoy watching how they first come in from boot
camp and how they progress, and just seeing the knowledge
they take with them.”
According to the Marines she
has worked with Foreman's character, values, and selfless
service function as a great example to everyone around her.
“I learned good work ethic through watching her,”
said Master Sgt. Kelvin Brown, an operations chief with
Disbursing Office, and a native of Long View, Texas. “I
learned to do the job regardless of what problems might be
going on in my life. She has a lot of motivation and
dedication. Everyone respects her because of how she treats
people and her demeanor.”
According to Brown, Foreman
is a true example of a lifelong learner and leader.
“If I had to leave them with anything, I would tell them
whatever you do, learn it well,” she said. “Because that one
thing you exceed in might be the one thing that makes the
difference.”
Following retirement, Foreman plans to
pursue another degree in accounting.
By USMC Cpl. Laura Gauna
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2014
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