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As an institution dedicated to duty and commitment to excellence,
the Marine Corps is a foundation dependent on leadership. One of the
foundations of leadership in the Corps is the noncommissioned
officer -- the backbone of the Marine Corps -- who ensures the
successful completion of the mission.
In a group of
exceptional leaders, standing out for demonstrating the leadership
traits, principles and ethos of the Marine Corps can be challenging.
However, Sgt. Pedro A. Borunda, the training NCO with Combat Assault
Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, earned special leadership
distinction by winning the 2016 NCO of the Year for III Marine
Expeditionary Force. Today, Borunda continues to set a positive
example for those around him, inside and outside the Marine Corps.
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February
3, 2017 - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Pedro A. Borunda on
deployment in Okinawa, Japan reflects on being named the 2016 Noncommissioned Officer
of the Year for III Marine Expeditionary Force in December of 2016.
Today, his fellow Marines consider him a leading example and
inspiration both as a person and a Marine. Borunda, a native of
Aurora, Colorado, is the training NCO with Combat Assault Battalion,
3rd Marine Division. III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl.
Jonah Baase)
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Borunda's Marine Corps journey began three years ago. He
enlisted from Recruiting Station Denver, Colorado, and
reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego,
California, for recruit training.
“I wanted to be a
better version of myself both physically and mentally,” said Borunda, a native of Aurora, Colorado. “I
felt like the Marine Corps was the best opportunity to do
that.”
Little did he know just how well he would do.
Before being named III MEF NCO of the year, Borunda was
meritoriously promoted three consecutive times with only
three years in service.
“He works hard day and night,
going out of his way to help anyone who needs it,” said Cpl.
Tyler Lucas, a field radio operator with CAB. “He embodies
what it means to be a Marine in and out of uniform.”
Borunda said the Marine Corps is a tough lifestyle that
involves new challenges every day.
“You have to wake
up in the morning and tackle it head on,” said Borunda.
“It’s about taking it one day at a time full force and
giving it your 110%.”
Even with all of his
accomplishments, Borunda continues to give his all to the
Marine Corps and his fellow Marines.
“Leadership is
motivating people to do what they don’t want to do, and
getting involved in what they’re doing, and not watching
from the sidelines,” said Borunda. “You have to stand up for
the little guy and look out for their best interest. It’s
something that doesn’t change, regardless of rank.”
When he’s not busy helping his Marines strive to be better,
Borunda is out volunteering.
“He’s volunteered more
than anyone I know, clocking in over 100 hours of volunteer
work,” said 1st Lt. Cyle Schultz, the platoon commander with
S-6 Communications, CAB.
Borunda said that reflecting
on the sacrifices of other Marines, past and present, drives
him to succeed.
“The military lifestyle can be
taxing,” said Borunda. “But you have to keep in mind that no
matter what you’re going through, there’s always someone out
there who has it worse. You have to keep pushing forward.”
Borunda said he views the Marine Corps as a family.
Leadership extends past the word itself; it consists of
doing what is best for your Marines, similar to what someone
does for those in his family.
“He’s someone to look
up to,” said Lucas, a Butler, Oklahoma, native. “He’s very
inspiring. I can point him out to the other Marines and tell
them he’s someone to aspire to surpass.”
Borunda
shows no signs of slowing down either.
“I have no
doubt that no matter what he sets out to do, he'll continue
to succeed,” said Schultz.
All Marines can strive to
better themselves on a daily basis. With Marines like
Borunda paving the way, the Corps continues to expand its
capabilities as the United States' elite fighting force.
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Samantha Villarreal
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
The U.S. Marines
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