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First introduced to leadership positions in the Boy Scouts, Sgt.
Ryan Tugas traded in his merit badges for an opportunity to earn his
Eagle, Globe and Anchor in 2013. Four years later on February 2,
2017 ... Tugas was meritoriously promoted to sergeant by the senior
leadership of Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 and recognized
as a Marine who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
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February 2, 2017 - Sgt. Ryan Tugas, center, is pinned as a
meritorious sergeant during a promotion ceremony aboard Marine Corps
Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron
28’s senior leadership recognized Tugas for going above and beyond
the call of duty while assigned as the assistant motor transport
operations chief. Tugas is a motor transport operator assigned to
MTACS-28, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson)
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As an assistant motor transport operations chief for
MTACS-28, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft
Wing, Tugas attributes his rise through the noncommissioned
officer ranks as a testament to his time as a Boy Scout.
“I am a better Marine because I was a Boy Scout,” said
Tugas. “Being a Boy Scout does get brought up and some
people think it’s cheesy and whatnot, but I believe if you
take it seriously enough, it teaches you some good lessons.”
The leadership lessons Tugas learned were exhibited
during his daily duties and gained the attention of Marines
all around him.
“Tugas' personal drive and superb
attention to detail has enabled him to attain a high level
of technical proficiency while serving as a motor transport
operator,” said 1st Lt. Ryan Zimmerman, a logistics officer
with MTACS-28. “His leadership is often throughout the
entire [logistics] section as he does not hesitate to jump
in and help where ever he is able.”
Attempting to
influence as many people as possible, Tugas starts each day
instilling a mindset of leadership into his Marines with an
idea he received from a leadership book “Good leaders ask
great questions,” by John Maxwell.
“I will write
something on the whiteboard, usually either a leadership
quote or a question in the morning,” said Tugas. “At the end
of the day or the next morning I’ll gather everyone for a
minute or two to discuss and talk about it. I’ll ask them
what do they think it means, what does it mean to you, how
can you use this to become a better leader?”
One of the
Marines who read the words on the white board every day is
fellow motor transport operator and friend, Cpl. Ayman Khan.
Khan has known Tugas for more than two years while assigned
to MTACS-28.
“About two or three months ago he got
back from [his time in the Fleet Assistant Program] from the
[rifle] range,” said Khan. “I work upstairs with the senior
leadership and would constantly hear how good of a job Tugas
does. The range personnel stated they wished they could have
kept him because he extremely dependable.”
Tugas
extends his dependability outside of the Marine Corps.
During his off time, he volunteered 30 hours of his time
over a period of a few months to Roger Bell Elementary
School by tutoring and reading to students.
“I always
volunteered when I was in high school while in the [Reserve
Officer Training Corps],” said Tugas. “I just want to help
out where I can.”
From helping a fellow Marine earn
their driver’s license to initially achieving a 91 on the
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and choosing
to become a motor transport operator, this Boy Scout has
earned his honor, courage and commitment badge time and time
again.
“At 22 years old, how many other opportunities
would someone my age usually have for a meaningful, lasting
impact on people’s lives?” said Tugas. “I’ve been given the
opportunity to guide, mentor and nurture them to be better
people… better Marines.”
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jason Jimenez
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
The U.S. Marines
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