Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune N.C. -- Marines with 2nd Marine Division gathered at an award ceremony to recognize one of their own for outstanding service, June 9, 2011, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune N.C.
Maj. Marta D. Sullivan was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional meritorious achievements while serving as the deputy assistant chief of staff for G-1 Manpower, Policy and Plans Division, 2nd MarDiv from Oct. 2010 to March 2011.
Sullivan’s award citation stated she is a trained logistician by trade but quickly adapted to her duties in manpower management. She provided support to 10 major subordinate commands consisting of more than 22,000 Marines and sailors while delegating nearly 1,000 billets for II Marine Expeditionary Force and 2nd MarDiv, Forward as well as numerous other individual augmenting tasks.
“Major Sullivan made an immediate positive impact in the G-1 during times of high personnel turnover and significant changes,” said Col. Ray Johnson, the assistant chief of staff for G-1, 2nd MarDiv, as he read her citation to the crowd. “She is a stellar example of a reserve Marine able to augment and reinforce the active component during a time of war.”
When Sullivan took her assignment, she was heading into the third trimester of her pregnancy while also taking care of her three young boys. Her husband was deployed as a battalion commander in a combat zone. She volunteered countless hours by working with his unit’s family readiness officer to serve his battalion’s needs. Most recently, she provided much needed moral support to the spouse of a Marine who lost his life in combat, said Johnson.
“Her achievements far surpassed what could have been reasonably expected, given the countless challenges encountered—yet overcome on a daily basis,” said Johnson.
As the ceremony came to an end, Brig. Gen. W. Lee Miller, the acting commanding general of 2nd MarDiv, gave his own personal reflection of the time he shared working with Sullivan. His heartfelt words proved she would be missed as she moves forward in her career. Her dedication to her job left a lasting impression on everyone in the Corps, he said.
“She’s the epitome of every Marine and riflemen,” said Miller. “If anyone deserves this award, the Meritorious Service Medal, and it’s not one given out lightly; it’s Marta. We really appreciate all you have done.”