CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan -- A tactical data network specialist with Communications Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) is using his Marine Corps Martial Arts Program skills and family values to lead fellow Marines to the next level.
Every afternoon after his shift ends, Cpl. Alfred J. Joseph, a 22-year-old native of Waterville, Maine, can be found at the MCMAP pit, teaching Marines the skills they need to progress in the program.
“I became an instructor so I could help the other Marines grow as I did,” said Joseph. “I think MCMAP helps build a lot of confidence in Marines while teaching them a new skill.”
Joseph takes his duties as a MCMAP instructor as serious as he does his normal duties as a data network specialist and as a Marine non-commissioned officer.
“He’s the first person who will lend a helping hand for anything, no matter how it inconveniences him,” said Cpl. Gregory M. Baxley, a friend and fellow tactical data network specialist for Comm. Plt., H&S Company, CLB-3, 1st MLG (Fwd). “I haven’t seen a limit to the lengths he’ll go to help someone out. He’s a great leader who the junior Marines can look up to because he leads by example.”
Joseph says his motivation comes from what awaits him at home, when he’s done assisting others here. Joseph is known by his peers and superiors to be reliable and says his motivation comes from a strong family bond.
A small but meaningful tattoo on his right wrist is a reminder of his responsibility to the two special ladies who make him the friend and man he is today.
“My wife and daughter are the driving force behind everything I do,” said Joseph. “They’re why I do what I do.”
Joseph’s strong family background plays a major role in how he cares for his Marine Corps family.
“We’re a very close family … my mom and dad still live happily in the same house me and my identical twin brother grew up in,” said Joseph. “He’s out living the American college-kid dream, and I’m proud of him for that because he’s as dedicated to his choices as I am to mine.”
Joseph’s selflessness and dedication to those he cares for extends from his own home to the office where he also makes sure his junior Marines and any who needs his assistance are taken care of.
“The way I was raised our community was one big family,” said Joseph. “Like the saying goes, you have the family you were born into and the one you were sworn into. You have to do your best to support both.”
As a leader, his peers and superiors agree he is motivated and someone who all ranks can look up to for his work ethic and enthusiasm.
“Joseph is motivated and has the courage to take on any task no matter how challenging,” said Sgt. Ryan B. Jasman, data chief for Comm. Plt., H&S Company, CLB-3, 1st MLG (Fwd). “He’s someone who not only the junior Marines can look up to, but also Marines higher ranking than him because of his leadership skills.”
Joseph’s friends, family and fellow Marines know that no matter their problem, great or small, Joseph is someone who can be relied on whether for instruction in the MCMAP pit or elsewhere as a friend, a brother-in-arms and a leader.