3/7/2013 -- MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Standing out in the Marine Corps can be very competitive, but not for Gunnery Sgt. Damian LeClair, who has dedicated his life to excellence.
LeClair, a 34-year-old native of Hooksett, N.H., never takes shortcuts. In fact, he makes it a personal goal to never settle for anything less than his best.
The Logistician of the Year award recognizes and honors Marines that make the most outstanding contributions to the logistics field. These Marines have improved concepts, doctrine, technology or procedures that contribute to the development of logistics.
LeClair, a unit movement control center chief with Combat Logistics Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was noticed for his amazing work ethic during his deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan, last year.
He and his team of five Marines were tasked with providing logistical support to more than 15,000 personnel within Regional Command Southwest.
In a given month, they processed approximately 600 logistical requests including food, equipment, gear, and supplies, often working 13 hour days to push supplies to coalition forces.
“I was just out there doing my job and trying to provide the best support I could to the Marines because they need and deserve the best support that you can give them,” said LeClair.
In 1997, LeClair joined the Marine Corps. He had a passion for working on vehicles and was thrilled to know he could do it as a career in the military.
“This gave me an opportunity to do what I enjoy doing,” said LeClair. “I love waking up every morning knowing I’m a Marine and doing what I love.”
LeClair has traveled to Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Dubai, Australia, Iraq and Afghanistan and looks forward to exploring other places.
“There is always that unknown of where I will be in the next couple of years,” said LeClair. “I could be in a different part of the world doing something completely different.”
He is grateful that his family gives him their full support.
“My wife and daughter love being a part of the military,” added LeClair. “They loved going to all the places we’ve gone and seen the things we’ve seen. My wife supports me a hundred percent in everything I choose to do. It really makes a difference.”
LeClair has recently been selected to instruct logistics operations at Camp Johnson, N.C. He is scheduled to leave by the end of March.
“It was always one of my goals to instruct Marines,” said LeClair. “I hope to teach them out-of-the-box thinking. To not do things how it’s always been done, but to get creative.”
In honor of his recent recognition as Logistician of the Year, he is set to attend a dinner ceremony in Washington, D.C., March 14, 2013.
“It just goes to show hard work doesn’t go unrecognized,” added LeClair. “This just pushes me even more to do the best I can do no matter what it is I am doing.”