Marine sergeant excels on, off duty
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (October 11, 2012) — One Marine sergeant has distinguished herself among her peers at work and during her free time.
Sgt Jessica D. Page, Marine Helicopter Squadron One communications system operator, excelled as a Marine by earning top scores in the Combat Fitness Test, Physical Fitness Test and on the rifle range, and through her professionalism inside the office.
"She's a stellar Marine and very professional," said MSgt Ardell W. Brown Jr., HMX-1 communications chief. "I can count on her to do it right, even when [her officer in charge and I] aren't looking. I can't wait for her to be promoted to staff sergeant."
Brown described the blond haired, blue eyed, petite sergeant as a ‘consummate professional, who commands attention in any room.' "When she's there, you know it," he added. "It's obvious she knows what she is talking about and isn't afraid to voice her opinion in a tactful manner."
She did not settle for just being good at her job; she also excelled at giving back to the community through multiple volunteer organizations.
During her spare time, when she isn't spending time with her younger sister who lives with her while working toward a college degree, the Alaska-native can be found volunteering.
She volunteers with Food and Friends, an anonymous food delivery service for those who are terminally ill, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program that matches children with caring adult mentors, she said.
Through the Big Sister program, Page was matched with Heather, a cancer survivor, in March. Since being paired they have gone white water rafting and toured many of the museums in the Capitol and surrounding area.
They also spend time cooking together and having lazy days at home, Page said.
Page's active life style began while she was still in high school. In high school she participated in the Air Force Junior ROTC. Through the program, she was introduced to recruiters from all branches of service at pool functions, she said.
"Only, the Marine Corps recruiter would not give me the time of day," she said. "Finally, I got a 20-minute appointment with the Marine Corps recruiter that ended up lasting two to three hours. I was 17 years old when I enlisted.
"I've never regretted (enlisting)," said Page. "I like to mentor, and help Marines find out who they are."
Though she doesn't regret enlisting, she's continuing to press forward.
"I'm applying for Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program," she said. "Being an officer will allow me to do what I love the most, look after, mentor and teach Marines."
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