Returned missionary named Marine of the Year
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A returned missionary from northern Utah has been named the 2004 Marine of the Year.
Staff Sgt. Wade Davis was awarded the honor July 8 in Washington, D.C., by U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah. The citation is presented each year by Marine Corps Times, a national news agency serving U.S. Marines and their families.
The LDS Marine admits feeling a bit overwhelmed by the award. He's quick to credit the many leaders and examples who have helped him develop his career.
A lifelong Church member, Staff Sgt. Davis, 30, was raised in Utah's Weber County. He earned a reputation as a hard worker and an athlete while attending Ogden's Weber High School, said his mother, Kathy Davis.
After high school, he served in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission before returning home and enlisting in the Marine Corps.
"I returned home from my mission and was looking for something to do," said Staff Sgt. Davis, adding he's a product of a military family.
He's been a faithful Marine and busy man ever since, working as a crew chief in a medical transport helicopter.
"He makes sure everything from the pilot's seat to the tail of the (helicopter) is in order," Sister Davis said.
Now living in San Diego, Calif., Staff Sgt. Davis has fulfilled deployments in East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.
In its statement announcing the award, the Marine Corps Times said Staff Sgt. Davis "takes care of his own, on the battlefield and in the barracks. Where others might think they've done enough for their troops, Staff Sgt. Davis goes one step further, setting the example for all of us about what it means to claim the title 'United States Marine.' "
The statement goes on to say the LDS Marine flew more than 100 combat sorties during Operation Iraqi Freedom, including operations during the high-profile rescue of U.S. Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch.
"Displaying a high level of concern for his crews and the injured personnel he knew he would be called upon to rescue, he personally arranged for combat lifesaver training over and above the requirements of the squadron's air crews. This extra effort ensured a higher level of first aid and medical care for the 122 wounded personnel that the squadron ultimately evacuated, and undoubtedly saved many lives."
Staff Sgt. Davis said his mission taught him the patience and persistance that have served him well in the military. Whenever possible, he has participated in LDS servicemen's groups. "Sometimes (the groups) have been as small as five people, and other times as large as 20," Staff Sgt. Davis said.
National award aside, Sister Davis said her son "is still the same old guy."
