Marine Corps Community Services Staff Sergeant Recognized by Commandant as First-Ever MOS Marine of the Year
Marine Corps Community Services Staff Sergeant Recognized by Commandant as First-Ever MOS Marine of the Year On July 11, Staff Sgt. Terren Lee was honored by the Marine Corps Association (MCA) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps for his exceptional service with Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan. Lee, who received the prestigious MOS Marine of the Year award during the 2024 MCA M&RA Awards Dinner, is the first MCCS Marine to receive this accolade.
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Terren Lee (third from right) receives the Marine Corps Association’s MOS Marine of the Year Award from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps at the 2024 MCA M&RA Awards Dinner.
“The significance of this award extends beyond individual recognition,” said MCCS Senior Enlisted Advisor MGySgt. Michael Huff. “It highlights the vital contributions MCCS Marines make to the Corps by enhancing Quality-of-Life for Marines both at home and abroad to ensure they are always ready to fight and win.”
Lee, who served as a department manager for MCCS at MCAS Iwakuni in 2023, distinguished
himself among other Marines who competed for the award through exemplary execution of his
duties.
himself among other Marines who competed for the award through exemplary execution of his
duties.
His leadership and innovation were instrumental in the successful planning, coordination, and execution of 27 events that generated $22,000 in revenue and supported over 1,700 personnel. His meticulous management of inventory resulted in a remarkable 300% reduction in missing inventory during the 2023 Annual Retail Inventory at Northside Marine Mart.
In addition to his administrative acumen, Lee demonstrated exceptional leadership by managing culturally diverse civilian staff teams of up to 100 employees across four different locations.
He says he learned early to be irreplaceable, and advises other Marines to lean in as well.
“Go hunt for opportunities,” he said. “If you have that workhorse mentality, don’t slow down. Don’t wait. Just keep going and those opportunities will come to you.
Lee’s efforts consistently improved team morale and effectiveness, resulting in increased revenue generation and enhanced services for patrons. As a Martial Arts Instructor Trainer, Lee supported two Martial Arts Instructor Courses in 2023, contributing to the certification of 41 new
instructors through 182 hours of intensive training.
“I attribute most of this success to my leadership,” said Lee. “They gave me the trust to get the job done, and even though my name was submitted, they provided so much mentorship and guidance to help me succeed and show me what right looks like.”
Lee said the moment he received the award was surreal.
“The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps are celebrities in our community,” he said. “It was awesome to meet them.”
According to Huff, Lee’s recognition by the Deputy Commandant of Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) at a public ceremony highlights the important role MCCS Marines play in the overall mission of the Marine Corps.
“Marine Corps Community Services provides a comprehensive network of support and leisure services designed to improve the Quality-of-Life for Marines, their families, and other members of the Marine Corps community,” said Huff. “From retail and food services to fitness centers and
recreational activities, MCCS plays a vital role in ensuring Marines have the resources and support they need, whether at home or deployed.”
recreational activities, MCCS plays a vital role in ensuring Marines have the resources and support they need, whether at home or deployed.”
Huff noted that Lee’s achievements set a high standard for future awardees.
“Seeing top performers like Lee recognized also serves as an inspiration to his peers,” said Huff. “The MOS only has about 100 Marines, both officer and enlisted, who aid MCCS leadership with their dedication to ensure Marines have what they need to “Get Stuff Done” wherever they may
find themselves. Seeing one recognized at this level is a testament to that dedication and a reinforcement of all that MCCS can do for Marines and their families.”
find themselves. Seeing one recognized at this level is a testament to that dedication and a reinforcement of all that MCCS can do for Marines and their families.”
