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Sgt. Ian Mills was awarded the Marine Aircraft Group 31 noncommissioned officer of the quarter during a ceremony held aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Dec. 1. Mills is the operations NCO for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, MAG-31.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres

Marine Aircraft Group 31 awards NCO of the Quarter

1 Dec 2015 | Lance Cpl. Samantha K. Torres Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

 “I am an NCO dedicated to training new Marines and influencing the old. I am forever conscious of each Marine under my charge, and by example will inspire them to the highest standards possible. I will strive to be patient, understanding, just, and firm. I will commend the deserving and encourage the wayward. I will never forget that I am responsible to my Commanding Officer for the morale, discipline, and efficiency of my Men. Their performance will reflect an image of me,” Noncommissioned Officer Creed.

 Marine NCOs live and conduct themselves according to the aforementioned NCO Creed. A selected few embodied it and are recognize by their leadership.

 Sgt. Ian Mills was awarded the Marine Aircraft Group 31 NCO of the quarter during a ceremony held aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Dec. 1. Mills is the operations NCO for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 aboard Fightertown.

 The selection process starts at the lowest unit level as one representative from the work section can represent the unit at a board. If the Marine wins, then they go on to represent the next level of the unit on the next board and so on.

 “I had a lot of adversity to overcome in my career,” said Mills. “From getting in trouble as a Lance Corporal to getting NCO of the quarter was a big step for me. Set high goals and achieve them.”

 The young sergeant has distinguished himself during his career. As a Corporals Course graduate he received the Gung Ho award, an achievement given to the student who demonstrates the most Marine Corps esprit de Corps. He has also read multiple books on the Commandant’s reading list and completed a senior enlisted professional military education— a course reserved for staff noncommissioned officers.

 “Always approach everything with a can do attitude,” said Mills. “Don’t let anger or frustration stop you from achieving your goals.”

 His achievements extended far out of the workplace by volunteering multiple hours at the local hospital, youth football league, and helping restore headstones at the Beaufort National Cemetery.               

 Mills embodies the competitive nature of the Marine Corps. He is involved in off-duty education and tries to complete additional PMEs to stay ahead. He not only works to better himself but also to better the lives of his Marines.

 “I’m a (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) black belt instructor,” said Mills. “In my off time I offer to train Marines to help them belt-up.”

 Mills’ motivation to be a better leader not only comes from the Marines but also from the betterment of the Marine Corps.

 “I just try to give one hundred percent every day,” said Mills. “As Marines, we have to do our best. When you do something, don’t just do it for yourself, do it to betterment the Corps.”