Beaufort Rotary Club honors Depot Marine, sailor

7 Jun 2006 | Lance Cpl. Heather Golden Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Two Depot service members, Staff Sgt. Steve Maynor, series gunnery sergeant, Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, and Cmdr. Jonathon VanDermark, officer-in-charge of Branch Health Clinic-Dental, were named Military Persons of the Year by the Beaufort Rotary Club May 31.

"Being selected as one of the three for this honor from the thousands of service persons in our community is recognition of tremendous character and selfless service," said retired Brig. Gen. James "Pat" O'Neal, a rotary club member and organizer of the Military Persons of the Year award.

The awardees were chosen based on their efforts as servicemembers and as members of the community, said O'Neal.

"There is a significant difference between Americans who speak affectionately about the contributions from service persons to our way of life and Americans who live in the same community with service persons," said O'Neal. "These citizens in a community with service personnel not only hear about the wonderful service, they see the service."

According to O'Neal, Maynor was chosen as Parris Island's representative for the amount of time he dedicates to volunteering in the community and "countless other minor tasks" that make the lives he touches a little easier.

Maynor has volunteered as an assistant coach for his daughter's youth T-ball league, devoted time to "Toys for Tots," has read to children at the Depot's Child Development Center and at Elliott Elementary School on Laurel Bay and participated in the "Relay for Life," an organization that raises money for cancer research.

"Staff Sergeant Maynor has an understanding, appreciation and respect for the local residents of the Low Country," said O'Neal. "Considering the fact that he is a drill instructor, works extreme hours and his time with his family is limited, his accomplishments for his community are astounding. Staff Sergeant Maynor is a stellar Marine who performs his primary duties as a series gunnery sergeant for [Hotel Company] with vigor and enthusiasm well above the norm."

First Sgt. Timothy Haney, 1st Sgt., Hotel Co., nominated Maynor for the award.
"Not only is he an exemplary Marine, he is an exemplary man," said Haney. "He goes above and beyond, and he is the type of individual who makes good things happen."

Maynor said he will also put the experience to work when dealing with his recruits.

"The award makes me feel good about things I've done," said Maynor. "I'll let the recruits know that wherever they go, they need to be a part of that community. I'll tell them not to be a burden; to have an impact in a positive way wherever they go."
VanDermark, who is stationed on Parris Island as well, was chosen as the official representative for the Naval Hospital Beaufort.

"Commander VanDermark is a superb Naval officer and dental professional with exceptional clinical expertise and a strong commitment to patient care and the United States Navy," said O'Neal. "In addition, he is dedicated to the Beaufort community and volunteers proudly."

Navy Capt. Daniel Walker, director, Branch Medical Clinics, nominated VanDermark because he felt VanDermark "should be recognized for his outstanding community service efforts."

VanDermark has served as a member of the Beaufort County Marine Search and Rescue Squad, is the only healthcare professional with the Burton Fire Department, is a member of the Beaufort County Joint Service Operations Dive Team, worked as an emergency medical technician instructor for the community and NHB and has volunteered numerous hours to the Boy Scouts of America.

"I don't just put on a uniform and work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and then go home," said VanDermark. "There's a big community out there, and I try to inspire people to go out there and help out."

Marine Corps Training and Education Command