Steven M. Fillmore - USMC
In service
2-2-1982 to 3-1-2002
SUMMARY OF ACTION
First Sergeant Fillmore is enthusiastically recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal for exemplary service to 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, as the Company First Sergeant for Charlie Company 02 June 2000 to 04 January 2001; for Headquarters and Service Company 04 January 2001 to 30 June 2001; and for Weapons Company 01 July 2001 to 30 November 2001. Throughout this period First Sergeant Fillmore consistently displayed meticulous attention to detail, enthusiastic and informational leadership, and unparalleled proficiency in the execution of his duties.
As the Charlie Company and Headquarters and Service Company First Sergeant, First Sergeant Fillmore was a dedicated, capable, and professional Staff Non-Commissioned Officer of the highest caliber. His accomplishments and contributions include:
Planned and conducted several Company Change of Command Ceremonies and was instrumental in the planning and execution of a Regimental Change of Command while the Battalion was deployed to Okinawa.
Supervised Charlie Company’s smooth and efficient, incident free, deployment to Jungle Warfare Training Center.
Supervised Charlie Company’s deployment to Northern Japan for Exercise Forest Light. During this deployment, in addition to several other tactical operations, arranged for Company participation in events ranging from sporting events with the JGSDF to home visits. This extra effort ensured the Marines were afforded a worthwhile “Cultural Exchange” greatly boosting their morale.
Displayed unmatched experience and knowledge in the organization and execution of the 3d Marine Division’s ACM that Charlie Company stood on two occasions during the deployment. Superior results were achieved during the execution of all recall drills.
Supervised Charlie Company’s redeployment to CONUS ensuring all accounts and personal business matters of the Marines were closed out or otherwise taken care of prior to the Company’s departure.
Conducted personal, professional, and family readiness counseling for the Marines and Sailors of the Command.
Created a tracking system for the Company Duties to ensure equal distribution throughout the sections.
Instituted weekly section SNCOIC meetings resulting in a better informed and more cohesive Company.
As the Weapons Company First Sergeant attacked the billet with vigor:
Provided guidance and aided in the professional development of the Officers and Staff Non-Commissioned Officers of the Company. This accomplishment is significant due to the fact that most were new to the billets and the Company was in the midst of overwhelming turnover of all personnel.
Established and supervised an administratively sound and effective Headquarters Section. To include developing appropriate tracking mechanisms for Fitness Reports, Awards, MCI’s and required training. Additionally, ensured that training jackets on all Marines were established and maintained.
Put together Company Pre-deployment packages. One geared towards the single Marine/Sailor, the other geared towards the Married Marine/Sailor. These packages came with the outstanding and irreplaceable guidance of the First Sergeant upon their distribution and collection. The end result being all Marines, Sailors, and their Spouses and Dependants prepared for upcoming deployments.
Due to his recent Limited Duty Status, acted as the rear party SNOIC for several Company and Battalion Field Operations as well as a deployment to MWTC Bridgeport. During all of these evolutions the Marines and Sailors in the rear, those sent out later, and those who returned early, were always accounted for. Additionally, the Battalion rear operations were always performed in an outstanding and highly effective manner.
First Sergeant Fillmore has been a proven leader of Marines throughout his extended tenure with 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. Serving as the First Sergeant for 3 separate Companies and providing professional counsel to no less than 11 Company Commanders, First Sergeant Fillmore has excelled in every imaginable aspect. First Sergeant Fillmore is a First Sergeant of Marines and not a mere “Horse Holder.” He provided candid but tactful insight to his commanding officers that aided tremendously in their successes. First Sergeant Fillmore also provided this type of insight to his subordinate SNCO’s, NCO’s, and Marines ultimately ensuring their professional development and future in the Marine Corps.
The above information provides a mere snapshot of First Sergeant Fillmore’s 20+ years of dedicated service to the Marine Corps and his positive impact on the Marines and Sailors of every rank that has had the fortune of serving with him. Enlisting in 1982, First Sergeant Fillmore served as a Military Police Officer until 1987. During this time frame he earned a meritorious promotion to PFC and shot in the Eastern Division’s Marine Corps Shooting Matches. From 1987 through 1990 First Sergeant Fillmore served as a Recruiter. His superior performance is evident by his meritorious promotion to Staff Sergeant during this period of service. From 1990 through 1993, First Sergeant Fillmore returned to his primary MOS serving in the Military Police field. From 1993 through 1996, First Sergeant Fillmore returned to recruiting, completing a second successful tour. From 1996 through 1999, First Sergeant Fillmore served as a Military Police Operations Chief. During this time period he implemented new training standards and developed Ground Defense Procedures that are utilized by all of the Marine Air Wings.
Additionally, during this time period, First Sergeant Fillmore was awarded the 1999 Marine Corps Aviation Association’s 2d Marine Air Wing Marine of the Year Award. The above information depicts the ideal professional progression of an Enlisted Marine. First Sergeant Fillmore has been a “Poster Perfect” Marine who, through hard work, dedication, and technical proficiency, has earned the respect of the Officers, Marines, and Sailors who have had the pleasure of serving with him.
First Sergeant Fillmore is a dedicated professional who is the epitome of “Marine First Sergeant” and who provides the example for those who plan to follow in his tracks. First Sergeant Fillmore’s noteworthy service to his Country and Corps are deserved of the Meritorious Service Medal.
“This award has been boarded per Divo 1650.5J.”