CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Sgt. Maj. Tracy Linch, sergeant major for Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, received the Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, May 6, 2011.
The award honors Linch for his outstanding service as the battalion’s sergeant major while deployed to Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Force operations.
Though Linch was unaware of the fact the formation he was calling to attention was present to see him receive the award, including Lt. Col. Brian Wolford, the battalion’s commanding officer, no one was surprised he was being honored with this decoration.
“Everyone here knows why sergeant major is receiving the Bronze Star Medal,” said Wolford as he addressed the battalion. “He did a great job in Afghanistan, far beyond what I expected from him.”
The job he did the best is the part people don’t get a chance to see all the time, said Wolford. He took care of all the Marines and made sure the battalion was doing its job to the best of its abilities.
Linch was quick to share the spotlight, giving the credit to the Marines he worked with on the deployment.
“The reason it looks like I did such a great job is because I had great Marines to lead,” said Linch. “You all made it easy for me to do my job. This award was earned on the shoulders and backs of you all.”
After giving thanks to the Marines in attendance for being there for the ceremony, Linch began giving thanks for another reason.
“I’m leaving here soon and I have to say these past couple of years have been great,” said Linch. “From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank each and every one of you that made my time here memorable. I will miss all of you.”
Lynch spent seven months with the unit in Afghanistan, which returned earlier this year.