CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Lance Cpl. Danielle N. Pothoof, a motor transportation operator with Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, received the Purple Heart Medal during a ceremony at Soifert Field aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 20, 2011.
Pothoof was awarded the medal for injuries sustained when the vehicle she was operating struck an improvised explosive device during a resupply mission while supporting International Security Assistance Force in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The whole regiment attended the event in which Col. Kenneth Enzor, the chief of staff for the 2nd MLG, took time to address Marines on the importance of the ceremony.
“(Pothoof) is a courageous young lady,” he said. “This isn’t just about giving her an award, it’s about the positive attitude she has. She standing here with a cast and smiling in uniform.”
That positive attitude is what has gotten her through the rough time, said Pothoof. She didn’t let broken bones hurt her morale.
“If you feel sorry for yourself, that’s when things start going bad,” said Pothoof. “I just stayed positive and it made everything seem better.”
She also credits her family for helping her in what many people would refer to as rough times.
“Family really helped me keep my head up. It just kept me moving forward and looking toward another day,” said Pothoof.
Though she remains positive and looking toward the day she is fully recovered, she admits it’s a long road.
“I know I can’t just hop up on my leg and start running down the road, that is going to take time,” said Pothoof. “But that is why I’m doing as much as possible to heal, so that day can come sooner rather than later.”