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St. Charles Native Named 'Marine of the Year'

Sgt. Jeffrey Majka was presented the award during June 28 awards dinner in Arlington, Va.

St. Charles native Sgt. Jeffrey Majka was honored as 3D Marine Division’s Marine of the Year at the ninth annual Marine Corps Association & Foundation Ground Awards Dinner on June 28, in Arlington, VA, according to a press release issued Monday.

The dinner served to recognize the four Marine divisions' Marines of the Year, the recipients of the 2011 Leftwich Trophy, Hulbert Trophy, Zembiec Trophy, the Chambers Award, and the MARSOC NCO/Critical Skills Operator of the Year, the release stated.

MCA&F is proud to recognize these Marines for their exceptional achievement and duty to the corps,” said Major Gen. Edward G. Usher III, USMC (retired) and president/CEO of the Marine Corps Association & Foundation. “That’s why the MCA&F exists. We encourage continued education, first-rate leadership and career advancement. We honor the professional excellence of Marines who serve our county every day.”

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A Chicagoan, Majka serves in Scout Sniper Platoon, 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He was deployed twice to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, the release stated. He was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal along with several other awards while deployed.

Majka joined the Marines because of the war in Iraq and in Afghanistan. According to the release, he said he felt both honored and humbled by the recognition. He said that three years ago a lance corporal from his platoon received the same award and that he wanted to continue to represent the great work of his platoon.

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The Marine Corps Association & Foundation release stated Majka enlisted in January 2008 and underwent recruit training with Bravo Company at MCRD San Diego, Calif. In July 2008 Privae First Class Majka completed School of Infantry West, at Camp Pendleton. He graduated with Echo Company, as Weapons Platoon mortarman Honor Graduate, and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of lance corporal. He then received order to 2d Battalion, 3d Marines, in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where he served with Fox Company, Weapons Platoon, as a 60 mm mortarman.

Lance Cpl. Majka then joined the Scout Sniper Platoon in November 2008, and deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in May 2009, according to th4 Marine Corps Association & Foundation. While deployed to Afghanistan, Majka was Combat Meritoriously promoted to corporal. After his first deployment, Cpl. Majka completed Scout Sniper Basic course in March 2010 at Marine Corp Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. After completion of Sniper School he attended Mountain Scout Sniper Course at Bridgeport, Calif., in April 2010.

In November 2010, Majka was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, for the second time, the release stated. Returning from deployment in June 2011, Majka attended the Corporals Course at Marine Corp Base Hawaii. Majka received the Honor graduate award upon graduation from the school. Majka then re-enlisted with 2d Battalion 3d Marines in September 2011. After re-enlisting, he attended Scout Sniper Team Leaders Course, where he received the Honor graduate award. Majka then was promoted to sergeant in January 2012. He is serving in 2d Battalion 3d Marines Scout Sniper Platoon, Marine Corp Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

The Marine Corps Association & Foundation lists Sgt. Majka’s personal awards as including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal. He also has two Meritorious Mast and three Certificates of Commendation.

The Marine Corps Association & Foundation was founded in 1913 and is the preeminent association and foundation for all Marines and friends of the corps dedicated to development and recognition of professional excellence and expanding awareness of the rich traditions, history, and esprit of the U.S. Marine Corps.

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