Marine Corps Base Quantico -- The Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment honored three individuals during an award ceremony on April 3, 2014, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Two Marines and a civilian were recognized for their actions during 2013.
“Our battalions sent back several nominees for these awards,” said Sgt. Maj. Michael Mack, the sergeant major for the Wounded Warrior Regiment. “We looked at all of them and after several discussions and debates; we were able to choose the gentleman here today.”
Cpl. Ivan Sears, who was awarded the Wounded, Ill or Injured Service Member Award, was deployed to Marjah, Afghanistan in October 2010 when he walked into a compound while on a patrol. He stepped on a pressure plate that activated explosive device. That caused both of his legs to be amputated above the knee.
“His motivation and optimism is what set him apart from the other Marines who were nominated for this award,” said Mack. “He has represented us well in his competitions all over the world.”
Sears won a silver and gold medal during the 2013 Warrior Games and became Paralympic Standard certified. He competed in a few national contest before going to the Conseil International du Sport Militaire’s 2013 World Para-Track and Field Championships in Warendorf, Germany winning gold medals in the men’s wheelchair 100 meters, 200 meters, 1500 meters and sitting shot put.
When Sears learned about winning the Wounded, Ill or Injured Service Member Award, he wasn’t quite sure what to think.
“I thought it was some sort of prank when I found out I won,” said Sears. “I was pulled into my sergeant major’s office where my gunnery sergeant and master sergeant were waiting for me. I thought I was in trouble for something.”
In January 2013, Sears reenlisted and is waiting to go to administration school before working for the Wounded Warrior Regiment in their Sports Administration section.
Staff Sgt. Joshiah Jordan, a platoon commander with Company C, Wounded Warrior Bn. East, Bethesda Detachment in Maryland, received the Wounded Warrior Regiment Leadership Award for his outstanding performance as a platoon commander and making sure his Marines are well-taken care of and provided the best opportunities to move forward.
“When we got his nomination package and found out he was unanimously nominated by his detachment, we were blown away,” said Mack. “He has done so much across the Marine Corps and is bringing his positive attitude to the regiment.”
“It’s pretty humbling to receive this award,” said Jordan. “I couldn’t have gotten it without my Marines who work very hard for me.”
The Wounded Warrior Regiment Civilian Caregiver of the Year Award went to Andrew Gasper, the Careers and Education Specialist for Wounded Warrior Battalion West, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Gasper was selected after he developed a program that helps to pinpoint the best way to handle each Marines specific situation.
“These three gentlemen are excellent representatives of the Wounded Warrior Regiment,” said Mack. “We want their actions to be an example to our other Marines and civilians for everyone inside and outside the regiment.”