Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego -- Lance Cpl. Jesus R. Leonlandaeta, legal clerk, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, received a Kiwanis Club military recognition award at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown San Diego, April 15.
The award represented the amount of hard work and ethics 23-year-old Leonlandaeta puts in everyday as well as being a well-rounded Marine.
“We have a small shop and a big workload, so it’s important for me to get the work done,” said Leonlandaeta, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native. “Apart from being an efficient worker, it is important to be well organized as well as keeping a good appearance, and Marines notice it.”
The Kiwanis Club contacted the depot’s Headquarters and Service Battalion in search of a Marine to recognize for outstanding accomplishments.
When Leonlandaeta found out he was nominated for the award, he was surprised, excited and honored to receive an award for being a stellar Marine.
“I’m incredibly pleased and happy because Leonlandaeta deserves the recognition,” said Capt. Eric. G. Roscoe, deputy staff judge advocate, Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion. “We’re short staffed on Marines, and he steps up and gets the job done like a sergeant would.”
At the luncheon, the Kiwanis Club prepared meals and desserts for those in attendance to enjoy. Roscoe recognized and introduced Leonlandaeta before receiving the award. Leonlandaeta gave thanks to the Kiwanis Club after he was presented the award.
After Leonlandaeta received the award, he returned to the shop and immediately went back to work.
“He gets the work finished before he’s asked to do it, and it was a privilege to be able to send in Leonlandaeta’s name for an award,” explained 28-year-old Roscoe, a Blairstown, N.J. native.
The Kiwanis Club represents members of the military, local colleges, businesses and the government and community leaders of San Diego. Established in 1920, the Kiwanis Club was the first in San Diego County. It is also one of the largest clubs in San Diego.
“I am honored that the club recognized me as a hard worker,” said Leonlandaeta. “I’m the type of guy who doesn’t really say much. I just prefer to get the job done. If I’m extremely busy and a fellow Marine needs my help, I’ll drop what I’m doing and help my fellow Marine, and I think that’s the way all Marines should be.”
The Kiwanis Club does a lot of great things for the San Diego community and for them to recognize a depot Marine is truly a privilege. The award will be a building block to continue doing the right things, Leonlandaeta explained.