Secretary of Defense Mattis presents Huron native with award during Marine Corps recruit graduation

HURON — Graduating Marine Corps basic training is no easy feat. Recruits undergo a rigorous training schedule designed to test their physical and mental strength. Most struggle just to keep their head down and graduate.
For one South Dakota recruit however, simply getting by was not an option. He was determined to be the best of the best. He succeeded.  
Lance Cpl. Marshal Simons graduated Marine Corps Basic Training in San Diego, Calif., Nov. 17, as a meritorious lance corporal, company honor man and winner of the Chesty Puller Award.
Simons described basic training as mentally stressful, especially with his leadership role as his platoon guide. He did not let that stop him from standing out from his peers however. His strong aptitude for leadership attracted the attention of his drill instructors and lead him to become the recipient of the Chesty Puller award upon graduation.
The Chesty Puller Recruit Company Honor Graduate Award is presented to the Marine of each graduating company who demonstrates the highest potential for future leadership and responsibility in the Marine Corps.

This award was presented to him by retired Marine general Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
“I was awe struck,” said Simons. “I have read so much about him and his leadership philosophies.”
Simons said that Mattis gave him an important piece of advice that he will never forget; do every task that you are given to the best of your ability and never let what you have learned at basic training slide away.
Even before endeavoring to become a United States Marine, Simons was not just your regular Huron High School student. His list of talents and activities reached almost as high as his aspirations. Simons was involved in everything from sports, to music to business. As an All-State wrestler, powerlifter, violinist and Future Business Leader of America, Simons could have had his choice of colleges. However, Simons had his eye on another goal.
“I have always wanted to be a Marine,” said Simons. “My father was a Marine so for me it was an easy choice. I wanted to serve my country like my father.”
After his ten days of leave, Simons will attend Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, California. Followed the one-month training, Simons will go to his occupational specialty school in Pensacola, Florida to learn his trade in Marine Corps aviation.

Photo:

Huron native Lance Cpl. Marshal Simons, left, is congratulated after graduating Marine Corps Basic Training as meritorious lance corporal, company honor man and winner of the Chesty Puller Award.

Photo contributed