MCAS NEW RIVER -- With full-hearted enthusiasm, Cpl. Tani O. Mancillas is Marine Corps Air Station New River’s Aviation Go-Getter. From “Treaty City,” Greenville, Ohio, Mancillas enlisted into the Marine Corps in October 2017. Initially wanting to pursue the life and career, like many before him, of a reconnaissance Marine, swimming was not Mancillas’s strongest attribute. With perseverance, Mancillas recuperated and became an air traffic control navigational aids technician at MCAS New River.
“Doing your job as best you can is all your peers and those above ask for. Even if you only do one contract and get out, do your buddies a favor and take the workload every once in a while. It certainly goes a long way,” said Mancillas.
This recognition highlights Mancillas diligence, tenacity and commitment to not only his section but the Marine Corps. Mancillas efforts include safely executing over 10,000 flight operations with over 1,200 operational hours. He also assists with duties outside of his own such as equipment installations, upgrades and Federal Aviation Administration equipment validations.
“Cpl. Mancillas is an outstanding Marine who continues to excel as an adept leader and technical expert. He diligently provides training and guidance to technicians under his charge, and this year, he provided several hundred hours of professional instruction to his Marines,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael L. Ott, air traffic control maintenance officer.
Mancillas overcomes adversity with his family regardless if they’re from Ohio or the Marine Corps. No matter his future endeavors, Mancillas hopes his next duty station is Pensacola, Florida, training the next generation of Marines in his field. Beyond that, Mancillas’ pursuit of knowledge, self-improvement and leadership will continue in the Marine Corps and beyond.