JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES -- U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Marlene Urena, an administrative specialist with Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC), Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, Jacksonville, N.C. is the December 2024 MCAS New River Go-Getter. Nominated for her hard work and contributions to RPAC, Urena holds an important supervisory role in her section as the deputy platoon sergeant.
A native of Baldwin Park, California, Urena grew up surrounded by relatives with military service. Inspired by her family's military background, she became both the first Marine and the first female to serve in her family.
“There are many reasons why I joined the Marine Corps, but a big part of it was because of my family’s influence,” Urena explained.
Urena enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 2021 as an administrative specialist, but as she progressed in her new career, challenges began to arise.
“As a PFC [private first class] hitting the fleet, I was not as motivated as I had hoped to be,” Urena expressed. “To change that, I reflected on who I wanted around me during my personal time and got rid of the negative influences.”
With a new mindset, Urena found the motivation to set proper goals for herself and grow as an individual. Over the years, she has acquired a few personal achievements to include over twenty letters of appreciation for volunteer events, becoming a range coach, and receiving a Meritorious Mast for instructing a Lance Corporal Seminar. These achievements set her apart and positively impacted her peers and colleagues.
“I always want to make sure that my Marines are ready for any challenges that come their way,” Urena explained. “Something I want my Marines to remember is that there will be challenges throughout their entire career, but they still have the ability to control how those challenges influence them.”
Recognizing her ability to lead and selflessness, Urena’s leaders nominated her as December’s Go-Getter.
“Cpl. Urena’s character is defined by her integrity, honesty, discipline, and loyalty. She leads by example and exhibits discipline daily,” said Staff Sgt. Marquis A. St. Thomas, a personnel chief at Satellite Support Center with H&HS, MCAS New River. “She puts others before herself and has never complained about the level of responsibility given to her, instead she has always risen to the occasion and succeeded.”
As a newly re-enlisted Marine, Urena will apply her new skills and knowledge at her next duty station in Hawaii. She offers some advice for the next group of younger Marines.
“If I were to ever see my younger self, I would offer the advice that no matter what people say to you, don’t ever lose your self-motivation,” said Urena. “Nobody should have an influence on what you want to achieve for yourself.”