MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Cpl. Courtney R. Smiling, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing assistant staff secretary, received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, March 19, for immediately assisting a fellow Marine in need.
Smiling said Oct. 6 began like any other day at the 2nd MAW headquarters. She sat at her desk across from Sgt. Jonathan M. Bogseth, Smiling’s former supervisor and started on her work.
Then, Bogseth turned in his chair, and Smiling saw him starting to shake uncontrollably.
Rushing to Bogseth’s side, Smiling knew exactly what was happening and alerted a nearby Marine that Bogseth was having a seizure. Smiling said she then called the police and focused on keeping Bogseth calm.
"To see somebody’s body in that condition, of course you’re going to be scared," said Smiling. "But I had to put that aside and make sure he was OK and that he wouldn’t hurt himself
She continued to stay by Bogseth’s side until the seizure passed and medical personnel arrived.
"Her strongest asset is her maturity and having the ability to perform with little or no supervision," said Master Gunnery Sgt. David J. Slater, a mentor of Smiling, who served with the corporal from June 2007 through January 2009. "Cpl. Smiling’s initiative and leadership does not surprise me at all."
"She’s not only a great Marine, but a great friend too," said Bogseth.