MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- A staff sergeant with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 was meritoriously promoted to gunnery sergeant April 3 at MAWTS-1 headquarters here.
Gunnery Sgt. Terry A. Erb, MAWTS-1 complimentary low-altitude weapons chief, was the recipient of Marine Corps Combat Development Command’s annual non-special duty gunnery sergeant meritorious promotion.
According to Marine Corps Training and Education Command Order 1400.2, the nominees’ service packages go before a board consisting of either master sergeants, first sergeants, master gunnery sergeants or sergeants major from five major commands within TECOM. Those commands consist of Training Command, Education Command, Marine Corps Recruit Depots San Diego and Parris Island and Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command 29 Palms, with the TECOM sergeant major as president of the board. The board sends its nominations to the development command commanding general who chooses the applicants to be promoted.
Erb was one of two staff sergeants chosen as MAWTS-1 representatives to compete for the meritorious staff noncommissioned officer promotions, said Sgt. Maj. Christopher Hamel, MAWTS-1 sergeant major. He beat out nearly 10 other well-qualified staff sergeants within MAWTS-1 and competed against nominees from eight other major TECOM commands and came out a cut above
The meritorious promotion board was looking for outstanding overall Marines, explained Hamel. They were looking for Marines who have stood out their entire careers at every duty station.
Hamel said Erb is a Marine who stands out. He is the type of Marine who leads without being asked and uses his life experiences as a training tool for his junior Marines.
Hamel described Erb, saying in a letter of recommendation, “He is the epitome of a hard working, diligent and innovative Marine who is a must for selection to the rank of gunnery sergeant.”
Erb, although confident in his abilities, said he was surprised when he was informed of the honor. When asked why he believed he won the promotion Erb stated, “I don’t know. There were plenty of other equally qualified Marines.”
Erb described the selection process as a great experience and opportunity, and he was thankful to have the support of family, friends and the entire MAWTS-1 unit.
“I will continue to press and perform my duties as a Marine. I have given a 110 percent every day and I will always give 110 percent,” he said.
Erb has also earned a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Combat Action Ribbon, two Navy and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, two certificates of commendation and two meritorious masts while in the Marine Corps.
“(Erb) is a cool and collective leader,” said Hamel. “I see him continuing to excel and going far (in the Marine Corps). He has the ability to be a highly successful master gunnery sergeant or sergeant major.”
Erb said he still has a lot of plans for the Marine Corps and his life. He siad he only hopes there is enough time to accomplish all of his leadership goals.