Grissom paralegal named tops in AFRC

Published April 13, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Thoughts of legendary Vikings such as Leif Ericsson conjure up images of horn-helmeted barbarians courageously leading missions of great danger into uncharted waters; but this is not the look of Grissom's "Legendary Viking," who was recently named the Air Force Reserve Command Outstanding Category A Paralegal of the Year 2009.

In fact, Master Sgt. Wes Marion, 434th Air Refueling Wing law office superintendant, who was honored with this award, wears camouflage instead of armor, and sports a military fade haircut instead of traditional long Viking locks.

According to his nomination package, Sergeant Marion was named a "Legendary Viking" in 2009 by his alma mater, North White High School in Monon, Indiana, for community service and leadership, and it's precisely that focus on leadership and service that he attributes to his AFRC award.

"I'd like to think that all along I've looked out for other people and worked to build them up," he said, explaining that taking care of others is key to leadership.

In his award package were accolades about his performance as a paralegal, to include 231 days of voluntary duty supporting real-world deployments, operational readiness exercises and inspections, as well as field testing a new legal assistance website. It was also during this time he oversaw a legal office that provided 1,069 documents and 166 notaries to over 460 clients.

Adding to his achievements, Sergeant Marion, who holds a law degree from Indiana University, continues to focus on education as he continues to attend both military and civilian courses, teaches law classes at a local community college, and has coordinated efforts of local college students providing neighborhood cleanup services.

There are three things to which Sergeant Marion said he attributes to making him both a successful paralegal and leader. Those included working hard, looking out for others and thinking outside the box.

"I'm always looking for ways to improve things; don't assume the way things have always been done is the best way;" he said. "For that matter, don't assume the way you do things is best; be willing to take criticism and grow."

But, unlike the brazen Vikings of the past, Sergeant Marion is humbled by his award.

"There are a lot of great paralegals out there, and to be chosen as the best of 2009 is quite an honor," he said. "There are probably a lot of paralegals out there who do some things better."

Sergeant Marion, who said he is not one to bask in the limelight, attributed most of his military accomplishments to the people in the office with which he works.

"Everyone in the office is fantastic," he stated. "Without everyone's support, I wouldn't be able to accomplish what I do; it's truly a team effort."

Despite all of his professional and scholastic accomplishments, Sergeant Marion says his greatest accomplishments focus around his wife and son.

"That has very little to do with me," he said. "My son is so great and that's because my wife is such a wonderful mother; I'm truly blessed there."

Sergeant Marion offers this advice to those looking to make a difference: "Work hard every day and strive to recognize others."

The AFRC award winner and Viking Legend will now go on to face other reserve component paralegals from the other major commands in the next phase of the competition to be named the Air Reserve Component Outstanding Paralegal of the Year 2009.

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Public Affairs Staff