Marine recognized for dedication to students

Staff Sgt. Louis A. Bourdony, a small arms repair technical instructor assigned to Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Lee, Virginia, was awarded the detachment’s 2020 Instructor of the Year.

The purpose of the award is to recognize instructors, who excel in using the principles and techniques of military instruction in their academic duties.

“Staff Sgt. Bourdony operates on a daily basis as if he’s trying to earn his place in this organization every day, even though he’s one of our longest-serving Marines,” said Lt. Col. Julian M. Tsukano, the commanding officer of the detachment. “The moment he submitted his package, he was a cut above.”

“Being knee cap to knee cap with these Marines and watching them come in as young teenagers and leave here as maintainers, that’s very rewarding,” said Bourdony, a native of Lompoc, California.

Bourdony received orders to the detachment in 2017. He was going to serve as an instructor for the Small Arms Repair Technician Course. He soon became the senior instructor of the detachment and the Commander of Bravo Company, for the Marine Detachment. The Staff Sergeant was responsible for organizing and operating the detachment’s more than 150 Marines.

“He brought a presence with him whenever he walked in the room,” explained Pfc. Leniyus E. Sullivan, a student at the detachment. “He grinds, he works hard, and to see him get instructor of the year, I’m pretty proud.”

His day often starts at 3:45 a.m. as he oversees the detachment’s morning physical training sessions before beginning his day. Bourdony usually doesn’t head home until well after 5 p.m., ensuring Marines in the detachment are prepared to meet the next day’s mission.