Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms,Calif. -- Sgt. Ryan-Michael Daffin, an avionic technician with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267, teaches Marines the techniques and core values of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program along with committed and engaged leadership principles aboard Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 28.
The Committed and Engaged Leadership initiative was birthed by Maj. Gen. Steven Busby, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, for Marines to be committed to the Marine Corps and engaged with one another. Busby explained that a committed and engaged leader takes charge and passes their knowledge onto others by mentoring Marines and ensuring the welfare of others around them. They embrace the responsibility to “pay it forward” and make a difference in the lives of others and are dedicated to the Marine Corps by exemplifying the “whole-Marine concept”.
Daffin embodies these traits and characteristics of a committed and engaged leader through education and example. Daffin conducts MCMAP sessions to help the Marines around him progress in their careers. Daffin is committed to leading Marines and includes committed and engaged leadership principles during his MCMAP sessions along with professional military education classes, ranging from combat readiness to financial responsibility. Daffin not only mentors the Marines in his unit, but more than 300 Marines throughout the entire squadron.
Daffin’s hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed by his leadership.
“Sgt. Daffin is a point of reference for the institutional core values honor, courage and commitment,” said Maj. Ryan Schiller, executive officer with HMLA-267. “He provides a model example of personal and professional excellence both on duty and while on leave.”
Daffin, a former drill instructor, has adopted the values of a committed and engaged leader; his leadership and reliability are of the highest standards.
“Investing in the Marine for the future of the Marine Corps is what being committed and engaged means to me,” said Daffin. “I speak on topics that pertain to Marines, regardless of rank.”
The Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos’ letter to sergeants and corporals, titled “The Reawakening,” describes noncommissioned officers as the backbone of the Marine Corps and encourages Marines to take ownership of the Marine Corps and its leadership principles and traits.
“The reawakening is taking us back to what we were founded upon, the brilliance of the basics,” said Daffin.
Daffin’s mentorship style integrates concepts such as self-respect, accountability, control and what it means to be a Marine 24/7. Committed and Engaged Leadership encourages a climate of fellowship through education and example.