Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. -- For Marines stationed in remote locations, being single and living in Bachelor Housing becomes even more important because where else is there to go. There are few entertainment choices and you have to travel a long way to do anything. So the conditions in your room and in your lounges are important and reflect on everything you do.
So one Marine took it upon himself to change what he could, ensuring that Marines at MCLB Barstow enjoyed the best possible quality of life in quarters that reflected his attention to detail. As the Bachelor Housing Manager and Supply Clerk assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., Cpl. Steve A. Rodriguez ensured that when things were not right they were fixed or replaced in a timely manner and ensured that the data required in the enterprise Military Housing property management system was as accurate as possible. As a junior Non-commissioned officer (NCO), he is solely responsible for the day to day management, key control, room assignments, furnishings inventory, trouble calls for maintenance and data entry into the enterprise Military Housing property management system for the Bachelor Housing operation. And MCLB Barstow’s Bachelor Housing data is some of the most accurate in the program. For his meticulous attention to detail and data base accuracy he was awarded a Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal on April 17 2015 by Maj Gen Juan G. Ayala Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Commander, Marine Corps Installations Command (COMMCICOM).
While attending the MCICOM Bachelor Housing Oversight Board, a chartered board chaired by Commander MCICOM and co-chaired by the Sargent Major of the Marine Corps, in Quantico, VA, Cpl. Rodriguez was stunned when he was presented with the award.
“Corporal Rodriguez distinguished himself by facilitating the high accuracy of occupancy data across the Marine Corps utilizing an often complex property management system,” said Maj. Gen. Juan G. Ayala, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Marine Corps Installations Command, Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. “His tenacious approach to balance policy with common sense resulted in an increased quality of life standard for the Marines he supported. As one of the most junior bachelor housing managers within the Enterprise, Rodriguez consistently responded to headquarters Marine Corps data calls and tasks with accurate and timely information expediting decisions at the HQMC level.”
Rodriguez felt he was just doing what Marines are supposed to do: improvise, adapt, and overcome. “I was very surprised when I got it. I was shocked because I was only doing what needed to be done. I feel that I’ve accomplished something and keep pushing forward. Also, it’s nice to know someone took notice in all the hard work that goes into bachelor housing.”
When he first took over the bachelor housing program on MCLB Barstow nothing was done right, Rodriguez explained. Also, nothing was being reported to HQMC properly.
“In the eMH system, there is data that can be used for Headquarters Marine Corps to determine a couple of things,” said the Rialto, Calif. native. “Such as the buildings being overcrowded, what units are living in bachelor housing, etc. When I took over, Headquarters Marine Corps wasn’t getting our correct information. So, I had to reconfigure our numbers and make sure they were getting what was needed.”
However, getting to this point in the bachelor housing manager’s program wasn’t an easy task, emphasized Master Sgt. Roydrick Jackson, Base Supply Chief and Barracks Staff Non-Commissioned Officer of the bachelor housing on MCLB Barstow.
“The program has improved a lot,” he said. “After spending good consistent time with the program, he really got a good grasp of how to do the job. He worked really hard to update the system and make sure we had full accuracy.
What made the difference in his success was his ability to focus and spend the time on his duties as the Bachelor Housing Manager”, explained Jackson.
“On multiple inspections he was the only one not to get a hit on his program,” said Jackson. “The same inspector asked Rodriguez if he could use his program as the base model for other bases to emulate.”
His hard work ethic and devotion to his job gave Marines in bachelor housing something to look forward to when they got “home”.
“When I get off work and come to the barracks, I don’t have to worry about anything,” said Pfc. Jacob Williams, Administrative Clerk with HQBN on MCLB Barstow. “Since I’ve been here, Cpl. Rodriguez has always made sure if something is broken, he will fix in a timely manner. Also, he makes sure that we always have what we need to live comfortably.”
Since receiving his NMCAM, Rodriguez aims to step up his bachelor housing program to reach 100% accuracy in the information he relays to HQMC on a daily basis.