Lance Cpl. Melody Cheng, legal clerk, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, was recently named Marine of the Quarter for Marine Corps Installations East.

She was voted first-place out of six Marines.

“Lance Corporal Cheng’s positive attitude, performance and extraordinary work ethic epitomizes the whole Marine concept,” Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Young, sergeant major, MCLB Albany, said. “She has quickly asserted herself as the one of the unit’s heavy hitters and is setting the foundation for meritorious achievements in the near future. Serving with a Marine like Lance Corporal Cheng renews my faith and confidence in the quality of tomorrow’s future leaders.”  

Cheng has assisted in the execution of more than 15 wills after exemplifying initiative in obtaining her certification as a State of Georgia notary. She became a self-sufficient operator in the office, independently notarizing more than 30 official documents for clients, executing more than 10 powers of attorney and conducting intake preparations for clients in preparation for attorney visits for legal assistance matters.

“Her ability to operate accurately with minimal direct supervision exemplifies the hard-charging mentality of a Marine,” a nomination from Col. Michael Fitzgerald, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, said.

She also assists Staff Judge Advocates with investigations, military law matters and drafting endorsements in support for other commands. 

Cheng received a Meritorious Mast for being selected the Gung Ho Marine for the Security Augmentation Force training held in August aboard MCLB Albany. She continues to push herself above her peers with volunteer work after hours, receiving one leave of absence during the quarter to give more than three hours of her time to the local Marine Corps Recruiting office where she focused on mentoring and developing poolees.

“Cheng continuously proves that she is dependable and confident in her abilities to excel both personally and professionally,” the nomination from Fitzgerald said. 

Cheng is currently enrolled in American Military University and is working toward a degree in criminal justice, while also seeking a welding certification from Albany Technical College. She voluntarily serves on the weekends mentoring Albany youth as a faculty member for the Albany Young Marine Program.

She completed four Marine net courses during the quarter including Basic Grammar and Composition, Scouting and Patrolling, Basic Forward Observation Procedures and the Marine Corps Planning Process. She also performed a high first-class Combat Fitness Test in September, obtaining a score of 261.