Marine Uniform Recipients

  • Annika Kell

    Hometown: Durham, NH

    University of Notre Dame

    Major: Environmental Science

    Leadership Bio

  • Carlos Henriquez

    Hometown: Friendswood, TX

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

    Major: Aerospace Engineering

    Leadership Bio

  • Heather Augustin

    Hometown: Macungie, PA

    University of South Carolina

    Major: Chemistry

    Leadership Bio

  • Brendan Buckles

    Hometown: Bunnell, FL

    University of Florida

    Major: Natural Resource Conservation

    Leadership Bio

  • Mia Norris

    Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

    Major: Aeronautics

    Leadership Bio

  • Jackson Shull

    Hometown: Greenville, SC

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

    Major: Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

    Leadership Bio
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“Do What You Say, Say What You Mean” -Will Schuessler

Annika Kell: Durham, NH

Highest PFT: 300

Developing and understanding my own personal leadership style has been the hardest part of ROTC for me. Throughout high school, I struggled with self-confidence and had a hard time understanding who I truly was. Since receiving the Marine Option scholarship and being surrounded by Marines, I have grown to understand the importance of individuality within leadership. When I read this quote, and when I think about the time I got to spend with Will, this is what I think about. Being fully confident in your capabilities and understanding that your uniqueness is what makes you a good leader. This was evident in Will’s leadership style and made a lasting impression on me. Having a base of strong morals, technical and tactical proficiency, and a discipline to do what is right is essential, but being able to stay true to yourself is what pushes you to be great. This quote stands for full authenticity within your leadership.

The first part of the quote stays with me through the hard work that comes with being a leader. I was recently asked to reflect on what I want my narrative to be as a Junior Officer and this quote is what came to my mind. Being able to build a reputation of consistency where the people I lead know they can trust me to show up and work hard for them is what I strive to do. This involves living out the expectation that I set for everyone else, which is to work hard to improve every day. It is not something that is always easy to do, our days get busy and schedules fill up, but reminding myself that it is a privilege to work hard and focusing on doing what I say helps me stay disciplined in the process. The second part speaks to not being afraid to have hard conversations if you know it needs to be done in order to align the result with your moral values. Being direct and honest with those you lead will build a trust where they know you have their best interest at heart and want to see them improve. The conversations that come with this are not easy, but the decision to have those conversations should be easy. When this happens, “Say What You Mean” comes to mind and I am reminded of the importance of honesty within leadership. It is not always easy to give feedback, but the intersection of the two phrases helps. It is a lot easier to have the conversations if you have built a reputation for following your words with actions and have the experience to back up the feedback you are giving. I am not perfect by any means and I look forward to continuing to develop my leadership but reminding myself of this quote is incredibly helpful in shaping my experience as a leader and the decisions that come with it.

Leadership Positions: Battalion Commanding Officer, OCS Prep Officer In Charge, Company Executive Officer, Platoon Commander, Squad Leader, Assistant Fitness Command Officer

“Do What You Say, Say What You Mean” - Will Schuessler

Heather Augustin: Macungie, PA

Highest PFT: 300

Leadership Positions: Alpha Company Executive Officer

From the day I commission to the day I am too old to care; I am subject to two ‘systems’. The first being a historic system of respect for rank and authority. It’s concrete and spelled out in a book somewhere to be read and understood. The second is abstract; there is no single name; it’s consistently changing, and certainly not publicly talked about. It’s an unspoken system that compels men and women to apply themselves to the standards and expectations of the Marine Corps. A system that a young junior officer, like me, can navigate only if I do what I say, and say what I mean. Marines are technical and tactical experts, but very much human. I would be mistaken to underestimate the human aspect. They are experts in the second, more social system, where they decide the degree of respect and authority based on words and actions, not rank. There are elaborate punitive articles that try to enforce respect for authority(UCMJ) but honest respect is earned through authentic words followed up by actions. ‘To do what you say and say what you mean’ motivates me to be conscious with my words and deliberate in my actions. It is the key to earning respect among my peers.

The goal, as a leader, is to influence others towards accomplishing a task. Because of the rank system, instructions will most likely be obeyed. If there is any distinction between what I say and what I do, I have failed the unspoken system, and consequently lost influence, respect, and authority. As a junior officer, I have the great privilege of getting to influence Marines' lives. I have the opportunity to share what is real and significant and encourage what we're doing and why. To create a ‘say-do gap’ and forfeit my influence is a disservice to those who share the title and American citizens. Because of the privileges an officer has, it is crucial to do what you say and say what you mean because respect and the ability to influence runs deeper than the insignia on the uniform.

“Do What You Say, Say What You Mean” - Will Schuessler

Carlos Henriquez: Friendswood, TX

Highest PFT: 293

Leadership Positions: Battalion Executive Officer, Marine Option Company Executive Officer, Marine Option Company Commander

One form of leadership I am a strong proponent of is leading by example. What I ask of my peers and subordinates is never something I wouldn't be willing to, or haven't already done myself. When I asked my Battalion to look over their uniforms before an upcoming inspection, it was because I had already looked over mine and ensured I was a good representation of the unit. When I ask my Marine company to give 100% at physical training, it is because I am leading from the front and pushing myself to my limit. When I ask my Marine company to attend class and excel academically, it is because I am proficient in my studies and succeed in academics. The point I am making is that I don't expect my peers and subordinates to listen and follow my leadership if I am not able to exemplify what I preach.

I believe the quote said by Will is a perfect interpretation of my personal leadership style. Firstly by saying what you mean. I believe the foundation of good leadership is built upon speaking to your peers and subordinates with tact, enthusiasm, and honesty. A leader who is meaningful and truthful in his or her diction is incredibly impactful to those around them. I employ this form of leadership every day. If someone has done a great job or excelled in a certain aspect, I am eager to show them positivity and give them praise. If someone has done wrong or is failing to meet the set standard, I make sure to explain the issue and provide guidance for improvement. Beyond this, I am always as honest and upfront with my peers and subordinates as possible. It is very easy to tell when someone is saying something that is absent of meaningfulness and sincerity. I avoid this at all costs. Even when it might be uncomfortable or awkward to tell things how they are.

As far as doing what you say, I think the following quote describes it concisely. As Yoda famously said, "Do or do not, there is no try." One thing I constantly abide by is putting my money where my mouth is. I will be the first to admit, I have struggled with this and have much room to improve. Regardless, sticking to your word and doing what you say instills confidence and trust within your peers and subordinates. One goal I challenged my Marine company to accomplish was becoming more involved in volunteering within the community. One promise I made to them was that any volunteering event they signed up for I would too. Thus far I have kept my word and plan to for the rest of the semester.

Ultimately, I think Will’s quote can make anyone a good leader if they apply it to their lives daily. I think about Will and his quote every single day, with the goal of exemplifying it half as well as he ever did.

“Do What You Say, Say What You Mean” - Will Schuessler

Brendan Buckles: Bunnell, FL

Highest PFT: 290

Leadership Positions: Battalion Commanding Officer, Marine Training Officer, Division Officer, Battalion Command Sergeant Major

Will’s quote, “Do What You Say, Say What You Mean,” holds a lot of meaning to me. When he first started saying it, I thought it was lip service. I soon found out it was more than lip service. Will said he was going to run 22 miles for his 22nd birthday, and then he did. He somehow convinced me to do it with him. Somewhere around mile 15, I wanted to quit, and that’s when the quote became real. The bottom line was we said we were going to do something, and we knew our words meant something.

When someone asked how he managed to run almost a marathon with no training, he just responded, “Do What You Say, Say What You Mean.” Now it has a deeper meaning for me. To me, it means living by the words you speak and speaking the words that are in your heart. It means not holding back from sharing what you believe in and stand for, but also being completely honest and having integrity with the words you speak. When I apply “Do What You Say, Say What You Mean” to leadership, I ask myself every day if I am living up to the words that I tell others and myself. As a leader, I live up to the standards I ask those I lead to meet. People follow actions, not words, and they can tell immediately when a leader’s effort doesn’t match their expectations. For me, this shows up in the big things and the small things. It means doing what I said I would do, even when it’s inconvenient. It means showing up prepared, being consistent, and not making promises I can’t keep. It means owning up to mistakes instead of making excuses, being honest when I don’t know something, and following through on what I tell people I will handle.

It also means having the courage to say what I mean, respectfully and clearly, especially when something needs to be addressed. I want people to trust what I say because my actions have proven it, not because of rank. I don’t always get this right, but I live every day with the mindset that my words matter. The quote reminds me that leadership starts with integrity, and integrity is built one decision at a time.

“Do What You Say, Say What You Mean” - Will Schuessler

Recipient Mia Norris

Mia Norris: Jacksonville, FL

Highest PFT: 271

Leadership Positions: Marine Option Company Company Commander and Battalion Sergeant Major

William Schuessler embodied the quote, “No greater friend, no worse enemy.” To me, he was the clearest example of what that principle truly means. I have consciously adopted his leadership qualities and values in my own life in order to honor the legacy he unmistakably left behind. The most influential of these values is his guiding principle: “Do what you say, say what you mean.”

There was a time when I was inclined to make excuses or choose the easier path. Watching Will’s relentless determination and refusal to dwell on mistakes changed that mindset. He consistently found a way forward, regardless of the obstacles in front of him. Because of his example, failure is no longer an acceptable outcome for me. Since embracing his words, I have trained daily to earn the title of Marine and to become worthy of leading those around me.

I now have the privilege of practicing these principles as the Battalion Sergeant Major of the Embry-Riddle Naval Battalion. In this role, I uphold discipline and standards not merely because it is required, but because I believe in developing my peers and subordinates to the best of my ability. Will demonstrated that leadership is not defined by rank or billet, but by daily actions, and I strive to carry that lesson forward in how I serve.

A more personal example of his lasting impact occurred on my 22nd birthday. On his 22nd birthday, Will ran 22 miles to honor veterans lost to suicide. At the time, I thought the idea was extreme, especially without formal preparation, but I was deeply inspired by his conviction. After his passing, I committed to completing the same 22-mile run in his honor. Despite understandable doubts from friends and family, given that I had never run farther than 13 miles, I remained committed. One hundred seventy-three days after Will’s passing, at 2 a.m., I began the run. It was cold, wet, and physically demanding, but more than that, it was mentally challenging. Throughout those miles, I felt as though I was running alongside him. His perseverance, discipline, and resolve carried me forward. Completing that run solidified his words within me: “Do what you say, say what you mean.” His legacy continues to shape the way I lead, train, and live each day.

“Do What You Say, Say What You Mean” - Will Schuessler

Jackson Shull: Greenville, SC

Highest PFT: 293

Leadership Positions: Marine Option Company Company XO, Battalion PT Ops, Battalion Recruiting Officer, Bloodstripe OIC

"Do what you say, say what you mean" is the epitome of leadership, especially in the Marine Corps. It means leading from the front, sticking to your word, and following up to ensure what you say gets done. In NROTC at Embry-Riddle, I have had the privilege to hold many billets in which I have been able to further develop my leadership style. The billets in which I can apply this quote best are my time as MOC XO and as PTOPS (Battalion Physical Fitness Instructor).

As MOC XO, it was my job to ensure the company commander's intent was carried out, which meant constantly checking on various tasks that were assigned. Along with ensuring tasks got done, it was the company commander’s and my job to set the example for the MOC. We both applied this quote by following our words up with actions and leading from the front. As PTOPS, I continue to employ this quote in everything I do. Whether I am planning a workout for PT or leading warm-ups, I continue to lead from the front and set the example.

I also apply this outside of Battalion PT when talking to those who are struggling with PT. If they ask for advice or ask to work out with me, I do not blow them off. I come to them with a positive attitude and ensure they understand everything before moving on so they can better themselves. In conclusion, I had the privilege of witnessing Will demonstrate this quote every day, and I strive to do the same, no matter how tired or internal I am.