MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- A Miramar Marine, Staff Sgt. Wade M. Davis, assistant combat crew chief, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165, was named the Marine Corps Times Marine of the Year during a ceremony in Washington  July 8.

"A lot of great Marines were nominated for this award and I am just honored that I was recommended for it," said the Ogden, Utah, native. "I just do my job the best I can day to day."

Maj. Todd J. Oneto nominated Davis for the award and the Marine Corps Times committee picked Davis out of all the other proposals they received based on his achievements.

The "Marine of the Year" award began in 2001 as an award program to underline the accomplishments of exceptional servicemembers.

The 2004 award wanted to highlight servicemembers with heroism, patriotism and unselfish service to the country. One servicemember from each branch was selected for the honor.

Davis was selected for possessing all of the necessary qualities of an exceptional Marine.

Even though the esteemed award humbles Davis, his squadron agrees that there couldn't be a better Marine for the prestigious honor.

"He's the kind of Marine you can count on to make the right call every time and he trains his Marines likewise," said 1st Lt. Timothy E. Kent, adjutant, HMM-165. "He maintains very high standards with his constant professionalism and he expects nothing less from everyone around him. He inspires others to be like him."

One of the most influential things that Davis has done for his squadron has been mentoring Marines to do their best.

"He demands and expects the best out of everyone he teaches," explained Sgt. Brian Blakely, CH-46 crew chief with HMM-165 and a Dayton, Ohio, native. "He gives 110 percent all of the time and if you don't give 100 percent he'll let you know."

Not only does Davis make an impact on his squadron at the air station, but on deployments as well. He flew over 100 combat sorties during Operation Iraqi Freedom, including operations in support of the release of Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch. He also arranged for the squadron's aircrews to go through combat lifesaver training.

The extra training saved many lives, as it helped the 122 wounded personnel that the squadron evacuated receive better first aid and medical care.

"He is always one of the first Marines to volunteer for anything in the squadron," mentioned Blakely.

"He goes on every deployment and drops everything for the squadron."

Davis explained that it is mandatory to set the example and if no one wants to do something, it is important to take the initiative and volunteer.

After his return from Iraq, Davis was chosen to be an augment instructor for the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., where he found out about the exalting news towards the end of March.

Davis is still modest about the whole thing.

"I just lead by example and do my job everyday the best I can."