Cpl. Steven Culp’s, Lino Lakes, Minn., laid back demeanor and ability to complete the mission quickly and efficiently has earned him the coveted title of Regimental Combat Team 8, Communication Platoon ‘assistant wire chief.’
“I lead them the best I can,” said Cpl. Culp, “this includes getting my hands dirty with them and getting them time off when I can.”
As the assistant wire chief, Cpl. Culp supervises 15 Marines in the installation, operation, and maintenance of field wire systems of Forward Operating Base Delaram II’s telephone system. They are currently installing permanent infrastructures for the expanding base of Delaram II, this includes digging trench like holes to place new wiring.
“He’s a Cpl. filling a Staff Sgt. position,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Frank Buchanan. “All these holes you see, all this wiring around camp, that’s Cpl. Culp.”
Culp worked at a temp agency back in his hometown of Lino Lakes before enlisting in the Marine Corps four years ago. He felt there was something else he needed to be doing. His dad and grandfather served in the Navy so he was no stranger to the military. This helped in his decision to join the military.
“I knew I wanted to be in charge of something bigger,” said Cpl. Culp.
The Marine Corps fit his desire.
In the high tempo environment of the communication‘s office, the sign, ‘In Comm We Trust,’ greets its visitors. For the Marines who work in the communications office, it is in Cpl. Culp they trust.
“He is very professional, motivated and a very good and knowledgeable leader,” said Lance Cpl. Charlie Nelson from Salt Lake City, Utah.
With grueling work days and various tasks to complete around the FOB, Cpl. Culp finds ways to keep his Marines charging forward.
“He’s patient and good at explaining how to get things done and what he wants out of them,” added Lance Cpl. Matthew Larkin, a native of Courtland, N.Y.
Culp knows his Marines depend a lot on him and his knowledge on the job.
Cpl. Culp said, “Everybody should feel like they can be counted on, and trusted, it is very important I prove to them [Marines] I know what I am doing,” when asked how important it is for his guys to trust him
One of Culp’s future goals is to become a Warrant Officer or Master Sgt. in the Marine Corps. When asked if he was going to make the Marine Corps a career, he didn’t flinch and said, “Yes!”
If Cpl. Culp is currently performing at a Staff Sgt level, his leaders and Marines will agree his future goal is one he can obtain with ease.
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