Driz, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Flight Equipment, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, was awarded the Marine Corps Aviation Association, Joe Foss Squadron, 2010 Exceptional Achievement Award for his work during periodic deployments with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit where Driz was responsible for the 31st MEU's Aviation Life Support Systems, including 105 pilots' and aircrews' survival gear and 864 pieces of passenger life support systems, according to his award summary of action.

Driz also directly supervised more than 2,364 maintenance actions and more than 1,300 maintenance hours on life support equipment for two different aircraft.

On top of that, Driz's work on his squadron's aviation life support systems program in 2009 took the program from "off-track" to "exemplary," according to a review from the 1st MAW's aviation maintenance inspector.

For Driz, seeing the award made his accomplishments seem more real.

"I was happy," he said. "It made a big difference to see a physical award. I knew I did something outstanding."

Since coming to Okinawa in 2008, Driz has deployed with the 31st MEU to exercises Balikatan, in the Philippines; Cobra Gold, in Thailand; Phiblex, in the Philippines and Talisman Saber, in Australia.

Those deployments helped fulfill Driz's desire to travel – a reason he joined the Corps.

"I wanted to travel, gain new experiences and have an adventure," he said.

However, Driz took his most momentous trip before he joined the Corps.

Driz moved from the Philippines when he was 12 to join his family already in the states.

"I ended up working as a cook and in a factory, and that made me realize that I had to do something better," he said. "Several of my family members were already in the service, so joining the Marines made me feel like I didn't have to be looking up to other people so much."

Instead, others now look up to Driz.

"He's an extremely hard worker who sets a standard for us to live up to," said Cpl. Craig Bintz, flight equipment technician, Flight Equipment, HMM-262. "He's also a dedicated family man."

Driz and his wife, Mary, have two daughters, Allyssa and Jasmine.

"They were happy when they heard I was selected for the award," Driz said. "My daughters are so proud they call me ‘sergeant' now."

Driz definitely deserved that award, Bintz, a co-worker of two years, said. He does the work of more than one person.

"He's a hell of a leader," Bintz said. "I'm honored to be working with him."