MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan -- Cpl. William L. Isenberg, a Louisville, Ky., native and former student of Ballard High School, is now an operations clerk with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. He arrived on Okinawa about a month ago, yet has already proven his proficiency to his peers.

Isenberg's job is to log pilot's flight hours into log books, said Sgt. Adam J. Kary, HMM-262 assistant operations and training chief.

"It is important to log the hours into the log books because it lets us know how many hours the pilot has flown, and lets the commanding officer know how many hours the pilot's need to fly in order to meet their annual requirements," said Heite.

Also, the log books contain information needed to aid training and a checklist to meet annual requirements, said Heite.

"Corporal Isenberg is a well rounded Marine with a good head on his shoulders," said Heite. "This Marine is very knowledgeable with all aspects of the operations side of his [Military Occupational Specialty], and seeks to improve himself on a daily basis."

Isenberg added that becoming a well rounded Marine was done through dealing with daily events and overcoming obstacles that came his way throughout his time in the Marine Corps.

Isenberg came to Okinawa from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Air Group 36, 3rd MAW, I MEF, where he gained much of his experience, he said.     

Although the job may be stressful at times, the working atmosphere is great, said Isenberg. There is always something new to learn or do.

"We are constantly in a very busy environment. Everything that happens in the squadron funnels through us," said Isenberg. "It's fast paced, your level of skill and the amount you get done depends on your level of motivation. You make it what you want it to be."

The hardest part about this job is having the ability to juggle all the jobs that need to be done at once, said Isenberg.

"We deal with all the groundside training, pretty much everything to do with the [Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test] is all run by the enlisted [Marines]," he said. "We also deal with the scheduling of gas chambers, rifle ranges, weigh-ins, and other things of that nature."

Before he became a Marine, Isenberg worked as bartender, bouncer, and as an employee at a vitamin and health supplement store. When he was not working, he was doing some sort of physical training, he said. He also enjoyed hiking and fishing when he had the time.

Today, Isenberg still enjoys going to the gym and running every day after work, he said. He also enjoys watching movies, hanging out with all his buddies and doing what he can to prepare for deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Isenberg went on to say, "Work hard every day regardless of how hard the job is, because there are countless Marines that have given their lives that would love to have that job."