Marine Corps Sgt. Demontre Neal – who currently is assigned to the trial department at the Region Legal Service Office detachment in Pensacola, Fla. – was named Honor Graduate of the Sergeants Course on Sept. 30, 2019, at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Sergeants Course is a resident Professional Military Education course required for advancement within the Marine Corps’ enlisted ranks. The course – which is undertaken while a service member carries out his or her regular duties – spans 15 grueling weeks and includes three hours of weekly classroom time, online assignments, and examinations.
To receive the title of Honor Graduate, Neal bested his peers by earning the highest overall grade-point average within the program.
“I see the Sergeants Course helping me become a more well-rounded leader and be able to further serve as a vital link between my commanders and subordinates,” said Neal.
Neal is a trial paralegal in Pensacola, where he manages the docket for one of the two trial teams. He ensures case files are carefully created and tracked. He also supports Victim and Witness Assistance Program interviews, and oversees trial preparations, including preparing evidence, member panel mechanics, and witness travel.
“Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Sergeant Neal’s individual accomplishments as Honor Graduate from the Sergeants Course and achieving his black belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program is the lack of negative impact on the fundamental mission set,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rob McRight, who serves as the Officer in Charge at the Pensacola office and also Assistant Senior Trial Counsel.
“Despite devoting countless hours to personal and professional achievement Sergeant Neal continues to deliver superb work product and commitment to the trial mission.” added McRight. “Sergeant Neal is an outstanding Marine and we are extremely proud of his accomplishments even while we continue to rely on him daily for the core mission of seeking justice.”
The Navy JAG community is diverse – it includes civilians, Reserve members, and Navy and Marine Corps officers and enlisted personnel. Neal is one of many Marines who work hard and make a meaningful impact on the organization every day.