HOLLAND, Mich. — A 25-year-old West Michigan Marine is in Washington DC, where he’ll be honored Friday as ‘Marine of the Year’ by the USO.
Andrew Seif of Holland joined the Marines back in 2006 just months after graduating high school, and has since worked his way up. He is now a critical skills operator of a Marine Special Operations Command Unit, and although he has been on two deployments he says it has never been a job to him.
Seif’s honor comes following a heroic act during his last deployment in Afghanistan when he and his unit were working to detain a high value target.
Sgt. Seiff was with Sgt. Justin Hansen from Traverse City when Hansen was shot several times as they approached a compound. Seif didn’t wait for reinforcements and instead he secured the compound on his own. He then returned to treat his wounded fellow Marine, exposing him to enemy fire.
Although Sgt. Hansen didn’t make it, the selflessness Seif showed is a reminder of his dedication.
“It’s just a really big honor and I’m just glad to be a part of it and bring recognition to not only my unit but to fellow marines and everybody else.”
Shortly following the event Friday, Seif says he will be deployed to Afghanistan for seven months.
