MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI - Japan -- Born in Kim Hae Khun, South Korea, Jong Myung lived on the streets with his mother. His father left when he was an infant. One day his mother explained to her young six-year-old boy they were going someplace to visit. The next couple of events changed his life forever.
All he remembers is playing with a bunch of children and looking up to find his mother; she was gone. With the intentions of giving her baby boy all he deserves, she left him at an orphanage. Six months later, the boy, now seven years old, was adopted by the Lambert family.
"I had no idea where I was going and no clue that there was such a place called the United States of America," said Chief Petty Officer Anthony Lambert (Myung), Combat Service Support Detachment 36 corpsman. "My world, at that time, was Korea and that was it."
Lambert's adopted parents, both teachers, were the foundation for his adaptation to the American culture. At first communication was performed with hand movements but after six months, he could speak fluent English.
"It throws many people off when they speak to me on the phone. They assume I am not Korean or even Asian because of my last name and I don't have an accent," he explained with a chuckle.
Growing up with his adoptive parents was difficult at first because of the differences in their cultures and environment.
"I was used to surviving in the streets where I had to lie, cheat and steal to get by," recollected Lambert. "Suddenly, I'm in middle-class America where you don't have to do that. But, my parents stuck by my side the whole time. With every promotion and award I have received I always share them with my parents to show them how their son turned out. I am a product of their care, love and support."
Lambert flourished in high school. He received a scholarship to Western State College in Colorado for his skills in cross-country skiing.
"I know it's hard to believe, but I was ranked 7th my sophomore year, 5th my junior year and 2nd my senior year," said the humble, husky sailor. "But, I knew I wasn't ready for college yet."
With the world at his footsteps, Lambert had a decision to make that would determine the rest of his life. Upon his decision, he recalls the stories his grandfather, a machinist mate, shared with him about his service during World War II. It was then he realized the Navy was his calling.
"I wanted to test myself," said Lambert. "I figured I have served myself for the past 17 years, now I want to serve others. Not being born an American, I had to earn the right to become a U.S. citizen. This was an opportunity for me to give back to America for what it has given me - Freedom. The opportunity to succeed at anything I pursued."
After going through boot camp and Seaman Apprentice School, Lambert reported aboard the USS Pharris FF-1094 and deployed to the Persian Gulf to protect the seas during Desert Storm. Following his sea tour Lambert attended Hospital Corps School where he graduated with honors, was promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class and moved on to Field Medical Service School at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
"I was taught medical techniques, clinical skills, how to wear the Marine Corps uniform, Marine Corps weapons and how do deal with Marines," said Lambert. "Whatever the Marines had to do we were taught to do. We had to be an asset to the team, not a liability."
Lambert made it his mentality to be just that, which is why he was attached to 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines Scout Sniper Platoon.
"The Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon are the eyes and ears of the battalion, giving a picture of the battlefield and the situation to the battalion commander," explained Lambert. "My primary role was to take care of all the medical needs of my platoon and my secondary role was a spotter and assistant team leader."
"Those guys really helped me become what I am today, not just as a corpsman but as a leader teaching sailors and Marines as well," explained Lambert.
His leadership nature and fashion for teaching is shown though the CSSD-36's Combat Life Savor's Course. Marines are taught first aid training, which includes how to stick an I.V., apply advanced medical aid to individuals with various wounds, and understanding what causes specific injuries so Marines can provide medical attention with the gear they have on.
"My job is to train Marines in basic first aid skills for their survival," said Lambert. "In case I go down, I have to make sure the Marines know how to take care of me too."
As a mentor for Marines, Lambert has developed a special bond with them. He doesn't see himself in the Navy and them in the Marine Corps. He is their doc. He protects them while they protect him.
"Being here in the Marines is something special. You're the doc," said Lambert. "Just being called the doc by Marines, that's probably the best feeling you can have. It's better than any award. It shows how much Marines trust you with their lives in your hands."
Lambert's hard work and devotion to the Marine Corps is hard to overlook. He sheds a positive light and inspires all whom cross his path.
"The best thing about Chief Lambert is not only his character, but his motivation. He is probably the strongest asset to CSSD-36 I have seen since I have been with the unit," said Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Smith, CSSD-36 detachment gunnery sergeant. "He is wise beyond his years."
The modest Chief, whose career is to help others, never forgets who has helped him reach the level he has attained.
"I would not be where I am today without the support of great leaders and the guidance from both junior and senior personnel, and also the love and support I get from my wife Lorie and daughter Kobi," said Lambert.