Dripping Springs graduate turned Marine earns medal

DRIPPING SPRINGS — A 2021 Dripping Springs High School graduate, who has been in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years, was recognized for his commendable achievements during a ceremony at Camp Wilson, California, on Aug. 11. Cpl. Cullen Potter of Dripping Springs is an Anti-Tank Missileman and Section Leader with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, according to a news release. With the help of three sailors — Hospital Corpsman Third Class Petty Officer Carlos Calvillo, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Petty Officer Jonathan Wegner and Hospital Corpsman First Class Petty Officer Efrain Barrera — Cullen acted swiftly when an incident occurred on a live-fire range during Service Level Training Exercise 5-4 in July in Twentynine Palms, California. There was a weapon malfunction that resulted in a fellow soldier being injured. Cullen, along with the sailors, was able to quickly and efficiently get the Marine to safety and saved his life while awaiting a helicopter evacuation to a nearby hospital, the news release stated. According to the Marine Corps website, the Marine was treated and subsequently released to recover alongside his family. As a result of his bravery and quick thinking, Cullen was awarded with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, which is awarded to an individual in the Navy or Marine Corps who “distinguishes him/herself after 6 December 1941, by heroic or meritorious achievement or service,” states the Marine Corps website. The Marine doesn’t necessarily see himself as a hero and while he’s proud of earning this reward, he sees it as just part of his responsibilities. “To be honest, I was just doing my job and it's just a repercussion for the actions that I took, but I was really just doing my job,” Cullen said. He credited entering the Corps with wanting to give back to the country he loves. Cullen said that his father, Brian Potter, who was in the Navy for six years, was also an important influence on him. Brian is very proud of his son and not at all surprised that he was a recipient of the medal: “[Cullen] has always been a leader.” Cullen shared that he is very grateful for all the support and love that he has received from both his family and his hometown. “My family supported me the most. And then a hometown, just being in a patriotic small town, like Dripping Springs, it's very appreciated,” he said. For younger generations who are looking at joining the military as a potential future career path, Cullen said, “It's definitely worth it. It's a great challenge. You grow up quite a bit. You have to grow up fast. But it's a good challenge and it's very fulfilling once you become a part of the organization.” After finishing the training exercises in California, Cullen will be heading back to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and he plans on going to college once he has finished serving his country.