Prior Service Recruiting Station 9

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. -- Gunnery Sgt. Pete Vargo and Staff Sgt. Eric Fritz, Recruiting Substation Green Bay Recruiters, presented Caleb Plumley with the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Marine scholarship at graduation from Iron Mountain High School. NROTC trains future leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps while they attend college. Plumley plans to become a Marine Corps officer after graduation from the University of Michigan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Emma S. Norris)

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Educators experience a mock pick up day, May 2, with drill instructors at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., during the Marine Corps Educators Workshop. Pick up day is when recruits meet their drill instructors they will have until graduation. Educators and key influencers from across all parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri attended the Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Educator Workshop aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot to better understand the transformation process in becoming a United States Marine. The workshop demonstrated to teachers, coaches and other student influencers how the Marine Corps makes Marines, wins our nation’s battles, and develops quality citizens. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Calvin Hilt)

Staff Sgt. Ryan Kraus, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Indianapolis, assists educators with rifle handling basics on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during the RS Indianapolis and RS St. Louis Educator Workshop, March 5-9. Educators and key influencers from across all parts of Indiana and Illinois attended the Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Educator Workshop aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot to better understand the transformation process in becoming a United States Marine. The workshop demonstrated to teachers, coaches and other student influencers how the Marine Corps makes Marines, wins our nation’s battles, and develops quality citizens.

Recruiting Station Indianapolis educators work together to accomplish one of the obstacles during the 12-Stall exercises on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during the RS Indianapolis and RS St. Louis Educator Workshop, March 5-9. Educators and key influencers from across all parts of Indiana and Illinois attended the Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s Educator Workshop aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot to better understand the transformation process in becoming a United States Marine. The workshop demonstrated to teachers, coaches and other student influencers how the Marine Corps makes Marines, wins our nation’s battles, and develops quality citizens.

A drill instructor speaks to educators at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., during the Recruiting Station St. Louis Educators Workshop, March 5-9. The purpose of the workshop is to identify and provide selected educators and other community influencers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience on how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into U.S. Marines. This workshop provides current information regarding Marine Corps recruit training practices and procedures, military job skills and opportunities, military lifestyle, and educational benefits available to Marines. The intent of the program is to demystify the recruit training experience and foster closer relationships between recruiting station personnel and those in their communities who have influence on the decisions of young men and women.

Educators participate during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., during the Recruiting Station St. Louis Educators Workshop, March 5-9. The purpose of the workshop is to identify and provide selected educators and other community influencers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience on how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into U.S. Marines. This workshop provides current information regarding Marine Corps recruit training practices and procedures, military job skills and opportunities, military lifestyle, and educational benefits available to Marines. The intent of the program is to demystify the recruit training experience and foster closer relationships between recruiting station personnel and those in their communities who have influence on the decisions of young men and women.

A Marine marksmanship coach gives rifle handling basics to an educator at Edson Range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during the Recruiting Station St. Louis Educators Workshop, March 5-9. The purpose of the workshop is to identify and provide selected educators and other community influencers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience on how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into U.S. Marines. This workshop provides current information regarding Marine Corps recruit training practices and procedures, military job skills and opportunities, military lifestyle, and educational benefits available to Marines. The intent of the program is to demystify the recruit training experience and foster closer relationships between recruiting station personnel and those in their communities who have influence on the decisions of young men and women.

Recruiting Station St. Louis educators congratulate each other after completing a problem-solving event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., during the Recruiting Station St. Louis Educators Workshop, March 5-9. The purpose of the workshop is to identify and provide selected educators and other community influencers the opportunity to gain first-hand experience on how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into U.S. Marines. This workshop provides current information regarding Marine Corps recruit training practices and procedures, military job skills and opportunities, military lifestyle, and educational benefits available to Marines. The intent of the program is to demystify the recruit training experience and foster closer relationships between recruiting station personnel and those in their communities who have influence on the decisions of young men and women.

Marines, civilians and friends in the 9th Marine Corps District family pose for photo during the MWR Polar Bear Plunge at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., Jan. 27. Around the world, thrill seekers participate in the Polar Bear Plunge, which consist of jumping into freezing water. (Photo by U.S. Marine Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer)

Marines with 9th Marine Corps District participate in the MWR Polar Bear Plunge at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., Jan. 27. Around the world, thrill seekers participate in the Polar Bear Plunge, which consist of jumping into freezing water. . (Photo by U.S. Marine Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer)

Master Sgt. Alice Parks, training team member with 9th Marine Corps District, gives a speech during the Corporals Course 1-18 graduation at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., Jan. 26. Corporals spread across the Midwest gathered here to take part in the three-week course where they learned everything from sword and guidon manual, combat conditioning, personal and professional communication, foundations of Marine Corps leadership, career progression and much more. (Photo by U.S Marine Corporal Quavaungh Pointer)

Corporal Alejandro Bedoya, the marketing and communication Marine with Recruiting Station Oklahoma City, receives the Gung Ho award during the Corporals Course 1-18 graduation at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., Jan. 26. Corporals spread across the Midwest gathered here to take part in the three-week course where they learned everything from sword and guidon manual, combat conditioning, personal and professional communication, foundations of Marine Corps leadership, career progression and much more. (Photo by U.S Marine Corporal Quavaungh Pointer)

Marines pose for photo, with Sgt. Brittany Keiter, the noncommissioned officer in charge for Corporals Course, after the Corporals Course 1-18 graduation at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., Jan. 26. Corporals spread across the Midwest gathered here to take part in the three-week course where they learned everything from sword and guidon manual, combat conditioning, personal and professional communication, foundations of Marine Corps leadership, career progression and much more. (Photo by U.S Marine Corporal Quavaungh Pointer)

Gunnery Sgt. Gene Bradley and 1st Lt. Terrence Stephens watch wrestlers compete during the 2018 National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum at Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jan. 4. The Marine Corps believes wrestlers possess certain characteristics and qualities that make them better suited for life as a Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer)

Sergeant Major Christoper Farrell, Sergeant Major, Recruiting Station Kansas City, presents Staff Sgt Larrykeith Conlkin with the Recruiter of the Year award for his efforts during fiscal year 2017. Staff Sgt Conklin contracted more than 30 new Marines as well as conducting more than 100 school visits during the fiscal year.

Colonel David Fallon, the 9th Marine Corps District commanding officer, speaks with wrestling coaches during the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Leadership Academy at Shawnee High School, Oct. 19. Fallon spoke to coaches about traits Marines and wrestlers share that make them stand out in society. (Official U.S. Marine photo by Sgt. Marcela Diazdeleon)

Colonel David Fallon, the 9th Marine Corps District commanding officer, speaks with wrestling coaches during the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Leadership Academy at Shawnee High School, Oct. 19. Fallon spoke to coaches about traits Marines and wrestlers share that make them stand out in society. (Official U.S. Marine photo by Sgt. Marcela Diazdeleon)

Colonel David Fallon, the 9th Marine Corps District commanding officer, speaks with wrestling coaches during the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Leadership Academy in Salina, Kan., Oct. 6. Fallon spoke to coaches about the traits between Marines and wrestlers share. In November 2016, the Marine Corps expanded its marketing efforts into the wrestling world to locate and recruit men and women who the Marine Corps believes will be successful in all military occupational specialties. (Official U.S. Marine photo by Sgt. Francisco Martinez)

Marines with 9th Marine Corps District, based out of Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, salute during the national anthem during a ceremony in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 11. The Marine recruiters in attendance were recognized for their efforts during a two-month recruiting offensive, Operation Herculean Effort, where they went above and beyond to find the most highly qualified men and women to join the Marine Corps, from across the Midwest. Marines received awards such as the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer)

Colonel David M. Fallon, the 9th Marine Corps District commanding officer, presents awards to Marines during the Operation Herculean Effort ceremony in San Diego, Calif., Oct. 11. The ceremony was conducted in order to recognize the Marine recruiters from the 9th MCD, who went above and beyond in finding the most highly qualified men and women to join its ranks during the two-month recruiting offensive. Marines received awards, such as the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer)

U.S. Marines with the 9th Marine Corps District Color Guard present the colors during a dedication ceremony in Glenview, Illinois, Sept. 12, honoring a Marine Vietnam veteran. Town residents and city officials attended the bridge dedication ceremony honoring Cpl. Donald W. Bollman, a Purple Heart recipient who was killed in action in South Vietnam March 1, 1967. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer/Released)

A Marine Corps color guard with Recruiting Station Chicago participates in delivers the colors before kicking off the Troop 55 2017 Fall Court of Honor ceremony in Glenview, Illinois, Sept 11. Gunnery Sgt. Robert Catching, a recruiter with RS Chicago, spoke about the pride of wearing the Marine Corps uniform. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer/Released)

Gunnery Sgt. Robert Catching, a St. Louis, Missouri, native and a recruiter from Recruiting Station Chicago, talks to boy scouts from Troop 55 during the 2017 Fall Court of Honor ceremony in Glenview, Illinois, Sept 11. He spoke to the Boy Scouts about the pride of wearing the Marine Corps uniform. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer/Released)

A Marine Corps color guard with Recruiting Station Chicago participates in delivers the colors before kicking off the Troop 55 2017 Fall Court of Honor ceremony in Glenview, Illinois, Sept 11. Gunnery Sgt. Robert Catching, a recruiter with RS Chicago, spoke about the pride of wearing the Marine Corps uniform. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Quavaungh Pointer/Released)

Archibald Mosley reads a Congressional Gold Medal memento for Montford Point Marines, May 27, at the Colp Area Veterans Celebration, Dedication and Remembrance Ceremony, in Colp, Illinois. Nearly 20,000 African-Americans joined the Marine Corps in 1942, after President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a “presidential directive giving African Americans an opportunity to be recruited in the Marine Corps,” according to the Montford Point Marines Association website. They didn’t receive recruit training at San Diego or Parris Island, however, but Camp Montford Point, N.C., a segregated training site for African American Marine recruits. For the next seven years, the camp remained opened until it became desegregated. The four Marines are Sol Griffin, Jr.; James L. Kirby, Early Taylor, Jr. and Archibald Mosley. These Marines, among many other Montford Point Marines across the country, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award that can be given to a civilian by Congress, in 2012. Mosley is one of four Montford Point Marines from Colp. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Bryan A. Peterson)

Two Marines with the 9th Marine Corps District, based out of Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, were on hand to honor four Montford Point Marines, May 27, at the Colp Area Veterans Celebration, Dedication and Remembrance Ceremony, in Colp, Illinois. Nearly 20,000 African-Americans joined the Marine Corps in 1942, after President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a “presidential directive giving African Americans an opportunity to be recruited in the Marine Corps,” according to the Montford Point Marines Association website. They didn’t receive recruit training at San Diego or Parris Island, however, but Camp Montford Point, N.C., a segregated training site for African American Marine recruits. For the next seven years, the camp remained opened until it became desegregated. The four Marines are Sol Griffin, Jr.; James L. Kirby, Early Taylor, Jr. and Archibald Mosley. These Marines, among many other Montford Point Marines across the country, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award that can be given to a civilian by Congress, in 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Bryan A. Peterson)

Colonel Jason Morris speaks to a group of university wrestling coaches and leaders, today, about the values Marines and wrestlers share during the NWCA leadership academy in Edwardsville, Illinois. He talked about the three missions of the U.S. Marine Corps - make Marines, win our nation’s battles and develop quality citizens - and spoke about how to adapt them so the coaches in attendance could grow wrestling. His speech focused on how training is the most important part of a leader’s job, whether it is preparing a team for battle or the wrestling mat.

Colonel Jason Morris speaks to a group of university wrestling coaches and leaders, today, about the values Marines and wrestlers share during the NWCA leadership academy in Edwardsville, Illinois. He talked about the three missions of the U.S. Marine Corps - make Marines, win our nation’s battles and develop quality citizens - and spoke about how to adapt them so the coaches in attendance could grow wrestling. His speech focused on how training is the most important part of a leader’s job, whether it is preparing a team for battle or the wrestling mat.

Colonel Jason Morris speaks to a group of university wrestling coaches and leaders, today, about the values Marines and wrestlers share during the NWCA leadership academy in Edwardsville, Illinois. He talked about the three missions of the U.S. Marine Corps - make Marines, win our nation’s battles and develop quality citizens - and spoke about how to adapt them so the coaches in attendance could grow wrestling. His speech focused on how training is the most important part of a leader’s job, whether it is preparing a team for battle or the wrestling mat.

Colonel Jason L. Morris, 9th Marine Corps District commanding officer, awards Staff Sgt. Kevin J. Brau, the staff noncommissioned officer of Recruiting Substation South Bend, Recruiting Station Indianapolis, April 22, in South Bend, Indiana, as the SNCOIC champion of Operation Gridiron Blitz. Operation Gridiron Blitz was a 9th Marine Corps District recruiting offensive that tasked Marine recruiters to find the next smart, tough and elite warriors to serve in the Marine Corps. Brau said his Marines, pictured left to right, Sgt. Brant Scherbarth, Sgt. Brandon Weaver, Staff Sgt. Korey Lewis and, not pictured, Sgt. Franklin Alvarado, were the sole reason why he won the award. Brau said he "owes everything to the Marines who went out and accomplished the mission. They were the ones who brought in the men and women who are of the highest caliber to the RSS pool team." Morris presented the award to Brau prior to a pool function, where he, his Marines and the men and women in the delayed entry program, or DEP, conducted a mud run for their monthly pool function. (Courtesy Photo)

Marines from 9th Marine Corps District headquartered aboard Naval Station Great Lakes gave back to the community through a mini boot camp for Red Oak Elementary School children. April is recognized as Month of the Military Child to underscore the important role that children play in the Armed Forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. William H. Seely III, poses with Mack Butler, director of football operations at Oklahoma State University, after being presented with a football, Feb 15. Seely visited OSU to speak to Marine Corps officer candidates and deliver a motivational speech to the wrestling team ahead of their National Championship Sunday.

U.S. Marine Corps Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. William H. Seely III, speaks to the wrestling team near Gallagher-Iba Arena, Feb. 15. Seely, an OSU alumni, visited the NCAA Division I number one ranked Cowboys to motivate and inspire them before their National Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals Final, Feb. 19, against number two ranked Pennsylvania State University.

U.S. Marine Corps Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. William H. Seely III, shows his Oklahoma State University graduation ring to Burns Hargis, President of OSU near Gallagher-Iba Arena, Feb. 15. Seely also had the opportunity to speak to the number one ranked Cowboys wrestling team.

U.S. Marine Corps Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. William H. Seely III, speaks to Oklahoma State University Officer Candidates at Oklahoma State University, Feb 15. Seely spoke to the candidates about what it is like being a Marine and a leader.

Former wrestler, Maj. Jill McQuistan, presents an award to Marine veteran, Kalyn Schwartz, Feb. 10-11, at the Women’s Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championships in Oklahoma City. Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s marketing relationship with USA Wrestling is focused on locating and recruiting physically and mentally well-equipped young men and women who share the same values of honor, courage and commitment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer Webster/Released)

Major Andrew Nicholson, commanding officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Twin Cities, escorts Medal of Honor recipient Wesley Fox, a retired Marine Corps colonel, during the Twin Cities Medal of Honor Ceremony at the U.S. Bank Stadium, Oct. 5. Fox received the Medal of Honor for Heroic actions during the Vietnam War.

Marines from Recruiting Station Des Moines pose at the Football Leadership Camp at North High School Grubb Stadium, Aug. 18. Listed from left to right: Staff Sgt. Kaleb V. Wagy, Staff Sgt. Michael T. Huck, Sgt. Joseph E. Fralix, retired Maj. Sean Quinlan, Cpl. Brock T. Gaul and Cpl. Buray T. Kiser. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jennifer Webster/Released)

Second Lieutenant Trevor Weaser (third from the left), rows at a 2014 competition at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. Weaser was commissioned a Marine Corps officer August 7th, 2016. (Courtesy photo by 2nd Lt. Trevor Weaser)

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller, renders a salute to the marching companies during the Alpha, Charlie, and Delta company graduation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., August 6, 2016. Second Lieutenant Trevor Weaser, the tallest Marine in formation, is pictured marching. (U.S. Marine Corps Combat Camera photo by Lance Cpl. Jose Villalobosrocha/Released)

Maj. Christopher Buck, left, Recruiting Station Lansing, Mich., commanding officer, stands in preparation to administer the Oath of Enlistment to the young men and woman of Recruiting Sub Station North Lansing, led by Staff Sgt. Mark Klug, RSS North Lansing staff non commissioned officer in charge, July 22, 2016. The swear in took place before a Lansing Lugnuts baseball game during their Salute to Service night.

Seven Drill Instructors from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., and San Diego, Calif., recite the Drill Instructor Creed before the commencing of Recruiting Station Lansing, Mich., Mini Boot Camp, July 15, 2016. Mini Boot Camp serves to better prepare Marine Corps Poolees for the rigors of recruit training.

Major Andrew Nicholson took command of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Twin Cities, June 24. The change of command ceremony took place at Historic Fort Snelling, near Saint Paul, Minnesota. At the ceremony, Major Christopher Tsirlis relinquished command of the recruiting station to Nicholson.

Staff Sgt. Annemarie E. Baker poses for a photo in the gym where she trained to win her first bodybuilding competition. Baker, a 14-year Marine and mother, attributed her decision to compete to her military career.