Shyness. 

That’s what Staff Sgt. Robert Atherton said when he was asked what the most difficult challenge he had to overcome during his first year of recruiting duty.

“I’ve been around Marines so much and I like how the Marine Corps operates so coming to recruiting duty was a different beast,” he said.

Atherton was awarded the Rookie Recruiter of the Year for Recruiting Station Oklahoma City for Fiscal Year 2017.  During this time, Atherton enlisted 21 men and women while, and sent 10  to recruit training to become Marines.

“I give credit to SSgt [Michael] Dougherty who taught me everything I know,” said Atherton. “I’m thankful that he saw my potential and taught me how to overcome my fear by forcing me to practice talking to people.  It all helped me to eventually improve.” 

During his first year, Atherton wrote two contracts on four separate months and three contracts on three separate months.  He helped Recruiting Substation Claremore successfully achieve mission accomplishment, and became the assisted staff noncommissioned officer in charge. 

Soon after, he became the RSS Claremore SNCOIC due to his drive, passion, and his wanting to help his fellow recruiters succeed. 

“Recruiting is the most challenging and the most rewarding job I have done,” Atherton said. “When opportunities arise, take them and above all, grow where you’re planted.”