ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The life of a Marine Corps recruiter is a difficult one. Most recruiters work grueling hours and are under constant strain to complete what can seem like an impossible mission. Despite the many challenges that all recruiters face, three were able to rise above the fray and shine.
Sgt. Joshua Lamb of Louisville, Kentucky, was awarded Rookie Recruiter of the Year. Lamb works for Recruiting Sub-Station Fargo. At the end of his first year on recruiting duty, Lamb stood out among his peers. Lamb says he learned a lot from his senior leadership. An important lesson he learned while on his first year of recruiting is to pay attention to your home life. If you take care of your family it can alleviate a lot of stress and make it possible to concentrate on the mission, Lamb says.
The Recruiter of the Year award went to Staff Sgt. John Bateman of RSS Duluth. Bateman is originally a supply administration specialist and calls Lowell, Michigan home. Bateman, who is in his second year of recruiting, says he owes his success to hard work and dedication to the Marine Corps. His advice to other recruiters wishing to be successful is to get out and do the work. Most importantly, Bateman says, get into the high schools and have a presence.
The Staff Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year was awarded to Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Bunde of RSS St. Cloud. Bunde is a native of the St. Cloud, Minnesota area and is originally an administrative specialist. He hopes to continue to be successful as a station commander and eventually return to the operating forces as a first sergeant.