CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— Every servicemember strives for promotion throughout their career.
For one Marine, his deployment in Afghanistan brings with it something special: a combat meritorious promotion.
Corporal Scott McKenzie, an administrative clerk with Regimental Combat Team 7, was combat meritoriously promoted to his current rank, Feb. 2, here.
McKenzie enters the ranks of noncommissioned officers with his promotion and he couldn’t be more proud.
“There’s a lot more responsibility, as with any rank,” said McKenzie, a Saratoga, Calif. native. “You become more of a leader and begin to teach Marines the things your NCOs taught you.”
McKenzie was selected for promotion over his peers in RCT 7. The selection board judges performance, conduct and leadership to determine the best Marine for meritorious promotion.
McKenzie said one of his goals in the Corps was to be promoted meritoriously. He even called his family during the halftime show of the Super Bowl to tell them the good news.
“They were very proud and excited for me,” McKenzie said. “It was awesome to tell them things are going well and that I was promoted.”
McKenzie sets himself apart from other Marines through his hard work and dedication to duty, said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Ricks, the administration staff noncommissioned officer in charge with RCT-7.
“One night back at (Twentynine Palms, Calif.), he stayed (at work) until 3 a.m., even though he didn’t have to,” Ricks said. “He received no personal benefit, but he wanted to make sure the Marines’ awards were finished. That’s just who McKenzie is.”
McKenzie has distinguished himself during his deployment by working long hours but also by focusing on improving himself as a Marine.n’t have to push him to get better,” Ricks said. “It’s great when you don’t have to pull a Marine aside and say ‘We want to work on these things to better you professionally’ because that Marine is already doing those things on his own.”
McKenzie’s daily tasks include tracking awards, personnel casualty reports and emergency leave. His duties also include various other administrative tasks, but he said working behind a desk doesn’t discourage him.
“When I do this job, it reminds me of the Marines out there who are fighting the fight and their honor and courage,” McKenzie said. “Even though we ride the desk, we are still doing our part of fighting the fight.”
Editor’s note: This article is part of a series wherein every week we recognize an individual Marine or sailor with Regimental Combat Team 7. The Marines and sailors of RCT-7 are dedicated, disciplined and driven to accomplish the mission, and the Marine in this article has earned special recognition for standing out among these professionals. Be sure to check every week to see who will be honored as the latest Marine of the Week.