Private First Class Jacob A. Brown is the Marine of the Quarter for Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.
Brown is a clerk in the adjutant department aboard MCLBB.
This is the first time the Chicago native has achieved the title since he joined the Corps back in November of last year.
Brown believes he was selected as Marine of the Quarter for the 3rd quarter of calendar year 2016 because he feels he rises to the challenge and gets the job done.
“I guess people are noticing my hard work,” he said. “There’s been a lot of Marines (leaving) over the past few months and many times I’d be the only person in the office, and even though I’m brand new here I’m still able to hold down the shop and whatever they throw at me.”
The 19-year-old Marine explained why he chose the Corps for his military service.
“I had a cousin who was in the Army,” Brown said. “He said the Marines would be more of a challenge and they had a good reputation, so I joined.”
He enjoyed the experience of boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, N.C.
“I don’t think it was hard,” Brown said. “I think it was what you’d expect. Just people telling you what to do and you do it. They’re just trying to see if you’re a good fit for the Corps. I enjoyed (military combat training) at (Marine Corps Base) Camp Pendleton the most when I was throwing grenades. I met a lot of good people there.”
Brown attended Personnel Administration School at Camp Johnson in Jacksonville, N.C., home of Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools, before landing his first assignment at MCLB Barstow.
“I finished in the top ten in a class of 30,” Brown said. “I had a really good time and met a lot of cool people.”
“I’m good with numbers; that’s one of the reasons I like working in the Adjutant’s Office,” he said.
Brown said he will be taking advantage of the educational benefits the Marine Corps offers.
“I’m planning on using (the benefits) in the next couple of months so I can have that school background. Most likely I’ll be going for a bachelor’s,” he said. “I’ll probably major in accounting.”
“I chose administration so when I ever got out of the Corps my knowledge of the admin (Military Occupational Specialty) would open the door for many civilian jobs,” Brown said.
The one thing he will remember the most about being a Marine is the friends he’s made.
“I’ve built bonds with so many people over the past few months than I think I did in my entire life and I still keep in contact with them and the friends that I made here in Barstow. It’s been really nice,” Brown said.
Being in the Corps has taught Brown a few things that will stay with him the rest of his life.
“I’ve learned to be more humble and know that there’s always room for improvement,” he said. “It used to be when somebody gave me advice I wouldn’t listen to it as much, but now I believe that every bit of good advice can help you out a lot.”
“For example, I wanted to get a really nice car, but people told me it’s not a good idea to get an expensive car when you’re a low rank like a Pfc. Start out with a car with lower payments and cheaper insurance that won’t eat up your paycheck and you can still enjoy yourself,” Brown said.
“I’ve learned to respect those who have more experience than me and to always be open to learning new things,” he said.
Being at a desert base such as MCLBB has been a unique experience for Brown, who came from a big place, nicknamed the Windy City.
“Chicago is a colder place, and it’s windy too, but the desert wind is no joke,” he said. “In Chicago, buildings can block the wind, and you have someplace to hide behind to get out of it, but in the desert, you have nowhere to go, it’s just open space. You just have to put your head down and do the walk.”
All in all, Brown has really enjoyed being a Marine.
“I’d tell anyone the Corps is a good place to be,” he said. “I’d tell them it’s a great experience and will set you up in life, put you in a great place, looks good on a résumé and is a great foundation for your life.
“My family thinks I’m doing great things right now,” Brown said. “They see that I could be very successful. Everything I do is for them. I just want my family to know that I’m doing what I have to do, so don’t worry about me.”
Brown shared some inspirational words his seventh-grade basketball coach told him that he’s never forgotten and said it has shaped his personal philosophy about life.
“Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best.”
| Date Taken: | 10.13.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2016 13:52 |
| Story ID: | 212293 |
| Location: | BARSTIW, CA, US |
| Hometown: | CHICAGO, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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