Photo By Lance Cpl. Erica Padgett | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dustin Miller, rifleman, currently serving as the training...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dustin O. Miller, a rifleman currently serving as the training noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station New River, was recognized as the MCAS New River Go Getter of the Month for August 2026.
A native of Asheville, North Carolina, Miller's path to the Marine Corps began unexpectedly. Before enlisting, he worked at a grocery store from ages 15 to 17 and later transitioned to construction work. With little knowledge of the Marine Corps and few opportunities available to him at the time, Miller's decision to enlist came after an accidental visit to a recruiter's office.
"I walked into a recruiter's office on accident, and two weeks later I left for boot camp," Miller said. "I had no clue what the Marines were. I didn't even know I was supposed to scream in boot camp. I knew literally nothing about the job." Despite knowing little about the Marine Corps before joining, Miller said his mother was excited and proud to see her son become a Marine. When it came time to choose a military occupational specialty, Miller chose the infantry because he wanted a career that allowed him to contribute to something larger than himself.
"I chose my MOS because I wanted to do something I felt would do some good for more than just myself," Miller said.
Although an infantry rifleman by trade, Miller currently works within his unit's operations section, where he manages annual and fiscal year training requirements and coordinates a wide range of training events. His responsibilities include organizing physical fitness tests, combat fitness tests, waist to height evaluations, swim qualifications, annual rifle qualifications, pistol ranges, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training, professional military education for Marines at the rank of corporal and below and instructor-led courses.
Miller also certifies the completion of training for each Marine through the Marine Corps Training Information Management System. This ensures that schooling, advanced qualifications and other training requirements are properly documented and maintained.
"The most enjoyable thing about my job is the responsibility and the sense of accomplishment after meeting all the deadlines I have throughout the year," Miller said.
Managing those responsibilities requires Miller to remain current on Marine Administrative Messages and Marine Corps orders throughout the year to ensure his programs remain in accordance with current requirements.
"The most challenging part about my job is staying up to date with all the MARADMINs and Marine Corps orders that come out throughout the year to ensure all my programs are in accordance," Miller said.
Miller credits his wife as one of the most important influences in his life. Her continued support, he said, has played an important role in shaping both the person and Marine he has become.
"She supports me in every decision I make and always has my back no matter what," Miller said. "She has been the biggest reason why I am the person and Marine I am today."
While his entrance into the Marine Corps may have been unexpected, his plans for his future in the service are anything but uncertain.
Miller intends to make the Marine Corps a career and ultimately retire after completing at least 20 years of service.
"Ever since I joined, I've told myself that if I'm not going to do a full 20 years, then what was the point in joining anyway," Miller said.
What began as an accidental visit to a recruiter's office has developed into a long-term commitment to the Marine Corps. Through the responsibility he carries within his section, the mentorship of the Marines around him and the support of his family, Miller continues to challenge himself while contributing to the readiness of his unit.
| Date Taken: | 08.21.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.21.2026 12:14 |
| Story ID: | 572965 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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