CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— When someone says “logistics,” people often think of UPS or headaches, but a Marine in Afghanistan who loves logistics will soon be rewarded for his hard work.
Lance Cpl. Kenieth Kimbrough, an embarkation specialist with Regimental Combat Team 7, works as a unit movement control clerk and will be promoted to corporal on Feb. 1.
“I deal with a lot of movement of units, both personnel and cargo,” said Kimbrough, a 21-year-old native of Phoenix, Ariz. “I schedule transportation via air and ground like flights and convoys.”
Kimbrough often works 12-16 hour days ensuring that equipment and servicemembers get where they need to go. The hours don’t bother Kimbrough, and he said he enjoys his job.
“I get a first hand look at what’s going on with people and cargo moving around,” Kimbrough said. “I’m responsible for a lot of that stuff, and it’s a good feeling.”
Currently, Kimbrough is the lowest ranking Marine in his office. He will be promoted to noncommissioned officer Feb. 1., and his leaders said he deserves it.
“Although the junior Marine in the office, Kimbrough is always willing to take on new responsibilities,” said Gunnery Sgt. Nelson Hammer, the logistics chief for RCT-7. “He executes flawlessly in his mission.”
Logistics at his assigned duty station at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., is not as stressful as it is in Afghanistan, Kimbrough said, but just like a Marine he completes the mission.
“We work long hours; sometimes from (8 a.m.) to midnight,” said Cpl. Michael Adams, the embark NCO for RCT-7. “But he handles the stress well.”
Kimbrough doesn’t stop when the workday is finished. He spends a lot of his time off working on his education.
“I see him a lot of time after work hours staying to work on MarineNet courses and his (Marine Corps Institute) courses,” said Adams, a 22-year-old native of Zanesville, Ohio.
Kimbrough said time spent at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, where he studied to become a physical thereapist, led him into the Corps.
“I had good grades, but I wanted to do something more,” Kimbrough said. “I looked into the military and I figure if I’m going to do it, I might as well be the best.”
His desires to become a physical therapist still exist.
“I love working out, and you can get a lot of injuries that way,” Kimbrough said. “I want to be able to help people who do get injured.”
For now, Kimbrough is focused on becoming a leader of Marines.
“Becoming an NCO means a lot to me,” Kimbrough said. “It comes with more responsibility, but that added responsibility will give me more of an opportunity to prove that I am more than capable to handle any situation that comes my way.”
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.