Photo By Sgt. Pedro Cardenas | Sgt. Maj. James K. Porterfield, sergeant major of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO - The Drill Instructor of the Year award was part of the 2013 Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Combined Awards Program, which awarded a Drill Instructor of the Year, Recruiter of Year, Prior Service Recruiter of the Year, Marine Combat Instructor of the Year, Marine Security Guard of the Year and Career Retention Specialist of the Year.
According to his citation, Wampler’s leadership, diligence, enthusiasm and mentoring allowed his recruits and fellow Marines to achieve a greater level of success than their peers during the recruit training cycle.
“It’s a tribute to the professionalism of the drill instructors at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. It just shows what a standout and spectacular package he is,” said the Commanding General Brig. Gen. James W. Bierman, MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region. “I can’t think of anything that is more significant or honorable than to be selected as drill instructor of the year for the entire Marine Corps.”
Wampler’s career is characterized by resiliency and dedication to the mission of the Marine Corps as well as the development of all Marines.
Wampler enlisted in the Marine Corps Jan. 18, 2005, and attended recruit training at MCRD Parris Island, S. C. In early 2006 he was promoted to lance corporal and, by the end of the year, was promoted to corporal while deployed to Iraq. He deployed for a second tour to Iraq in Oct. 2007 in support of combat operations.
In March 2009, Wampler was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During 2012, Wampler reported to Drill Instructor School here. As a drill instructor, Wampler guided his platoons to perform at the highest level, earning them multiple awards. During his first cycle, Wampler was the recipient of the 2nd Battalion Gunnery Sergeant Nichols award along with the Company E Dan Daily Award for exceptional performance.
Shortly after being assigned to Co. E, Wampler did not waste time in completing the rigorous Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course and Nonresident Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education program simultaneously, during a recruit training cycle. Wampler was subsequently elevated to the billets of senior drill instructor and chief drill instructor.
During these assignments, Wampler continued the trend of exceptional performance and proven leadership as he instructed and mentored future Marines. Wampler dedicated himself to the Marine Corps and to the development of his Marines.
As a result of his efforts, Wampler won this year’s Drill Instructor of the Year award. Picking the recipient of the award was an extensive and competitive process.
Those who were nominated were judged thoroughly as their entire career became under a microscope, beginning with the first day they began to serve on active duty. Wampler attributed his success to more than just his individual accomplishments.
“This is a team effort; success brings on success and you don’t get anywhere in life by yourself,” said 27-year-old Wampler, a native of Bristol, Tenn. “I couldn’t do it without work ethic and family. Family is everything; they always support you no matter what and are always there for you.”
Along with the recognition for his hard work, Wampler received a meritorious promotion.
“It didn’t seem real,” said Wampler. “It is a humbling experience to be able to represent all of the drill instructors of the Marine Corps.”
| Date Taken: | 12.20.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2014 12:39 |
| Story ID: | 120200 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | BRISTOL, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 706 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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