Marine Role Model

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Brenda Varandore | Pfc. Robinson Moore, an anti-tank assault guided missileman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, poses for a photograph next to a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle.  

12.08.2007

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Brenda Varandore 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Gunnery Sgt. Brenda L. Varnadore
II Marine Expeditionary Force

AL QA'IM, Iraq – Young men and women from all over have been attracted to the Marine Corps as a career because of the discipline, adventure and variety it offers. Many self-proclaimed 'bad boys' who have wanted to change their ways before they went too far down the wrong path have sought the Marine Corps and many have been transformed because of this decision.

One Rutherfordton, N.C., native, currently serving in Al Qa'im, Iraq, claims to have been the neighborhood troublemaker and now relishes his status as a role model.

"The Marine Corps has allowed me to be a role model for my younger cousin who is out at Camp Pendleton, (Calif.) right now," said Pfc. Robinson Moore. "He is doing his schooling. After being the black sheep of the family and not doing so well, then coming back and seeing my momma and my family and my nieces all look up to me and actually having a cousin follow me into the Marine Corps makes me feel great."

The anti-tank assault guided missileman, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, said that his mom, Judy Jeffords, is the reason he changed his course in life and that she is his biggest fan.

"At first my momma was scared, but she knows I know how to do my job and she is really proud," said the 2005 R.S. Central high School graduate. "Anything I can do to make my momma proud is my main goal."

An admitted "momma's boy," Moore said that being stationed in Camp Lejeune, N.C., has its benefits, including being so close to his home. He takes advantage of his weekends when he is not deployed by visiting home and realizing how much the Marine Corps has helped him, though there are some things he still misses on a more regular basis.

"I miss my momma's home cooked meals," said the 23-year-old. "But, I get to go home a lot and we usually go to the river and there are beautiful waterfalls because it is coming off the mountain. I love hanging out there and seeing people I don't get to see all the time and just relax. And what is funny, is when you go home and see all the people you went to high school with and they are doing the same thing, then you listen to people who say they don't know if they can stay in the Marine Corps because they want to see their friends. They are just doing the same thing you were doing when you were back there. It makes me realize I want to stay in the Marine Corps as long as it will keep me."

Moore said he loves the Marine Corps so much because every day is something different and he never knows what to expect, especially in Iraq.

"Iraq has come a long way from what I have seen and heard. It is starting to calm down a lot," said Moore. "I am surprised at the compliancy of the Iraqi people and the buildup of the Iraqi army and Iraqi police stations. Every day is different because Anbar is evolving so fast."

His platoon of fellow Marines has kept him motivated thus far since he can not take his regular trips back home. Moore said that they are like brothers and has even taken them back home with him before the deployment. He said they blow off steam in Iraq by working out and playing cards together, but looks forward to the day they can all get back to the United States with everyone safe and sound and the Iraqi people can take care of themselves, he said. After the deployment, Moore's goals are simple.

"I want to try and stay in Camp Lejeune and (3rd Bn., 2nd Marines) as long as they will take me," he said. "My ultimate goal is to stay in the infantry as long as I can and pick up as much rank as I can."

• Date Taken: 12.08.2007
• Date Posted: 12.10.2007 11:13
• Story ID: 14558