Marysville native becomes a noncommissioned officer in the Marine Corps

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

12.01.2011

Story by Cpl. Jeremy Ware 

Marine Barracks Washington

WASHINGTON - A native of Marysville was promoted to the rank of corporal in the United Stated Marine Corps Dec. 1.

Cpl. Jesse Ballard, a 21-year-old New Washington High School graduate, enlisted in the Marine Corps July 21, 2008, and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. He has served as an administration clerk at Marine Barracks Washington since Feb. 11, 2009.

The rank of corporal is the first noncommissioned officer rank in the Corps, and is an important rank of leadership. NCO’s obtain their position of authority by promotion through the enlisted ranks.

“I’ve waited a really long time for this day,” said the Marysville native. “It’s both a great honor and responsibility to be named a noncommissioned officer in the Marine Corps. I feel like I’ve made Marysville proud today.”

While stationed at the Barracks, Ballard is the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the mailroom on post. He ensures the Marines here receive their mail and that the Marines placed in his charge perform their duties.

His awards include a National Defense Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Ballard plans to leave the Marine Corps when his enlistment is over in July 2012, and attend college at Indiana State University.

Barracks Marines support ceremonial and security missions in the nation’s capitol. Each year, the Marines support more than 30 parades and hundreds of ceremonies and functions to include funerals and sporting events across the country and globe while maintaining proficiency in their respective military occupational specialties and meeting their annual Marine Corps training requirements.

• Date Taken: 12.01.2011
• Date Posted: 12.02.2011 15:37
• Story ID: 80850
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US