Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. -- A chief instructor at the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School here attended the 25th Annual Modern Day Marine Military Exposition ine Quantico, Va., Sept. 14, to be recognized in the Enlisted Awards Parade for his contributions as Recruiter of the Year for fiscal year 2004.

Gunnery Sergeant Patrick S. Miller, tactical data network operator, was first recognized as the Recruiter of the Year Nov. 2, 2004, while serving at Recruiting Sub-Station St. Petersburg, Recruiting Station Orlando, 6th Marine Corps District; while there, he contracted 39 new applicants to enlist into the Marine Corps from Oct. 1, 2003 to Sept. 30, 2004.

The Modern Day Marine Military Exposition is held at Marine Corps Air Facility, Quantico, Va., where new equipment, systems, services and technology that could aid in Marine Corps development and progression are put on display.

The Enlisted Awards Parade took place during the three-day event to honor 10 outstanding Marines for their service for fiscal year 2004. The Marines received an award with a sculpture of the Flag Raising on Iwo Jima from the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Miller was awarded Recruiter of the Year as a staff sergeant, and shortly after the recognition, was promoted to gunnery sergeant in a meritorious promotion ceremony. During his tour of recruiting duty, he received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, 17 Certificates of Commendation from the District Commanding Officer, on top of 11 Meritorious Masts.

While at Recruiting Station Orlando, Miller was recognized as Recruiter of the Month eight times, Recruiter of the Quarter four times and was a runner-up for Recruiter of the Year for fiscal year 2003.

Recruiting duty is seen as one of the toughest billets to have in the Marine Corps. There are many negative stereotypes that need to be looked past to be successful on recruiting duty, Miller said.

“I know that the things I was told prior to recruiting duty had me worried,” said Miller. “I was afraid of ruining my career if I didn’t succeed, but those rumors aren’t true.”

“I am a firm believer that those that succeed on recruiting duty are just good Marines that put in an honest days work,” Miller added.

Miller thrived on competition as a recruiter. He competed with fellow Marines, and especially with different branches of service, which gave him a drive to do exceptionally well.

He said when he wanted to give in to a bad day, he would remember all the Marines serving in the Middle East, who were handling much bigger battles; that always helped to give him perspective.

When he began his recruiting duty, Miller said Operation Iraqi Freedom had just started and many were reluctant to join into the services. This only compelled him to be more sincere and get across to prospects he was always looking out for their best interests.

“I always encourage Marines to experience recruiting duty,” Miller said. “I encourage them to go out there, prove that they have good work ethic and build their own legacy.”

“Recruiting duty definitely helped me become a better Marine and a better person,” Miller continued.

Miller was detached from recruiting duty in April and has been at his current duty since May. As the chief instructor of the Tactical Data Network Operators Course, Miller is in charge of 12 instructors and the class curriculum.

“I feel a solid leader of Marines must always encourage their Marines to accept challenges with open arms,” said Miller. “Mentor our junior Marines to accept these challenges and once they do, more times than not, they’ll succeed.”