Marine Corps News Room

http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/0/8f4b7f2d8153b07a852570a9002c6b5a?OpenDocument

Submitted by:
II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD)
Story by:
Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Josh Cox

Story Identification #:
200510294510

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq(Oct. 29, 2005) -- Growing up, a young boy looked up to his grandfather, a Bronze Star recipient who served in the Army during World War II, and grew up to follow a legacy that he continues today in Iraq.

Corporal Quinnon W. Duke, 27, said his grandfather’s service in WWII called him to pursue a career in the military, and the nobility of the Corps motivated him to become a Marine.

“My grandfather was a strong man with good morals,” he said. “He was successful in life. He fought in many campaigns during WWII, to include Guadalcanal. I knew that I wanted to be a successful person with strong values. Even after he had a stroke that confined him to a wheelchair, he pushed on for another 12 years; this is how he inspired me.”

“I joined the Marine Corps because I wanted to be the best,” said the Logan, Utah, native.

Duke, a manpower analyst, supports manpower information database software, and teaches administrative Marines how to utilize and operate the crucial software here.

The 1996 Logan High School graduate initially served as a reserve Marine while attending Utah State University, and worked in restaurants during the late 1990’s.

In 2001, Duke, who is currently operating with Manpower Information System Support Office 11, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (FWD), decided to transition to active duty because he enjoyed his career in the Marine Corps.

“I liked the Marines, and I decided that is what I wanted to do,” he said.

Before deploying to the Middle East in August, Duke served in Chicopee, Mass., assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 472, and in Kansas City, Mo., with MISSO 16-17.

“Massachusetts was a culture shock,” he said. “I never really spent time on the East Coast. I reenlisted while I was there.”

While serving in Kansas City, Duke was augmented to II MEF to support Operation Iraqi Freedom here.

“I enjoy the work I do,” he said. “I have the pride of being a Marine.”

Duke said his job requires him to instruct others on the manpower software, which can be challenging.

“The challenges are introducing new systems, and giving classes,” he said. “I’m definitely not a public speaker.”

Even though Duke isn’t keen on public speaking, he overcomes the anxiety in several ways.

“Practice, study and hard work are the only ways to overcome it,” he said.

Duke’s superiors have picked up on his attitude for success.

“Cpl. Duke is capable of communicating on any level,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Terry L. Slater, MISSO-11 staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “He is an outstanding instructor and truly enjoys passing on the experience he’s gained. I would love to work with him any time, anywhere.”

Duke said he is glad to be a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and looks forward to reading about the events in history books.

“To me, it’s good to know I’m a part of a world event; part of freeing a country from oppression,” he said. “…part of a big event that will go down in history.”

Like many Marines serving in the Corps today, Duke is working to become an expert in his field, and is pursuing a college education in conjunction with his duties in the military.

“My goal is to become proficient enough at what I do to become a warrant officer,” he said. “In the meantime, I’m working on an electronic engineering degree.”

EDITOR’S NOTE
Please feel free to publish this story or any of the accompanying photos. If used, please give proper credit to the writer/photographer, and contact us at: cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil so we can update our records.