NY recruiter earns two meritorious promotions in three years

[thedrifter]

Yoo know how we do - NY recruiter earns two meritorious promotions in three years
Submitted by: 1st Marine Corps District
Story Identification Number: 20039884914
Story by Sgt. Amanda R. Hay



RECRUITING STATION NEW YORK GARDEN CITY, N.Y.(September 8, 2003) -- He may stand five feet three inches tall, but Gunnery Sgt. Myung Yoo has proven to be a giant in the world of recruiting


In three years, Yoo has gone from being a disgruntled sergeant to a commander of a five-man recruiting sub-station. Along the way he has been meritoriously promoted twice. But success didn't come easy for him. Yoo faced challenges before even joining the Marine Corps, but traits inherited from his father helped him overcome these obstacles.


Yoo was born and raised in South Korea. His father was an officer in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps and raised his son with the strictest code of values and discipline. "My father always used to tell me, 'If you work, sleep and study for the same amount of time as others you're not going to get better. You need to work harder, sleep less and study more."


When his family immigrated to Sacramento, Calif., in 1988 Yoo knew hardly any English. His first job was as a cleaner in a local Marine recruiting office. At 19, he went to one of the recruiters there to join the Marines. Yoo said there never was a doubt he wanted to be a Marine- regardless of the Country he was in. "Growing up in the environment you respect and admire the organization and the Marines for their sense of duty and commitment."


His inability to speak English didn't keep him from pursing his dream. . "When I walked into the Marine recruiter's office I barely knew how to say 'hello.' He told me as long as I can say, 'Yes, sir' I'd be okay."


Yoo eventually became a CH-46 Helicopter Mechanic and in 2000 he came to Recruiting Station New York.


Some people may look forward to coming to New York, but not Yoo. Rather than focus on the success of the station, he wondered how he would fit in a place that is notoriously hectic. He didn't like the traffic, the crowds, the attitude or the Yankees. In addition, he wondered how he was going to get by in a job that required communication when his own English skills were not that great.


But like anything else in his life, Yoo learned to accept it for what it was and make the most of it. "I expected it to be hard and I knew it would demand a lot out of me, but I wasn't going to let that get in my way or break my spirit," Yoo said. His goal was to simply be successful.


At RSS Jamaica, he contracted 89 applicants; 69 of which were Alphas. He also shipped 65 recruits while taking five Marine Corps Recruit Depot discharges. He was also meritoriously promoted to staff sergeant.


His recruiting successes and strong work ethic landed him the job as noncommissioned officer-in-charge of RSS Lindenhurst. A change in scenery from metropolitan Queens to rural Long Island posed a new challenge for Yoo. Not only was he recruiting in a different environment he was now responsible for three other Marines.


"You have to hold yourself to the same standards you are requiring of them. Marines will do what you allow them to do. However, if you're organized, focused and disciplined they'll see that and follow."


In ten months he changed a mediocre RSS into a consistent top performer. In July, he received his second meritorious promotion and was reassigned as NCOIC of RSS Ridgewood in Queens.


From coming to the U.S. with little knowledge of English to becoming a Marine and becoming a leader of Marines on recruiting, Yoo has proven a strong work ethic and discipline go a long way towards success.


"You have to work hard, play hard and definitely not feel sorry for your self; you have to make the most of any situation."




Despite the initial heartburn Gunnery Sgt. Yoo had with NYC, he learned to be grateful for the perks. (Pictured in photo)Major J.J. Dill, commanding officer of RS New York, presented Yoo with the Van Cleave Leadership award in October 2002 at the Plaza hotel. The USO of Metropolitan NY hosts the Armed Forces gala each year and recognizes a servicemember from each branch of the military.
Photo by: Sgt A.R. Hay




One of the reasons Gunnery Sgt. Yoo was selected to brief Major General C. Cortez, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, during visit to RS NY was because of his professional and well-maintained system.
Earlier in the year, Yoo was SNCOIC for only six months when he was inspected by the 1st MCD contact team and was recognized as having one of the most organized system they had ever seen. "He is an incredibly disciplined and devoted staff NCO. Despite his short time as a SNCOIC he has quickly established himself as one of the top in the RS," said Major J.J. Dill, the commanding officer of RS NY.
Photo by: Sgt A.R. Hay

Sempers,

Roger

[marine5]

Gee..I wonder if he has any "COMBAT TIME" ????

[Sixguns]

RECRUITING IS COMBAT!!!!

"The Marine Corps Recruiting Command is the only unit in daily contact with an opposing force. These Marines are in a battle everyday and their pursuit of mission accomplishment is nothing short of brilliant." -- A famous former commandant

Unless you have walked a mile in this Marine's shoes, I think you are better not to comment. I won't get into all the points I could make to justify his EARNING a well deserved promotion. But, to recycle a quote from a movie (A Few Good Men) "Unless you are willing to pick up a rifle and walk a post, I'd rather you just said thank you and be on your way."

I have walked a mile in that man's shoes. I can tell you all about the things he has given up to achieve the level of success he has obtained.

So, instead of asking if he has combat time, let me ask you, do you??? Because in the minds of many, recruiting is combat, it's a daily fight. Were you on the duty? Did you earn the red and blue badge of courage? Did you earn one of only a dozen meritorious promotions handed out each year to Marines in recruiting? My guess is no. Getting orders to a combat zone is not the individual Marine's choice. So, although he may not have volunteered for combat, or may have never been, he is on recruiting duty and he is winning that war!

[Subic76]

Well said Sixguns.

Subic