CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- -- The Military Affairs Committee of the Jacksonville/Onslow Chamber of Commerce will honor Cpl. Vincent L. Quinteros as the "Service Member of the Month" during its monthly dinner July 15 at the Paradise Point Officers' Club here.
The Walnut, Calif., native began his Marine Corps career directly after high school. He received a meritorious promotion to private first class after completing training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. After boot camp he continued training in California, attending Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton and the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. There, he earned his primary military occupational specialty as a Russian linguist, and then joined the Fleet Marine Force here.
"He came to Mobile Electronic Warfare Systems Support Platoon last month. Right off the bat, he showed an interest in leadership," Platoon Sergeant Sgt. Jonathan R. Ouellette said.
Ouellette said Quinteros will be honored because of his leadership skills.
"Quinteros stepped aboard after receiving the honor of 'Marine of the Quarter' for Headquarters Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force," said Operations Officer Maj. Thomas J. Naughton. "He had good bearing, a very impressive appearance and was mature beyond his rank - all qualities we look for in our noncommissioned officers."
Ouellette said Quinteros' was promoted to corporal earlier this month. He said he was ready for the responsibility long before.
"He has initiative and maturity beyond his years and potential to be a great leader," the Dartmouth, Mass., Marine said. "He has a bright future for someone who just entered the FMF."
Quinteros is now a squad leader in 2d Radio Battalion, where he is refreshing his foreign language skill before deploying as part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit next year. With the MEU, he will utilize both his primary MOS and his secondary as a light armored vehicle crewman (he will attend school in September).
When the MEU returns, The California Marine said his contract will be up. He said he plans to continue his government service using his language skills in the FBI or the National Security Agency.
He said it is an honor to receive the award and to others who want to succeed in the Corps he has this advice.
"Do what you're taught in boot camp," he said. "Doing what you're supposed to do will get you far in the Marines."
Along with the "Service Member of the Month" honor, Quinteros will receive numerous gifts from area merchants.