April 3, 2012
By Cpl. Jeremy Ware, Marine Barracks 8th & I
WASHINGTON — A Barracks Marine was meritoriously promoted to the rank of gunnery sergeant in the United Stated Marine Corps April 2.
Gunnery Sgt. Corey J. Nawrocki, 29, enlisted in the Marine Corps Aug. 2001, and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. He has served as Guard Company’s gunnery sergeant at Marine Barracks Washington since June 2011.
The rank of gunnery sergeant is unique to the Corps. It is the seventh enlisted rank and a company gunnery sergeant is typically in charge of coordinating logistics for a company-sized element of Marines.
It is very rare for a Marine to earn this rank meritoriously, as there is a lot of competition for the promotion.
“It’s a great honor to meritoriously earn the rank of gunnery sergeant, and it comes with high responsibility,” Nawrocki said. “I represent Lansdale every day, and my only wish is to make them proud, and today I have done that.”
While stationed at the Barracks, Nawrocki is responsible for ensuring the Marines of Guard Company are properly trained and prepared for the next step in their careers. He also handles the logistical aspects to Guard Company.
His awards include a Bronze Star with a valor device, two Purple Hearts, a Navy Achievement Medal with a valor device and two combat action ribbons.
Nawrocki is excited to pin on the rank of gunnery sergeant and lead the Marines of Guard Company in the future.
“I accredit this promotion to my past leaders, both enlisted and officer. Without them constantly pushing me to be my best I would not have won this board,” Nawrocki said.
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 training requirements.
