2006 Marine of the Year - 4th Marine Division
From Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sgt Brooks joined the Marine Corps in 2002 and following his graduation from recruit training at Parris Island was assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines. While serving with his reserve unit, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, Sgt Brooks distinguished himself from his peers through his dedication to the Marine Corps while in and out of uniform. He graduated from Louisiana State University after routinely carrying an 18 semester-hour academic course load while also working more than 40 hours per week at his civilian employment and serving actively in his reserve unit. During the past two years, Sgt Brooks filled the billets of both Platoon Sergeant and also that of Platoon Commander of the Mobile Assault Platoon for his unit. Throughout his Marine Corps Career, Sgt Brooks successfully attended a variety of special schools and training courses including Special Operations Spotters Course, Advanced Urban Warfare and Advanced Urban Warfare Leaders Courses and the Combat Lifesavers Course. Applying the knowledge he learned to the benefit of his unit, Sgt Brooks personally authored and coordinated command approval for a variety of operational SOP’s and operational reference booklets on subjects including Combined Arms Observer SOP, 81mm Mortar Gun-Line Operations SOP, a comprehensive Squad Leader’s Operational Handbook and a Small Unit Leader’s Combat Arabic Reference. In March 2007, Sgt Brooks was named the MARFORRES SMCR Marine of the Year following competition throughout the 4th Marine Division, 4th Marine Logistics Group and 4th Marine Air Wing.
