CAMP LEATHERNECK, Helmand province, Afghanistan (Aug. 14, 2011)

Charleston, S.C., native Cpl. Austin Barton, the combat operations center watch chief in the intelligence section for 2nd Marine Division stands proudly in front of the American flag after receiving the title of noncommissioned officer of the 3rd quarter for fiscal year 2011.

Barton's job proficiency and leadership ability are well known in the intelligence section, said Marine Corps 1st Lt. Joseph Timoteo, the division's intelligence operations center watch officer.

“Corporal Barton is the most intense and enthusiastic Marine that I've met in the [intelligence section],” said Timoteo, a Philadelphia native. “The longer he's been here, the more enthusiastic he's become about his job. Then he pushes that off on others, and it's refreshing to see.”

Barton said his drive to perform comes from his love of being a Marine in what he believes is the pinnacle of any Marine's career -- being deployed.

“My motivation comes from being out here [in Afghanistan],” he said. “Being deployed is the greatest part of [a Marine's] career, because that's when [they] are really affecting the rest of the world.”

Excerpts from USMC Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde's artilce about Cpl. Barton
Photo by USMC Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde