Photo Information

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Samuel Rhodes, a Cooperstown, New York native and supply, administration and operations specialist with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 16, 2023. Rhodes was meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal on June 1. A meritorious promotion is based on the individual Marine's ability to take on the responsibilities and duties of a higher grade in an effective manner. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Deja Thomas)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Deja Thomas

Hometown Hero: Cooperstown Native Meritoriously Promoted to Corporal

22 Jun 2023 | Story by Lance Cpl. Deja Thomas 2nd Marine Division

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Samuel Rhodes, a supply, administration and operations specialist with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), was meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal in recognition of his ability to take on the responsibilities and duties of a higher grade in an effective manner.

Coming from a military background with both of his grandfathers serving in the U.S. Army and his uncle serving in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. National Guard, Rhodes wanted to keep the family tradition alive.

“I joined the Marine Corps because it was an experience, I knew I didn't want to wait for it,” said Rhodes, a Cooperstown, New York native. “I knew it would bring pride and honor to my family and myself.”

Rhodes graduated from Cooperstown Central High School and was recruited out of RSS Utica, New York.

The newly promoted corporal currently works to support the Marines with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d MARDIV to effectively transfer gear around the world and unit to unit for numerous different exercises.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Nathaniel Lee, Rhode’s regimental supply officer, gave comments on the newly promoted meritorious corporal.

“Cpl. Rhodes possesses the tremendous potential and demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for both his profession as a supply, administrative Marine and as a member of the profession of arms,” said Lee. “During my time with [6th Marine Regiment], I have observed continuous growth in him as he has embraced a leading role in the section.”

Now that Rhodes is a non-commissioned officer, he has ambitions to participate in the Marine Corp’s Martial Arts Instructor Course and re-enlist in 2024 to achieve his goal of becoming a Marine security guard.

Meritorious promotion is given to those deemed ready to take on the role of a non-commissioned officer (NCO) and lead Marines.

“To be an NCO is an honor,” said Rhodes. “Always work hard and earn the rank as you’ve earned the title; it is never given.”