First Marine to ever hold these two titles!!
When a Marine needs to pick their “B” Billet, they usually pick between Drill Instructor and Recruiter Duty. Of course, there are pros and cons to both… Few pick BOTH. That’s the case for Gunnery Sergeant Jose Flores. He has served as both a recruiter on the east coast and Drill Instructor on the west coast. Where the real anomaly lies is he has received BOTH Recruiter of the Year (2014) AND Drill Instructor of the Year (2021).
Jose Flores enlisted at the age of 17 in 2008 and has had an incredible career. He was attached to Recruiting Station Substation Patchogue, New York, where he was named the Non-Prior Service Recruiter of the Year for FY14. Flores was also meritoriously promoted from the rank of sergeant to staff sergeant.
He is currently service as the the Recruit Training Regiment drill master, (prior Fox Company DI) and also received his Doctorate Degree from Grand Canyon University in Organizational Leadership.
Check out this article by MarineTimes talking about some of his amazing accomplishments.
Here are some photos from GySgts Award Ceremony last week:
Here is GySgt and his son watching over him receiving the award, heart melting!
If you love the giggle and laughs in the last few photos, find out what quote his son said here (hast to do with Forkie from toy story), its totally worth it! LOL.
Lastly, here are photos of everyone giving congratulations.
If you want award ceremony photo’s like this, let me know right here!
Bonus, these two men has single handedly kept my drive to return to MCRD to photograph alive. Shout out to them.
**Disclaimer, these were taken as a gift from Morgan, not a business related item. **
Recent Military Stories
Photographing military events and milestones are one of the most rewarding types of sessions I have ever photographed. I consider it a huge perk of living in a military town that I get to shoot them very often and am always honored to do so.
I am dedicated to serving others in a NEW way, that doesn’t involve active service in the military. I want to capture your special moments and help in any way I can; even if that means we are not that right match.
Community Over Competition
&
Servant Leadership
If you want award ceremony photo’s like this, let me know right here!
Instagram Journey
All Recent Blogs
San Diego Military Stories
Getting a degree while active duty is hard enough… What about graduating with honors while deployed!?!
Here is why this US Navy Sailor, PS1 Travis Houston, is making waves in San Diego. Personnel Specialist First Class Travis Houston is a dedicated sailor with eight years of service under his belt with an unwavering commitment to advancing in his Navy career. It hasn’t always been this way. PS1's story isn't just about military service; it's a testament to the ability to balance service and education while setting one's sights on a brighter, even more challenging future.
Need resources for organizing a meaningful Military Retirement in San Diego? Here are 4 ways to personalize the flag-passing ceremony at your retirement ceremony.
Experience the poignant 'Old Glory' tradition at military retirements, celebrating service members' distinguished careers. Discover the heartfelt flag passing ceremony, a symbol of respect and honor, while exploring the emotional reading of 'Old Glory,' symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the United States. Plan your military retirement in San Diego, a vibrant city with a rich military heritage, and find resources for organizing meaningful ceremonies and unforgettable tributes.
2 huge changes for the Corps: Female Recruits allowed at MCRD San Diego and tattoo Full Sleeve policy changes have shaped where Staff Sergeant Mary Phaly is today! Enjoy some policy history and get excited about how this Drill Instructor is trailblazing away! E6 in 6, getting a bachelors degree, martial arts, and more.
LTJG Kent Campbell Smith
September 11, 1945 - September 6, 2022
VIETNAM | US 1968-1981
Kent Campbell Smith was a proud veteran and patriotic individual who dedicated his life to serving his country and community. Despite being injured during his time in the Navy, he went on to lead a fulfilling career in public service, where he served as an Executive Director of a non-profit organization, a management consultant, chaplain, and Protestant minister. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, who loved spending time in the outdoors and was actively involved in various organizations and churches. He lived a full and meaningful life and will be deeply missed by friends and family.
Please read about the history of his ship, USS Enterprise
The History of the Miramar National Cemetery and why you should know it.
Want to know when the Miramar National Cemetery was made and why? Find out here and learn more about the monuments, The Liberation, Memorial Walk, Avenue of Flags, Columbariums, how to donate to the many organizations, and even a few notable veterans laid to rest there.
Tag Cloud
- Military San Diego
- Families
- San Diego Military Photographer
- military
- military advice
- Portraits
- Couples
- San Diego Events
- military event
- US Marine Corps
- Military Homecoming San Diego
- san diego homecoming photographer
- Post-Deployment
- Newborn
- San Diego Marines
- San Diego Newborn
- United States Navy
- Children Portraits
- Navy Officer
- Marine Drill Instructor
- Studio Portraiture Work
- navy photographer
- Miramar National Cemetery
- Funeral
- Navy Photographer
- Military Funeral
- Veteran
- New Marine Parent
- Morning Owl Fine Art Photography
- Extended Family Session
- Naval Base San Diego
- Photographer Life
- Female Service Member
- Military
- novalee
- Award Ceremony
- Client Closet
- Engagement
- Newborn Photo Tips
- US Navy
- San Diego International Airport
- mcas miramar photographer
- Marine Corps Recruit Depot
- Lifestyle
- Wedding
- Deployed Mom
- Family Updates
- Elopement
- Military Advice
- Airport Homecoming
- Newborn Lifestyle
- Courthouse Elopement
- Personal Update
- Marine Bootcamp Graduation Tips
- San Diego Courthouse Wedding
- headshots
- Dogs
- san diego military photographer
- Fresh 48
- Author Recommendations
- San Diego Maternity
- portraits
- Military Officer
- Styled Session
- Military Graduation
- military promotion
- san diego events
- Newborn Fresh 48
- marine boort
- BalticBorn
- Big Sister
- retirement
- San Diego Military Events
- maternity
- San Diego Beach Photo Session
- dogs
- Big Brother
- Navy Photos
- newborn photo tips
- san diego newborn
- tips & tricks
- New Dad
- United States Sailor
- USNS Mercy
- newborn
- families
- Newborn Boy
- military san diego
- HM
- Nursing Portraits
- COVID-19
- newborn lifestyle
- One Year Milestone Session
- Graduation Photos
- homebirth
- birth
- Submarine
- at home session
- Military Spouse
- Military Promotion