Cpl. Clayton T. Cook, a combat marksmanship trainer, at the Hathcock Range aboard the air station, pursued his passion of handling and firing weapons when he decided to join the Corps in 2004. Now he trains Marines when they come on the rifle range to qualify.

Cook attributes his love for weapons to his father and grandfather. His grandfather served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

“I grew up with guns because of my family,” said the Desoto, Texas, native. “I learned weapons safety at a very young age. We hunted all sizes of game animals.”

As a teenager, Cook’s love for shooting continued as he competed with the Texas Rifle Association and National Rifle Association. Cook wanted more than that and he decided to join the Corps at the age of 18 as a riflemen

“I knew I wanted to join the service and the Marines,” said Cook. “I knew the only job I wanted to do is to go overseas and fight.”

Less than a year after stepping onto the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Cook deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq, with 3rd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. He found himself in the fight, engaging in more than 50 small-arms attacks throughout the deployment, ranging from small arms to improvised explosive devise strikes and indirect fire.

After another seven-month deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, Cook became an instructor for Enhanced Mojave Viper until he got stationed at the air station in 2008. He instructed convoy operations as well as dismount squad-sized operations.

His extensive knowledge and charisma at the Hathcock range has helped him excel in his job, said Sgt. Shawn King, the non commissioned officer-in-charge for the air station’s shooting team, who is a friend of Cook.

Cook knows the importance of teaching Marines who are not infantrymen, which is one of the reasons he wanted to re-enlist and work at a range. Cook also believes in keeping his students involved when he is teaching.

“Non-infantry Marines still deploy, and they can be pulled for security convoys, stand post or patrol dismounted outside base,” said Cook. “I try to be loud and enthusiastic. I try to get everyone involved in the class.”

In his spare time, Cook competes in the Steel Challenge Association in pistol, shotgun and rifle competitions. He is also trying to form a base-wide competition team before he departs the air station in May.

After Cook departs to 3 rd Battalion 5 th Marines, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, he will be remembered for his knowledge, and the charismatic attitude he brought to work every single Marine Corps day.