U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. James Brown, a native of McCook, Neb., and ¬¬¬¬1993 graduate of McCook High School, was promoted to his current rank of master gunnery sergeant and received the Meritorious Service Medal at the Defense Distribution Center Susquehanna in New Cumberland, Pa., June 9, 2014. Master gunnery sergeant is the highest rank a Marine can reach while keeping his Military Occupation Specialty and is a technical expert in their chosen MOS. Brown currently serves as the district training team chief. As the district training team chief he is responsible for being the overall trainer for the recruiting efforts for 4th Marine Corps District. Brown enlisted in the Marine Corps in February of 1993, and has been stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Ca., Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, Ca., Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Recruiting Station Fredrick, Md., and the 4th MCD. During his recruiting service, one of his highlights was recruiting his own son into the Marine Corps. His awards also include two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, three Navy Unit Commendation Ribbons, one Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, six Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, an Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and four Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbons.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler Birky/Released)