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Marine graduates top of his class

5 Jun 2009 | Lance Cpl. Elyssa Quesada Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Staff Sgt. Robert Sallee, a Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer with the Provost Marshals Office, graduated Summa Cum Laude, beating 54 other students for top honors at Park University. With a final  grade point average of 3.9, Sallee received his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Criminal Justice Administration.

“When I attend a school, my goal is to be the honor graduate of the class,” Sallee said. “If I’m not pushing myself to be the best in a class every time, then I am not giving it my all.”

He completed more than 150 total hours of school with combined military and school credits. On multiple occasions, Sallee was also the Dean’s List or President’s List.

 “Trying to balance the burden of my work life, school and a family was difficult,” Sallee said. “Time management was an important part of my routine while I attended classes.”

Sallee was able to continue upholding his duties as a Marine, a watch commander for his platoon and duties as a D.A.R.E. officer, while maintaining a good connection with his family.

“Staff Sgt. Sallee is the epitome of the core values honor, courage and commitment,” said Gunnery Sgt. Syranard Watson, the PMO assistant operations chief. “His Marines will always remember him for three equally important values, his leadership, unselfishness and dependability.”

Sallee studied criminology, writing purposes and research, criminal law and more to earn his degree. He attributes a portion of his success to his family.

“My family is very supportive of me, especially my son,” he said. “He uses me as a role model to do better in school.”

Sallee hopes to be selected for the Enlisted Commissioned Program by the end of the year.

“I joined the Marine Corps because I wanted to be an officer, but I wanted to know what it was like being enlisted to give me a better understanding of leadership at different levels,” Sallee continued.

Not only did Sallee graduate with honors at Park University, but also boot camp, his military occupational school as a military policeman, canine school and D.A.R.E.

“He took on rigorous duties as a PMO watch commander, as a DARE officer, he spent countless hours teaching the Laurel Bay students and was able to balance everything,” Watson added. “Most of all, he set the example for his Marines by graduating the top of his class.”