MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC. -- Just last year, religious personnel specialist Seaman Drew P. Barkman was a sailor in search of respect from the Iraq-bound Marines of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment.Nine months later, he not only earned the respect he was looking for but also the rank of petty officer third class.Barkman was promoted to the rank of pettey officer third class in front of his Marine counterparts in a ceremony here June 23.The promotion just brought me that much closer to being accepted within the grunt battalion, Barkman said.“The Marines see that you’ve been working hard and say, ‘Wow! He did his job while he was here,’” said Barkman of Clearville, Pa., who will serve as the chaplain’s aide when his battalion deploys next month.One Marine has seen Barkman demonstrate greatness since day one.“(Barkman) has been an incredible worker since he got here,” said Cpl. Jacob P. Dickens of Holland, Mich., a legal administrative clerk with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. “He always stays at work till everything’s done and makes sure everything’s set for his chaplain. His work ethic exemplifies what a petty officer should be.”The battalion chaplain agrees.“I’m immensely proud of (Barkman),” said Navy Lt. John G. Anderson of Anoka, Minn., chaplain for 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment who works closely with Barkman on a daily basis. “The promotion is a reflection of his character, devotion to duty and reflects well on the battalion.”Although Barkman was recently promoted, he plans to work even harder for his chaplain and battalion.“The promotion motivates me even more,” Barkman said. “I will strive to make the next rank and then go from there.”Email Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis: raymond.lewis@usmc.mil