MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton’s Staff Noncommissioned Officers Academy faculty advisors inspire thousands of Marines through their leadership, enthusiasm and dedication to Corps annually. However one instructor is soon to be recognized for being the top faculty advisor of the year.
Gunnery Sgt. Shane M. Dillon, a faculty advisor at the SNCO academy is one of those instructors. Dillon found his love for teaching as a sergeant when he was an instructor to young Marines aspiring to become military policemen.
“I really love teaching because as you develop that relationship you will have teaching and learning moments,” said Dillon, a 15-year veteran of the Marine Corps, and a former military police officer. It’s really a give and take experience, and for me that’s the best part, added Dillon.
Dillon has made an impact to more than 1200 troops since his start at the academy in 2009 – not just for Marines, but members of the Air Force, Navy and other foreign military affiliates as well. As a faculty advisor he is responsible for the mentorship and counseling during the eight-week Advanced Course designed primarily for Marine Corps gunnery sergeants.
“He is really knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he teaches,” said Gunnery Sgt. Michael M. Freeman, one of Dillon’s students and a chief drill instructor with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. “He’s a go-to-guy about anything any of the students would ever need to know. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
When told he was getting the award, Dillon was speechless; insisting that all of the academy’s instructors are outstanding, which is why it was such a surprise.
“I’m truly honored to be recognized with this award,” said the 40-year-old native of Claremont, N.H. “This award couldn’t mean more to me because of the talent that exists here at the academy.”
Dillon attributes the majority of his success to the academics director at the schoolhouse, Melissa A. Balcombe.
“She really does a great job of bringing out the best in people,” said Dillon. “There may be times that some of us may lack motivation and she is able to push you to perform at your best and give you the tools to want to strive for more.”
Balcombe, a native of Pomona, Calif., started at the Staff Academy back in 2007, and has mentored more than 40 faculty advisors.
“If there’s one thing I always hear from students of Gunny Dillon, it’s that they absolutely enjoy his instruction,” said Balcombe. “Not only are they learning, but they are having a great time doing it. I have never seen so many positive comments on student feedback forms.”
While Balcombe is available to all the instructors, she is very proud of how Dillon executes his duties as a faculty advisor.
“The fact that he enjoys teaching and is passionate about it makes the difference,” said Balcombe. “The proof is in the students’ work ethic.”
Dillon insists that being at the Staff Academy has been his favorite job during his time in the Marine Corps.
"If there is one thing I hope my fellow gunnery sergeants learn from my course, it is to never pass up an opportunity to learn," said Dillon.