First Marine to ever hold these two titles!!
When a Marine needs to pick their “B” Billet, they usually pick between Drill Instructor and Recruiter Duty. Of course, there are pros and cons to both… Few pick BOTH. That’s the case for Gunnery Sergeant Jose Flores. He has served as both a recruiter on the east coast and Drill Instructor on the west coast. Where the real anomaly lies is he has received BOTH Recruiter of the Year (2014) AND Drill Instructor of the Year (2021).
Jose Flores enlisted at the age of 17 in 2008 and has had an incredible career. He was attached to Recruiting Station Substation Patchogue, New York, where he was named the Non-Prior Service Recruiter of the Year for FY14. Flores was also meritoriously promoted from the rank of sergeant to staff sergeant.
He is currently service as the the Recruit Training Regiment drill master, (prior Fox Company DI) and also received his Doctorate Degree from Grand Canyon University in Organizational Leadership.
Check out this article by MarineTimes talking about some of his amazing accomplishments.
Here are some photos from GySgts Award Ceremony last week:
Here is GySgt and his son watching over him receiving the award, heart melting!
If you love the giggle and laughs in the last few photos, find out what quote his son said here (hast to do with Forkie from toy story), its totally worth it! LOL.
Lastly, here are photos of everyone giving congratulations.
If you want award ceremony photo’s like this, let me know right here!
Bonus, these two men has single handedly kept my drive to return to MCRD to photograph alive. Shout out to them.
**Disclaimer, these were taken as a gift from Morgan, not a business related item. **
Recent Military Stories
Searching for a San Diego Change of Command Ceremony photographer who has base access? Learn the history behind Naval Special Warfare Groups 3 and 10, the creation of NSW Group 8, and see behind the scenes of a Navy Change of Command ceremony at Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, CA.
This November, I joined twelve other veterans right here in East County San Diego to receive a Quilt of Valor during a special luncheon at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. I will share with you what the Quilts of Valor Foundation is, how I have personally been “touched by war,” the story of my shipmate whose death changed my path, and how I now get to serve other military families; by telling their stories through photography and journaling.
Even without a crowd or ceremony, a PAX Terminal homecoming holds its own kind of magic. When Marines like GySgt Justin Isabella return early with VMM-161, the reunion is quiet, personal, and full of gratitude; proof that love needs no stage to feel monumental.
Check out this blog and photos of this Dual Mil family reunion.
Good Reads for New Military MoMs (Mom of a Marine) | 2025
As a San Diego-based veteran, military photographer, and mother myself, I know firsthand the pride and emotional weight that comes with watching your child become a United States Marine. Whether you're preparing for that first letter from Boot Camp or holding your breath until graduation day, these handpicked reads are for you.
Each book in this 2025 list has been chosen to help new Marine moms find comfort, understanding, and strength—from heartfelt journals to honest stories from fellow military parents. From Be Safe, Love Mom to Rise Up Military Moms, these resources offer more than just information—they offer connection.
Start here if you’re looking to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who truly get it.
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but each honors a different kind of sacrifice. In this post, San Diego military funeral photographer and U.S. Navy veteran Morgan Liberatore shares the important distinction between the two holidays, explores their historical roots, and reflects on what Memorial Day truly means. With local landmarks like Fort Rosecrans and Mt. Soledad woven into the story, this post invites readers to pause, remember, and honor those who gave everything.
Getting a degree while active duty is hard enough… What about graduating with honors while deployed!?!
Here is why this US Navy Sailor, PS1 Travis Houston, is making waves in San Diego. Personnel Specialist First Class Travis Houston is a dedicated sailor with eight years of service under his belt with an unwavering commitment to advancing in his Navy career. It hasn’t always been this way. PS1's story isn't just about military service; it's a testament to the ability to balance service and education while setting one's sights on a brighter, even more challenging future.
Need resources for organizing a meaningful Military Retirement in San Diego? Here are 4 ways to personalize the flag-passing ceremony at your retirement ceremony.
Experience the poignant 'Old Glory' tradition at military retirements, celebrating service members' distinguished careers. Discover the heartfelt flag passing ceremony, a symbol of respect and honor, while exploring the emotional reading of 'Old Glory,' symbolizing courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the United States. Plan your military retirement in San Diego, a vibrant city with a rich military heritage, and find resources for organizing meaningful ceremonies and unforgettable tributes.
2 huge changes for the Corps: Female Recruits allowed at MCRD San Diego and tattoo Full Sleeve policy changes have shaped where Staff Sergeant Mary Phaly is today! Enjoy some policy history and get excited about how this Drill Instructor is trailblazing away! E6 in 6, getting a bachelors degree, martial arts, and more.
LTJG Kent Campbell Smith
September 11, 1945 - September 6, 2022 VIETNAM | US 1968-1981Kent Campbell Smith was a proud veteran and patriotic individual who dedicated his life to serving his country and community. Despite being injured during his time in the Navy, he went on to lead a fulfilling career in public service, where he served as an Executive Director of a non-profit organization, a management consultant, chaplain, and Protestant minister. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, who loved spending time in the outdoors and was actively involved in various organizations and churches. He lived a full and meaningful life and will be deeply missed by friends and family.
Please read about the history of his ship, USS Enterprise
The History of the Miramar National Cemetery and why you should know it.
Want to know when the Miramar National Cemetery was made and why? Find out here and learn more about the monuments, The Liberation, Memorial Walk, Avenue of Flags, Columbariums, how to donate to the many organizations, and even a few notable veterans laid to rest there.
William Edwin Terry
9 January 1940 – 10 Jul 2022 33 Years | VIETNAM | US NAVY, Rear Admiral Lower HalfIt is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral (lower half) William Edwin “Bill” Terry, U.S. Navy (Retired), on 10 July 2022 at age 82. Bill entered the U.S. Naval Reserve in June 1961, was commissioned in April 1963, and served as a naval aviator flying helicopters until his retirement in October 1994 as Commander, Combat Logistics Group TWO. His other commands included Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron EIGHT (HS-2), Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron TEN (HS-10), USS Okinawa (LPH-3), and Amphibious Squadron SEVEN. He flew 32 combat missions during three Vietnam War deployments and he was awarded a Silver Star for rescuing three survivors from two downed aircraft under heavy enemy fire in March 1966.
Navy Hospital Corpsman Basic (HCB) Graduation Class 200 October 27, 2022
Hospital Corpsman Basic (HCB) program courses are group lockstep. The program provides Navy enlisted personnel with a basic medical knowledge of pre-hospital, inpatient and outpatient medical care within the scope of the Hospital Corpsman. Subjects include Basic Life Support (BLS), medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, pre-hospital care, and inpatient and outpatient aspects of each body system. Outcome-based practice and safety techniques are emphasized throughout the program. The program consists of lectures, group activities, demonstrations, hands-on instruction and clinical practice.
I saw a Facebook post on Monday night - and it changed the rest of my week! My little sister wasn’t going to have anyone at her A School Graduation … Just like when she graduated from Navy Boot Camp in Great Lakes. You may not know but, a decade ago, no one came to my Navy Bootcamp Graduation or A School and I STILL hold bitterness over it - I could NOT let her feel the same way. So, I got a cheap flight and made the trek out to San Antonio to the Fort Sam Huston joint base and got to spend 24 hours with her. I am currently typing this post as I sit in the Denver airport’s USO on their free Wifi to share this amazing memory.
Top 4 Good Reads for Military Spouses & Significant Others
Navigating life as a spouse or significant other of a service member headed off to Boot Camp or deployment is hard enough, want to stay busy reading? If you love reading or want to start up to better understand the transition your love is going through during their first years of service (including deployments), here are our top picks!
Faith Deployed: Daily Encouragement for Military Wives by Jocelyn Green 4.8 out of 5
The 5 Love Languages Military Edition: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman & Jocelyn Green 4.7 out of 5 from 1,814 global ratings on Amazon #4 in Military Families (Books)
You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse by Jen McDonald 4.7 out of 5 #155 in Military Families (Books)
Open When: Letters of Encouragement for Military Spouses by Lizann Lightfoot 4.5 out of 5 #93 in Military Families (Books)
Photographing military events and milestones are one of the most rewarding types of sessions I have ever photographed. I consider it a huge perk of living in a military town that I get to shoot them very often and am always honored to do so.
I am dedicated to serving others in a NEW way, that doesn’t involve active service in the military. I want to capture your special moments and help in any way I can; even if that means we are not that right match.
Community Over Competition
&
Servant Leadership
If you want award ceremony photo’s like this, let me know right here!
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Looking for the original Old Glory poem, the history behind “My Name Is Old Glory,” or meaningful ways to personalize an Old Glory military retirement ceremony? Learn where the tradition came from, explore ideas I have seen used at real Navy and Coast Guard retirements, and read an original modern Old Glory poem honoring September 11, Iraq, Afghanistan, military families, homecomings, and a lifetime of service.
Searching for a San Diego Change of Command Ceremony photographer who has base access? Learn the history behind Naval Special Warfare Groups 3 and 10, the creation of NSW Group 8, and see behind the scenes of a Navy Change of Command ceremony at Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, CA.
This November, I joined twelve other veterans right here in East County San Diego to receive a Quilt of Valor during a special luncheon at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. I will share with you what the Quilts of Valor Foundation is, how I have personally been “touched by war,” the story of my shipmate whose death changed my path, and how I now get to serve other military families; by telling their stories through photography and journaling.
Even without a crowd or ceremony, a PAX Terminal homecoming holds its own kind of magic. When Marines like GySgt Justin Isabella return early with VMM-161, the reunion is quiet, personal, and full of gratitude; proof that love needs no stage to feel monumental.
Check out this blog and photos of this Dual Mil family reunion.
Discover how to help older siblings feel included and celebrated during Newborn Photo Sessions — backed by research and family-centered photography tips. Including siblings in your in-home newborn session adds depth, emotion, and lasting memories. Whether you're a growing family in East County San Diego or a photographer looking to support your client better, remember—it’s not just about the baby, it’s about the bond. Thank you for letting me share this part of the story with you.
Good Reads for New Military MoMs (Mom of a Marine) | 2025
As a San Diego-based veteran, military photographer, and mother myself, I know firsthand the pride and emotional weight that comes with watching your child become a United States Marine. Whether you're preparing for that first letter from Boot Camp or holding your breath until graduation day, these handpicked reads are for you.
Each book in this 2025 list has been chosen to help new Marine moms find comfort, understanding, and strength—from heartfelt journals to honest stories from fellow military parents. From Be Safe, Love Mom to Rise Up Military Moms, these resources offer more than just information—they offer connection.
Start here if you’re looking to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who truly get it.
Discover how water immersion photography provides a gentle, womb-like environment for capturing remembrance photos after infant loss. This guide shares personal experience, peer-reviewed research, and step-by-step instructions using saline solution, helping families create peaceful, lasting memories through neonatal bereavement photography.
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but each honors a different kind of sacrifice. In this post, San Diego military funeral photographer and U.S. Navy veteran Morgan Liberatore shares the important distinction between the two holidays, explores their historical roots, and reflects on what Memorial Day truly means. With local landmarks like Fort Rosecrans and Mt. Soledad woven into the story, this post invites readers to pause, remember, and honor those who gave everything.
"No Tripod? No Problem! How I Captured Self-Portraits in Wild Landscapes"
Forget the tripod—self-portrait photography is all about creativity and problem-solving. From wedging my camera in my car during a snowstorm to balancing it on a jacket in the desert, I found ways to capture sharp, cinematic portraits using what I had. In this post, I’ll walk you through my setups, focusing techniques, and how I work with natural light to create dynamic images—no fancy equipment required.
San Diego Military Stories
Looking for the original Old Glory poem, the history behind “My Name Is Old Glory,” or meaningful ways to personalize an Old Glory military retirement ceremony? Learn where the tradition came from, explore ideas I have seen used at real Navy and Coast Guard retirements, and read an original modern Old Glory poem honoring September 11, Iraq, Afghanistan, military families, homecomings, and a lifetime of service.
Searching for a San Diego Change of Command Ceremony photographer who has base access? Learn the history behind Naval Special Warfare Groups 3 and 10, the creation of NSW Group 8, and see behind the scenes of a Navy Change of Command ceremony at Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, CA.
This November, I joined twelve other veterans right here in East County San Diego to receive a Quilt of Valor during a special luncheon at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. I will share with you what the Quilts of Valor Foundation is, how I have personally been “touched by war,” the story of my shipmate whose death changed my path, and how I now get to serve other military families; by telling their stories through photography and journaling.
Even without a crowd or ceremony, a PAX Terminal homecoming holds its own kind of magic. When Marines like GySgt Justin Isabella return early with VMM-161, the reunion is quiet, personal, and full of gratitude; proof that love needs no stage to feel monumental.
Check out this blog and photos of this Dual Mil family reunion.
Good Reads for New Military MoMs (Mom of a Marine) | 2025
As a San Diego-based veteran, military photographer, and mother myself, I know firsthand the pride and emotional weight that comes with watching your child become a United States Marine. Whether you're preparing for that first letter from Boot Camp or holding your breath until graduation day, these handpicked reads are for you.
Each book in this 2025 list has been chosen to help new Marine moms find comfort, understanding, and strength—from heartfelt journals to honest stories from fellow military parents. From Be Safe, Love Mom to Rise Up Military Moms, these resources offer more than just information—they offer connection.
Start here if you’re looking to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who truly get it.
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Looking for the original Old Glory poem, the history behind “My Name Is Old Glory,” or meaningful ways to personalize an Old Glory military retirement ceremony? Learn where the tradition came from, explore ideas I have seen used at real Navy and Coast Guard retirements, and read an original modern Old Glory poem honoring September 11, Iraq, Afghanistan, military families, homecomings, and a lifetime of service.