CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - A Cortez son, 22-year-old Pfc. Maurice Battle, has been honored as Marine of the Quarter.

A food service specialist with 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Battle received the distinction for the southwest regional command on Jan. 15. The Marine of the Quarter recognizes those who stand out among their peers.

Battle competed against more than 2,000 Marines, some with their units longer than he was, said food service chief Staff Sgt. Jimmy Joyner.

Battle joined the unit before its current deployment and has only been with the unit for about seven months, Joyner said.

Battle and one other field mess Marine were in charge of preparing and serving food for more than 500 Marines at Forward Operating Base Shukvani.

"I remember there was a corporal who came into the mess hall," said Battle. "He was very upset because he was a vegan and couldn't eat the food we were serving that day. I felt like crap because he just walked out and didn't eat anything."

Battle ensured it never happened again.

"I made some salads every day for the Marines who couldn't eat what was being served," he said. "I just didn't want to let those guys down."

Joyner said Battle went above and beyond in his duties, and still made time to prepare for the board to earn the title of Marine of the Quarter.