Staff Sgt. Garrett Cheatum (front) shakes hands with Marines of 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, after being promoted to staff sergeant April 2, 2011.

The Niceville, Fla., native is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with 1st EOD Company, attached to 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, and earned a combat meritorious promotion to staff sergeant, the first such promotion in EOD history, for his work in Marjah.

The battalion is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher M. Carroll