By Margeaux Leakas

Contributing Writer

OXFORD — Gunnery Sergeant Francisco J. Corona was awarded the Assistant Marine Corps Office Instructor (AMOI) award of the year during a ceremony Tuesday at Miami University’s Millet Hall.

MU President David Hodge presented the award to Corona, who lives in Oxford. Receiving this award means that Corona is the No. 1 staff non-commissioned officer of the year. Back in November of 2012, Captain Joleen Young submitted an application nominating Corona for the award. He was chosen out of a pool of 65 peers from all over the country.

“Gunnery Sergeant Corona is a unique individual and is proud of the job he does,” Young said. “He works very hard, and deserved the award.”

When Young was working on the application she informed Corona because she had to make sure the information she was giving was accurate.

“I am not one for awards and I told Captain Young not do it, but I was thankful and I give her credit,” Corona said.

He was surprised to find out that that he won the award.

“I know a lot of good AMOIs and it’s a stiff competition,” Corona said.

Corona has been in Oxford since the summer of 2010 and will be here for another year and a half. Not only does he work with and teach National Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) students, Corona also is involved with the MU Athletic Department and the Pistol Club — all while having a family at home.

“It’s difficult trying to figure out how to balance time, but my wife is very supportive, understanding, and patient,” said Corona. “I owe a lot to her.”