MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- A member of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego museum staff was named Employee of the Quarter for the Second Quarter, Fiscal Year 2012, in a May 22 ceremony presided over by Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos.
Chuck Archuleta, a Marine Corps retiree, has worked at the museum as an exhibit specialist for 15 years. “I started my Marine Corps career right here,” said Archuleta. “I was graduated from recruit training with Platoon 3042, Company K, 3rd Battalion in 1976.
“After training I spent a few years (working) in admin (administration). I became a combat photographer in 1977, and stayed with that the rest of my career. When I retired in 1996 I went to work locally with Kodak in a film processing lab.
“I enjoyed the lab,” Archuleta said. “But I had been working with the museum during my last active duty assignment. When the civilian exhibit specialist job came open, I was encouraged to apply. I did and I've been here ever since.”
According to the Certificate of Commendation accompanying the award, Archuleta designed and constructed two new exhibits honoring the accomplishments of Marines who served during World War II and the Korean War. Archuleta’s dedication and diligence ensured the project, the first major redesign and overhaul of those spaces in more than a decade, was completed safely, on time and within budget.
The exhibits include a highly accurate topographical map featuring the Pacific islands during World War II, incorporating a color code system for the years of the war to identify major battles and a timeline of events.
Archuleta searched thousands of pictures in the museum archive and other sources, selecting images never before displayed in the museum to incorporate into displays combining artifacts and information to bring the Corps heritage to life.
“Chuck is a good match for us,” said Joan Schwarz-Wetter, museum education specialist. “He has a really good eye for designing the displays, but he has a spectrum of other skills that make him invaluable. He can design the displays, estimate a budget, gather and process display material and assemble everything. “
Archuleta attributes his eye for design to his years as a Marine Corps photographer. “My other skills I picked up growing up on my father’s ranch in Colorado,” he said. “Life on a ranch means you are well acquainted with tools and what can be done with them. “
Archuleta is boss of the shops at the museum. He has facilities for graphics, woodworking, metal work and painting. “If I run up on something I can’t handle locally, I contract it out to craftsmen in the area,” he said. “Large Plexiglas displays (multiple sheets, man high or more) is an example of the kind of thing I’d contract out.”
Archuleta has also increased his knowledge and value by taking training at local and regional museums; and by becoming acquainted with area professionals. “It’s good to be able to discuss a project with pros who might give a tip on how to do something I’m not sure about,” he said.
According to the award citation, “Mr. Archuleta’s innovation, resourcefulness and relentless work ethic distinguished him as a true professional in his field.”