NEW HOPE, Ala. — Marine veteran Justin James Atchley Jr. may look like a normal guy in his small town but he is quickly becoming a star in the Marine Corps after seizing the cover of Bass Angler this month. Atchley, who completed four years of active duty service last fall, returned to his home state to drink beer and fish, and never expected to receive so much attention from those with whom he served.

“I didn’t really do that well in the Marine Corps, and I never really got promoted,” said Atchley. “But I’m glad that I am able to put a smile on the guys’ faces.”

Atchley joined the Marine Corps in 2009 after high school, where he graduated with a 1.98 G.P.A. and failed Home Economics class. He wasn’t certain about joining the Marine Corps, but took the advice of an uncle drafted during the Vietnam War, who told him the "best pussy he 'er had was in the Corps." Atchley finished his four-year tour in the Marine Corps as an infantryman serving as an admin clerk for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines out of Twentynine Palms, California.