Quinones takes regional honors

Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE), recently named Quinones as its Sailor of the Year during a ceremony held Feb. 8 at the NAS Jax Officers' Club. He competed against 21 other Sailors from CNRSE commands, unanimously winning the prestigious title.

Commands falling under CNRSE have been screening their Sailors, examining their professional records, qualifications, their duty assignments, awards and civic involvement over the past two months.

"I want you to feel good when you walk away from this experience for many reasons. Most of all, you have been recognized among the best in our leadership chain. I sincerely congratulate you for what you have accomplished," commented CNRSE Rear Adm. Mark Boensel, as he addressed the group of the region's top Sailors while their families and command leadership anxiously waited for the winner to be announced. Quinones was chosen from among hundreds of petty officers to represent the Southeast Region at the next level of competition which will be held in Norfolk, Va. in March.

"I'm at a loss for words. From a personal standpoint, it's emotional. You're looking at an individual who recently has been through some serious personal struggles. Just when I felt the world was falling apart, my chain of command stood next to me and held me up," remarked Quinones. "It's an honor to be here. It truly is."

The group of Sailors arrived at NAS Jax from all over the region at the beginning of the week and enjoyed social events that built friendships and forged strong networking relationships. "I had a great time with each of the candidates. I was impressed with the skill level across the board. All of the combined experience that each petty officer brought to the table, kept this competition at a level that reminds me of how honored I am to be the winner," said Quinones. "On a personal note, they are a great group of people. We all felt well accomplished and proud to be representing the region. We are all winners."

In March, Quinones will advance to the Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMLANTFLT) Direct Reporting Shore Sailor of the Year competition in Norfolk, Va. If selected, he'll then compete for the COMLANTFLT Shore Sailor of the Year in April. The Atlantic Fleet winner will then compete in the Navy-wide Shore Sailor of the Year competition in Washington D.C.

The Navy-wide Sailor of the Year will receive a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, be meritoriously advanced to the next higher pay grade and may elect to serve a one-year tour as a special assistant to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.

"I want my chain of command to know that every single thing they've taught me, I am going to take with me to Virginia as I represent the region. I promise you this, I will not let you down," stated a determined, Quinones. "There are so many things out there that are yet to be discovered and I honestly hope that this is a stepping stone for more things to follow."