NAS Jax recognizes Sailors of the Quarter

After the parading of the colors by the Naval Hospital Jacksonville Honor Support Team as MU2 Mallory McKendry of Navy Band Southeast sang the national anthem, NAS Jax Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Gregg Gillette gave the invocation. NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW/SS) Jeff Hudson then welcomed the guests.

"I would like to ask all of you to take a look around the room. I've been doing this for 27 and have never seen a group this large to come out and recognize our young Sailors and some senior Sailors for the job that they are doing," said Hudson before he introduced Ross to the podium.

"You are among the finest this country has to offer and everyone in here who wears that uniform is indeed America's national treasure. Congratulations on your selection," Ross said to the SOQs.

AW2 Aaron Sheeks of VP-16 happily accepts a $50 savings bond from VyStar financial counselor Mike Ross, center, and VyStar representative Don Cotta during the Sailor of the Quarter luncheon.

"I went to an event not too long ago where I introduced a man by the name of George Sutliffe who was being honored. He had served on a naval ship in World War II. When I mentioned that he was a member of the greatest generation, he received a standing ovation. As I watched, I began to cry because I felt shame because when this man stood he had no idea what to do. I realized that this may have been the first time he had ever been told thank-you for his service because he came back from the war and went about his business. I vowed to never feel that guilt and shame again," said Ross. "We are losing generations today that we know not what they have done for our country. And you today, take their place. So, I want to thank you today for the sacrifices you have made. You have no idea what you have given us. Those things that your civilian counterparts take for granted, you give up on a daily basis. Thank you for your service to our great country."

Guest speaker Mike Ross, a VyStar financial counselor and retired Navy master chief petty officer, gives some moving remarks during the luncheon.

"I would also like to talk to you about character, challenge and influence. Character is who can be counted on and who can not be. During my 31-year naval career, I have witnessed true character of this great Navy on a daily basis. I have seen that character revealed in the tireless efforts of our Sailors, chief's messes and wardrooms," continued Ross. "Character is an absolute necessity. It is demanded and a way in which we measure and distinguish ourselves. It's a source of strength and essential to the cultivation of our Sailors today. You will be remembered as defenders of freedom and democracy."

"Influence. Today as you look around this room none of you got here because you earned it. You got here because others earned it for you and because the leaders of

yesterday molded you, gave you the opportunity and trusted you with responsibility. Remember always that you are a role model. Somewhere, some Sailor is looking up to you. They will take your strong points and your weak points. One positive influence can change a generation," stated Ross.

The Naval Hospital Jax Color Guard proudly display the colors as MU2 Mallory McKendry of Navy Band Southeast sings the national anthem.

"Challenge. When you enlisted, you accepted a challenge. You have the responsibility to live the legacy of everyone who has served, is serving today and will walk in your footsteps. Since this nation was founded, each generation has been summoned to give testimony to their national loyalty," Ross added.

"The greatest young Americans who answer that call surround the globe today. Today we summon you and call on you to accept the challenge. The enemy you face today is terrorism. I know that you will succeed and am extremely grateful that you accept the challenge. Your character will not allow you to waver and I know that your service, sacrifice and the example that you set will influence generations to come."

After Ross completed his speech, guests lined up at the buffet tables for barbeque chicken and ribs feast.

Following lunch, each of the SOQs were called to the front of the room to receive their award envelope which contained a letter of recognition, a congratulatory letter from Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), $50 savings bond courtesy of VyStar Credit Union and a 10 percent gift card from the Navy Exchange. Some randomly selected Sailors also received tickets for two to upcoming Jacksonville University basketball games courtesy of the NAS Jax USO and a free night stay at Rodeway Inn. Geico and USAA Insurance companies were also recognized for their monetary contributions which paid the SOQ's lunch.

"I think it's great that we are being honored like this and it's great to have so much support from our shipmates. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be getting this recognition today," remarked AT2(AW/NAC) Corey Stevenson of VP-45.

"This is also a great opportunity to meet different people in the different commands here."

"I think this is a really great opportunity, not just for myself, but for the junior Sailors as well. It really shows where hard work can get you. This luncheon is great and I'm glad to see that so many people are here to support their shipmates. It's a really good turnout," added YN1(AW/SW) Sha'ron Jenkins of the NAS Jax Waterfront Brig.

The CMC's office will notify all commands of the upcoming deadlines for next quarter's SOQ lists via e-mail.

The next SOQ luncheon will be held in spring.