Sailors of the Quarter honored at luncheon

"Today, we recognize Sailors for the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009," said emcee and NAS Jacksonville Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW/SS) Jeff Hudson.

"This event never fails to fill me with pride because Sailors of the Quarter represent the top five percent of our people who come in early and stay late - getting the job done without being asked. So we're taking time out today to recognize and thank you, our right-hand men and women. But be aware - once your command identifies you as a 'hard charger' or a 'go to' individual - your responsibilities will multiply as you progress in your careers," a grateful Hudson told the audience.

The NAS Jacksonville Honor Support Team presented the colors and the Navy Band Southeast A Cappella Quartet (MU2 Mallory McKendry, MU3 Roberta Shardt, MU2 A.C. Smith and MU2 Michael Buenvenida) performed the national anthem. NAS Jacksonville Command Chaplain (Cmdr.) Gerald Felder delivered the invocation.

The event's guest speaker was NC1(AW) Wendy Drinkwater, command career counselor of Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Jacksonville. She told her fellow Sailors of the Quarter, "What an honor it is to represent this group of achievers. I hope I serve you well. Thanks go to my chain of command for giving me the freedom to try new things, to learn to be flexible and to give me the support I need when it's time to change course."

"Being here today as Sailor of the Quarter is huge for me. It validated my coming to work every day and putting in the long hours. When I saw my name on the side of our building - I felt like a rock star. It made me work even harder because now I have to live up to the tradition of those Sailors of the Quarter who went before me. Now, I have bigger shoes to fill and I'm going to do that," said Drinkwater.

"This also allows me to tell my younger Sailors that if you work hard and do your best, you'll be recognized and we'll bring you with us. I must thank my mentor, YNC Michelle Lang, who saw something in me - I'm not sure what it was - that caused her to bring me along in my Navy career."

She urged the audience of high achievers to become mentors. "Go out and find that hard-charging Sailor who might be struggling and use your experience to help bring them along. Developing our people through the Navy tradition of honor, courage and commitment is what sets us apart. Thank you for allowing me to be part of that tradition."

The audience rewarded Drinkwater with a standing ovation.

Hudson said the event is filled with future leaders. "Whether it's the Blue Jacket, Junior Sailor, or Sailor of the Quarter - you will that find that these men and women each have mentors who help them develop career objectives and the plans to achieve them."

Hudson added that higher education plays a larger role in developing top Sailors. "There was a time when officers were a product of education and enlisted were a product of experience." he continued. "Today, that line has been blurred and many young Sailors are taking full advantage of Navy educational opportunities. It's not uncommon anymore for a four- or five-year Sailor to have earned an associate or even a bachelor's degree."

To provide optimal service for the larger-than-normal event, the NAS Jax Officers' Club catering team designed dual buffet lines with carving stations.

Following lunch, each SOQ was called to receive his or her award envelope containing a letter of recognition from NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr., a congratulatory letter from Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.), plus, a gift bag from the USO.

SOQs also received $50 savings bonds from Vystar Credit Union, a gift card from the Navy Exchange and some received a free night's stay at Rodeway Inn. Geico, USAA Insurance and NAS Jax MWR sponsored the buffet luncheon