Last modified Wed., June 04, 2008 - 05:32 PM
Originally created Thursday, June 5, 2008

NAS Jax recognizes Sailors of the Quarter

By YNSN Aly Mahler, Staff writer

Guest speaker Naval Hospital Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Raquel Bono talks about the history of hospital corpsmen and how the past should impact what we do today during the Sailor of the Quarter luncheon May 28. Photos by YNSN Aly Mahler.

NAS Jacksonville recognized the Sailors of the Quarter (SOQ) for the 2008 first quarter at a luncheon at the NAS Jax Officers Club May 28. Capt. Raquel Bono, commanding officer of Naval Hospital Jacksonville, was guest speaker. After the presentation of the colors by the Naval Hospital Jacksonville Honor Support Team, MU3 Sean Meyer of Navy Band Southeast sang the national anthem, and NAS Jax Chaplain (Lt.) Buster Williams gave the invocation. NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM (SW/SS) Jeff Hudson welcomed the guests and introduced Bono.

Bono acknowledged everyone in attendance and said that it is such a special time to recognize the future leadership, whether it's the senior sailor of the quarter, sailor of the quarter, junior sailor of the quarter or blue jacket of the quarter.

"I think it is just a tremendous honor that we get to celebrate here today, but it is even more of an honor that I am here talking about it today," said Bono.

"When I look to the future and see the people here that we are recognizing, I realize that I don't have a thing to worry about. Spend a few minutes talking to any of the sailors of the quarter and you will see that they all have plans, they all have an objective, and they all know where they are going," said Bono.

Naval Hospital Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Raquel Bono presents a congratulatory letter from Sen. Mel Martinez, (R-FL) to the Commander, Sea Control Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Sailor of the Quarter YN1(AW/SW) Chalantay Yelder. Photos by YNSN Aly Mahler.

"I know that I have not been saying anything different than anyone else, but I know that I couldn't run the hospital if it wasn't for the culinary specialists, yeomen and storekeepers. I have so many different ratings in the hospital that one of the things that I am proud to say is how we all work together as a team. If that is how it is happening all over the Navy, then we are in a really good place," stated Bono.