Saluting the best of the best

After the parading of the colors by the Naval Hospital Jacksonville Honor Support Team, MU2 Mallory McKendry of Navy Band Southeast sang the national anthem, and NAS Jax Chaplain (Lt.) Tom Bingol delivered the invocation.

Pamela Roy joined her husband, EM1(SW) Tyrone Roy of Navy Operations Support Command, at the SOQ luncheon. "This is my second SOQ award and it means a lot because my Chief's Mess really raised the bar for me, including spending more time as a mentor for junior enlisted," said Roy.

NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW/SS) Jeff Hudson welcomed the 68 Sailors and Marines being honored as well as dozens of family, guests and supporters from their commands.

"I would like to ask all of you to take a look around the room. I've been doing this for 28 and I love the enthusiasm that this group brings to recognizing both our junior and senior Sailors for the excellent jobs that they are doing," said Hudson before he invited Thinn to the podium.

"Standing here with you all today is a great honor. Congratulations on your selection," Thinn said to the SOQs.

In his first six months with VP-45, Blue Jacket of the Quarter YN3 Benjamin Filegar stepped up to help execute administrative tasks, facilitate communications, and keep track of his CO's and XO's schedules.

"Being selected Senior Sailor of the Quarter made me realize that my command is proud of my contributions and accomplishments. I must also share this honor with my sons, Kristopher and Jaason, and my daughter, Taalya, because they, too, put in lots of long days, late nights and early mornings so that I could fulfill my duties."

What did it take for Thinn to be part of this special group of high achievers?

"Being true to myself, trusting in who I am -and with the encouragement and leadership of those who wear khakis -having the courage to stand by my convictions.

Being adaptable, teachable and accepting that there is always more than one way to view challenges has also facilitated my success.

Being respectful of others and respecting myself, first and foremost. Without self-respect, you will never have the respect of others.

Junior Instructor of the Quarter Sgt. Peter Nunez is an aviation ground support equipment instructor at CNATTU Jacksonville. "I really like being part of this command. It's a little out of the norm for a Marine, but it allows me more time with my wife and three children. In my spare time, I volunteer in the community and also attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University," said Nunez.

The leadership of VP-5 lined up with their squadron flag to congratulate PS2 Marina Caloca as their Junior Sailor of the Quarter at the NAS Officers' Club.