NAS Jax honors Sailors of the Quarter

NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW) Chris Green introduced CMDCM (SW) Love to the podium. "Good afternoon and welcome to the luncheon to honor our Sailors of the Quarter today. I am truly humbled to introduce one of the finest Sailors NAS Jax has to offer."

Love began on a serious note, describing the theme of his speech. "Over four years ago the war in Iraq began. War is just a part of this country's continuing efforts to keep us free and safe. The actions of others throughout the world have made it so we can no longer stand idly by while various groups try force others to their way of life," he said. "The basic values that our country was founded on reside in the fact that everyone, not just this country's citizens, but around the world, have the right to choose how they wish to live their lives."

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson presents HM1(FMF/DV/PJ) John Navarro of Naval Hospital Jacksonville, with his award envelope at the luncheon.

"We are ready for the challenge and no time since the history of the Navy has there ever been a more flexible fighting force than today's Navy. We still maintain the strongest Navy to ever set sail. We have the skills to go wherever we are needed, in any environment, at any risk, to get the job done," continued Love. "But none of this is as important than what is in this room. There is no greater asset to our Navy than its people. Our Sailors are the best trained, best equipped Sailors the world has ever known."

"You have worked very hard and deserve the right to be called leaders. Not the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today," he added.

"When you go back to your command, keep in mind that everyone from the most senior officer to the most junior enlisted are looking to you for leadership. Your Sailors are looking to you as someone to follow. Take this responsibility with pride and carry it with honor. You are the leaders of today."

AW1 Patrick Mckenzie of VP-5, walks through a group of cheering shipmates to receive his award envelope at the Sailor of the Quarter Luncheon.

After Love completed his speech, guests lined up at the buffet tables for catfish and meatloaf. 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, $50 savings bond courtesy of VyStar Credit Union, a 10 percent gift card from the Navy Exchange and two pre-season tickets to a Jacksonville Jaguars game courtesy of the USO.

Some randomly selected Sailors also received tickets for two to the SunCruz Casino boat and two free nights at a Quality Inn.

"It is a great honor to be nominated as Sailor of the Quarter not just by my command, but by my peers in my work center as well," remarked CS2(AW) Datasha Willis of NOSC.

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