Sailor of the Quarter

Four times a year the Joint Forces at Sigonella honor their enlisted troops with a “Sailor of the Quarter” from each command.  Not all are sailors since the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army select an outstanding enlisted person to honor for their accomplishment.  There are eight different commands stationed at Sigonella representing all forces and including NATO forces. 

 We were asked to support this event with the USO last Friday.  It is always a humbling event to watch each individual step forward and listen to their biography of outstanding courageous actions taken during this quarter.  I am always amazed as I reflect over the sacrifices and extra effort these troops make for all of us to enjoy the benefits of their behavior, so many unsung heroes walk among us.  Each recipient was under 25 most closer to 20; already they have distinguished themselves.  

The military has a unique composition of individual citizens, all serving for different reasons and capacities.  Each individual has a focus on what is most important to them. I often ask young enlistees what made them decide to join the military, mostly because I am curious about what it takes to make that decision.  I usually follow up with are you planning to make the military a career?  I never tire of hearing the individual stories; each is interesting and quite amazing.