Naval Postgraduate School Honors 2018 Sailors of the Year
Today@NPS
Naval Postgraduate School Honors 2018 Sailors of the Year
By MC2 Nathan K Serpico
Electronics Technician 1st Class Jennifer Macaya, left, and Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Alex Bollman were named NPS’ 2018 Senior and Junior Sailors of the Year, respectively, during an awards ceremony outside of Herrmann Hall, Nov. 2.
“The sense of pride is almost overwhelming and it’s just an amazing feeling,” said Macaya. “The work is hard and can make you feel stretched a bit too thin sometimes, but people I work with here are so great that it’s easy to stay dedicated.”
“It was truly an honor to win Junior Sailor of the Year,” echoed Bollman. “I know it’s an individual award, but I really feel like it was a team effort with my shop and mentors setting me up for success. I encourage anyone hoping to earn this award to get involved in the command with collateral duties, as well as getting involved in the community through volunteer work.”
Bollman received a Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal with his selection, while Macaya will move forward in the Navy-wide SOY competition with the potential to be meritoriously advanced to Chief Petty Officer.
The Sailor of the Year Program has recognized Sailors who represent the best of our Navy for almost 50 years. The program was established in 1972 by then Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and MCPON John Whittet to recognize Sailors who have demonstrated the highest standards of our Navy, and have proven themselves by their performance, knowledge, and leadership on the deck plates.