Sailor of the Year: Honor, Courage, Commitment, Family

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Seth Coulter | Logistics Specialist 1st class Timothy Woodard, from Houston, prepares evaluations for his junior Sailors at Transient Personnel Puget Sound, NBK-Bangor. Woodard was recently selected as Navy Region Northwest Staff Shore Sailor of the year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Seth Coulter/ Released)  

SILVERDALE, WA, UNITED STATES

01.22.2015

Courtesy Story

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Seth Coulter
NPASE - NW

SILVERDALE, Wash. – To be recognized for the Sailor of the Year (SOY) Program takes an extraordinary amount of effort and that is exactly what one Sailor put forth at Transient Personnel Unit, Puget Sound.

Logistics Specialist 1st class Timothy Woodard, from Houston, was recently selected as Navy Region Northwest’s Staff Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY).

According to SOY Program instruction, it is designed to recognize Sailors who are typified by a history of sustained superior performance, command impact, mission contribution, proven leadership, dedication to self-improvement, outstanding professionalism, superior personal appearance and epitomizes the expectations of a first class petty officer and Navy core values.

“The work and the dedication really pays off, it’s not just about being a good Sailor but about being a well-rounded person,” said Woodard. “Honestly, I didn’t think I stood a chance, but after sitting down and working on the package, I started to realize how much I had done over the past year.”

Even though SOY highlights one particular person for their achievements, often it is the command’s support that candidates attribute to their success.

“Without the support of my junior Sailors this would have never been possible,” said Woodard. “If you treat your people well and with respect, you are able to push yourself much farther; and, because of them it will be something I never forget.”

Just as important as the command’s support at the office, is the family’s support from home.

“My family really gave me perspective on why I do what I do in the Navy,” said Woodard. “They are a constant reminder to keep pushing myself and be a better person. No matter what, you’re never alone and you always have someone there to help you or hold you up.”

Unfortunately, Woodard was unable to continue to the next tier of the SOY program due to unforeseen events.

“It was exciting to be making it through the different tiers but I had to drop out because of a family emergency,” said Woodard. “It came down to either see someone one last time or to compete in the next level of competition. The choice wasn’t hard for me, there will always be another chance to try again.”

Even though Woodard was unable to compete further, he is not giving up on his ultimate goal of being named Sailor of the Year.

“It will be much more difficult to be nominated for the program while at sea, there are just so many more people you are in competition with who have done great things,” said Woodard. “I am a very competitive person and making it to the finals is now a long-term goal in my Navy career.”

The Chief of Naval Operations established the SOY Program in 1972 to recognize one Sailor who represents the best of Navy by demonstrating both professional and personal dedication. It originally only recognized Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sailors but was later expanded to include reservists and Sailors attached to shore commands.

• Date Taken: 01.22.2015
• Date Posted: 01.22.2015 11:30
• Story ID: 152455
• Location: SILVERDALE, WA, US
• Hometown: HOUSTON, TX, US