Photo By Chief Petty Officer Spencer Fling | Machinist Mate 1st Class Virginia Boone an instructor at Recruit Training Command...... read more read more
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Meet MM1 Virginia Boone! Boone is a #MachinistsMate currently working as a #marlinespike instructor at the U.S. Navy's only #BootCamp
Boone finds herself in her current position in the Navy via the road less traveled. After graduating high school, she wanted to join the #USArmy, but her uncle who was in the Army, recommended against it. She instead went to college and earned her degree in #CriminalJustice from #ShawUniversity an #HBCU in #Raleigh #NorthCarolina
“I joined the workforce after college and was making great money managing properties at #NCState. Then one day, I was sitting at my desk at work and thought, I'm 33 and I'm bored. This is not what I want.”
Boone felt a calling within herself that had to be answered and it was not too late for her to do it.
“I always wanted to join the military and I felt I could go out and help change the world. I wanted to make those close connections my uncle always spoke about; that unspoken bond made from simply serving alongside one another. But also a sense of camaraderie with different people - regardless of race, age, sex, gender,” said Boone. “The reason I chose the Navy may be cliché, but the seed was planted after watching a movie titled "Men of Honor.” I felt the #CoreValues of #honor #courage and #commitment are who I am and what I’ve always believed in.”
For Boone, serving on her first ship, #USSNimitz was a challenge to her core beliefs.
“Unfortunately, I did not see those core values during my time in reactor department. I will defer from getting into specifics but will say that those experiences opened the door to thoughts of getting out after my four-year contract.”
After a period of time, Boone had the opportunity to go on a temporary duty assignment (TAD) to the ship security team. The opportunity changed her entire outlook on her career.
“When I went TAD, an 0-4, Lt Cmdr. Breckinridge, came in to be our security officer and single-handedly changed my entire outlook on what I saw from Navy leadership. He led by example, supported his men and women, was sharp and knew his stuff. He was just a bad ass and that meant a lot to me because that's what I grew up watching in my uncle and what I always try to be myself.”
The exposure to quality leadership set Boone on a path to success. She made first class petty officer in five years and felt her career was setup for success. Her goal now is to train her future replacement.
“I absolutely love instructing because of the ones you meet with that fire. You can just see it in their eyes, they have that look that says I'm going to make a difference, I'm not going to be the status quo. You can also tell by the questions they ask during and after lessons. The camaraderie that I joined for, I’m able to achieve that here at boot camp. I absolutely love it when I see that.”
The recruits Boone instructs at #RTC get the benefit of her hard-earned wisdom.
“I tell them if you come in with big ideals, don’t lower them for anybody. But don’t expect to always be in a perfect situation. The Navy will test and try you all the time. But when you are around others that get it and share your passion, enjoy those times as much as you can.”
Boone admits that enjoying the little moments is something that the Navy has helped her appreciate more.
“It just makes me reflect and look back and just not take things for granted because it can be taken from you and in a moment's notice. Cherish the simple things like time with family, friends, shipmates. Those connections make it all worth it.”
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2021 15:09 |
| Story ID: | 398506 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, RTC Staff in the Spotlight: MM1 Virginia Boone, by CPO Spencer Fling, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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