Photo By Chief Petty Officer Torrey Lee | SEATTLE (Nov. 13, 2025) — Karina Drummond, spouse of Engineman 1st Class Christopher...... read more read more
Navy spouse Karina Drummond was honored by the Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest's headquarters, Nov 13, 2025, receiving recognition for her contributions to Navy recruiting and support for military families.
Karina, married to Engineman 1st Class Christopher Drummond, a recruiter with the Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest Lynwood office, has played a unique role in supporting the recruiting station and its mission to recruit the next generation of warrior Sailors. Together, they have created a strong foundation of support for future Sailors and their families, with Karina taking the lead in helping families navigate the complexities of military life.
When Petty Officer Drummond first joined his recruiting office in Lynwood, he and Karina saw the office's potential. Reflecting on his own experience of being recruited into the Navy, Drummond was inspired to make the transition easier for future Sailors and their families.
"I wanted to help Chris out," said Karina. "And, it was inspiring to see him be a mentor to these young people making these changes in their lives, because it's a very drastic change for anyone."
Drummond aimed not only to recruit future Sailors but also to prepare them for their first deployment. Through the Delayed Entry Program (DEP), which takes place before shipping to boot camp, future Sailors complete necessary preparations while staying connected to their recruiters. Drummond and his wife developed processes to prepare these Sailors and engage their families. They led the office to introduce more leadership roles for each future Sailor. The Drummonds enhanced DEP meetings, with Karina contributing by creating presentations and organizing events to engage future Sailors and their families better.
"Future Sailors come in with family members, and those family members often have their own questions," said Karina. "Chris might know a lot of the things about doing the Navy job, but there are just certain things he hasn't touched." In that regard, it was true. As her husband had deployed throughout his career, Petty Officer Drummond was fortunate to have a spouse who handled the intricacies of military moves, raising children in a military environment, and responding to local emergencies that uniquely affect naval families.
"Having a spouse who fully supports the mission makes all the difference in a recruiter's success," said Navy Counselor Master Chief Joshua Johnson, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest's chief recruiter. "In any Navy job, when a Sailor knows that their family is behind them, it empowers them to focus on the mission. It's not just about the Sailor's commitment, it's a family commitment."
Karina's role expands beyond the recruiting office. She became a trusted resource for spouses and families.
"I would call her," Petty Officer Drummond admitted. "I didn't know anything about how a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) worked. She's the one who coordinates everything, and I just show up. If it requires lifting, I can handle that."
Karina is invaluable to her husband and equally to recruiting efforts. She became a resource for families facing unique challenges, particularly those with children who needed exceptional medical care. In one instance, Petty Officer Drummond encountered a family struggling to understand how their future Sailor could commit to the Navy while raising a child with extraordinary needs. He quickly reached out to his wife for assistance, as they had navigated similar challenges in raising their own children.
"I wish I had someone to help us when we were going through it," Karina said. "Now, when I get calls from other spouses, I'm happy to help. It feels like the right thing to do."
Karina assisted a family whose Sailor had graduated from boot camp. When he needed resources, he immediately contacted his recruiter for help. Karina helped them navigate the process of accessing the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Program. This program can provide up to $36,000 per year for additional coverage, including specialists and therapies, for military families with special-needs dependents.
Petty Officer Drummond fosters leadership skills among future sailors by assigning them various leadership roles among their peers. He also oversees the development of important aspects of the military process, such as setting standards for reporting on a ship and issuing DEP ID cards, which Karina designed.
"When family members see their future Sailor step into the office, pop to attention and salute the ensign to show respect, it's a powerful moment," said Johnson. "It's clear that their son or daughter isn't just being recruited; they're already part of the Navy family. The Drummonds have created this climate that supports this from the very beginning."
As a family, the Drummonds have embodied the Navy's commitment to service. Their dedication to supporting future Sailors and their families is an example of how Navy families help equip the next generation of Sailors. Karina and Christopher have demonstrated that serving the country is not just about the Sailor; it's a family commitment that strengthens the entire Navy community.
Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest manages more than 34 enlisted and officer recruiting stations across Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. Its mission is to recruit the next generation of Pacific Northwest Warrior Sailors who reflect the Navy's core values and operational excellence.
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2025 13:42 |
| Story ID: | 551590 |
| Location: | SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, US |
| Hometown: | MIAMI, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Navy Spouse Recognized for Supporting Navy Families and Recruiting Efforts, by CPO Torrey Lee, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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