MILLINGTON, Tenn. - In a time-honored Navy tradition, Master Chief Navy Counselor Glenn A. Blair Jr., senior enlisted leader for Navy Recruiting Command (NRC), retired Jan. 17, 2014, after 26 years of service.
Blair is a native of Macon, Ga., where he graduated from Claxton High School in 1986. His parents are Glenn A. Blair Sr. and Rachael Causey.
Blair enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an operations specialist and attended basic training at Great Lakes, Ill., in March 1988.
“It’s a feeling like no other to know that I made it to the top of the ranks in 21 years and was able to complete 26 years and retire,” said Blair.
During his Navy career, Blair has served both ashore and at sea. He served on board USS Concord (AFS 5) in Norfolk, Va., earning his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) designation as a young petty officer third class. In June 1992, he reported to Petersburg, Va., for recruiting duty under Navy Recruiting District Richmond. In June 1996, Blair returned to sea duty serving on board USS O’Bannon (DD 987) in Mayport, Fla. In 2000, he returned to recruiting duty at Chesterfield, Va. During his assignment, he excelled as a recruiter and a supervisor and was recognized as “zone supervisor of the year” in 2003 for his outstanding contributions to recruiting.
Blair continued his Navy career within the recruiting community serving with recruiting districts in Miami (2004-2008, 2011-2013) and Minneapolis (2008-2011) before reporting to the Navy’s Recruiting Command headquarters located in Millington, Tenn., to serve as the senior enlisted leader, advising and mentoring 450 sailors, commissioned officers and civilians.
When asked what advice he has for other sailors, Blair said that stepping up to take advantage of the Navy’s opportunities is what makes a Navy career so exciting.
“Work hard, be professional at all times and be prepared to do what the Navy asks you to do,” said Blair. “Take the hardest assignments you can to be the best and make it to the top.”
Blair holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards) and various campaign and service ribbons.
In his retirement, Blair plans to enjoy his family and is looking forward to working in corporate America.
For more stories and current Navy Recruiting news visit www.cnrc.navy.mil