NORFOLK – Commander of Navy Reserve Forces Command, Rear Adm. Thomas Lusher, announced Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Cedrick Jenkins as the 2017 Navy Reserve Full Time Support Shore Sailor of Year (SOY) during a ceremony held at the Maryland House on Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 11.
The native of Meridian, Mississippi currently assigned to Commander, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, was selected amongst five finalists combined from the active component and full-time support.
“It is a humbling feeling to be selected shore SOY. Many Sailors are worthy to be in this position,” said Jenkins. “I am honored and the privilege to be here alongside such great Sailors.”
Looking back over his time in service, Jenkins attributes his recent success to his leadership, peers and junior Sailors.
“My command leadership instilled a sense of trust in me, my peers pushed me forward, and my Junior Sailors looked up to me for advice that I was able to provide.”
In the time leading up to the announcement finalists had the opportunity to speak with Master Chief’s from around the force to discuss the significance of their nominations and the impact it has around the Fleet.
“It’s phenomenal to see the level of performance that happens as [Sailors] filter their way up through the selection boards,” said Force Master Chief Christopher Kotz. “I read through every package that was submitted, it’s fantastic to know what sailors are doing across the force.”
Sailor of the Year finalists included Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Cedrick Jenkins 4th Marine Division New Orleans; Personnel Specialist 1st Class Darvell Connell, Navy Operational Support Center Houston; Logistic Specialist 1st Class Amy Simon, Navy Region Northwest Reserve Component Command Everett; Information Systems Technician 1st Class Steven Mahon, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command Norfolk; and Logistic Specialist 1st Class Billy Yao, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Reserve Component Command Great Lakes.
Jenkins will go on to compete for the title of 2017 Vice Chief of Naval Operations (Naval Shore Activities) SOY.