Petty Officer Melissa Richard said she pushes herself to excel for her family.

“My whole work revolves around my family,” Richard said. “I try to set the right example for my children. … I excel for them.”

Richard, a logistics specialist, was named Shore Sailor of the Year this year by the Navy League of Oak Harbor and the Rotary Club as part of the sailors and Marine of the year awards program in December.

The Marine of the Year is Staff Sgt. Ray W. Muro,  who is also with the Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit.

Sea Sailor of the Year is Petty Officer Chad Petersen, an aviation structural mechanic who is currently on deployment with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One and was unable to attend the event. His wife, Dawn Petersen, attended in his place.

Richard said she was “extremely grateful” for the award because she was competing against sailors from across the base. Richard is starting school in January in order to complete a bachelor’s degree in English so she can teach high school after she retires. Richard lives on North Whidbey with her husband, Joseph, and her daughters, Brianna and Chyla.

Richard has also been awarded with Sailor of the Quarter, Instructor of the Quarter and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

“Petty Officer Richard’s personal and professional experiences in the Navy have led her to become a brilliant sailor,” according to a biography furnished by the Navy. “She is the epitome of the Navy Core Values and uses them both professionally as well as personally. Her selection as Navy League Sailor of the Year demonstrates her commitment to the Navy and the future of every sailor.”

The award winners are chosen for sustained superior performance, leadership and meritorious achievement well beyond the call of duty.

“The purpose of it is to make sure that these individuals are recognized, not only by their peers, by the community,” said Navy League President Butch Bailey. “We have really good people who are serving and doing the best they can. They want to give back, and the community is better for it.”

Sergeant Muro’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Iraqi ISAF Medal.

Muro resides in Oak Harbor with his wife Darce and their five children, Sammy, Allan, Darren, Ray Jr. and Laylah.

The ceremony was held in a packed room at the Officers Club and included many active duty personnel, community leaders and members of the Navy League and Rotary.  Capt. Mike Nortier was in attendance, along with Oak Harbor Mayor Scott Dudley and Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson.

Petersen is pursuing an associate’s degree in emergency management through Coastline Community College, where he made the Honor’s List for spring 2014. Other awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Military Volunteer Service Medal and Flag Letters of Commendation.

His off-duty time is spent with his wife and daughter in Anacortes.