The ceremony was short and sweet, but in no way was that a reflection of the great honor bestowed on two sailors and a Marine last week at the Navy League-Rotary Awards luncheon to name the Sailors and Marine of the year.
The 38th annual award ceremony was held Dec. 9 at the Officers’ Club on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The room was packed with civilians and active duty, a good mix of community members and the military plus members of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps from Oak Harbor High School and Burlington Edison High School.
Guests were welcomed by Navy League copresident Dick Devlin and Rotary Club president Kathy DeTuerk.
“Today we have the opportunity to honor the men and women who have served in the longest war in our nation’s history,” he said.
“I can think of no better way to start the holiday season than by honoring the accomplishments of these men and women,” agreed DeTuerk.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the benediction, NAS Whidbey Island Commanding Officer, Capt. Jay Johnston spoke briefly. He commended those sailors and Marines who had been nominated by their commands.
“You can’t believe the difficult decision they had to make,” he said. “We are proud of our Navy and Marine Corps personnel and what they do here.”
The shore and sea sailor of the year are selected from a group of finalists from the major commands on base — the two air wings (Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10), Naval Hospital Oak Harbor, Navy Information Operations Command, Naval Ocean Processing Facility, NAS Whidbey, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit and Fleet Readiness Center Northwest. Marines are nominated through Marine Aviation Training Support Group 53.
Command Master Chiefs, using criteria such as leadership, command responsibility, command impact, education and community service, choose the final sea and shore sailors of the year.
After recognizing all the finalists, it was time to honor the Sailors and Marine of the year.
Aviation Electronics Technician First Class (Naval Air Crewmen) James Conkey was named Shore Sailor of the Year. Conkey enlisted in the Navy in 2002. He reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 in July, 2009. He was one of the first Super Hornet-qualified personnel and has been instrumental in transitioning five fleet squadrons to the new EA-18G Growler aircraft. He and his wife, Tracy, have two children, Brookelyn and Lane.
Naval Air Crewman Operator First Class Christopher Shephard was named
Sea Sailor of the Year. Shephard has a list of qualifications and achievements too long to list here, but he remains humble.
“This award is for my sailors,” Shephard said to the crowd. “They continue to support me in everything I do and I am so, so honored.”
Marine of the Year, Staff Sgt. Joseph Napolitano, has been at his current assignment with CNATTU since August, 2009. He told the audience he appreciated the opportunity to mingle with members of the community in attendance.
“The greatest gift we can give is service to the community,” Napolitano said.
After their introduction, the men were showered with gifts and recognition from the sponsors, and Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik read a proclamation declaring Friday, Dec. 9, their day and commending them on their outstanding attitude and their focus on the community.
In the end, Navy League co-president Beth Munns fought back tears as she summed up the event.
“You are all very, very special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all,” she said. “We are grateful to all the winners for all they do to protect our freedom every day.”
Shore Sailor Finalists
AE1(AW/SW) Michael James (CNATTU)
MA1(SW/AW) Patrick Evan (NHOH)
AWV1(NAC/AW) Adam Stewart (PATWING 10)
AO1(AW/SW) Anthony Whalen (FRC)
CS1(SW) Mathew McFarlane (NASWI)
CTR1(IDW/SW/AW) Vincent Lopez (NIOC)
STG1(SW) Christina Dew (NOPF)
Sea Sailor Finalists
AT2(AW) Ryan Black (VAQ-130)
CTR1(NAC/EXW/AW/SW) Daniel Adkins (NIOC)
LS1(SW) Anderson Casseus (FRC)
STG1(SW) Sean Ebersole (NOPF)
