Yeoman Displays Positive Attitude

By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason T. Poplin
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

May 25, 2010 - Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Clark says his flag staff office job at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command here is comparable to "working in the stock market on Wall Street." His fast-paced duties as a yeoman include military correspondence, clerical work, office management, travel coordination, supply work and career counseling.

"I like doing what I do," Clark said. "I like making sure every sailor and military member is taken care of."

Clark's primary responsibilities include tracking correspondence for the chief of staff, flag secretary, deputy commander and commander, and taking care of the travel needs of personnel from seamen to admirals.

Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Croon said Clark is an invaluable part of the team.

"I call him the work horse," said Croon, the flag office's leading petty officer. "He's a hard worker. When he gets a task, he's on it until he's finished, and then he's on to the next one."

Clark, a native of Clearwater, Fla., reported to the command in October 2009. He originally was assigned to work in Naval Forces Central Command's administration office, but his chain of command recognized his outstanding work ethic and transferred him to the flag office.

"When he left the regular administration office, he had to turn over his job to three people," Croon said. "He has a lot of impact at the command for a second class petty officer."

Clark is scheduled to transfer to San Diego in November, where he will serve at his fifth command, aboard the USS Decatur.

"I'd like to pick up my surface warfare pin and be a leading petty officer at sea," he said. "I also want to pursue a college degree."

Clark attributed his success here to a love of customer service.

"Positive attitude gets the job done," he said.