Religious Program Specialists Celebrate 34 Years of Service to the Navy

By Christianne M. Witten, Chaplain Corps Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- More than 60 religious program specialists (RPs) and guests from across the national capital region gathered Jan. 19 at the Chesty Puller VFW Post 1503 in Dale City, Va., to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the RP rating.

During his invocation, Chief of Navy Chaplains Rear Adm. Mark Tidd remarked, "RPs have supported the ministry of chaplains from over 100 religious traditions. They have ensured that our people are able to practice their faith, whether at sea or ashore, in combat or in garrison. And they have kept a watchful eye and a ready weapon to provide security in dangerous areas.

"One moment they can be engaged in combat operations, and in the next moment bringing hope to people devastated by a natural disaster. RPs have met every challenge with courage, tenacity and creativity."

The event also featured an inaugural anniversary video message from Master Chief Dino Medler, 13th senior enlisted leader for the RP rating, and Senior Chief Scott Quinn, RP of the Marine Corps, highlighting the significant contributions of RPs.

Medler made particular reference to the record number of "RPs recognized Navy-wide [in 2012] with at least five RPs awarded Sailors of the Quarter and at least nine command Sailors of the Year."

A POW/MIA table served as a solemn reminder of those service members unable to join in the festivities. Quinn remarked, as he read a script, "we join together to pay our humble tribute to them and bear witness to their continued absence and the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms."

Chief Andy Duprey read the official All Marines Message from the commandant (ALMAR 002/13), citing RPs as "force multipliers that are in tune with the needs of today's warfighter."

Chief Montana Sor read the official anniversary letter from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael Stevens where he stated, "It is vital our Sailors, Marines and their families are grounded not only physically and mentally, but spiritually as well. Your motto 'exceed the expected' is fitting to the outstanding service and support you provide to them every day around the world."

The guest speaker for the evening, retired Master Chief James H. Graham, was instrumental in the establishment of the RP rating in 1978.

He had recently connected with Medler during a Veterans Day service at their community church in Woodbridge, Va. and was later invited to share his experiences during the RP anniversary ball.

During his remarks, he recalled, "once we got approval for the rating, we had to staff it, create a rating badge, as well as set up training for RPs as Navy combatants, serving with Marines."

He went on to add "the selection for the initial 160 candidates for the rating was very serious business. We got hundreds of applicants and our decision would change their career."

At the conclusion of his remarks, Medler presented Graham with an engraved pocketwatch with the RP logo on the inside.

The ceremonial cake-cutting followed, which honored the longest serving RP present, Master Chief Thomas McComas, the senior enlisted RP for the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and the youngest RP present, Seaman Apprentice Angelique Nicole Fernandez, who enlisted in the Navy April 16, 2012 and is currently assigned to Naval District Washington.

When asked how she felt to be a part of the ceremony alongside the master chief instrumental in the establishment of the RP rating, Fernandez replied, "It was such an honor, and I will remember this for the rest of my life. I will get to tell my children and my grandkids about it. That makes me so excited."