NRD Jacksonville Sailor Named Recruiter of the Year

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- A Navy Recruiting District Jacksonville (NRD) recruiter received national recognition as the Navy Recruiting Command Diversity Officer Recruiter of the Year for 2013.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Cesar Serna, was recognized from among his peers by performing exemplary service in recruiting the next generation of Sailors.

Born in South America and raised in Summit, NJ, Serna has been in the Navy for more than 12 years. According to Serna the key to being a successful recruiter is to stay focused, motivated and flexible.

As the diversity officer coordinator for NOSC Orlando, Serna recruits the best of the nation's young men and women and ensures the proper screening and processing of all applicants.

"Using my life story as an example of what you can do in the Navy has also helped me succeed in recruiting," Serna said.

He is humbled and thankful for receiving the award. As recruiters continue to fill positions in the fleet, it is important to reach diverse communities and resources to find qualified men and women to join the US Navy.

"I love the fact that the Navy offers unique opportunities to people that would never have had them available," said Serna. "As a recruiter, you can see the immediate impact you can make in your community."

Serna passes both mentorship and leadership down to the young men and women he puts into the Navy. Newly accepted candidates have a great many questions about the career path ahead of them.

"I use different resources available, like prior collegiates already in the fleet and recruiting officers to help them get a better sense of what they should expect," said Serna.

According to him, the most challenging aspect of recruiting is to ensure quality men and women are entering the military.

"The Navy benefits from getting the best applicants and therefore more competitive Sailors."

According to Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert, diversity within our force will be viewed as an integral part of the Navy's effectiveness in warfighting, operating forward and being ready.

"Being able to speak Spanish has allowed me to relate to minority groups and associations at the schools," said Serna. "I find pride in our new generation looking to serve our nation for patriotic reasons vice monetary incentives."

The dedication of recruiters provides both a fit and diverse force to military service.

NRC consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions and 26 Navy Recruiting Districts which serve more than 1,500 recruiting stations across the country.

With 70 percent of the world covered in water, 80 percent of the world's population living near coasts and 90 percent of the world's commerce traveling by water, America's Navy is very much a global force for good. NRC's mission is to recruit the best men and women for America's Navy to accomplish today's missions and meet tomorrow's challenges.